EP3780055B1

EP3780055B1 - Switch-fuse module

Info

Publication number: EP3780055B1
Application number: EP19191733.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Magne SAXEGAARD; Pouria Homayonifar; Pal Skryten; Ole Granhaug
Original assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
Current assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
Priority date: 2019-08-14
Filing date: 2019-08-14
Publication date: 2022-10-19
Anticipated expiration: 2039-08-14
Also published as: ES2936618T3; EP3780055A1

Description

Aspects of the invention relate to a switch-fuse module, in particular a switch-fuse module for use with insulating gases with global warming potential less than global warming potential of SF6. Further aspects relate to a ring main unit including the switch-fuse module.

Technical background

In electrical energy technologies, the gas sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) plays a key role as an insulating and arc-quenching medium, particularly in switchgear. In addition to its many advantages in terms of technical properties, SF6 has the disadvantage of having a very high global warming potential (GWP). It is a potent greenhouse gas.
An essential criterion when designing electrical equipment is a compact design. In urban areas, the installation of electrical equipment often depends upon space-saving construction.
Thus, there is a need for electrical energy technologies that address environmental concerns. There is also a need to provide compact electrical energy technologies.
Document GB982012A discloses a circuit interrupter device of the gas-blast type. Document GB982012A shows a circuit interrupting device in figure 1, and an embodiment incorporating a fusible link in figure 2.

Summary of the invention

The present invention is defined by claim 1. Some advantages relating to the switch-fuse module are described as follows.
According to embodiments, the switch-disconnector and the at least one fuse are configured for use with the at least one insulating gas having dielectric strength lower than dielectric strength of SF6.
According to embodiments, the switch-fuse module is configured for a rated voltage in a range from 1 kV to 52 kV.
According to embodiments, the at least one fuse is arranged at a first distance from the switch-disconnector, wherein the first distance is at least a distance dielectrically suitable for a rated voltage in a range from 1 kV to 52 kV in the presence of the at least one insulating gas. According to embodiments, the switch-fuse module further includes at least one busbar arranged at a second distance above the switch-disconnector, wherein the second distance is at least a distance dielectrically suitable for a rated voltage in a range from 1 kV to 52 kV in the presence of the at least one insulating gas.
According to embodiments, the switch-fuse module further includes at least one busbar, wherein the at least one fuse is arranged such that the central axis of the at least one fuse is in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the at least one busbar.
According to embodiments, the at least one fuse is configured to be accessible from the front of the switch-fuse module.
According to embodiments, the switch-fuse module further includes at least one electrical bushing mounted above and/or below and/or beside the at least one fuse, wherein the at least one electrical bushing is configured to be electrically connected to the at least one fuse. According to embodiments, a ring main unit having the switch-fuse module according to any aspect or embodiments is provided.
Some advantages relating to the switch-fuse module are described as follows.
An advantage may be that horizontal arrangement of the fuse and switch-disconnector may provide better dielectric capabilities than a vertical arrangement. There may also be an advantage that all possible configurations of functional units such as cable switching, circuit break and fuse module for ring main units using environmentally friendly gases as the dielectric medium may be provided. An advantage may be that all needed criteria such as dielectric level, mechanical linkage, and requirements of a 12 kV and/or 24 kV ring main unit may be provided for SF6 free equipment. An advantage may be that a side foot print or side dimensions, or dimensions in the y-z plane, or dimensions perpendicular to an access door to the switch-fuse module of existing switchgear may be maintained within a prescribed limit. An advantage may be that a switch-fuse combination for eco-efficient gas insulating switchgear may be provided.
Further advantages, features, aspects and details that can be combined with embodiments described herein are evident from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

Brief description of the Figures

The details will be described in the following with reference to the figures, wherein

Fig. 1 is a representation of a switch-fuse module according to embodiments described herein;
Fig. 2 is a representation of a switch-fuse module according to embodiments described herein;
Fig. 3 is a representation of a switch-fuse module according to embodiments described herein.

