EP4309195A1 - Procédé et appareil permettant de protéger des composants électriques d'une perturbation électromagnétique transitoire transmise sur des lignes électriques parallèles - Google Patents

Procédé et appareil permettant de protéger des composants électriques d'une perturbation électromagnétique transitoire transmise sur des lignes électriques parallèles

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Publication number
EP4309195A1
EP4309195A1 EP22771944.0A EP22771944A EP4309195A1 EP 4309195 A1 EP4309195 A1 EP 4309195A1 EP 22771944 A EP22771944 A EP 22771944A EP 4309195 A1 EP4309195 A1 EP 4309195A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cite
power lines
conductive
power line
impedance transition
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Withdrawn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
EP22771944.0A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Curtis A. Birnbach
John Anthony Cappelletti
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.)
Advanced Fusion Systems LLC
Original Assignee
Advanced Fusion Systems LLC
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
Priority claimed from US17/204,527 external-priority patent/US11322814B2/en
Application filed by Advanced Fusion Systems LLC filed Critical Advanced Fusion Systems LLC
Publication of EP4309195A1 publication Critical patent/EP4309195A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01P—WAVEGUIDES; RESONATORS, LINES, OR OTHER DEVICES OF THE WAVEGUIDE TYPE
    • H01P1/00—Auxiliary devices
    • H01P1/22—Attenuating devices
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01C—RESISTORS
    • H01C7/00—Non-adjustable resistors formed as one or more layers or coatings; Non-adjustable resistors made from powdered conducting material or powdered semi-conducting material with or without insulating material
    • H01C7/10—Non-adjustable resistors formed as one or more layers or coatings; Non-adjustable resistors made from powdered conducting material or powdered semi-conducting material with or without insulating material voltage responsive, i.e. varistors
    • H01C7/12—Overvoltage protection resistors
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01C—RESISTORS
    • H01C8/00—Non-adjustable resistors consisting of loose powdered or granular conducting, or powdered or granular semi-conducting material
    • H01C8/04—Overvoltage protection resistors; Arresters
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01P—WAVEGUIDES; RESONATORS, LINES, OR OTHER DEVICES OF THE WAVEGUIDE TYPE
    • H01P1/00—Auxiliary devices
    • H01P1/20—Frequency-selective devices, e.g. filters
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02H—EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS
    • H02H5/00—Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal non-electric working conditions with or without subsequent reconnection
    • H02H5/005—Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal non-electric working conditions with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to ionising radiation; Nuclear-radiation circumvention circuits
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02H—EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS
    • H02H9/00—Emergency protective circuit arrangements for limiting excess current or voltage without disconnection
    • H02H9/04—Emergency protective circuit arrangements for limiting excess current or voltage without disconnection responsive to excess voltage

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for protecting electronic equipment (electrical components (EC)) from hazardous EMI including transient electromagnetic disturbances, such as an electromagnetic pulse whose origin may be a natural occurrence or man-made.
  • EC electronic equipment
  • Component An individual electric or electronic element or a plurality of such elements connected in a defined circuit or system.
  • CITE Conductive Impedance Transition Element
  • Decaying Resonator Two CITE elements or clusters of CITE elements positioned on a conductor with spacing in between, wherein high frequency components of an electromagnetic signal is caused to reflect back and forth between the CITE elements and continues such reflection until the signal dissipates as heat.
  • the spacing between the CITE elements is chosen such that electromagnetic signals in a selected frequency band do not collide and add via constructive interference.
  • Electromagnetic Attack A scenario wherein a hazardous EMI signal is intentionally inflicted on some electrical or electronic equipment or systems with the intent to cause damage, disruption, or confusion of said system.
  • Electromagnetic Interference Electromagnetic radiation the reception of which is undesired in an electrical system as it can interfere with conveyed signals or equipment coupled to such system.
  • EMI is defined herein as a broad term that encompasses numerous sub-types that are defined herein below.
  • Electromagnetic Pulse A transient burst of electromagnetic radiation having a fast rise time of typically less than 5 nanoseconds that is hazardous and can produce potentially damaging current and voltage surges (and can thus be considered a subset of hazardous EMI).
  • Typical EMP intensity is in the order of tens of thousands of Volts/Meter.
  • EMP can be produced by a nuclear detonation (NEMP; risetime typically is less than 5 nanoseconds) or by non-nuclear sources that produce a suddenly fluctuating electromagnetic field such as coronal mass ejections (NNEMP; risetime typically is less than 5 nanoseconds).
  • Electromagnetic Threat A circumstance wherein a hazardous and intentional electromagnetic signal may be used against electrical or electronic equipment or systems with the intent to cause damage, disruption, or confusion of said system.
  • Extraordinary Electromagnetic Pulses A class of EMP which encompasses all the various electromagnetic threats described herein, as previously defined in US 8,300,378.
