Vacuum Switch Partial Discharge Pressure Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medium- or high-voltage vacuum-insulated switches require the switch to be opened to test the pressure inside the enclosure, which can lead to risks of explosion and complex manufacturing processes, and existing solutions are not suitable for real-time vacuum monitoring during operation.
Innovation Solution
A medium- or high-voltage vacuum-insulated switch with a conductor inside the enclosure that generates partial discharges when the pressure exceeds a threshold, allowing for pressure detection without opening the switch and eliminating the need for wired connections or external voltage applications, using an ultra-high frequency antenna to detect these discharges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the switch is opened to test the pressure inside the enclosure, then the pressure threshold can be detected, but the switch may explode and current interruption may fail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a test electrode that can detect pressure threshold before the switch is opened. By performing the pressure detection action in advance (while the switch remains closed), the system avoids the dangerous situation of opening a switch with lost vacuum, thus preventing explosion and current interruption failure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a test electrode as an intermediary element to detect pressure changes inside the enclosure. This intermediary device allows pressure measurement without requiring the switch to be opened, thereby maintaining switch safety while achieving accurate pressure detection
2Measurement precision
If a conductive material is placed on the vacuum bottle casing for testing, then vacuum testing becomes possible, but insulation distances must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the testing function from the external casing surface and places it inside the enclosure with the test electrode. By taking out the conductive material requirement from the casing, the system eliminates the need to increase external insulation distances while maintaining vacuum testing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the testing functionality from the external dimension (casing surface) to the internal dimension (inside the enclosure). By placing the test electrode inside the vacuum enclosure, the system achieves vacuum testing without requiring external conductive coatings that would necessitate increased insulation distances
3Measurement precision
If the switch is taken out of operation for vacuum testing, then accurate pressure measurement can be performed, but operational continuity is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous operation of the switch while performing vacuum testing through the test electrode. The useful action of both switching operation and pressure measurement can proceed simultaneously without interruption, maintaining productivity and operational continuity while achieving accurate pressure measurement
4Ease of manufacture
If injection molding is used to manufacture the testing device, then the device can be produced, but reliability decreases and current capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the manufacturing parameters by avoiding injection molding processes. Instead, the test electrode and related components are manufactured using traditional high-reliability methods suitable for medium- and high-voltage applications, thereby maintaining system reliability and current capacity while still achieving ease of manufacture through standardized procedures
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 safe and efficient detection of pressure thresholds within the switch enclosure without interrupting operation, simplifying manufacturing and allowing continuous vacuum quality monitoring, thus preventing potential explosions and improving operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
there exists a pressure threshold inside the enclosure from which partial discharges are generated by said conductor
Implementation Method 2
detecting discharges makes it possible to determine that the pressure inside the enclosure is greater than the pressure threshold
Data Source
AI summary
A medium- or high-voltage switch (10), comprising a high-vacuum enclosure (111); first and second contacts (121, 122) that are mounted to be movable in translation relative to each other inside the enclosure (111) between an open position in which the first and second contacts (121, 122) are spaced apart; and a closed position in which the first and second contacts (121, 122) are in electrical contact. The switch (10) further comprises a conductor (210, 220, 230) arranged inside the enclosure (111) in such a manner that there exists a pressure threshold inside the enclosure (111) from which partial discharges are generated by said conductor, at least when the first and second contacts (121, 122) are in the closed position and the medium or high voltage is applied to the switch (10). The invention further relates to a switch assembly and to a method of testing such a switch.