EP3312867A1 - Elektrische anordnung zur verwendung in einer hochdruckumgebung - Google Patents

Elektrische anordnung zur verwendung in einer hochdruckumgebung Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3312867A1
EP3312867A1 EP16194526.6A EP16194526A EP3312867A1 EP 3312867 A1 EP3312867 A1 EP 3312867A1 EP 16194526 A EP16194526 A EP 16194526A EP 3312867 A1 EP3312867 A1 EP 3312867A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
enclosure
electrical
electrical arrangement
set forth
arrangement
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP16194526.6A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Ove Boe
Tor Arild Nilsen
Geirfinn SIRNES
Stian Are Saether Soenderland
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Siemens AG
Original Assignee
Siemens AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Siemens AG filed Critical Siemens AG
Priority to EP16194526.6A priority Critical patent/EP3312867A1/de
Priority to PCT/EP2017/071044 priority patent/WO2018072914A1/en
Publication of EP3312867A1 publication Critical patent/EP3312867A1/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H85/00—Protective devices in which the current flows through a part of fusible material and this current is interrupted by displacement of the fusible material when this current becomes excessive
    • H01H85/02—Details
    • H01H85/38—Means for extinguishing or suppressing arc
    • H01H85/40—Means for extinguishing or suppressing arc using an arc-extinguishing liquid
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H85/00—Protective devices in which the current flows through a part of fusible material and this current is interrupted by displacement of the fusible material when this current becomes excessive
    • H01H85/02—Details
    • H01H85/04—Fuses, i.e. expendable parts of the protective device, e.g. cartridges
    • H01H85/05—Component parts thereof
    • H01H85/165—Casings
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H85/00—Protective devices in which the current flows through a part of fusible material and this current is interrupted by displacement of the fusible material when this current becomes excessive
    • H01H85/0013—Means for preventing damage, e.g. by ambient influences to the fuse
    • H01H85/0021—Means for preventing damage, e.g. by ambient influences to the fuse water or dustproof devices
    • H01H85/003—Means for preventing damage, e.g. by ambient influences to the fuse water or dustproof devices casings for the fusible element
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H85/00—Protective devices in which the current flows through a part of fusible material and this current is interrupted by displacement of the fusible material when this current becomes excessive
    • H01H85/0078—Security-related arrangements
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H85/00—Protective devices in which the current flows through a part of fusible material and this current is interrupted by displacement of the fusible material when this current becomes excessive
    • H01H85/02—Details
    • H01H85/04—Fuses, i.e. expendable parts of the protective device, e.g. cartridges
    • H01H85/05—Component parts thereof
    • H01H85/18—Casing fillings, e.g. powder

