Modular Switchgear Enclosure with Truss Base-Frame

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current power distribution substation designs are monolithic, leading to large external dimensions, limited prefabrication possibilities, increased construction time, and costs, as well as inadequate thermal insulation and corrosion protection.

Innovation Solution

A modular enclosure system for secondary distribution switchgears comprising metal truss base-frame elements with permanent coupling mechanisms, adjustable window dimensions for switchgear panels, and skid frames for easy assembly and transport, which reduces heat bridges and facilitates galvanic corrosion protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If monolithic substation structures are used, then structural integrity is ensured, but construction time and costs increase, and prefabrication possibilities are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction timeVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The substation enclosure is divided into separate modular components including base-frame modules, wall elements, roof elements, and switchgear units. Each module can be manufactured independently and assembled on-site, enabling prefabrication and reducing construction time while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If monolithic substation structures are used, then structural integrity is ensured, but prefabrication possibilities are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprefabrication capabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The structure is segmented into standardized modules that can be manufactured separately and assembled on-site. The base-frame modules, wall elements, and roof elements are designed with standardized connection interfaces that enable easy prefabrication while maintaining overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Volume of stationary object

If large external dimensions are used, then accommodation space is sufficient, but thermal insulation performance deteriorates due to increased heat bridges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccommodation spaceVSAvoidthermal insulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure is divided into modular segments with standardized thermal insulation layers. Each module maintains consistent insulation thickness and quality, reducing thermal bridges at connections. The segmented design allows for better thermal management while providing sufficient accommodation space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The enclosure employs composite construction with insulated wall elements and thermally break connections between modules. The base-frame modules, wall elements, and roof elements use composite materials that provide both structural integrity and thermal insulation, reducing heat bridge effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Productivity

If modular base-frame modules are used, then assembly efficiency is improved, but connection reliability must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly efficiencyVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The base-frame is divided into separate modules connected through standardized coupling mechanisms. The socket-prong connection system with fastening and earthing plates provides reliable electrical and mechanical connections between modules, ensuring both assembly efficiency and connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection between base-frame modules uses intermediary coupling elements including sockets, prongs, fastening plates, and earthing plates. These intermediary components ensure reliable mechanical and electrical connections while enabling efficient modular assembly and disassembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2435646B1An enclosure for secondary distribution modular switchgears
Publication Date: 2015.02.25 ABB TECHNOLOGY AG
  • EP2435646B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2435646B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2435646B1 patent drawingFigure 4~12

AI summary

The subject of the invention is an enclosure for secondary distribution modular switchgears, applicable in protecting switchgears both against adverse weather conditions and against unauthorized inspections of high, medium and low voltage switch gear, and also against accidental access by unauthorized persons, or by wild animals and birds. The inventive enclosure containing a base-frame (3) to which the enclosure walls are attached and which is provided with a roof cover is characterized in that the base frame (3) is formed by a metal truss and contains two extreme base-frame modules, the left one (20) and the right one (23,) and at least one middle module (21 and/or (22) which are connected with one another by means of a pair of permanent connections formed by a socket (27a) and a prong (27b) and fastening and earthing plates (28a, 28b).