Nested Electrode Voltage Measurement for Metal-Encapsulated Switchgear

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing measuring devices for metal-encapsulated switching devices face challenges in efficiently measuring high-voltage electrical voltages due to space constraints and shielding effects, which limit the arrangement of measuring electrodes and field control electrodes, leading to suboptimal designs that are not compact or cost-effective.

Innovation Solution

A measuring device with a conductive measuring electrode surrounded by a field control electrode, where the measuring electrode is arranged within the field control electrode to save space, and a Rogowski coil is used to measure both voltage and current, allowing for compact and efficient voltage detection without additional components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the measuring electrode is arranged outside the field control electrode, then the measurement function is achieved, but the device occupies more space and requires additional components for attachment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice volumeVSAvoidattachment components
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring electrode is positioned inside the field control electrode, with the measuring electrode surrounding a first conductor section and the field control electrode surrounding the measuring electrode. This nested arrangement eliminates the need for additional attachment components and reduces the overall device volume compared to external arrangements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Measurement precision

If the measuring electrode is positioned in close proximity to the primary conductor for voltage measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but the shielding effect of the field control electrode complicates the arrangement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage measurement precisionVSAvoidelectrode arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The nested arrangement of the measuring electrode inside the field control electrode, both surrounding different sections of the same electrical conductor, achieves close proximity for precise measurement while simplifying the overall structure. The field control electrode's shielding effect is utilized rather than overcome, creating a compact and effective measurement system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate components are used for voltage and current measurement, then measurement functions are comprehensive, but device complexity and material usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement functionsVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The field control electrode serves dual functions: it controls the electrical field for accurate voltage measurement and acts as a conductor for current measurement. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate current measurement components, reducing device complexity and material usage while maintaining comprehensive measurement capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 configuration enables precise and compact measurement of electrical voltages and currents, preventing undesirable electrical potentials and reducing material usage, resulting in a more efficient and space-saving design for metal-encapsulated switching devices.

Implementation Method 1

The measuring electrode and the electrical conductor form a capacitor for the capacitive detection of an electrical voltage across the conductor relative to a reference potential

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

The measuring coil enables the measurement of not only the voltage across the electrical conductor but also the current flowing in it, by measuring an induced voltage within the coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3987298B1Measuring an electrical voltage on a metal-encapsulated switchgear
Publication Date: 2024.10.09 SIEMENS ENERGY GLOBAL GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3987298B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3987298B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3987298B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a measuring apparatus (7) for measuring electrical voltage for a metal-encapsulated switchgear (1). The measuring apparatus (7) comprises an electrical line (19), an electrically conductive measuring electrode (21), which surrounds a first line portion (19.1) of the electrical line (19) and is electrically insulated from the electrical line (19), and an electrically conductive field control electrode (23), which is electrically insulated from the electrical line (19) and the measuring electrode (21) and has a first field control electrode portion (23.1) which surrounds the measuring electrode (21).