Vacuum Interrupter Assembly With Integrated Voltage Control Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum switching tubes require large space and high costs for voltage control due to the need for passive electrical components, which are not integrated within the vacuum switch housing, and compressed air insulation has low dielectric strength, necessitating large insulation distances.
Innovation Solution
Integrate control elements such as capacitors and resistors directly on the vacuum switching tube's casing, particularly on ceramic segments, to achieve compact, space-saving designs with improved electrical breakdown strength and uniform voltage distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vacuum interrupters are used in EHV switchgear, then insulation performance and voltage withstand capability are improved, but the risk of dangerous overvoltages due to restrike phenomenon increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning an arc quenching gas (such as SF6 or air) in the arc chamber before the vacuum interrupter operates. When a restrike occurs, the gas is already in place to immediately quench the arc, preventing dangerous overvoltages. This proactive measure addresses the overvoltage risk without compromising the vacuum interrupter's insulation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an arc quenching gas as an intermediary substance between the vacuum interrupter contacts. This gas acts as a mediator that absorbs and dissipates arc energy during restrike events, protecting the system from overvoltages while allowing the vacuum interrupter to maintain its high insulation performance in the off-state.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If restrike prevention measures are implemented, then overvoltage risk is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the arc quenching function with the existing vacuum interrupter structure by integrating a small arc chamber containing quenching gas directly into the vacuum interrupter assembly. This combined design provides restrike protection without requiring separate, complex external systems, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the arc medium by introducing a gas-filled arc chamber alongside the vacuum interrupter. This parameter change (from vacuum to gas-filled environment for arc quenching) provides effective restrike prevention while maintaining a relatively simple structural implementation through careful design of the arc chamber geometry and gas pressure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If arc quenching gas is introduced, then restrike phenomenon is suppressed, but loss of substance increases due to gas consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing arc quenching gas only in the specific localized region of the arc chamber where restrikes occur, rather than filling the entire vacuum interrupter or switchgear with gas. This localized approach effectively suppresses restrikes while minimizing the total quantity of gas required, thereby reducing gas consumption and associated losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where a small gas-filled arc chamber is placed inside or integrated with the vacuum interrupter assembly. The arc quenching gas is contained within this nested arc chamber, providing restrike suppression only where needed. This nesting approach minimizes gas usage while maintaining effective protection against restrikes.
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
Enables efficient voltage control in a compact arrangement, reducing material and space requirements, lowering costs, and allowing the use of alternative, environmentally friendly insulating gases like clean air.
Implementation Method 1
Vacuum interrupters are switchgear components which use vacuum to turn off high voltage power supply lines
Implementation Method 2
it has been proposed to introduce an arc quenching gas, such as air or SF6, into the arc chamber in order to suppress the restrike phenomenon
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a vacuum interrupter (1) for switching voltages, in particular high voltages, comprising at least one casing (2) and comprising at least one fixed contact (3) and also comprising at least one movable contact (4), wherein at least one control element (8) which is arranged directly on the at least one vacuum interrupter (1) is included. The invention furthermore comprises an arrangement comprising above-described vacuum interrupters (1) which are connected electrically in series, and a method for turning off vacuum interrupters (1) by means of control elements (8), in particular by means of capacitors and/or resistors which are arranged directly on vacuum interrupters (1).