Photovoltaic Earthing Module for Switchgear Arc Quenching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing earthing systems for switchgear, which rely on stored energy and auxiliary power, are costly and impact system availability due to complex wiring, increasing assembly time and costs.

Innovation Solution

An earthing module comprising a cylinder, piston, and photovoltaic cells, where the piston moves from a standby to a released position upon activation by radiation from an electrical arc, using a stored energy unit, such as a micro gas generator or springs, to establish a stable current path to ground, independent of external energy sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If stored energy units (springs, micro gas generators) are used for fast earthing, then the fault arc quenching speed is improved, but the device complexity and auxiliary power requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefault arc quenching speedVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The photovoltaic cell converts light energy from the fault arc directly into electrical energy to trigger the stored energy unit, making the system self-powered and eliminating the need for external auxiliary power sources and complex control wiring

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control device and auxiliary power system are extracted from the earthing module, leaving only the essential components (cylinder, piston, stored energy unit, and photovoltaic cell) to perform the earthing function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If control devices and auxiliary power systems are used, then the earthing function can be controlled, but the assembly complexity and costs increase due to necessary wiring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveearthing control capabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the fault arc itself as the control signal through the photovoltaic cell, which automatically generates the trigger signal without requiring external control wiring or power connections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control function is merged with the earthing function by using the same light source (fault arc) to both indicate the need for earthing and trigger the earthing mechanism through the photovoltaic cell

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If auxiliary energy sources (capacitors, batteries) are used, then the system can operate independently, but the cost and system availability are negatively impacted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem availabilityVSAvoidenergy storage requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The photovoltaic cell harvests energy directly from the fault arc at the moment it is needed, eliminating the need for pre-stored energy in capacitors or batteries and removing associated reliability concerns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful fault arc that needs to be quenched is converted into a useful energy source by the photovoltaic cell to trigger the earthing mechanism, turning the problem into the solution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 module effectively quenches fault arcs in a few milliseconds, reducing potential deterioration within and outside the switchgear, and allows for independent operation without reliance on capacitors, batteries, or external energy, enhancing system reliability and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

one or more of the at least one photovoltaic cell is configured to activate the stored energy unit based on radiation from an electrical arc of the switchgear impinging upon the one or more of the at least one photovoltaic cell

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

activation of the stored energy unit is configured to move the piston from the standby position to the released position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicro gas generator:

Implementation Method 3

using a stored energy unit, such as a micro gas generator or springs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 4

the piston is configured to be in electrical connection with the cylinder when in the released position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11271375B2Earthing module

Publication Date: 2022.03.08 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG

AI summary

An earthing module for a switchgear includes: a cylinder; a piston; a stored energy unit; and at least one photovoltaic cell. The cylinder connects to a part of a switchgear at earth potential. The piston moves within the cylinder from a standby position to a released position along an axis of the cylinder. When in the released position, the piston is in electrical connection with the cylinder. The stored energy unit is located within or associated with the earthing module such that activation of the stored energy unit moves the piston from the standby position to the released position. One or more of the at least one photovoltaic cell activates the stored energy unit based on radiation from an electrical arc of the switchgear impinging upon the one or more of the at least one photovoltaic cell.