  • Extraordinary EMP includes transient pulses arising from nuclear explosions (NEMP), non nuclear electromagnetic pulses (NNEMP) of sufficient strength to reach and render inoperative components of an electrical power system, or geomagnetically-induced current (GIC) as a result of coronal mass ejections from solar storms.
  • NEMP nuclear explosions
  • NNEMP non nuclear electromagnetic pulses
  • GIC geomagnetically-induced current
  • Hazardous EMI Electromagnetic interference the receipt of which in an electrical system has a high likelihood of damaging or rendering inoperable electric equipment coupled to such system, such as, but not limited to, electrical generating equipment, electronic circuit boards and transformers. This interference may be a pulse or continuous emission.
  • Electromagnetic Pulse (HEMP): Also a subset of NEMP. HEMP is produced when a nuclear weapon is detonated high above the Earth’s surface (exo- atmospheric), creating gamma-radiation that interacts with the atmosphere to create an intense electromagnetic energy field that is harmless to people as it radiates outward but which can overload circuitry with effects similar to a lightning strike, but causing damage much more swiftly than a lightning strike.
  • High Magnetic Permeability High magnetic permeability is defined herein as a permeability equal to or greater than lxlO -3 m (H/m; absolute permeability); >1000m/m0 (relative permeability).
  • IEMI Intentional electromagnetic interference
  • Narrow Bandwidth EM signal An EM signal having a bandwidth that is equal to or less than 25 percent of the central frequency.
  • NEMI Nuclear electromagnetic interference
  • EMP Electromagnetic Pulse
  • Phase Lines Two or more conductors positioned adjacent to one each other and carrying the same phase of a single or multiphase power line.
  • Power Line An electrical power generation, transmission or distribution system having a power grid including multiple, synchronized sources of power generation. More particularly, the power line can comprise a “three-phase line” having three separate conductors, each of which carries a power signal in a phase-shifted relationship with the others. A fourth conductor can be neutral.
  • Radio Frequency Electromagnetic emissions and signals in the radio portion of the spectrum, ranging from a few KiloHertz to many TeraHertz.
  • SREMP Source Region Electromagnetic Pulse
  • NEMP Nuclear Electromagnetic Pulse
  • a SREMP is produced by low-altitude (endo-atmospheric) nuclear burst.
  • An effective net vertical electron current is formed by the asymmetric deposition of electrons in the atmosphere and the ground, and the formation and decay of this current emits a pulse of electromagnetic radiation in directions perpendicular to the current.
  • the asymmetry from a low-altitude explosion occurs because some electrons emitted downward are trapped in the upper millimeter of the Earth’s surface while others, moving upward and outward, can travel long distances in the atmosphere, producing ionization and charge separation.
  • a weaker asymmetry can exist for higher altitude explosions due to the density gradient of the atmosphere.
  • SGEMP System Generated EMP
  • SGEMP is a special class of EMP signal that occurs as a result of energy reflecting within an equipment enclosure. It is usually associated with and found within missiles but can occur elsewhere. It is unique in that it is a secondary form of EMP emission.
  • Ultrahigh Bandwidth EM signal An EM signal having a bandwidth that is greater than or equal to 75 percent of central frequency of the signal.
  • NEMP, HEMP, SREMP, SGEMP, and others are all electromagnetic pulses derived from the explosion of a nuclear device (fission, fusion, thermonuclear fusion). All are typified by extremely fast risetimes, typically less than 5 nanoseconds, and can have risetimes in the sub-nanosecond range. All these EMP types, as well as the Non-Nuclear EMP class (NNEMP) produce pulses that are typified by an extremely broad RF Bandwidth, typically ranging from a few KiloHertz to several GigaHertz. It is further noted that the signal level at any individual frequency across this portion of the spectrum is not uniform, but the bulk of the energy is located below around 200 MegaHertz. These boundaries are not fixed and are determined by a number of parameters that exist at the moment of the creation of said pulse.
  • Typical EMP intensity is in the order of tens of thousands of Volts/Meter. This compares with the order of 200 Volts/Meter for nearby radars, 10 Volts/Meter for communication equipment, and 0.01 Volts/Meter for typical metropolitan area ambient. It is also noted that Federal Communication Commission (FCC) guidelines mandate a limit of 0.5 Volts/Meter at the edge of the property line of the transmission cite for emissions of this sort.
  • FCC Federal Communication Commission
  • EMP electromagnétique
  • EM coupling to a conducting structure
  • electrical induction the basic mechanism for linear conductors
  • magnetic induction the principal mechanism when the conducting structure forms a closed loop
  • signal transfer through the earth i.e. the physical planet
  • Devices which may be susceptible to functional damage due to electrical transients include active electronic devices, passive electronic components, semiconductor devices, squibs and pyrotechnic devices, meters, and power systems, cables, electrical power grid switching and distribution elements. Operational upset and damage can be expected in digital processing systems, memory units, guidance systems, and power distribution systems. Damage mechanisms include dielectric breakdown, thermal effects and interconnection, switching, transformer and generator failures.
