Vacuum Recloser Mounting Head for Flexible Fault Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power transmission systems face challenges in providing effective fault protection and circuit segmentation, especially at higher voltages, as traditional reclosers are often limited in their ability to segment faults close to the source.
Innovation Solution
A modular recloser designed to operate at voltages up to 72.5 kV, featuring a vacuum interrupter assembly and a mounting system that allows for flexible orientation and placement outside of substations, enabling closer positioning of over-current protection to potential faults.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If reclosers are placed inside substations using traditional hydraulic control, then device reliability is maintained through proven technology, but fault segmentation capability is limited and protection cannot be positioned closer to potential faults
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional hydraulic control system with an electric motor-driven mechanism. The motor assembly (26) with drive shaft (86) and associated components substitutes the hydraulic actuators, enabling the recloser to be controlled electrically rather than mechanically through hydraulic fluid. This substitution allows for more precise control and positioning capabilities while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mounting head (118) with multiple mounting bosses (130) positioned at different locations and orientations around the housing (46). This allows the recloser to be mounted in multiple orientations (vertical, horizontal, angled) and positions, enabling placement closer to faults in various locations beyond the substation environment.
2Ease of manufacture
If reclosers are positioned farther from potential faults within substations, then device protection and maintenance are simplified, but the impact area of faults increases affecting more customers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power distribution system into smaller segmented sections by enabling recloser placement at multiple locations along the distribution line, not just within the substation. The mounting head with multiple orientation options allows reclosers to be positioned at specific points closer to potential faults, creating finer segmentation of the distribution network and limiting fault impact to smaller sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides dynamic mounting flexibility through the mounting head design that allows the recloser to be installed in various orientations and positions. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to be configured optimally for different installation locations, whether on poles, walls, or other structures, allowing placement closer to faults while maintaining ease of installation and maintenance.
3Device complexity
If reclosers are designed with fixed mounting orientations, then manufacturing and installation are simplified, but adaptability to different installation locations and orientations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a universal mounting head (118) with multiple mounting bosses (130) positioned at different locations and orientations. This single mounting head design serves multiple functions: it allows vertical mounting, horizontal mounting, angled mounting, and various rotational orientations. The same mounting head can accommodate different installation scenarios without requiring different hardware, providing universality and adaptability while maintaining relatively simple device complexity.
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 solution allows for more precise segmentation of faults, reducing the impact on a smaller number of customers and improving the reliability of power transmission systems by positioning protection closer to potential faults.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum interrupter assembly having a movable contact and a stationary contact
Data Source
AI summary
A switchgear apparatus includes a vacuum interrupter assembly having a movable contact and a stationary contact, a main housing surrounding the vacuum interrupter assembly, and a first terminal electrically coupled to one of the movable contact and the stationary contact, the first terminal extending from the main housing along a first axis. The switchgear apparatus also includes a second terminal electrically coupled to the other of the movable contact and the stationary contact, the second terminal extending from the main housing along a second axis, and a mounting head couplable to the main housing in a plurality of orientations about the first axis.