Particle Trap System for Gas-Insulated Assemblies

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Solution Overview

Problem

Gas-insulated electrical systems face damage from freely moving conductive particles due to abrasion or vibrations, which reduce the dielectric strength and increase the risk of partial discharges, as existing particle trap systems are ineffective in capturing particles, especially in areas with weak electric field strengths.

Innovation Solution

A gas-insulated system with a dual particle trap system, where the first trap on the outer tube has a slot with a depth-to-width ratio between 1 and 8, and the second trap on the inner conductor features an umbrella-shaped design with a gap ratio between 1 and 5, ensuring particles are trapped by their own inertial force and preventing activation during polarity changes or switch-on processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional particle traps with deep slots are used, then particles can be captured in weak field areas, but particles become active during polarity changes and escape the traps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle capture effectivenessVSAvoidparticle trap stability during polarity changes
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the particle trap, specifically using a shallow slot with depth-to-width ratio between 1 and 8 (compared to conventional deep slots), and positioning the trap at specific angles (±45 degrees) relative to the inner conductor. These parameter changes prevent particle activation during polarity changes while maintaining effective particle capture through optimized geometry that creates stable weak field areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the slot depth-to-width ratio is increased to create weaker field areas, then particles are better captured, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle trapping capabilityVSAvoidslot dimension precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the slot geometry by defining a specific depth-to-width ratio range (1 to 8), which balances particle trapping effectiveness with manufacturability. This parameter optimization ensures that the slot creates sufficient weak field area for particle capture while remaining within reasonable manufacturing tolerances, avoiding excessive precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If multiple shielding elements are added to improve particle capture, then the particle trap effectiveness increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle capture efficiencyVSAvoidparticle trap structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple shielding elements into an integrated particle trap structure that is attached to the outer tube. The first and second shielding elements form a unified slot structure, and the umbrella-shaped shielding element is integrated with the inner conductor, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining effective particle capture through coordinated geometric design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 system effectively captures particles of up to 4-5 mm size, preventing them from escaping and reducing the risk of partial discharges, thereby enhancing the reliability and error-free operation of gas-insulated systems, particularly in high-voltage direct current transmission systems.

Implementation Method 1

the force acting on the particles within is insufficient to carry them out of the weak field area as soon as the particles enter one of the weak field areas, for example, due to the force of gravity acting upon them

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

freely moving particles in the conduit can experience a force due to an electric field present in the conduit, for example, an alternating field. This force also sets the particles in motion, allowing them to pass through the particle inlet openings of the particle traps

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentEP3528357B1Gas-insulated assembly with particle trap system
Publication Date: 2022.11.30 SIEMENS ENERGY GLOBAL GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3528357B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3528357B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3528357B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a particle trap system (5, 15) for a gas-insulated system (1) with a first particle trap (5) and/or a second particle trap (15), wherein the second particle trap is provided for attachment to an inner conductor (2) of the system and the first particle trap is provided for attachment to an outer tube (3) of the system, wherein the first particle trap comprises at least a first and a second shielding element (5a-e), wherein a slot (7a-d) extending from the outer tube into an interior of the system and opening towards the interior to form a first particle inlet opening (9) can be delimited by means of the first and the second shielding element, wherein the ratio of the depth of the slot to the width of the slot at the first particle inlet opening is between 1 and 8, and the second particle trap comprises a third, umbrella-shaped shielding element (16).by means of which a gap (19) extending between the inner conductor and a screen (17) of the screen-shaped shielding element in the interior of the system can be limited, which is open to the interior by forming a second particle entry opening (21), wherein the ratio of the height of the gap to the thickness of the screen-shaped shielding element is between 1 and 5. Furthermore, the invention relates to the gas-insulated system, for example for an HVDC system, with the particle trap system.