Switchgear Tank Sensor Power Transfer Without Wire Penetrations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing switchgear systems face challenges in maintaining air-tightness over their long lifetime, particularly due to the risk of gas leakage through electric wires used to power electronic sensors within the tank system.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a contactless power transmission system, which includes a power transmitter outside the tank system and a power receiver within, converting electric power into a non-conductive form for safe transmission, thereby eliminating the need for electric wires and reducing the risk of gas leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electric wires are used to power electronic sensors within the tank system, then the sensors can be powered continuously, but the air-tightness of the tank system deteriorates due to potential gas leakage through wire penetrations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor power supply reliabilityVSAvoidgas leakage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wire penetration system with an electromagnetic power transmission system. A power transmitter located outside the tank system generates electromagnetic fields that couple with a power receiver inside the tank system, eliminating the need for physical wire penetrations through the tank wall and thus preventing gas leakage pathways

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium to transfer power across the tank boundary. The electromagnetic coupling acts as a mediator that enables power transmission without direct physical contact or penetration, maintaining the integrity of the tank system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by moving object

If wire penetrations are made through the tank wall for powering sensors, then power can be transmitted to internal components, but the lifetime gas filling reliability is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transmission to sensorVSAvoidgas filling lifetime

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes mechanical wire connections with electromagnetic power transmission, allowing continuous operation of sensors over the tank's lifetime without compromising the gas filling integrity through wire penetration points

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If electric wires lead through the tank wall to power sensors, then the sensors can be operated, but the air-tightness and sealing of the tank system are compromised at the penetration points

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor operationVSAvoidtank system sealing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical wire penetrations that compromise sealing with contactless electromagnetic power transmission, maintaining the tank system's hermetic seal while enabling sensor operation through electromagnetic coupling across the tank boundary

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This solution significantly improves the air-tightness of the tank system, ensuring that the insulating gas remains within the system for the entire lifetime of the switchgear, thereby enhancing safety and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

the power transmitter is designed as electromagnetic power transmitter and the power receiver is designed as electromagnetic power receiver, wherein the electrically non-conductive form of power is electromagnetic power and wherein the electromagnetic power transmitter and the electromagnetic power receiver are electromagnetically coupled

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the electromagnetic power transmitter and the electromagnetic power receiver are electromagnetically coupled

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250125658A1Switchgear with contactless power transmission system for a tank sensor

Publication Date: 2025.04.17 EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LTD

AI summary

Some embodiments relate to a switchgear is disclosed, which comprises a tank system filled with an insulating gas and a switching device and at least one electronic sensor within the tank system. Moreover, the switchgear comprises a contactless power transmission system with a power transmitter outside of the tank system and with a power receiver within the tank system, wherein the power receiver is coupled to the power transmitter. Further on, the power receiver is electrically connected to the electronic sensor and designed to supply electric power to the same.