Medium-Voltage Distribution Cell Vacuum Interrupter Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medium voltage electrical distribution cells require the use of gas-insulated devices for disconnection and earthing functions, which complicates the design and increases size, whereas vacuum technology is not effectively utilized for both circuit breaker and disconnector functions simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A medium voltage electrical distribution cell that employs vacuum insulation for current passing, interrupting, and voltage cutting, with an additional air, gas, oil, or vacuum separation means in the earth connection circuit to provide an additional sectioning gap, allowing for compact design and integrated grounding in a vacuum environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gas-insulated devices are used for disconnection and earthing functions, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the circuit breaker, disconnector, and earthing switch functions into a single integrated vacuum interrupter chamber. The moving contact simultaneously performs switching, disconnecting, and earthing operations by moving between different positions (closed, open, and earthed positions), eliminating the need for separate gas-insulated devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum interrupter is designed as a multi-functional device where a single moving contact performs multiple functions: current switching, voltage disconnection, and earthing. The same vacuum chamber provides insulation for all three functions, making the device universal and eliminating the need for specialized gas-insulated components for disconnection and earthing.
2Volume of moving object
If vacuum technology is used for circuit breaker function, then device size is reduced, but disconnection and earthing functions cannot be performed simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the disconnection and earthing functions with the circuit breaker function within the same vacuum interrupter chamber. The moving contact is designed to simultaneously achieve all three functions by its position and configuration, allowing compact design while maintaining full functional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum interrupter chamber is segmented into different functional zones: a current carrying position for switching, an open position for voltage disconnection, and an earthed position for grounding. The moving contact can be positioned in each zone to perform the corresponding function, enabling multiple functions within a compact vacuum environment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a three-position switching device is used to perform switch, disconnector and earthing switch functions, then functional integration is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines all three functions (switch, disconnector, earthing switch) into a single vacuum interrupter with a moving contact that performs all operations. The same vacuum chamber provides insulation and the same moving mechanism achieves all three functions, significantly reducing device complexity compared to using three separate devices or a complex three-position switching mechanism.
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 enables a compact medium voltage distribution cell with efficient current interruption, disconnection, and grounding capabilities, utilizing vacuum technology for all functions, including a three-position switch/circuit breaker and air disconnector, while detecting leakage currents and measuring voltage/current, ensuring reliable operation and reduced size.
Implementation Method 1
vacuum insulation for current passing, interrupting, and voltage cutting
Implementation Method 2
additional air, gas, oil, or vacuum separation means in the earth connection circuit to provide an additional sectioning gap
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
The cell (C) has an additional separation unit i.e. switch (4), placed in a ground connection circuit (3). The separation unit adds an additional selection interval (I) in the ground connection circuit in a position of passage of the current and interruption of the current. The separation unit suppresses the additional selection interval in a position of selection of voltage between a bus bar and a cable of an electrical circuit and during grounding one of the bus bar and the cable.