Safe Grounding Apparatus for Permanent Magnet Motor Conductors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Permanent magnet motor ESP systems pose electrical shock and sparking hazards during splicing and other operations due to the potential for the motor to rotate and generate voltage, especially in situations like power failures or when manipulating electrical conductors.

Innovation Solution

A safe grounding apparatus (SGA) that includes shorting conductors electrically coupled to the power conductors, a ground connector for safe grounding, and a module for monitoring voltage, resistance, speed, and frequency to ensure safe handling and operation by neutralizing hazardous voltages and providing real-time safety warnings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If permanent magnet motor ESP systems are used to improve pumping efficiency, then productivity is improved, but electrical shock and sparking hazards are introduced during splicing and operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepumping efficiencyVSAvoidelectrical shock hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A temporary grounding device is introduced as an intermediary between the motor conductors and ground during splicing operations. This device provides a controlled path for generated voltage to discharge safely, preventing electrical shock hazards while allowing the permanent magnet motor system to operate efficiently during normal pumping operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The grounding device is installed before splicing operations begin, establishing a safe electrical path in advance. This preliminary action ensures that if the motor rotates and generates voltage during operations, the hazard is already controlled, preventing electrical shock while maintaining pumping efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If manual manipulation of electrical conductors during splicing is performed, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of electrical shock and sparking increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of splicingVSAvoidsparking hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The grounding device serves as a mediator that allows manual conductor manipulation to proceed safely. By providing a controlled discharge path for generated voltage, it enables workers to handle conductors during splicing without fear of electrical shock or sparking, thus maintaining ease of operation while eliminating the hazard.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The grounding device is installed beforehand to cushion against potential electrical hazards during splicing operations. This preparatory measure ensures that if the motor generates voltage while being manually manipulated, the energy is safely dissipated through the grounding device, preventing shocks and sparks while allowing easy conductor handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of operation

If the motor is allowed to rotate freely during operations, then ease of operation is improved, but unexpected voltage generation creates safety hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of handlingVSAvoidsafety predictability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The grounding device acts as an intermediary that makes motor rotation during operations safe rather than hazardous. By providing a controlled path for generated voltage, it allows the motor to rotate freely during handling and splicing without creating unpredictable safety hazards, thus maintaining ease of operation while improving reliability through predictable voltage management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The grounding device converts the harmful effect of unexpected voltage generation during motor rotation into a beneficial outcome. By providing a safe discharge path, it allows the motor to rotate freely during operations without creating hazards, transforming what would be an unpredictable safety risk into a controlled and predictable condition that maintains ease of handling.

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 SGA effectively renders the power conductors safe for manipulation, reducing the risk of electrical shock and sparking, and allows for continuous monitoring of electrical attributes to ensure operator safety during splicing and other operations.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of shorting conductors electrically coupled to the power conductors; and a connection for electrically shorting the shorting conductors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical shorting: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

a ground connector for safe grounding

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGrounding: Earthing

Data Source

PatentUS10454219B2Methods and apparatus for rendering electrical cables safe

Publication Date: 2019.10.22 MAGNETIC PUMPING SOLUTIONS LLC

AI summary

A “safe grounding apparatus” (SGA) for safely grounding or neutralizing the electrical conductors for permanent magnet motor (PMM) powered artificial lift systems and methods of practicing the same are disclosed. The SGA of the present invention ameliorates some of the dangers associated with PMM's. Methods of shorting, grounding, testing and monitoring the electrical conductors of a permanent magnet motor in order to safely manipulate the conductors are also disclosed.