Voltage Transformer Electrical Connection System with Adjustable Branch Conductor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connection solutions for voltage transformers in high voltage electrical switchgear cubicles face challenges in ensuring precise positioning, dielectric strength, and avoiding degradation during short circuits, particularly due to variability in flexible cable positioning and the risk of rigid connections favoring surface arcing and dielectric loss.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable electrical connection system using branch conductors with internal connectors, threaded metal sleeves, and dielectric deflectors to maintain precise positioning and reduce dielectric stress, separating the connection function from the main high voltage circuit tightening, thus preventing degradation during short circuits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If flexible cables are used for connection, then adaptability to position variations is improved, but positioning precision and dielectric strength deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to position variationsVSAvoidpositioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system employs adjustable threaded metal sleeves that can be dynamically positioned along the branch conductor to accommodate position variations between the voltage transformer and busbars, while maintaining precise and fixed positioning through threading mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Threaded metal sleeves act as intermediary elements between the rigid branch conductor and the connection points, providing both positional adjustment capability and precise fixed positioning through their threaded engagement with connection screws

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If flexible cables are used for connection, then adaptability to position variations is improved, but dielectric strength deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to position variationsVSAvoiddielectric strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows dynamic adjustment of the branch conductor position through threaded sleeves to maintain optimal dielectric clearance, ensuring both adaptability and maintained dielectric strength under varying installation conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Threaded metal sleeves and connection screws serve as intermediary elements that maintain fixed, precise positioning of the branch conductor, ensuring adequate dielectric clearance while allowing for installation adjustments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If rigid connection is used, then positioning precision is improved, but dielectric arcing risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoiddielectric arcing risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system transitions from surface-level connections to internal connector engagement along the longitudinal axis, changing the connection dimension to avoid surface arcing while maintaining precise positioning through internal threading

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Manufacturing precision

If rigid connection is used, then positioning precision is improved, but dielectric withstand deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoiddielectric withstand
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection moves from surface-level attachment to internal connector engagement along the longitudinal axis, eliminating surface arcing paths and improving dielectric withstand while maintaining precise positioning through internal threading

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

5Device complexity

If connection is integrated with main circuit tightening, then device complexity is reduced, but connection reliability deteriorates during short circuits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection system complexityVSAvoidconnection reliability during short circuits
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is segmented into independent functional elements: branch conductor, threaded metal sleeves, connection screws for the voltage transformer, and separate busbar tightening mechanisms, allowing independent adjustment and preventing stress transfer during short circuits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3561968B1Electrical connection system for a voltage transformer
Publication Date: 2020.09.09 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS
  • EP3561968B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3561968B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4

AI summary

The invention relates to an electrical connection system (10) between a voltage transformer (40) and a high-voltage busbar (30) in a switchgear cell. The connection system (10) comprises a branch conductor (11) for connecting a first connection point (24) on the voltage transformer (40) with a second connection point (25) on the busbar (30), the voltage transformer (40) having an internal connector (41) extending along an internal axis (X) perpendicular to a surface plane (P) of the voltage transformer (40).The connection system (10) includes a first connecting screw (20) which is intended to be fixed to the first connection point in the extension of the internal axis (X) and which is connected to the branch conductor (11) by means of a first threaded metal sleeve (14) allowing adjustment of the position of the branch conductor (11) relative to the first connecting screw and includes a second connecting screw (21) which is intended to be fixed to the second connection point (25) perpendicular to the high voltage bar (30).