Portable Racking Device for Draw-Out Circuit Breakers
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Solution Overview
Problem
In larger power systems, human operators are at risk of injury or death when disconnecting or reconnecting draw-out circuit breakers due to the proximity required for manual operation, which exposes them to arc-blast and flying debris during catastrophic failures.
Innovation Solution
A portable racking device equipped with a gearmotor, drive socket, angled bracket, and locking disk allows for remote operation of the circuit breaker racking mechanism, enabling safe and controlled connection or disconnection from a safe distance using a detachable system with a control device and video monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a human operator manually rotates the racking screw to connect or disconnect the circuit breaker, then the operation can be performed with simple mechanical means, but the operator is exposed to arc-blast and flying debris during catastrophic failures
Solution Approach 1:
A portable remote racking device serves as an intermediary between the operator and the circuit breaker racking mechanism. The device includes a drive socket that engages with the racking screw, a gearmotor for automated rotation, and a locking disk that secures the device to the circuit breaker support angle, allowing the operator to perform racking operations from a safe distance without direct exposure to arc-blast hazards
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of rotating the racking screw by hand is replaced with an automated gearmotor system. The gearmotor receives electrical power and automatically rotates the racking screw through the drive socket, eliminating the need for the operator to physically manipulate the screw and positioning mechanism, thereby reducing exposure to dangerous areas
2Ease of operation
If the operator stands within arms-reach of the circuit breaker to operate the racking mechanism, then precise control and monitoring are easier, but the risk of injury from catastrophic failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The portable racking device acts as an intermediary tool that the operator can control from a distance. The device includes a telescoping shaft with positioning mechanisms that allow precise engagement with the racking screw while maintaining physical separation between the operator and the high-voltage circuit breaker, enabling both safe operation and precise control
Solution Approach 2:
The racking device is segmented into multiple functional components: a drive socket for engaging the racking screw, a gearmotor for automated operation, a locking disk for securing the device, and a telescoping shaft with positioning mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall system control from a safe distance
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a permanent racking system is installed to enable remote operation, then operator safety is improved, but the circuit breaker or enclosure must be modified permanently
Solution Approach 1:
The portable racking device is designed to be dynamically deployable and removable rather than permanently installed. The device can be quickly attached to the circuit breaker support angle using the locking disk mechanism, used for remote racking operations, and then removed when no longer needed, providing flexibility without permanent modifications to the circuit breaker or enclosure
Solution Approach 2:
The portable racking device is designed as a universal tool that can be applied to multiple circuit breakers without custom installation for each device. The locking disk engages with standard support angles found on various circuit breaker enclosures, making the device broadly applicable across different installations without requiring permanent modifications
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 portable racking device enables safe and efficient remote operation of draw-out circuit breakers, reducing the risk of injury from arc-blast and debris while maintaining the ability to perform maintenance without permanent modifications to the circuit breaker or its enclosure.
Implementation Method 1
a gearmotor comprising a gear box coupled to a motor
Implementation Method 2
a drive socket coupled to an output shaft of the gearmotor, the drive socket sized to engage with a racking screw of a circuit breaker racking assembly
Implementation Method 3
a locking disk moveably attached to the gearmotor, the angled bracket being disposed between the locking disk and the gearmotor, and the locking disk moveable about an axis of the output shaft of the gearmotor
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various embodiments for racking a draw-out circuit breaker. A portable motorized racking device may be connected or disconnected from an racking assembly of the circuit breaker. The portable racking device includes a gearmotor, a drive socket for engaging with the racking screw of the circuit breaker, and a locking disk for securing the portable racking device to the racking assembly of the circuit breaker. The gearmotor may be remotely controlled to rack the draw-out circuit breaker.