  • SREMP Source Region Electromagnetic Pulses
  • HEMP High Altitude electromagnetic pulses
  • FIG. 19A is a graph of an exemplary EMP waveform generated by an exemplary 100 KiloTon endo- atmospheric detonation over time.
  • the start of the waveform (El) of the SREMP is an extremely powerful pulse that rises to a maximum which can be as high as 250 KV/Meter in approximately 1 nanosecond and falls to approximately 10 KV/Meter within 10 nanoseconds.
  • FIG. 19B is a graph of the relative energy of the SREMP waveform versus frequency. As shown, the frequency content of the SREMP waveform lies in a frequency range below 1 MHz, with the vast majority of the spectral content lying below 10 kHz. It is noted that the exact field strengths, pulse risetimes, and duration depend upon a combination of multiple factors including device geometry, device yield, height of explosion, and atmospheric conditions at the time of detonation.
  • FIG. 20A is a graph of an EMI waveform generated by an exemplary exo-atmospheric detonation over time. As shown, the waveform of the HEMP is drastically different from its SREMP counterpart.
  • FIG. 20B is a schematic graph of the relative energy of the HEMP waveform versus frequency. As shown, about ninety percent of the energy is contained in the 100 KHz to 10 MHz range.
  • EMP fast rise-time electromagnetic pulses
  • SREMP endo-atmospheric denotations
  • SREMP endo-atmospheric denotations
  • This EMP has a substantial electrical field strength that is typically, but not limited to, the range of lOKV/meter to 500KV/meter.
  • Electrical pulses in power lines generated by lightning behave in a similar fashion to SREMP pulses, but have a slower risetime, typically around 20 nanoseconds, and a longer pulsewidth than nuclear, or other artificially created EMP.
  • the low-Q decaying resonators tend to be slightly less effective in suppressing a transient induced signal from lightning than they are in suppressing a transient induced signal from SREMP or non-nuclear sources.
  • SREMP extremely short EMP
  • EMP e.g., lightning
  • Electron Tube Protective Devices The inventor of the present application has previously developed protective means utilizing high speed high power cold cathode field emission electron tubes as a preferred means for protecting electrical and electronic equipment from damage due to any of the aforementioned electromagnetic threats.
  • Such protective cold cathode field emission electron tubes are described in US Patent 8,300,378 “Method and apparatus for protecting power systems from extraordinary electromagnetic pulses” by Birnbach. Testing of this class of electron tube device has shown it to be suitable for protective service in repetitive pulse applications with pulse repetition rates to over 500 KiloHertz.
  • MOVs Metal Oxide Varistors
  • MOVs are solid state devices which, in their resting state, exhibit very high impedance, typically of, but not limited to, 10 MW -100MW. When a voltage is applied across a MOV in excess of some predetermined threshold, the MOV changes its internal impedance to a very low impedance state. This allows the MOV to be used to shunt overvoltages around critical circuit components. The speed at which this change of impedance occurs is a function of the specific design and material content of said MOV.
  • a significant limitation of MOV devices is that, since they are semiconductors, once a fault in the crystalline structure of the substrate occurs, MO Vs cannot be repaired and they do not self-heal. The foregoing type of fault is the predominant failure mode of MOVs. As a result, MOVs cannot be relied on to provide protection for more than one overvoltage event. MOVs are currently the primary surge suppression means used by the public utilities in spite of this limitation.
  • MOVs do not have a sufficiently fast risetime (typically approximately 20 nanoseconds) to be useful in suppressing EMP from a nuclear explosion (NEMP), particularly the El portions of SREMP and fast-rise time portions of HEMP.
  • NEMP nuclear explosion
  • MOVs having fast reaction times adapted for high rise times approximately 2-5 nanoseconds risetime
  • MOVs having fast reaction times adapted for high rise times are still too slow to be effective against all El pulses which typically have sub-nanosecond rise times.
  • This speed differential allows a devastatingly large amount of energy to pass before the protective action occurs, resulting in failure of the protected device and frequently of the protective device (MOV) as well. Therefore, MOVs are generally not effective against NEMP.
  • Spark Gaps A Spark Gap is a form of a fast switch which is sometimes used for hazardous EMI protection.
  • a spark gap is wired to shunt the overvoltage around sensitive components.
  • the threshold voltage is determined by the spacing of the electrodes of the spark gap.
  • a problem with spark gaps is getting them to trigger reliably at some predetermined voltage.
  • a further problem is that once fired, the contact surfaces of the spark gap degrade by erosion, causing a change in the electrode spacing, and subsequent firing events are usually not at the same voltage as when the spark gap is new. Spark gaps require very high maintenance and their use is generally restricted to laboratory pulse power experimentation.