Detailed description of the Figures and of embodiments:

Reference will now be made in detail to the various embodiments, one or more examples of which are illustrated in each figure. Each example is provided by way of explanation and is not meant as a limitation. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used on or in conjunction with any other embodiment to yield yet a further embodiment. It is intended that the present disclosure includes such modifications and variations.
Within the following description of the drawings, the same reference numbers refer to the same or to similar components. Generally, only the differences with respect to the individual embodiments are described. Unless specified otherwise, the description of a part or aspect in one embodiment applies to a corresponding part or aspect in another embodiment as well.
Next, before describing individual embodiments, general aspects of the invention are described. Therein, the reference numbers of the Figures are used merely for illustration. The aspects are, however, not limited to any particular embodiment. Instead, any aspect described herein can be combined with any other aspect(s) or embodiments described herein unless specified otherwise.
According to aspects or embodiments described herein, the problem of environmental concerns and/or space constraints relating to electrical energy technologies may be addressed. As shown in Fig. 1, there is provided a switch-fuse module having at least one fuse and a switch-disconnector. The switch-disconnector 700 and the at least one fuse 100 may be configured for use with at least one insulating gas having global warming potential less than global warming potential of SF6. The switch-disconnector 700 and the at least one fuse 100 may be mounted horizontally beside each other.
Some embodiments relating to the geometry and dimensions of the switch-fuse module are described as follows.
The x-direction as shown in Fig. 1 may be a horizontal direction. The y-direction may then be a vertical direction, and the z-direction may be a depth direction. A view of the switch-fuse module in a direction perpendicular to z-y plane may be a side view. Accordingly, a side footprint or side dimensions may be in the z-y plane. Similarly, a view of the switch-fuse module in a direction perpendicular to x-y plane may be a front or back view. Accordingly, a front footprint or front dimensions may be in the x-y plane. Alternatively, terms such as "vertical" and "horizontal" may refer to the respective directions when the switch-fuse module is mounted in a regular mounting orientation in which the module is ready for operation, especially with an operating panel oriented on a vertical front face of the switch-fuse module.
The switch-fuse module and/or ring main unit including the switch-fuse module may have a height of more than 1000 mm and/or less than 1400 mm, or alternatively more than 1000 mm and/or less than 2000 mm. For example, the switch-fuse module may have a height, in a vertical direction, of less than 1400 mm. The height may be in a vertical direction, y-direction, and/or a direction in a plane including the at least one fuse 100 and the switch-disconnector 700. Vertical direction may be a direction parallel to gravity. Similarly, height may be understood as a length in a direction parallel to gravity. A height may be a vertical length according to a side, or front view.
The switch-fuse module and/or ring main unit may have a depth of more than 500 mm and/or less than 800 mm, or alternatively more than 500 mm and/or less than 1000 mm. For example, the switch-fuse module may have a depth, in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the horizontal arrangement of the switch-disconnector 700 and the at least one fuse 100, of less than 800 mm. The depth may be in a horizontal direction, z-direction, a horizontal direction perpendicular to a horizontal line that passes through the at least one fuse 100 and the switch-disconnector 700, and/or a direction perpendicular to a plane that includes the switch-disconnector 700 and the at least one fuse 100. A horizontal direction may be a direction perpendicular to gravity. Similarly, depth may be understood as a length in a direction perpendicular to gravity. Depth may be understood as a length in a direction perpendicular to access panels of the switch-fuse module. A depth may be a horizontal length according to a side view.
The switch-fuse module and/or ring main unit may have a width of more than 400 mm and/or less than 800 mm, or alternatively more than 400 mm and/or less than 1000 mm. For example, the switch-fuse module may have a width, in a horizontal direction parallel to the horizontal arrangement of the switch-disconnector 700 and the at least one fuse 100, of less than 800 mm. The width may be in a horizontal direction, x-direction, and/or in a horizontal direction parallel to a horizontal line that passes through the switch-disconnector 700 and the at least one fuse 100. The switch-fuse module may occupy a space of two general panels. Width may be understood as a length in a direction perpendicular to gravity. Width may be understood as a length in a direction parallel to access panels of the switch-fuse module. A width may be a length according to a front view.
Two general switchgear panels may represent one switch-fuse module in compact switchgear.