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of electrical arrangements, in particular to the field of electrical fuses, which are operated at elevated pressures, for example subsea electrical arrangements. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an electronic device and to a method of manufacturing an electrical arrangement.
  • electrical facilities are installed subsea, for example at the ocean floor.
  • Such electrical facilities may be compressors, pumps, switchgears, transformers or any combination of electronic devices which are electrically connected to a subsea power grid for being supplied with electric power.
  • the electrical facilities may be installed at depths of 3000 m or more, where a pressure of 300 bar can prevail.
  • dielectric liquids are used for the purpose of electrical insulation and improved cooling properties.
  • Such subsea devices may comprise an enclosure which is filled with the dielectric liquid.
  • the pressure inside the enclosure of the device may be the same as the pressure in the environment outside of the device giving a slimmer canister construction compared to having atmospheric pressure inside and environment pressure outside.
  • the electrical insulation properties of the dielectric liquid are to a high degree depending on the cleanliness of the dielectric liquid.
  • EP 2 492 947 A1 discloses a subsea electrical fuse for use in a pressurized environment.
  • the fuse is made of a section of a conductor trace on a printed circuit board (PCB).
  • PCB can be a multilayer PCB, wherein the section of the conductive trace, which is constituting the electrical fuse, is arranged between two layers of the PCB. Therefore, when the fuse is melting, the resulting particles are trapped inside the PCB between the two layers and thus cannot lead to damage of other components.
  • WO 2015/022 171 discloses a subsea fuse which is adapted to be operated in a pressurized environment.
  • the subsea fuse comprises a fuse element which is arranged between a first lid and a second lid.
  • the fuse element is surrounded by a flexible hollow elongated element forming a chamber around the fuse element.
  • the flexible material of the hollow elongated element allows for a pressure equilibration between an interior of the chamber and an exterior.
  • the hollow elongated element retains particles which are generated when the fuse element is melting.
  • EP 3 016 128 A1 discloses a subsea fuse assembly for being operated in a pressurized environment.
  • the subsea fuse assembly comprises a fuse element which is arranged in an enclosure defining an accommodation chamber for the fuse element. Portions of the enclosure are made of a flexible material in order to transmit the pressure outside the chamber to the interior of the chamber and vice versa. When the fuse element is melting, the generated gases and debris are held back in the chamber. As a result of the gas formation, the flexible portions of the enclosure lead to an expansion of the enclosure.
  • an electrical arrangement for use in a high pressure environment, wherein the electrical arrangement comprises an electrical element, for example a fuse element, and an enclosure which is fully surrounding the electrical element, thereby defining a volume in which the electrical element is arranged.
  • the enclosure is configured for being permeable for a liquid and for being impermeable for solid particles.
  • the electrical arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention is based on the idea that by providing an enclosure which is fully surrounding the electrical element and which is permeable for liquids while being impermeable for solid particles, the solid particles are retained within the enclosed volume and therefore are prevented from contaminating a main dielectric liquid volume outside the enclosure.
  • the pressure level inside the enclosure remains equal to the pressure level outside of the enclosure. Therefore, the architecture of the enclosure can be kept simple, since it is not necessary that the enclosure comprises flexible portions which expand for pressure equilibration between the interior and the exterior of the enclosure. Such an expansion would lead to an undesired increase of the volume of the entire enclosure.
  • an electronic device for use in a high pressure environment comprising an enclosure which preferably is pressure-compensated., i.e. the pressure inside the enclosure is equal to the pressure outside of the device.
  • the electronic device further comprises at least one electrical arrangement according to the above described aspect of the invention, which is arranged in the enclosure.
  • the electronic device comprises an electronic component which is supplied with electric power through the electrical arrangement.
  • the electronic device comprises the dielectric liquid which is contained in the enclosure, for electrically insulating the electrical arrangement.
  • the electronic device may be a subsea blowout preventer, a transformer, a switchgear, a variable speed drive, a controller or any further device or a combination thereof which is supplied with electric power, e.g. by a subsea power grid or by power from platforms or from shore.
  • the above-mentioned devices constitute only an exemplary selection of devices, wherein the present invention is not limited thereto.
  • the electrical arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention can be utilized in any arbitrary electronic device.
  • the electronic component may be a switch, a transistor, a capacitor or any other electronic component of the electronic device, which shall be protected from damage in the case of a power fault.
  • the electronic device is based on the idea that by supplying the electronic component with electric power through the electrical arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention, an electronic device is provided in which a damage is spatially restricted to the electrical arrangement.
  • the electrical arrangement may be a fuse which melts due to overcurrent.
  • the enclosure of the electrical arrangement filters the particles of the molten fuse and thus prevents the dielectric liquid from being contaminated by the particles.
  • the enclosure of the electrical arrangement does not experience a change in volume, even when the volume of the dielectric liquid increases due to an increase of the temperature during melting of the electrical element.
  • Providing an enclosure with a constant volume may provide the advantage that the space requirement of the electrical arrangement is low and the entire electronic device can be designed compact.
  • a method of manufacturing an electrical arrangement in particular an electrical fuse for use in a high pressure environment.