  • horns Another form of spark gap that is used exclusively by the electric power distribution and transmission industry is a set of specifically spaced curved rods, often referred to as “horns.” While too slow in risetime for protection against fast-rise time EMP, horns have been shown to be a simple approach for lightning protection and are widely used. Their major disadvantage is that they are easily damaged and require frequent replacement.
  • Inductors can suppress fast transient signals when wired in series with a circuit.
  • the problem with the use of serially connected inductors as protective devices is that the electrical insulation requirements and the tolerance of the diameter of the conductor in the inductor, which relates to its ability to handle certain amounts of current without overheating, are very strict, and serial inductors alone are generally not capable of adequately suppressing hazardous EMI signals.
  • the ability of an inductor to withstand multiple repeated pulses is a function of its design, specifically the insulation and thermal ratings. Inductors consume energy and are usually only used in sub-stations where surplus energy is readily available.
  • the present disclosure provides a device for preventing an electrical signal induced by hazardous EMI on one or more power lines in a group of multiple adjacent, parallel power lines of the same phase in an electrical power generation, transmission, and distribution system from reaching an electrical component connected to one of the multiple parallel power lines.
  • the device comprises at least one conductive impedance transition element, the at least one conductive impedance element comprising a disk-shaped structure having multiple holes being dimensioned and spaced apart from one another so as to receive and surround one of the multiple adjacent power lines of the same phase, the disk-shaped structures each having an outer diameter that is greater than diameter of all of the multiple parallel power lines to deliberately create an impedance mismatch between the conductive impedance transition elements and adjacent portions of the multiple power lines.
  • the impedance mismatch causes the conductive impedance transition elements to reflect high- frequency components of a signal induced on the multiple power lines by hazardous EMI, and the high-frequency components are reflected and dissipated as heat.
  • the present disclosure further provides a method of protecting a component coupled to a power line, of a group of multiple parallel power lines of equivalent phase, of an electrical power generation, transmission and distribution system from hazardous EMI.
  • the method comprises deliberately creating an impedance mismatch by mounting at least one conductive impedance transition elements (CITEs) having a diameter greater than a diameter of the power line on all of the power lines of equivalent phase at a position between an extended length of the power line and the component.
  • CITEs conductive impedance transition elements
  • the magnitude of the impedance mismatch is dependent upon a frequency and permits low frequency components of the induced transient electromagnetic signal to pass by the plurality of conductive impedance transition elements while reflecting high-frequency of the induced transient electromagnetic signal from the plurality of impedance transition element.
  • one or more of the plurality of such conductive impedance transition elements can be composed of or include sections of ferrite material.
  • Such ferrite materials can be incorporated either as a separate disk unit or integrated into a conductive disk element.
  • one or more of the CITEs may be constructed of partially or semi conductive materials, such as carbon, graphite, etc. This allows the disk to absorb a portion of the incident energy. Such absorbing CITEs may be used individually, in evenly spaced sets, in unevenly spaced sets, and other configurations as would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic, prior art view of an electrical component (E.C.) which is connected to a power line (104) and which is susceptible to damage from a transient electromagnetic interference signal (14).
  • E.C. electrical component
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic, prior art view of an electrical component (E.C.) which is connected to a power line (104) and which is susceptible to damage from a transient electromagnetic interference signal (14).
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic view, not to scale of a power line with an electrical component that is protected (P.C.) by at least the one illustrated conductive impedance transition element (CITE; 106, 107) from the destructive consequence of a transient electromagnetic interference signal according to the present disclosure.
  • P.C. an electrical component that is protected
  • CITE conductive impedance transition element
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic view of another embodiment according to the present disclosure in which a power line is protected by two CITEs (125).
  • FIG. 4 is a modification of that portion of the arrangement of FIG. 3 within a dashed-line rectangle.
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic view of another embodiment according to the present disclosure in which a power line is protected by three CITEs (178, 179).
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic view of another embodiment in which CITEs according to the present disclosure are used on a power line having a first protected component (100) and a second protected component (102).
  • FIG. 7 is similar to FIG. 6, showing more general locations of CITEs protecting the component on the left and more general locations of CITEs protecting the component on the right.
  • FIG. 8 is a schematic view of another embodiment in which CITEs are arranged in groups of three (235) along the power line.
  • FIG. 9 is a plan view of one side of a first embodiment of a conductive impedance transition element (CITE) according to the present disclosure.
  • CITE conductive impedance transition element
  • FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an upper component of the CITE pivoted with respect to a lower component about a hinge element, showing the first embodiment in a partially open state to allow mounting onto an electrical power conductor.
  • FIG. 11 is a hinge-end view of the first embodiment of the CITE.
  • FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the CITE partially open.
  • FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the lower component of the first embodiment of the CITE.
  • FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the upper component of the first embodiment of the CITE.
  • FIG. 15 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the CITE taken through axis 15-15 in FIG. 11.
  • FIG. 16 is a plan view of one side of another embodiment of a CITE according to the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a conductive impedance transition element (CITE) according to the present disclosure.