It may be understood that a larger switch-fuse module and/or ring main unit dimensions may be suitable for a higher rated voltage. For example, a switch-fuse module and/or a ring main unit may be for a rated voltage in a range from 1 kV or 12 kV to 24 kV, with a height of more than 1000 mm and/or less than 1400 mm, depth of more than 500 mm and/or less than 800, and/or width of more than 400 mm and/or less than 800 mm, while a switch-fuse module and/or a ring main unit may be for a rated voltage in a range from 36 kV to 42 kV, with a height of more than 1000 mm and/or less than 2000 mm, depth of more than 500 mm and/or less than 1000, and/or width of more than 400 mm and/or less than 1000 mm.
Some embodiments relating to the fuse 100 and switch-disconnector 700 are described as follows.
The switch-disconnector 700 and the at least one fuse 100 may be mounted horizontally beside each other such that their extents overlap in the y- and z-directions and not in the x-direction. The switch-disconnector 700 and the at least one fuse 100 may have a finite separation distance in the x-direction and their extents overlap in the y-direction. The at least one fuse 100 may be placed beside or immediately adjacent to the switch-disconnector 700. The switch-disconnector 700 and the at least one fuse 100 may be mounted in a same or a single pressurised tank and/or in a same compartment and/or in a same gas enclosure. In some embodiments, up to five switches, e.g. disconnector-switches, and/or panels, e.g. general panels, may be included in the pressurised tank. The switch-disconnector 700 and the at least one fuse 100 may be configured for use with the at least one insulating gas having dielectric strength lower than dielectric strength of SF6.
The at least one fuse 100 may be arranged such that the central axis of the at least one fuse 100 is in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the busbar 800 and/or parallel to the z-direction. The at least one fuse 100 may be configured to be accessible from the front face of the switch-fuse module. Alternatively or in addition, the at least one fuse 100 may be configured to be accessible from a direction perpendicular to a vertical plane that contains the at least one busbar 800, the at least one fuse 100 and the switch-disconnector 700. For example, the at least one fuse 100, the at least one busbar 800 and the switch-disconnector 700 may be arranged in a vertical plane. Accordingly, easy access to the at least one fuse, the at least one busbar 800 and/or the switch-disconnector 700 may be provided. The central/symmetry axis of each of the at least one fuse 100 may be perpendicular to a vertical plane containing the at least one busbar 800, the at least one fuse 100 and the switch-disconnector 700. Access panels may be provided on the front face of the switch-fuse module. Access panels may provide access to the at least one fuse 100, such as access for maintenance and/or replacement of the at least one fuse 100. The at least one fuse 100 may be accessible through access panels.
The at least one fuse 100 may be placed in a longitudinally extended tank. Longitudinal may be in the x-direction. The at least one fuse 100 may include moulded fuse housings. The fuse 100 may include moulded fuse housing and at least one electrical connection/linkage to the fuse 100. The moulded fuse housing and/or at least one electrical connection/linkage may be designed in a way to maintain the needed dielectric level. The fuse 100, moulded fuse housing and/or at least one electrical connection may be arranged as to pass at least one busbar 800 to the next or an adjacent panel of the switchgear. The fuse 100 may be a fuse cylinder or a fuse canister. The fuse 100 or a plurality of fuses 100, for example three fuses 100, may have dimensions larger than the space available above and/or under the switch-disconnector 700 configured to work with SF6 alternative gases.
A puffer switching device may be utilised as the switch-disconnector 700. Alternatively, a puffer switching device may be utilised in addition to the switch-disconnector 700. Alternatively, a vacuum interrupter may be utilised. The puffer switching device may include a fixed tulip contact. The fixed tulip contact may be connected to at least one busbar 800. The puffer switching device may include a linearly sliding electrode, a blowing compression chamber, and/or blowing ports. The puffer switching device may include a rotating shaft to disconnect the line, which may be a load break shaft 600 for example. A switch-disconnector housing may cover the load break shaft 600 of the panel.
Some embodiments relating to the insulating gas are described as follows.
The switch-fuse module may be of a gas insulating switchgear for SF6 alternatives. There may be a pressurized tank configured to contain at least one insulating gas having dielectric strength lower than dielectric strength of SF6. The width of the tank may be extended from a standard tank size. The pressurized tank may be configured to be filled, for example during installation and/or commissioning, to an absolute pressure in a range from 1.0 bar to 1.5 bar, preferably in a range from 1.3 bar to 1.4 bar.
