Segmented Bus Brace Assemblies for Power Distribution Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
In power distribution systems, the proximity of bus bars to each other and other components leads to movement and bending due to electromagnetic forces, seismic events, and transportation/installation stresses, which can result in phase-to-phase contact and arcing, and existing bracing solutions compromise space and compliance with industry standards.
Innovation Solution
The use of non-conductive bus brace assemblies with overlapping sheets forming openings to receive bus bars, mounted in a cantilevered configuration within a frame, providing support while minimizing magnetic loops and maintaining thru air and over surface distance standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bracing is used to prevent bus bar movement and bending, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The bus support is divided into multiple fingers (first through fourth fingers) that are segmented and arranged in a specific pattern. These segmented fingers provide distributed support points along the bus bar, preventing movement and bending without requiring a single complex bracing structure. The segmentation allows each finger to independently contribute to stabilizing different portions of the bus bar.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional planar bracing to a three-dimensional configuration where fingers extend in multiple directions from a central support. The fingers are arranged in a pattern that provides support in both horizontal and vertical dimensions, creating a spatial support structure that is more efficient than conventional two-dimensional bracing approaches.
2Volume of moving object
If bus bars are positioned close together to minimize space envelope, then volume is reduced, but harmful electromagnetic forces cause movement and bending
Solution Approach 1:
The bus support structure is designed to preemptively counteract electromagnetic forces before they can cause harmful movement or bending. The fingers are positioned and dimensioned to provide rigid support that resists the Lorentz forces generated during high current events, preventing phase-to-phase contact and arcing before they can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The bus support utilizes composite construction with fingers made from electrically conductive material that is also mechanically robust. The support structure combines electrical conductivity for ground connection with mechanical strength to resist electromagnetic forces, creating a multi-functional component that addresses both electrical and mechanical requirements.
3Reliability
If bracing is added to prevent movement, then reliability is improved, but magnetic loops are created
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the grounding function from the bracing structure by providing a separate ground connection path. The fingers provide mechanical support while the ground connection is established through a dedicated path, separating the mechanical support function from the electrical grounding function to prevent the formation of magnetic loops.
Solution Approach 2:
The bus support structure acts as an intermediary that provides mechanical support without creating closed magnetic circuits. The open-finger configuration allows magnetic field lines to pass through rather than being trapped in loops, while still providing the necessary mechanical restraint against electromagnetic forces.
4Reliability
If bracing is used to support bus bars, then bus bar stability is improved, but industry standard compliance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The bus support structure provides localized support at specific critical points along the bus bar where electromagnetic forces are most intense. Rather than uniform bracing throughout, the fingers are strategically positioned to provide support exactly where needed to maintain clearance distances and prevent movement, ensuring compliance with industry standards for thru-air and over-surface distances.
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 bus brace assemblies effectively prevent movement and bending of bus bars, reducing the likelihood of arcing and magnetic loops, while allowing for compact and compliant power distribution system designs that meet industry standards.
Implementation Method 1
movement and bending of various components due to large electromagnetic forces present during high current events
Implementation Method 2
bracing may actually create magnetic loops within the power distribution system
Data Source
AI summary
A power distribution system includes a bus support. The bus support includes a first sheet of non-conductive material including a first member and three or more second members extending from the first member and a second sheet of non-conductive material including a third member and three or more fourth members extending from the third member. Portions of the three or more second members overlap portions of the three or more fourth members to form two or more first openings. The two or more first openings are configured to receive one or more bus bars. Other embodiments and methods are disclosed.