Switchgear Connector Heat Dissipation via Direct Transformer Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medium voltage switchgear connectors tend to overheat, require complex and expensive heat-dissipating assemblies, and exhibit high electrical contact resistance, leading to inefficiency and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A simplified connector element made of highly conductive electrolytic copper with a tulip-shaped coupling surface and a large heat-dissipating surface, directly connected to the transformer, reducing overall dimensions and eliminating the need for additional heat-dissipating elements and bus-bars, thereby minimizing overheating and contact resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stationary electrical connector with a flange portion and bus-bar is used, then electrical connection is established, but overheating occurs due to high electrical contact resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the stationary electrical connector directly with the transformer by eliminating the bus-bar intermediate connection. The connector body is integrally formed with the transformer housing, creating a direct electrical and mechanical connection that reduces contact resistance and heat generation at connection points.
2Temperature
If heat-dissipating elements are added to the connector, then overheating is prevented, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the separate bus-bar component and intermediate connection elements from the system. By directly integrating the connector with the transformer, it eliminates the need for additional heat-dissipating elements and complex assembly structures, reducing both complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining effective heat dissipation.
3Reliability
If a flange portion with bus-bar connection is used, then electrical connection is provided, but overall dimensions become significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the stationary connector and transformer into a single integrated assembly. The connector body is directly formed as part of the transformer housing structure, eliminating the need for separate bus-bars and mounting flanges, thereby significantly reducing the overall dimensional footprint of the switchgear apparatus.
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 solution effectively prevents overheating, reduces electrical contact resistance, and enhances electrical conductivity, resulting in a more efficient, reliable, and cost-effective switchgear apparatus with smaller dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
a connector element (1) made of highly conductive electrolytic copper... enhancing electrical conductivity
Implementation Method 2
a large heat-dissipating surface... effectively prevents overheating
Implementation Method 3
a large heat-dissipating surface... promoting heat-dissipation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
Connector element (1) for a switchgear apparatus (2), comprising an electrically conducting body (3) extending along a longitudinal axis (X) and provided with a first portion (17) suitable for electrically engaging with a movable electrical connector (5a) and having a first cross-section (C1), and a second portion (18) extending from said first portion (17) to a fixing end (12) of the electrically conducting body (3). T second portion (18) has a second cross-section (C2) which is greater than the first cross-section (C1) for acting as a heat-dissipating portion. The electrically conducting body further comprises a through-opening (20) which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis (X) through the first and second portions (17, 18), and is suitable for housing a fixing element (21) thus enabling the electrically conducting body (3) to be directly fixed, through said fixing end (12), to an electrical transformer (10) of the switchgear apparatus (2).