  • CITE conductive impedance transition element
  • FIGS. 18A is a plan view of another embodiment of a CITE having an elliptical cross-sectional shape.
  • FIGS. 18B is a plan view of another embodiment of a CITE having a polygonal cross-sectional shape.
  • FIGS. 18C is a plan view of another embodiment of a CITE having an asymmetrical cross-sectional shape.
  • FIG. 18D is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a CITE having a Mu metal coating.
  • FIG. 19A is a graph of an EMI waveform generated by an exemplary endo- atmospheric detonation (SREMP) over time. (From Sandia National Laboratory, hereinafter “Sandia”).
  • FIG. 19B is a graph of the relative energy of the SREMP waveform versus frequency. (From Sandia).
  • FIG. 20A is a graph of an EMI waveform generated by an exemplary exo- atmospheric (HEMP) detonation over time. (From Sandia).
  • HEMP exo- atmospheric
  • FIG. 20B a graph of the relative energy of the HEMP waveform versus frequency. (From Sandia).
  • FIG. 21 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a conductive impedance transition element (CITE) according to the present disclosure formed as a ferrite bead.
  • CITE conductive impedance transition element
  • FIGS. 22 A and 22B are plan views of longitudinal sections of a CITE, illustrating one embodiment of a method of assembling a CITE according to the present disclosure.
  • FIG 23 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a CITE, having a spherical shape.
  • FIG. 24 is a front plan view of a CITE having a transparent outer peripheral section filled with a fluorescent gas.
  • FIG. 25A-C show embodiments of CITE having central sections formed different materials, respectively, an absorptive material such as graphene (FIG. 25A), a metal such as aluminum (FIG. 25B), and a ferritic material (FIG. 25C).
  • an absorptive material such as graphene (FIG. 25A)
  • a metal such as aluminum (FIG. 25B)
  • a ferritic material FIG. 25C
  • FIG. 26A is a perspective view of a first side of another embodiment of a CITE according to the present disclosure having a metallic central portion.
  • FIG. 26B is a perspective view of a second side of another embodiment of a CITE according to the present disclosure having an absorptive central portion.
  • FIG. 27A is an axial cross-sectional view of an underground coaxial power cable having a semiconductor layer with differential impedance along the length of the cable.
  • FIG. 27B is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the underground coaxial power cable shown in FIG. 27A.
  • FIG. 28A is a side view of another embodiment of a CITE having a tongue and groove for securing upper and lower components of the CITE.
  • FIG. 28B is a front plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 28A.
  • FIG. 29A is a front plan view of an embodiment of a CITE adapted for parallel phase lines.
  • FIG. 29B is an enlarged view of the central portion of the CITE shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 30 is perspective view of the CITE shown in FIG. 29A.
  • FIG. 31 is a front plan view of another view of an embodiment of a CITE adapted for three phase lines.
  • FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a CITE having a Mu metal coating.
  • the devices (systems) and methods disclosed herein are configured to protect electronic equipment, electrical components, and systems thereof from hazardous EMI including transient electromagnetic pulses (EMPs).
  • hazardous EMI including transient electromagnetic pulses (EMPs).
  • Electromagnetic pulses of concern are those in the range of typically but not limited to the range of lOKV/meter to 500KV/meter or higher.
  • the apparatus and methods disclosed herein protect electrical infrastructure against hazardous EMI including EMP arising from nuclear (NEMP) and non-nuclear (NNEMP) sources.
  • the disclosed apparatuses (systems) and methods utilize the principle of reflection of a significant portion of incoming hazardous EMI by deliberate mismatch of impedances along a specified type of power line, where said hazardous EMI can be in the form of EMP or interference signal.
  • Such “power line,” as used herein, can be that of an electrical power generation, transmission or distribution system having a power grid including multiple, synchronized sources of power generation. More particularly, the power line can comprise a “three-phase line” having three separate conductors, each of which carries a power signal in a phase-shifted relationship with the others. A fourth conductor can be neutral.
  • the systems and method can apply generally to the full range of phases used in electrical power distribution system ranging typically from one to six or more in some cases.
  • the number of phases in a system has no bearing on the use of CITEs technology other than imposing a constraint that every phase including neutrals shall be equipped with one or more CITEs devices or sets of said devices. Reflections of significant portions of a hazardous EMI signal can protect electrical components from being damaged and rendered inoperative by such signal.
  • the intentional mismatch of frequency dependent impedance is realized by incorporating conductive impedance transition elements (CITEs) on the power line.
  • CITEs can be thought of as being conductive attachments to the power line.
  • the conductive attachments (CITEs) can have the same cross-sectional shape as the power line but have a diameter that is a number of times larger than the diameter of the power line.
  • L dc is the "low-frequency" or DC inductance in nanoHenries (nH or 10 _9 H); / is the length of the element or structure in cm; r is the radius of the element or structure in cm.
