Gas-Insulated Switchgear Adaptation Module for Phase Reconfiguration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The high number of variants in conductor connection configurations for three-phase encapsulated gas-insulated switchgear leads to increased engineering, storage, and production costs, and incorrect planning can result in the need for additional materials to correct failures.

Innovation Solution

A solution involving concentric conductors with adjustable connection pieces allows for all possible phase angle shifts and cross-overs within a single module, enabling flexible assembly and correction of errors using the same parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple variants of modules with different phase shift and cross-over conductors are used to achieve correct phase orientation, then the adaptability to different layouts is improved, but the device complexity and quantity of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different layoutsVSAvoidnumber of variants
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single module type that can perform multiple functions through adjustable connection pieces. The connection pieces can be positioned at different angles and configurations to accommodate various phase shifts and cross-over requirements, eliminating the need for multiple specialized module variants while maintaining adaptability to different layouts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics through adjustable and reconfigurable connection pieces that can be positioned at different angles. This allows the same module to dynamically adapt to different phase orientation requirements by changing the configuration of its connection pieces, rather than requiring fixed variants for each scenario

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple variants of conductor connection configurations are produced and stored, then the adaptability to different phase orientations is improved, but the storage and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different phase orientationsVSAvoidstorage and production costs
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses universal connection pieces that can be configured in multiple ways to satisfy different phase orientation requirements. This single universal component replaces the need to produce and store multiple variant types, significantly reducing production volumes, storage requirements, and associated costs while maintaining full adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of repair

If a wrong rotation is planned during engineering, then additional materials are necessary to correct the failure, but using the same adaptable parts allows correction without additional materials

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of correctionVSAvoidadditional materials required
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustable connection pieces allow dynamic reconfiguration to correct wrong rotations during assembly or operation. Since the same module with reconfigurable connection pieces can achieve different phase orientations, no additional materials are needed to correct planning errors, improving ease of repair and eliminating material waste

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4224650B1Adaptation module for a gas-insulated switchgear
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 HITACHI ENERGY LTD
  • EP4224650B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4224650B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4224650B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an adaptation module configured for connecting three conductors (5, 6, 7) of two modules and/or bays of a three-phase encapsulated gas-insulated switchgear, comprising two opposite arranged insulators (1) each comprising three radially spaced conductor connection inlets (2, 3) and configured for electrically connecting the conductor connection inlets (2, 3) to one of the two modules and/or bays, and three concentrically arranged axially extending conductors (5, 6, 7) each connected to two opposite conductor connection inlets (2, 3, 4), spaced from each other and rotatable in respect to the axis (11).