Sensored Insulation Plug With Integrated Capacitors for Voltage Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensored insulation plugs for medium-voltage and high-voltage power distribution networks face challenges in providing accurate voltage sensing and detection while being cost-effective and compatible with standardized tools, due to the rarity and high cost of discrete capacitors and the need for adequate electrical insulation to prevent discharges.
Innovation Solution
A sensored insulation plug with a plug body formed by a solidified insulating material, containing a primary capacitor and a testpoint capacitor, allowing for high-precision sensing and lower-precision detection, respectively, and designed to be compatible with standardized voltage detection tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If discrete capacitors with high voltage rating and large capacity are used in the sensing voltage divider, then voltage sensing accuracy is improved, but cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of multiple discrete capacitors into a single integrated capacitor formed by structural elements of the insulation plug. The body of the insulation plug itself serves as the dielectric, with conductive elements embedded within it forming the capacitor plates. This integration eliminates the need for multiple separate capacitor components while maintaining the required voltage sensing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation plug body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical insulation, structural support, and acts as the dielectric element of the capacitor in the sensing voltage divider. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and simplifies the device structure while achieving accurate voltage sensing.
2Measurement precision
If many discrete capacitors of high voltage rating are connected in series to divide down elevated voltage, then voltage sensing accuracy is improved, but space requirements become prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple series-connected capacitors into a single integrated capacitor structure. The insulation plug body with embedded conductive elements creates an equivalent capacitor that provides the same voltage division ratio without requiring multiple discrete components arranged in series, thereby dramatically reducing the space required.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive elements forming the capacitor plates are nested within the insulation plug body. The dielectric material (insulation plug body) surrounds and encapsulates the conductive elements, creating a compact nested structure that achieves the same electrical function as multiple external capacitors would require.
3Ease of manufacture
If the insulating material contains voids or bubbles, then manufacturing is easier, but electrical discharge risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies particular parameter ranges for the insulating material, including dielectric strength of at least 10 kV/mm and controlled void content. By controlling the physical and electrical parameters of the insulating material during manufacturing, the design ensures both manufacturability and high reliability in preventing electrical discharges under elevated voltage conditions.
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
Enables simultaneous high-precision voltage sensing and lower-precision detection using standardized tools, while being cost-effective and reducing the risk of electrical discharges, thus enhancing safety and reliability in power distribution networks.
Implementation Method 1
a primary capacitor, operable as a high-voltage capacitor in a sensing voltage divider for sensing the elevated voltage
Implementation Method 2
a dielectric formed by a first portion of the insulating material arranged between the sensing electrode and the high-voltage electrode
Data Source
AI summary
Sensored insulation plug for a medium voltage or high-voltage separable connector in a national grid, and operable to insulate a connection element of the separable connector on an elevated voltage and to simultaneously detect and sense the elevated voltage. The sensored insulation plug comprises a) a plug body formed by a solidified insulating material, b) an externally accessible detection contact, c) a primary capacitor, operable as a high-voltage capacitor in a sensing voltage divider for sensing the elevated voltage, the primary capacitor having i) a high-voltage electrode; ii) a sensing electrode embedded in the plug body; iii) a dielectric formed by a first portion of the insulating material, and d) a testpoint capacitor, operable as a high-voltage capacitor in a detection voltage divider for detecting the elevated voltage and comprising i) the high-voltage electrode, ii) a testpoint electrode, embedded in the plug body and electrically connected to the detection contact, and iii) a dielectric formed by a second portion of the insulating material.