Segmented Electrical Feedthrough for Pressure Housing Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in providing an electrical feedthrough for pressure housings that can withstand pressure differences and allow for interchangeable electrical connections to electric machines without damaging the feedthrough or machine, particularly in large electric motors where rigid connections are inflexible and prone to 'explosive decompression' due to gas expansion.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a dual-feedthrough design with a connecting element and bracing elements, where the feedthrough elements are releasably connected and guided through housing openings, allowing for compensation of forces and preventing displacement, while also ensuring gas tightness and mechanical protection using tubular jackets and sealing elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid electrical connections are used in large electric motors, then electrical conductivity is ensured, but flexibility and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The feedthrough is divided into multiple segments including a first feedthrough element, a second feedthrough element, and a connecting element. These segments can be independently positioned and connected, providing both electrical conductivity and flexibility for adaptation to different installation requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flexible cable connections are used, then adaptability and flexibility are improved, but resistance to pressure differences and explosive decompression is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The feedthrough incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities through the releasable connection between feedthrough elements and the connecting element. This allows the feedthrough to adapt to thermal expansion and movement while maintaining pressure tightness through the sealed connection design.
3Ease of repair
If the feedthrough is designed for easy assembly and disassembly, then ease of repair is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feedthrough is segmented into replaceable elements that can be independently assembled and disassembled. The releasable connection between the first feedthrough element, second feedthrough element, and connecting element enables maintenance personnel to access and replace components without dismantling the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedthrough elements are pre-configured with connection interfaces and sealing elements that facilitate straightforward assembly and disassembly. The releasable connection mechanism is designed to enable quick attachment and detachment of the feedthrough elements from the connecting element.
4Reliability
If the feedthrough elements are firmly fixed, then pressure tightness is improved, but ability to compensate for thermal expansion and movement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The releasable connection between feedthrough elements and the connecting element allows for dynamic adjustment and movement compensation while maintaining pressure tightness. The connection can accommodate thermal expansion and contraction as well as installation tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedthrough design allows for parameter changes in position and orientation of the feedthrough elements relative to the connecting element. This enables compensation for thermal expansion, contraction, and installation variations while maintaining the pressure seal.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical feedthrough for a pressure housing includes two feedthrough elements having substantially matching external shape and dimension. Each feedthrough element extends straight along an element axis between a first element end portion and a second element end portion. A connecting element is releasably connected to the feedthrough elements and has opposite sides, with one of the opposite sides having a contact area upon which the first element end portion of one of the feedthrough elements abuts, and with the other one of the opposite sides having a contact area upon which the first element end portion of the other one of the feedthrough elements abuts. At least one of the feedthrough elements includes an electrical feedthrough conductor which extends along the element axis of the feedthrough element and abuts a connecting conductor of the connecting element.