  • XL 2nfL from which it can be seen that a change to the radius of an element, leads to an inductance (L) change, which, in turn, causes proportional changes in impedance (XL).
  • the term “f ’ here is the frequency of the signal input to the inductor.
  • the CITE can be configured as a disc having a 15 to 20 inch diameter.
  • This embodiment is suited for use in conventional power line settings in which multiple power lines are typically strung side-by-side or one over another with sufficient distance between the power lines.
  • the perimeter edge of the CITE is positioned a prescribed distance from the adjacent power line, such as approximately 6-12 inches. It is noted that it is a relatively simple matter to increase the distance separating the individual lines in a power transmission system to allow for the installation of CITEs hardware.
  • the diameter of the CITEs also depends on the voltage level of the power line. The higher the voltage used on the power line, the greater should be the diameter of the CITEs mounted to the power line.
  • exemplary implementations of the CITE include arrangements of two or more CITEs conjoined together as a unit and placed along the power line.
  • the efficiency of the overall system can be based, at least in part, on the number of CITEs, or groups of CITEs, and the spacing of said CITEs and groups of CITEs, that are arranged in a predetermined fashion along the power line.
  • a voltage standing wave ratio is defined as the ratio of the partial standing wave's voltage amplitude at an antinode (minimum) to the voltage amplitude at a node (maximum) along the line.
  • the VSWR is a measure of the impedance match (or mismatch) of electrical sources and loads to the characteristic impedance of an electrical transmission line.
  • a high VSWR caused by the deliberate mismatch of impedances between the CITEs or groups of CITEs and power line causes reflection of the high-frequency components (MHz to GHz range) of the incoming hazardous EMI signal (e.g., EMP), but only weakly affects the much lower fundamental frequency components of the current signal (e.g., 50-400 Hz) that supplies electrical power on the power line.
  • EMP hazardous EMI signal
  • the reflection of the high-frequency components of the transient signal is done to prevent (1) the destructive consequence due to voltage higher than the design voltage of such components reaching and rendering inoperative a magnetic- winding containing electrical component connected to the power line, such as a transformer, generator or motor by thermal or insulation damage, and/or (2) the destructive consequence of such high-frequency components reaching and rendering inoperative any deployed switchgear components for interrupting current in the power line. It is noted that other failure mechanisms are possible.
  • the spacing of the CITEs at opposite ends of the power line not be of a magnitude that gives rise to constructive interference.
  • a simple test can be conducted to determine the optimum spacing.
  • a direct injection pulse source of suitable risetime, pulse width and amplitude is capacitively coupled to the power line after installation of the CITEs structures.
  • a high speed oscilloscope with a minimum of 1 GHz instantaneous bandwidth is coupled to the line on the other side of one of the CITE structures.
  • a pulse is injected and the waveform is observed. If the pulse is reduced in amplitude as compared to a sampled pulse from the injection side of the power line, then the spacing is appropriate. If the pulse is greater, then one set of CITE structures needs to be moved until the minimum pulse size is observed.
  • This test is also how a power line is certified to verify proper operation of the CITE structures.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a system, not to scale, in which an electrical component (E.C.) (electrical or electronic equipment) 10 is connected to a power line 104 of an electrical power generation, transmission, and distribution system according to the prior art.
  • Power line 104 is shown with cross-hatching to indicate that it is electrically conductive.
  • An external hazardous electromagnetic signal 12 (hazardous EMI), such as an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) induces an electromagnetic signal on power line 104 as a pulse 14, which is directed to electrical component (E.C.) 10.
  • the electrical component (E.C.) 10 will be rendered inoperative if the magnitude of the voltage pulse 14 that reaches the electrical component (E.C.) 10 is too high by one or more failure mechanisms previously mentioned.
  • FIG. 2 shows a schematic view, not to scale, of a protected component 100 (shown as “P.C.” in the figures), a power line 104 and a single conductive impedance transition element (CITE) 106.
  • CITE 106 introduces a deliberately-created frequency dependent mismatch of impedance along a power line 104 as a means or technique to protect the protected component (P.C.) 100 from the effects of a hazardous EMI.
  • Representative CITE 106 is shown schematically, and more detailed embodiments are described below and illustrated in subsequent figures.
  • the CITE 106 is electrically conductive (e.g., is formed of or is coated with a metal such as aluminum, copper, stainless steel, a ferrite, some combination thereof, or other conductive material) and has a first side 107 that faces away from the protected component (P.C.) 100 towards a length of power line 104.
  • the CITEs are structured such that one side of the element maximizes the diameter ratio between the element and the power line, which is termed the “first” side.
  • the first side of the CITE is installed to face away from the protected component. There is an abrupt impedance mismatch between the first side 107 of the CITE 106 and an axially adjacent portion of power line 104.
