Temporary Transfer Bus for High Voltage Line Reconductoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transfer buses for reconductoring high voltage power lines are cumbersome, requiring separate support structures that increase installation time, labor, and safety risks due to the need for installation above or below energized conductors.

Innovation Solution

A temporary transfer bus supported by insulators suspended from existing conductors, eliminating the need for additional support structures, allowing for safer and more portable installation and use between different sections of a reconductoring project.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional transfer buses are used with separate support structures, then the transfer bus can be installed above or below energized conductors, but the installation time, labor, and materials increase, and safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidsupport structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer bus is merged with the existing conductor system by suspending it from energized conductors using insulators. This combines the support function into the existing infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate ground-based support structures and reducing overall system complexity while improving safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The existing energized conductors serve multiple functions: they carry power and simultaneously provide support structures for the transfer bus. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated support structures, reducing installation time, labor, and materials.

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

2Ease of operation

If traditional transfer buses with separate support structures are used, then the transfer bus can be installed, but the installation and uninstallation process becomes more time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the support function into the existing energized conductors, the installation process is simplified. Workers only need to suspend the transfer bus from available conductors using insulators, rather than constructing separate support structures, significantly reducing installation time and effort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional transfer buses are used, then the transfer bus can be installed, but the cost of the reconductoring project increases due to additional materials and labor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproject costVSAvoidmaterials required
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The existing conductors serve dual purposes as both power carriers and support structures. This eliminates the need for additional support structure materials such as poles, towers, or ground-mounted frameworks, reducing material costs and overall project expenses.

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

4Adaptability or versatility

If traditional transfer buses with separate support structures are used, then the transfer bus can be installed, but the portability and ease of moving between locations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidsupport structure requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the support function into the existing conductor infrastructure, the transfer bus becomes highly portable. It can be easily moved between different locations along the transmission line by simply re-suspending it from different conductors, without the burden of moving heavy support structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 improved transfer bus simplifies installation, reduces time and labor, enhances safety by eliminating the need for separate support structures, and increases flexibility in placement along transmission lines, thereby lowering costs and improving working conditions.

Implementation Method 1

at least one insulator that is located between the first and second conductive sections

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Dielectric

Implementation Method 2

insulators suspended from existing conductors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical suspension: Suspension

Implementation Method 3

first conductive section and a second conductive section manufactured of substantially rigid materials, each of which are elongate... adapted to transfer a power load from one live conductor to another conductor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3134947B1Temporary transfer bus
Publication Date: 2020.07.08 QUANTA ASSOCIATES LP
  • EP3134947B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3134947B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3134947B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention includes a method for transferring a power load between adjacent electrical conductors using a temporary transfer bus, and the transfer bus apparatus itself, wherein the transfer bus includes first and second conductive sections rigidly mounted to and separated by a rigid bus insulator, and a selectively operable transfer bus closing device adapted to selectively electrically connect the first and second conductive sections to each other, the method including suspending the first and second conductive sections from the adjacent conductors, whether directly or using suspension insulators, electrically connecting the conductive sections to the conductors, and closing the transfer bus closing device.