Switchgear Ventilation Flap Units for Arc Fault Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dampers in medium- and high-voltage switchgear ventilation systems obstruct airflow and are inefficient in sealing ventilation ducts during arc faults due to their design, which allows pressure waves to propagate and affect other compartments.

Innovation Solution

The ventilation system incorporates flap units with recesses in the ventilation shafts that allow flaps to be pushed into the shafts by pressure waves from arc faults, ensuring rapid closure without obstructing airflow, using snap-in elements like metal clamps to fix flaps in fault positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional ventilation devices with fixed covers are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but accessibility for maintenance and cleaning is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility for maintenance and cleaningVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ventilation device cover is divided into a fixed cover portion and a movable cover portion that can be independently opened. This segmentation allows the movable portion to be accessed for maintenance while the fixed portion remains sealed, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and maintenance accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover design transitions from a completely fixed static structure to a dynamic structure where the movable cover portion can be opened and closed. This dynamic element provides easy access for maintenance and cleaning operations without requiring complete disassembly, maintaining overall structural simplicity while improving accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Temperature

If ventilation devices are installed in switchgear, then cooling effect is achieved, but space for other components is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling effectVSAvoidspace for other components
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The ventilation device serves multiple functions: it provides cooling ventilation through the movable cover portion while the fixed cover portion maintains structural integrity and sealing. This multi-functionality allows effective cooling without requiring additional separate components, optimizing space utilization within the switchgear.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The ventilation device is integrated within the switchgear structure itself, with the movable and fixed cover portions nested within the existing housing. This nesting approach incorporates the ventilation function without requiring external additions that would consume valuable space for other components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If sealed enclosures are used in switchgear, then protection against environmental factors is improved, but heat dissipation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against environmental factorsVSAvoidheat dissipation
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure employs different sealing qualities in different regions: the fixed cover portion provides complete sealing for environmental protection, while the movable cover portion creates localized openings for heat dissipation and ventilation. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between overall sealing and localized cooling needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The ventilation function is extracted as a separate movable cover portion that can be independently operated. This extracted element provides necessary heat dissipation and ventilation while the remaining fixed cover portion maintains the sealed enclosure for environmental protection, allowing both functions to coexist without compromising either.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 design enhances ventilation efficiency and prevents pressure wave propagation, allowing for higher current-carrying capacity and reduced airflow rates while maintaining effective compartment isolation during arc faults.

Implementation Method 1

ventilation device that facilitates the movement of air within a switchgear housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3547473B1Switchgear with improved ventilation device
Publication Date: 2022.09.14 SIEMENS AG
  • EP3547473B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3547473B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3547473B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to an air-insulated switchgear (1) for medium and/or high voltages with at least one switchgear compartment (10), one busbar compartment (30) and one connecting compartment (20), wherein the switchgear (1) has at least one active and/or passive ventilation device (90) and the ventilation device (90) has one or more first ventilation shafts (100) leading from or past the switchgear compartment (10) into the busbar compartment (30) and/or has one or more second ventilation shafts (200) leading from the switchgear compartment (10) and/or through the switchgear compartment (10) into the connecting compartment (20).