  • the method comprises providing an electrical element which is arranged between two sections of a conductor, and attaching an enclosure to the two sections of the conductor, such that the enclosure is fully surrounding the electrical element, thereby defining a volume in which the electrical element is arranged, wherein the enclosure is configured for being permeable for a liquid and for being impermeable for solid particles.
  • the enclosure is further configured for being permeable for gases.
  • the enclosure is fluid-permeable.
  • the term "fluid-permeable” denotes that liquid molecules and gas molecules are capable of passing the enclosure, whereas solid particles are "filtered", “retained” or “trapped” by the enclosure, i.e. they are not able to leave the interior of the enclosure.
  • Providing a fluid-permeable enclosure may provide the advantage that gas molecules which are produced inside the enclosure when the electrical element is melting can leave the enclosure and therefore do not cause an increase of the enclosure volume. Hence, as mentioned above, the space requirement of the electrical arrangement is low and the entire electronic device can be designed compact.
  • the electrical element is a fuse element.
  • Fuse elements are used in order to protect parts of electronic devices, such as sub-circuits or electronic components from overload and short circuits.
  • fuses comprise at least one electrically conductive section which is configured for melting or vaporizing when the fuse I 2 t value is reached or exceeded due to overcurrent in the electrically conductive section.
  • the threshold I 2 t value for melting can be easily adjusted.
  • Using a fuse element as electrical element is highly advantageous since the fuse element is configured for melting before other components or sub-circuits are melting or damaged. Therefore, it is possible to confine the particle contamination to the interior of the enclosure.
  • Contamination of the dielectric liquid outside the enclosure is limited to a minimum and may not have to be replaced after a potential short circuit.
  • a fuse element as electrical element
  • the invention is not limited to fuse elements.
  • other elements, circuits, conductors and/or components within the enclosure which could be subjected to melting due to power faults or which could release particles due to aging.
  • the electrical element is configured for melting and/or for vaporizing under formation of the solid particles when a threshold temperature is exceeded, wherein in particular the threshold temperature is lower than what is required for the dielectric oil to decompose.
  • the electrical element may be configured for melting and/or vaporizing at a threshold temperature below 260°C.
  • the electrical element may be a low-temperature fuse element, i.e. a fuse element which is e.g. made of a low temperature metal configured for melting at relatively low temperatures compared to medium or high temperature fuse elements.
  • a low-temperature fuse element may provide the advantage that it is reliably melting and/or vaporizing before a temperature is reached which can lead to a decomposition of the dielectric liquid or can lead to damage of further components.
  • low temperature metal denotes a metal which has a melting and/or vaporizing threshold temperature below 260.
  • the electrical element is made of a metal and/or an alloy with low melting temperature such as rose's metal.
  • an electrical element made of any other electrically conductive material, for example solder tin. Basically, any fusible alloy can be used.
  • solder tin any fusible alloy can be used.
  • the intended melting temperature of the electrical element should be below the decomposition temperature of the dielectric liquid, as explained below in more detail.
  • the electrical arrangement is configured for retaining the solid particles inside the volume which is defined by the enclosure.
  • the volume defined by the enclosure may remain constant over time, i.e. before, during and after melting of the electrical element. As explained above, this can be achieved by providing an enclosure which is permeable for liquids and which is preferably in addition permeable for gases. In other words, only solid particles are selectively filtered by the enclosure.
  • the enclosure is a mesh, a sleeve or perforated cylinder comprising a plurality of openings, wherein a size of the openings is selected such that the liquid can pass the openings, whereas the solid particles are retained inside the volume by means of the enclosure.
  • the mesh can be manufactured from one material or from multiple materials.
  • the mesh can be manufactured from any kind of fibers. Since there is no pressure difference between the interior of the mesh and the exterior of the mesh, it is not necessary to provide a thick-walled enclosure.
  • the mesh may have any desired shape, for example a cylindrical shape, a spherical shape, an oval shape or any combination thereof. It is possible to spatially adapt the shape of the mesh to the structural conditions inside the electronic device.
  • the size of the openings in the mesh or perforated cylinder is in a range between 100 microns and 2000 microns but may have other sizes depending on the application.
  • the enclosure is made of an electrically insulating material.
  • the enclosure can act as a bypass which conducts current, e.g. when the electrical element is molten. Furthermore, an enclosure which is made of an electrically insulating material can come into contact with adjacent conductors in the electronic device, for example circuits, without causing a short circuit. Since there is no pressure difference between the interior and exterior of the enclosure, it is not necessary to provide an enclosure which has a thick wall or a certain bending strength. This enables a high degree of freedom with respect to the material selection.
  • the enclosure may be rigid e.g. a perforated cylinder. Although it is not necessary, it is however possible that the enclosure is flexible or comprises flexible portions.
  • the dielectric liquid is a dielectric oil.
  • the dielectric oil may be a transformer oil.
  • transformer oil denotes an oil composition which is based on synthetic ester. It has a minimum dielectric strength of 24 MV/m and a decomposition threshold temperature of substantially 260°C.
  • a silicone oil can be used as dielectric liquid. Silicone oils are highly temperature stable and possess a decomposition threshold temperature of substantially 180°C. It is apparent to a skilled person that any dielectric liquid having desired properties can be used alternatively or in addition.
  • the electrical element e.g. the electrical fuse
