Motorized High Voltage Disconnect Switch with Wireless Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The electric utility industry faces vulnerabilities in high voltage electrical infrastructure as mechanically operated switches at ground level can be easily tampered with, leading to potential power outages and damage, necessitating a secure and unauthorized-access-preventing solution for switching operations.
Innovation Solution
A communication system controlled, motorized in-line high voltage disconnect switch that uses a portable wireless hand-held controller with encrypted radio signals to operate switches mounted on power lines, eliminating ground-level control enclosures and relying on solar-powered motors and radios for secure operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanically operated switches are used at ground level, then ease of operation is improved, but security against unauthorized operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical operation systems (hand cranks, swing handles, gear operators) with wireless communication systems. The disconnect switch is controlled via encrypted radio signals transmitted to a motor operator, eliminating physical access requirements while maintaining operational capability. This substitution resolves the contradiction by removing the vulnerability of mechanical ground-level operation while preserving ease of operation through wireless control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary wireless communication system between the operator and the switch mechanism. Encrypted radio signals serve as the intermediary medium, transmitting control commands without requiring physical access to the switch. This intermediary layer prevents unauthorized operation while maintaining convenient control, resolving the security-ease of operation contradiction.
2Reliability
If motorized operation with wireless control is implemented, then security against unauthorized operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the existing disconnect switch structure. The motor operator serves both as the driving mechanism and as part of the control system housing. The wireless communication components (radio receiver, encrypted signal processor) are integrated into the switch assembly, allowing a single device to perform switching, motorization, and secure communication functions. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite adding motorized operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the motor operator, control electronics, and wireless communication components into a unified assembly mounted on the disconnect switch. Rather than separate systems, the motor housing contains the control electronics, which in turn contain the radio receiver and encryption/decryption circuits. This consolidation reduces device complexity by eliminating separate mounting structures and interconnections while maintaining security features.
3Ease of manufacture
If in-line mounting is used, then installation cost is reduced, but vulnerability to unauthorized operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies wireless motorized operation to in-line mounted disconnect switches, replacing vulnerable mechanical ground-level operators with secure wireless control. The motor operator is mounted on the in-line switch itself, receiving encrypted radio signals instead of requiring physical access. This maintains the cost-effective in-line mounting configuration while eliminating the security vulnerability through mechanical system replacement.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution prevents unauthorized operation of high voltage disconnect switches, reduces installation costs by eliminating traditional mounting structures, and ensures secure, remote control of switch operations, enhancing security and efficiency in high voltage electrical systems.
Implementation Method 1
The switch is powered by a solar charged battery
Implementation Method 2
The switch is powered by a solar charged battery
Implementation Method 3
motorized in-line high voltage disconnect switch
Implementation Method 4
portable wireless hand-held controller with a radio transmitter that communicates via an antenna with each in-line switch mounted radio
Data Source
AI summary
A high voltage in-line air break disconnect switch suspended by an electric power line conductor wherein the switch includes a rotating switch blade that is operated by a communication system controlled motor that may include a switch mounted radio which is controlled by another radio located in a hand-held portable controller that is battery powered to provide a secure way to open and close a switch without traditional padlockable manual operators that are vulnerable to terrorist attacks. The communication system controlled motorized in-line air break disconnect switch is battery operated and solar charged.