Transition Joint Segmented Epoxy Units Block Oil Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing transition joints are inadequate for connecting high-pressure fluid-filled (HPFF) cables to crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) cables, particularly in narrow manholes, as they fail to prevent the transfer of insulating oil from HPFF cables at high pressure to XLPE cables, and there is a need for a structure that can maintain insulation and accommodate different cable sizes.
Innovation Solution
A transition joint utilizing three epoxy units with a central electrode that connects the conductors of both HPFF and XLPE cables, featuring an epoxy molding part and an electrode bar to block insulating oil transfer, and a triangular array connection to metal flanges, allowing for independent movement and assembly in narrow spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional joint structure is used to connect HPFF and XLPE cables, then the connection can be made, but insulating oil from the HPFF cable transfers to the XLPE cable side causing insulation degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The joint is divided into three separate epoxy units, each handling one phase connection. Each epoxy unit independently blocks insulating oil transfer while maintaining electrical connection, preventing oil migration from HPFF to XLPE cable sides through segmented containment structures.
Solution Approach 2:
Epoxy resin serves as an intermediary material between the HPFF and XLPE cable sides. The epoxy molding part acts as a barrier that prevents insulating oil transfer while the electrode bar within it maintains electrical continuity, effectively mediating the transition between different cable types.
2Area of stationary object
If a compact joint structure is designed for narrow manholes, then the installation space is reduced, but the assembly and maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The joint structure is segmented into three independent epoxy units that can be assembled separately and then connected. This modular approach reduces the overall assembly complexity while maintaining a compact footprint suitable for narrow manholes, as each unit can be handled and positioned independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode bar is nested within the epoxy molding part, with the epoxy flange extending from the molding part. This nested configuration allows the components to be compactly arranged, reducing the overall volume of the joint while maintaining all necessary functional elements for connection and insulation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the joint uses a fixed rigid structure, then the assembly is stable, but individual component replacement for maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The joint is segmented into three independent epoxy units that are connected to each other but can be individually accessed and replaced. This segmentation maintains the overall stability of the joint structure while enabling easy replacement of individual epoxy units without disturbing the entire joint assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint structure incorporates movable elements, specifically the electrode bar that can be extracted from the epoxy molding part. This dynamic feature allows the electrode bar to be removed and replaced independently while maintaining its functional connection, facilitating maintenance without compromising the overall joint stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A transition joint which blocks insulating oil by connecting a three core HPFF cable and a three core XLPE cable is provided. The transition joint includes three epoxy units which connect independently three first cable cores constituting the three core HPFF cable and three second cable cores constituting the three core XLPE cable, respectively. Each of the epoxy units includes a center electrode connecting an electrode of the first cable core and an electrode of the second cable core, and an epoxy molding part implemented in the form of surrounding an outer wall of the center electrode in order to block the center electrode from the insulating oil.