Global warming potential may be understood to be assessed over an interval of 100 years, relative to CO2 gas. SF6 may be considered to have a global warming potential of 22,200 times that of CO2 over a 100 year period. The at least one insulating gas having dielectric strength lower than dielectric strength of SF6 includes at least one gas component selected from the group consisting of: CO2, O2, N2, H2, air, N2O, a hydrocarbon, in particular CH4, a perfluorinated or partially hydrogenated organofluorine compound, and mixtures thereof. In further embodiments, the at least one insulating gas includes a background gas, in particular selected from the group consisting CO2, O2, N2, H2, air, in a mixture with an organofluorine compound selected from the group consisting of: fluoroether, oxirane, fluoramine, fluoroketone, fluoroolefin, fluoronitrile, and mixtures and/or decomposition products thereof. For example, the at least one insulating gas may include dry air or technical air. The at least one insulating gas may be a dielectric insulating medium. The at least one insulating gas may in particular include an organofluorine compound selected from the group consisting of: a fluoroether, an oxirane, a fluoramine, a fluoroketone, a fluoroolefin, a fluoronitrile, and mixtures and/or decomposition products thereof. In particular, the at least one insulating gas may include as a hydrocarbon at least CH4, a perfluorinated and/or partially hydrogenated organofluorine compound, and mixtures thereof. The organofluorine compound is preferably selected from the group consisting of: a fluorocarbon, a fluoroether, a fluoroamine, a fluoronitrile, and a fluoroketone; and preferably is a fluoroketone and/or a fluoroether, more preferably a perfluoroketone and/or a hydrofluoroether, more preferably a perfluoroketone having from 4 to 12 carbon atoms and even more preferably a perfluoroketone having 4, 5 or 6 carbon atoms. The at least one insulating gas preferably includes the fluoroketone mixed with air or an air component such as N2, O2, and/or CO2.
In specific cases, the fluoronitrile mentioned above is a perfluoronitrile, in particular a perfluoronitrile containing two carbon atoms, and/or three carbon atoms, and/or four carbon atoms. More particularly, the fluoronitrile can be a perfluoro-alkylnitrile, specifically perfluoro-acetonitrile, perfluoro-propionitrile (C2F5CN) and/or perfluorobutyronitrile (C3F7CN). Most particularly, the fluoronitrile can be perfluoro-isobutyro¬nitrile (according to formula (CF3)2CFCN) and/or perfluoro-2-methoxypropanenitrile (according to formula CF3CF(OCF3)CN). Of these, perfluoroisobutyronitrile is particularly preferred due to its low toxicity.
As one example, the switch-fuse module can operate with air, dry air, and/or a gas mixture including air for a rated voltage in a range from 1 kV to 52 kV, for example 12 kV or a 12 kV rated switchgear. In another example, the switch-fuse module can operate with a gas mixture including a C5 perfluoroketone and/or air, for a rated voltage in a range from 1 kV to 52 kV, for example 24 kV or a 24 kV rated switchgear.
Some details relating to the first earthing switch 400 and second earthing switch 300 are described as follows.
The switch-fuse module includes a first earthing switch 400. The first earthing switch 400 is mounted vertically under the switch-disconnector 700. The switch-fuse includes a second earthing switch 300. The second earthing switch 300 is mounted vertically under the at least one fuse 100. The first earthing switch 400 is configured to earth a first side of the at least one fuse 100. The second earthing switch 300 is configured for earthing a second side of the at least one fuse 100. The first and/or second side of the at least one fuse 100 may be an electrical and/or galvanic side of the at least one fuse 100.
The switch-fuse module includes at least one earthing shaft 500. The at least one earthing shaft 500 may be configured for operating the first earthing switch 400 and/or the second earthing switch 300. The at least one earthing shaft 500 simultaneously operates both the first earthing switch 400 and second earthing switch 300. The first earthing switch 400 and the second earthing switch 300 may be configured to be operated simultaneously and/or jointly connected to a common actuating mechanism, for example the earthing shaft 500. The earthing shaft 500 may operate by means of mechanical linkages. Both upstream and downstream of the at least one fuse 100 may be simultaneously grounded.
Some embodiments relating to elements of the switch-fuse module are described as follows.
The switch-fuse module may be of a compact switchgear. The switch-fuse module may be configured for a rated voltage in a range from 1 kV to 52 kV, preferably from 1 kV to 42 kV, more preferably from 10 kV to 42 kV, or even more preferably from 12 kV to 42 kV, or most preferably for 12 kV and 24 kV and/or 36 kV and/or 40.5 kV. In one particular example, it may be understood that a 24 kV rated unit may fulfil dielectric withstand of at least 125 kV. A first space between the switch-disconnector 700 and the at least one fuse 100 may provide dielectric capability for a rated voltage, for example for a rated voltage in a range from 1 kV to 52 kV. In an exemplarily embodiment, the at least one fuse 100 may be arranged at a first distance from the switch-disconnector 700. The first distance may be at least a distance dielectrically suitable for a rated voltage between 1 kV and 52 kV in the presence of the at least one insulating gas at operating conditions.
