Vacuum Interrupter Switch System with Shunt Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transition from SF6 to more sustainable alternatives in gas-insulated switchgears poses challenges for load break switches due to the lower dielectric strength of these alternatives, complicating the breaking and making of electrical arcs.
Innovation Solution
A switch system for a vacuum interrupter comprising an actuator, a switch, and a shunt module that applies a retarding force during opening and a driving force during closing, utilizing a spring or air damper mechanism to manage the arc extinction and closure processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the opening operation is slowed down to ensure arc extinction in the shunt vacuum interrupter, then the arc extinction reliability is improved, but the opening operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shunt module employs a spring mechanism that dynamically adjusts the switching speed: during opening operation, the spring provides a retarding force to slow down the switch movement and ensure proper arc extinction in the shunt vacuum interrupter, while during closing operation, the spring expands to provide a driving force that accelerates the closing speed, thus optimizing both reliability and time performance
2Duration of action of moving object
If the closing operation is sped up to minimize electrical arcing duration, then the arc duration is reduced, but the closing force requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring in the shunt module is pre-compressed during the opening operation, storing elastic potential energy. This preliminary action allows the spring to rapidly expand during closing operation, providing the necessary driving force to accelerate the switch and minimize arc duration without requiring additional external force
3Use of energy by moving object
If standard LBS drives are modified to release significantly higher energy during closing than opening, then the differential energy release is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shunt module's spring mechanism is self-regulating and automatically provides the required differential energy release: the spring is compressed during opening (absorbing energy) and expands during closing (releasing energy), thereby achieving the desired energy differential without requiring complex external control systems or additional components
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 system achieves a slower opening operation to ensure arc extinction in the vacuum interrupter and a faster closing operation to minimize electrical arcing, thereby improving the efficiency and reliability of load break switches in sustainable gas-insulated switchgears.
Implementation Method 1
The shunt module comprises a spring. The shunt module comprises at least one part configured to move as the switch transitions from the first position to the second position. As the at least one part of the shunt module moves as the switch transitions from the first position to the second position the shunt module is configured such that the spring is compressed.
Implementation Method 2
The shunt module comprises an air damper.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a switch system for a vacuum interrupter, comprising: - an actuator (10); - a switch (20); and - a shunt module (30); wherein the actuator is configured to transition the switch from a first position to a second position; wherein the actuator is configured to transition the switch from the second position to the first position; wherein the switch in transitioning from the first position to the second position is configured to open a vacuum interrupter (40); and wherein the shunt module is configured to apply a retarding force to the switch as the switch transitions from the first position to the second position.