Motorized Double Break Disconnect Switch Counterbalance
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Solution Overview
Problem
High voltage side break in-line switches experience excessive torsional load and 'rolling' issues due to the weight of the switch blade, particularly above 138 kV, leading to operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
A double break type high voltage disconnect switch with a horizontally rotating switch blade, where the motor is mounted centrally to counterbalance the weight of the switch blade, allowing operation up to 500 kV without 'rolling', and featuring a communication system for remote operation and solar-powered components for cost-effective installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a side break in-line switch is used above 138 kV, then the switch can operate at high voltage, but the weight of the switch blade causes excessive torsional load and rolling issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a counterbalance weight mechanism where a counterweight is positioned on the opposite side of the switch blade from the motor. This counterweight offsets the gravitational force and inertial effects of the switch blade during operation, reducing the torsional load on the suspension insulator and preventing the rolling issue that occurs with high-voltage side break switches.
2Extent of automation
If a motor is mounted on the switch blade, then the switch can be operated automatically, but the weight distribution causes rolling of the switch
Solution Approach 1:
The counterbalance weight is specifically designed to offset the motor's weight and the switch blade's weight. By positioning the counterweight opposite to the motor and adjusting its mass, the system achieves balanced weight distribution, eliminating the rolling tendency while maintaining full motorized automation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetric weight distribution through the counterbalance mechanism. Rather than mounting the motor centrally which would create imbalance, the counterweight creates a deliberate asymmetric configuration that balances the overall center of gravity, preventing rolling while allowing asymmetric component placement for automation.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional ground support mounting structure is used, then the switch can be installed, but installation costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for complex ground support mounting structures by designing the switch to be self-supported through the transmission line suspension system. The counterbalance mechanism enables the switch to maintain stable orientation using only the suspension insulator, removing the requirement for additional ground-based structural support and significantly reducing installation complexity and cost.
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
The solution effectively counterbalances the switch blade, preventing 'rolling' and enabling operation at higher voltages, while eliminating the need for traditional mounting structures, resulting in cost savings and enhanced operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the motor is mounted in the middle of and attached to the horizontally rotating switch blade, thereby the weight of the long switch blade is counterbalanced
Implementation Method 2
solar-powered components for cost-effective installation
Data Source
AI summary
A high voltage motor operated in-line double break disconnect switch suspended by an electric power line conductor wherein the switch includes a horizontally rotating switch blade, that is suspended by a motor output shaft attached to the midpoint of a blade of the switch blade to balance the blade. A communication system for controlling the motor including a switch mounted radio which may be controlled by another radio located at a distance and powered by a solar charged battery or alternatively controlled by a hand-held controller. The motorized in-line double break disconnect switch may also be arranged in a three phase installation in a two-way or three-way switching arrangement attached to a utility pole or other structure. The communication system controlled motorized in line double break disconnect switch may in addition be arranged in a phase over phase switching arrangement supported by a utility pole or other structure.