The switch-fuse module may include at least one busbar 800. In an example, the busbar 800 may be a metallic strip or bar, and/or may be housed inside a switchgear, a panel board, and/or a busway enclosures, and in some examples, suitable for local and/or high current power distribution and/or suitable for connecting high voltage equipment. The at least one busbar 800 may be arranged substantially parallel to a vertical plane that includes the switch-disconnector 700 and the at least one fuse 100, and/or in a horizontal direction (for example, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3) or alternatively in a vertical direction (for example, as shown in Fig. 2), and/or perpendicular to a central axis of the at least one fuse 100 (for example, as shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3). "Substantially parallel" may be understood as having less than 45 degrees, preferably less than 30 degrees, even more preferably less than 15 degrees, and most preferably less than 5 degrees deviation from the parallel.
The at least one busbar 800 may be mounted above the at least one fuse 100 and/or the switch-disconnector 700. The at least one busbar 800 may be a long connection (for example, a busbar adapted for interconnecting a plurality of panels or switchboards such as the switch-fuse module, as shown in Fig. 1), or a short connection (for example, a busbar section interconnecting the switch-disconnector 700 with the bushing 900, where the bushing may be connected to a line or to a further busbar section, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3). In the arrangement of Fig. 2, a further busbar section may extend horizontally on the other side of the bushing 900, i.e. to the left side in Fig. 2, for interconnecting a plurality of panels or switchboards in a similar manner as the busbar of Fig. 1. In this case the swich fuse module may be an outermost (here: rightmost) panel or switchboard of a plurality of panels or switchboards arranged in a row and interconnected by the busbar 800.
The at least one busbar 800 may be connected to/by at least one interface bushing 900. In an example, the at least one interface bushing 900 may be configured to connect/interface with/to an inlet side (incoming from load side and/or from an electrical network).
A space between the at least one fuse 100 or the at least one electrical linkage of the fuse 100, and the at least one busbar 800 provides dielectric capability for a rated voltage in a range from 1 kV to 52 kV. In an exemplarily embodiment, at least one busbar 800 may be arranged at a second distance above the switch-disconnector 700, wherein the second distance may be at least a distance dielectrically suitable for a rated voltage in a range from 1 kV to 52 kV in the presence of the at least one insulating gas at operating conditions.
The switch-fuse module may protect a transformer. A transformer may be part of an electrical network.
The switch-fuse module may include at least one electrical bushing 200. In an example, the at least one electrical bushing 200 may be configured to connect/interface with/to outgoing to consumer. The at least one electrical bushing 200 may be mounted above and/or below and/or beside the at least one fuse 100. The at least one electrical bushing 200 may be configured to be electrically connected to the at least one fuse 100. The electrical bushing 200 may be an outlet bushing which may be physically beside or immediately adjacent to or above the second earthing switch 300. There may be a second electrical bushing, for example an inlet bushing such as the interface bushing 900, mounted on a side of the pressurised tank and/or a side, in the x-direction, of the at least one busbar 800 and/or of the switch-disconnector 700 (for example, as shown in Fig. 2), and/or electrically connected to the at least one busbar 800. Alternatively the second electrical bushing such as the interface bushing 900, or in addition a third electrical bushing, may be mounted on a top side, in the y-direction, of the at least one busbar 800 and/or of the switch-disconnector 700 (for example, as shown in Fig. 3), and/or electrically connected to the at least one busbar 800. The at least one busbar 800 may be a short connection (as shown in Figs. 2 and 3), preferably when a second electrical bushing and/or third electrical bushing is provided.
The switch-fuse module may be interconnected, e.g., via a busbar 800 as shown in Fig. 1, to further panels and/or switchboards interconnected by the busbar 800, thereby consituting a switchgear comprising the panels and/or switchboards including the switch-fuse module. The swich fuse module may be an outermost panel of a switchgear. Where the switch-fuse module is the outermost panel of a switchgear, top and side bushings may be mounted. A positioning of components such as the at least one fuse 100, the at least one electrical linkage, the at least one busbar 800 and/or the switch-disconnector 700 may provide the needed dielectric strength. The external surface of conductive materials may be configured to provide the needed dielectric strength.
According to aspects described herein, a ring main unit may be provided. The ring main unit may have a switch-fuse module according to aspects and/or embodiments described herein.