  • FIGS. 2-5 refer to one end of the power line with a single protected component. It is also noted that all signals travel on the conductor of the power line even though they are shown spatially displaced from the power line for the sake of clarity.
  • a potentially damaging EMI signal 108 is induced (or in some cases, injected) on power line 104 by an external hazardous EMI 109 (e.g., EMP) that impacts the power line 104.
  • Signal 108 is also referred to herein as being a “transient induced signal 108”.
  • the deliberate impedance mismatch introduced by the presence of the CITE 106 along the power line 104 causes the first side 107 of CITE 106 to reflect a first portion 110 of the transient induced signal 108 away from protected component (P.C.) 100.
  • Reflected portion 110 is inverted in polarity compared to the transient induced signal 108 due to the mentioned reflection.
  • a second portion 112 of lesser amplitude of transient induced signal 108 is transmitted toward the protected component 100.
  • the first portion 110 which is transmitted away from the protected component is much larger (in amplitude) than the second portion, with the ratio being a function of the degree of impedance mismatch. It should be understood that FIG.
  • transient induced signal 108 and the reflected first portion 110 of the transient induced signal appear to travel along separate paths, shown as separated by a vertical distance. However, these signals 108, 110 actually travel in opposite directions along overlapping paths that include power line 104. Furthermore, only a few, representative transmitted and reflected portions of a transient electromagnetic interference signal 108 are shown in FIG. 2 (and in similar figures), for simplicity of illustration. It is noted that the configuration of Fig 2, while viable and operable, is not the preferred embodiment and is provided here, largely for exemplary purposes.
  • CITE 106 and any other CITEs
  • power line 104 The design and placement of CITE 106 (and any other CITEs) on power line 104 is intended to assure that the voltage applied across protected component (P.C.) 100 is sufficiently low as to avoid the destructive consequence of rendering such component inoperative.
  • the frequency dependent impedance mismatch due to the CITE 106 also avoids reflection of voltage on power line 104, at the fundamental frequency of the current that supplies electrical power on the power line, away from protected component (P.C.) 100.
  • Such fundamental frequency may typically be 50, 60 or 400 Hz, for example.
  • BIL Basic Insulation Level
  • the insulation of equipment of a system must be designed to withstand a certain minimum voltage before an impulse (e.g. lightning impulse) overvoltage gets discharged through surge protecting devices and the like. Therefore, the operating voltage level of surge protecting devices should be lower than the minimum voltage withstanding level of the equipment. This minimum voltage rating is defined as the BIL or basic insulation level of the electrical equipment. Often, the BIL is six to seven times higher than the operating voltage level of surge protecting devices to fully ensure that the electrical equipment is protected. It is noted that the multiple for BIL is dependent on the operating voltage and decreases as the operating voltage increases.
  • the one or more CITEs are positioned sufficiently proximate to the protected equipment (P.C.) 100 such that the portion 112 that passes through the CITE(s) to the protected equipment (P.C.) 100 is within the BIL rating (or some other set criteria or threshold) for such equipment.
  • the protected component (P.C.) 100 can take any number of different forms across a wide spectrum of applications.
  • the protected component (P.C.) 100 can be in the form of a residence (home) or a subcomponent thereof or can be in the form of industrial power equipment, such as substation or generator, etc.
  • FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of a power line 104 onto which two CITEs 120, 122 are coupled.
  • Each CITE 120, 122 has a first side that is oriented away from the protected component (P.C.) 100, and a second side oriented toward the protected component (P.C.) 100.
  • the first side of CITE 120 and the first side of CITE 122 face each other across a section of the power line 104 and form a decaying resonator 125 for dissipating energy of the transient induced signals.
  • a transient induced signal 126 is induced on the power line 104 by an external hazardous EMI 127.
  • a portion of transient induced signal 126 passes to the left through CITE 122 as a transmitted portion 128.
  • Another portion of the transient induced signal is reflected from the second side of CITE 122 as a reflected portion 134.
  • a portion of transmitted portion 128 that passes through CITE 122 is reflected to the right from the first side of CITE 120 as a reflected portion 130.
  • a portion of the reflected portion 130 passes through CITE 122 as a transmitted portion 131.
  • Another portion of transmitted portion 128 passes to the left through CITE 120 as transmitted portion 132.
  • the transmitted portions of the signal from the receipt of the hazardous EMI 127, through induced signal 126 and transmitted portions 128, 132 to protected component 100 are encircled by dashed box 150.
  • a portion of reflected portion 130 is reflected to the left from the first side of CITE 122 as further reflected portion 136.
  • a portion of reflected portion 136 passes to the left through CITE 120 as transmitted portion 140. Another portion of reflected portion 136 is reflected to the right from the first side of CITE 120 as further reflected portion 138. As the signal is reflected, the further reflected portions are attenuated compared to incident portions. For example, reflected portion 138 is attenuated compared to reflected portion 136. A portion of reflected portion 138 passes to the right through CITE 122 as a transmitted portion 142.