  • the electrical element is configured for melting and/or vaporizing at a threshold temperature which is lower than a decomposition threshold temperature of the dielectric liquid.
  • the electrical insulation properties of the dielectric liquid depend on the cleanliness of the dielectric liquid.
  • the presence of particles in the dielectric liquid can significantly impede the insulation properties and can therefore lead to arcing and damage in the electronic device.
  • the dielectric liquid is excessively heated, it decomposes under formation of undesired substances, for example carbon which is conductive.
  • the resulting suspension of dielectric liquid and carbon particles has a certain electrically conductivity and thus cannot provide a sufficient electrical insulation anymore.
  • the melting threshold temperature of the electrical element should be adjusted to be below the decomposition threshold temperature of the dielectric liquid.
  • the melting threshold temperature of the electrical element should be adjusted to be below the oil decomposition temperature threshold.
  • attaching the enclosure to the conductor is performed by means of an adhesive and/or by means of a clamping mechanism.
  • the enclosure can be attached by means of a clamping mechanism, e.g. a biased clamping ring, a screw-adjustable clamping ring, by clips, or by any other clamping means. It is also possible to attach the enclosure by means of an appropriate adhesive which is insoluble in the respective dielectric liquid. For some applications, it may be advantageously to attach the enclosure by means of plastic welding.
  • a clamping mechanism e.g. a biased clamping ring, a screw-adjustable clamping ring, by clips, or by any other clamping means.
  • an appropriate adhesive which is insoluble in the respective dielectric liquid.
  • spatially relative terms such as “front” and “back”, “above” and “below”, “left” and “right”, et cetera are used to describe an element's relationship to another element(s) as illustrated in the figures.
  • the spatially relative terms may apply to orientations in use which differ from the orientation depicted in the figures.
  • All such spatially relative terms refer to the orientation shown in the figures only for ease of description and are not necessarily limiting as an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention can assume orientations different than those illustrated in the figures when in use.
  • Figure 1 shows an electrical arrangement 100 according to a first aspect of the invention.
  • the electrical arrangement 100 is submerged in a dielectric liquid (not shown) for electrical insulation.
  • the electrical arrangement 100 comprises an electrical element 110 and an enclosure 120 which is fully surrounding the electrical element 110.
  • the electrical element 110 is configured as a low-temperature fuse element, i.e. an electrically conductive element which is intended for melting and/or vaporizing when a predetermined threshold temperature, for example between 100°C and 200°C, is exceeded.
  • the fuse element 110 is arranged between two sections 130, 140 of a conductor.
  • the fuse element 110 When the fuse element 110 is molten, the current flow from one section 130 to the other section 140 of the conductor is interrupted, thereby protecting electrical components (not shown) which are arranged upstream and downstream with respect to the fuse element 110 from overcurrent and damage.
  • the fuse element 110 When the fuse element 110 is melting, solid particles are generated.
  • the enclosure 120 is configured as a mesh having openings of a defined size. The size of the openings is selected such that the enclosure 120 is impermeable for the generated solid particles. As a consequence, the solid particles are "trapped" in an interior of the enclosure 120, i.e. they cannot pollute a main volume of dielectric liquid outside the enclosure 120. Furthermore, the enclosure 120 is configured for being permeable for liquids.
  • the liquid molecules can pass the openings of the enclosure 120.
  • the pressure inside the enclosure 120 is equilibrated to the pressure outside of the enclosure 120.
  • This allows for omitting complex penetrators which are conventionally used for overcoming pressure differences.
  • it is not required to form the enclosure 120 thick-walled for withstanding pressure differences.
  • a simple layer of fibers can be used as an enclosure 120.
  • the pressure equilibration between an interior and an exterior of the enclosure 120 it is not necessary to provide flexible portions which are intended to change a volume of the enclosure 120 for pressure equilibration.
  • the fuse element 110 is melting under formation of gases and solid particles, the volume of the enclosure 120 can be kept constant. This is highly advantageous with respect to the space requirement of the electrical arrangement 100.
  • FIG. 2 shows an electronic device 200 according to a further aspect of the invention.
  • the shown electronic device 200 may be located on the ocean floor and may be supplied with electrical power by means of a subsea power grid.
  • the electronic device 200 comprises an enclosure 270 which is filled with dielectric liquid for electrical insulation.
  • the electronic device may be pressure-compensated, i.e. the pressure inside the enclosure 270 is equalized to the surrounding water pressure.
  • the electronic device 200 may comprise one or more pressure compensators (not shown).
  • the electronic device 200 comprises a transformer 250 and at least one electronic component 260.
  • the electronic component 260 may for example be a controller, a switch, a communication component or any other component.
  • the electronic component 260 is supplied with electrical energy through the electrical arrangement 100.
  • the electrical arrangement 100 in the shown embodiment is a fuse element. If a power fault occurs in the electronic component 260, the fuse element will melt at a predetermined threshold current. Consequently, the electronic component 260 is electrically separated from the transformer 250. As a result, a damage of the transformer 250 or of components downstream the electronic device 260 can be prevented. Furthermore, the electrical arrangement 100 protects the dielectric liquid from contaminants as explained above. Since the volume of the electrical arrangement 100 remains constant, the space requirement of the electrical arrangement 100 in the electronic device 200 is very low. As becomes apparent to those skilled in the art, the use of the enclosure 120 is not limited to fuse elements. Also any other electrical elements which could pollute the dielectric liquid with solid particles due to decomposing, melting or aging can be surrounded by the enclosure 120.