Reference signs:

100 Fuse
200 Electrical bushing
300 Second earthing switch
400 First earthing switch
500 Earthing shaft
600 Load break shaft
700 Switch-disconnector
800 Busbar
900 Interface bushing

Claims

A switch-fuse module comprising
at least one fuse (100),

a switch-disconnector (700),

a pressurised tank containing the at least one insulating gas having global warming potential less than global warming potential of SF6,

a first earthing switch (400) mounted vertically under the switch-disconnector (700) for earthing a first side of the at least one fuse (100),

a second earthing switch (300) mounted vertically under the at least one fuse (100) for earthing a second side of the at least one fuse (100), and

at least one earthing shaft (500) for operating the first earthing switch (400) and the second earthing switch (300) simultaneously,
wherein the switch-disconnector (700) and the at least one fuse (100) are both mounted in the pressurised tank, and the switch-disconnector (700) and the at least one fuse (100) are mounted horizontally beside each other.
The switch-fuse module according to the preceding claim, wherein the switch-fuse module has a height of less than 1400 mm and/or a depth of less than 800 mm.
The switch-fuse module according to any preceding claim, wherein the switch-fuse module has a width of less than 800 mm.
The switch-fuse module according to any preceding claim, wherein the switch-fuse module is configured for a rated voltage in a range from 1 kV to 52 kV.
The switch-fuse module according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one fuse (100) is arranged at a first distance from the switch-disconnector (700), wherein the first distance is at least a distance dielectrically suitable for a rated voltage in a range from 1 kV to 52 kV in the presence of the at least one insulating gas.
The switch-fuse module according to any preceding claim, further comprising at least one busbar (800) arranged at a second distance above the switch-disconnector (700), wherein the second distance is at least a distance dielectrically suitable for a rated voltage in a range from 1 kV to 52 kV in the presence of the at least one insulating gas.
The switch-fuse module according to any preceding claim, further comprising at least one busbar, (800) wherein the at least one fuse (100) is arranged such that the central axis of the at least one fuse (100) is in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the at least one busbar (800).
The switch-fuse module according to any preceding claim, further comprising at least one electrical bushing (200) mounted above or below or beside the at least one fuse (100) wherein the at least one electrical bushing (200) is configured to be electrically connected to the at least one fuse (100).
A ring main unit comprising the switch-fuse module according to any preceding claim.