Landscapes

  • Fuses (AREA)
EP16194526.6A 2016-10-19 2016-10-19 Elektrische anordnung zur verwendung in einer hochdruckumgebung Withdrawn EP3312867A1 (de)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP16194526.6A EP3312867A1 (de) 2016-10-19 2016-10-19 Elektrische anordnung zur verwendung in einer hochdruckumgebung
PCT/EP2017/071044 WO2018072914A1 (en) 2016-10-19 2017-08-21 Electrical arrangement for use in a high pressure environment

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP16194526.6A EP3312867A1 (de) 2016-10-19 2016-10-19 Elektrische anordnung zur verwendung in einer hochdruckumgebung

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3312867A1 true EP3312867A1 (de) 2018-04-25

Family

ID=57178298

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP16194526.6A Withdrawn EP3312867A1 (de) 2016-10-19 2016-10-19 Elektrische anordnung zur verwendung in einer hochdruckumgebung

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3312867A1 (de)
WO (1) WO2018072914A1 (de)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB401334A (en) * 1932-03-31 1933-10-31 Robert Henry Abell Improvements in or in connection with the use of electric fuses
US20050077994A1 (en) * 2003-10-10 2005-04-14 G&W Electric Co. Encapsulated fuse with corona shield
EP2492947A1 (de) 2011-02-22 2012-08-29 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Elektrische Unterwassersicherung
WO2015022171A1 (en) 2013-08-12 2015-02-19 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Subsea fuse
EP3016128A1 (de) 2014-10-30 2016-05-04 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Unterwasserschmelzsicherungsanordnung

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB401334A (en) * 1932-03-31 1933-10-31 Robert Henry Abell Improvements in or in connection with the use of electric fuses
US20050077994A1 (en) * 2003-10-10 2005-04-14 G&W Electric Co. Encapsulated fuse with corona shield
EP2492947A1 (de) 2011-02-22 2012-08-29 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Elektrische Unterwassersicherung
WO2015022171A1 (en) 2013-08-12 2015-02-19 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Subsea fuse
EP3016128A1 (de) 2014-10-30 2016-05-04 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Unterwasserschmelzsicherungsanordnung

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2018072914A1 (en) 2018-04-26

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
RU2568185C2 (ru) Подводный узел плавких предохранителей
CA2767978C (en) Potted electrical circuit with protective insulation
EP3000119B1 (de) Unterwassersicherung
CN106098276A (zh) 瞬态电压浪涌抑制装置
US20160126046A1 (en) Subsea fuse assembly
EP1747563B1 (de) In eine flüssigkeit eingelegte überspannungsableitvorrichtung
EP2492947B1 (de) Elektrische Unterwassersicherung
EP3312867A1 (de) Elektrische anordnung zur verwendung in einer hochdruckumgebung
EP2987171B1 (de) Feuchtigkeitsabsorber in elektrischen geräten
EP3400606B1 (de) Unterwassersicherung
US20210168962A1 (en) Backplane and method for producing same
EP3355335B1 (de) Unterseesicherungsvorrichtung
EP2980938B1 (de) Schutzgehäuse für eine komponente einer unterseevorrichtung
EP3179495B1 (de) Leistungskondensator für hochdruckanwendungen
JP2022510635A (ja) 海中ヒューズアセンブリ
CN113196439B (zh) 具有集成的测量功能的熔断保险装置以及保险体
KR20070062907A (ko) 실온 상태의 장치와 초전도 장치를 연결하기 위한 전기피드스루

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 20181026