  • the main transmitted components of the induced signal starting with portion external hazardous EMI 127, and including the induced signal on the power line 126, the portion 128 of signal 126 transmitted initially through CITE 122, and the portion 132 of signal 128 that is transmitted through CITE 120, are outlined in a dashed rectangular box 150. It will be appreciated that the terminology “left” and “right” is used only for convenience in describing the system shown in FIG. 3 and the relative arrangement of parts and relative direction of travel of the various signals.
  • the CITEs 120, 122 can be spaced apart from one another a prescribed distance the value of which depends upon a number of operating parameters, such as the type of power line 104, etc.
  • the CITEs can be constructed so as to provide an internal spacer or guide that automatically positions the CITEs at the desired distance apart from one another.
  • an initial transmitted portion causes a cascade of further reflected portions; and in particular, the transmitted portion 128 causes reflected portion 130, which, in turn, gives rise to the further reflected portion 136, which further gives rise to further reflected portion 138.
  • FIG. 3 schematically illustrates each of the reflected portions becoming successively diminished in intensity.
  • CITEs 120 and 122 form a decaying resonator 125 for harmlessly dissipating energy of a transient induced signal resulting from exposure to hazardous EMI.
  • signals 131, 134 and 142 travel from CITE 122 to the right along the power line 104, where their energies are harmlessly dissipated as heat in the power line.
  • decaying resonator 125 the decaying resonant reflections of portions of transient induced signal 126 also dissipate harmlessly as heat in power line 104.
  • the respective voltages of portions 132 and 140, directed from CITE 120 to protected component 100 are kept sufficiently low to avoid rendering protected component 100 inoperative and/or damaged. It should be appreciated that the spacing of the CITEs can allow either constructive or destructive interference; but it would be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art that constructive interference at the frequencies of interest is to be avoided (see the discussion of constructive and destructive interference above).
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a different scenario in which the hazardous EMI strikes the portion of the power line between the CITEs 120, 122.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates the transmitted portions in dashed box 150a as a basis for comparison to box 150 in FIG. 3.
  • the indicated hazardous EMI is received at a section of the power line between CITEs 120 and 122.
  • a transient electromagnetic signal 160 is induced on power line 104 by the hazardous EMI 162, and a transmitted portion 165 of the signal passes through CITE 120 toward the electrical component (not shown in FIG. 4).
  • one or more and preferably a plurality of CITEs should be located at both ends of the power line such that a first set of CITEs is located proximate the first transformer and a second set of CITEs is located proximate the second transformer with both sets of CITEs protecting the first and second transformers in the manner described herein.
  • the ends of the power line can be connected to any protected electrical component, such as the exemplary ones described herein as well as others.
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the present disclosure in which three CITEs are coupled to a power line 104 to protect electrical components from the transient induced signals originating from a transient electromagnetic disturbance.
  • CITEs 170, 172, 174 form two decaying resonators, a first resonator 178 between CITEs 170 and 172, and a second resonator 179 between CITEs 172 and 174.
  • the same convention as above applies so that CITEs 170, 172, 174 have first sides that are oriented away from the protected component (P.C.) 100 and second sides that are oriented toward the protected component (P.C.) 100.
  • external hazardous EMI 182 induces or injects signal 180 on power line 104.
  • a portion of signal 180 is reflected the first side from CITE 174 to the right as reflected portion 184.
  • a further portion of transient electromagnetic (induced or injected) signal 180 is transmitted to the left through CITE 174 as transmitted portion 186.
  • a portion of the transmitted portion 186 reaches the first side of CITE 172 and is reflected back to the right as a reflected portion 188.
  • Another portion of the transmitted portion 186 passes to the left through CITE 172 as the transmitted portion 187.
  • a portion of the transmitted portion 187 is further transmitted through CITE 170 as a transmitted signal 198.
  • transmitted portion 186 has a higher amplitude than transmitted portion 187, which in turn has a higher amplitude than portion 198.
  • Another portion of the transmitted portion 187 is reflected to the right by CITE 170 as reflected portion 195.
  • reflected portion 188 reaches the second side of CITE 174, a first portion of the signal is transmitted in signal 190 and a second portion is reflected to the left as signal 192.
  • a first portion of signal 192, directed to the left is transmitted through CITE 172 as signal 194, while a second portion of signal 192 is reflected at the first side of CITE 172 as signal 196.
  • portions 198 and 202 are the final transmitted portions which are kept sufficiently low to avoid rendering protected component (P.C.) 100 inoperative.
  • Transmitted portions 184, 190 and 197 which are directed to the right from CITE 122, dissipate their energy along power line 104 as heat.
  • the use of two decaying resonators 178 and 179 allows for dissipation of more energy of a transient electromagnetic interference signal, in comparison to the use of a single decaying resonator 125 shown in FIG. 3 because of the larger number of passes of reflected and transmitted signals between the CITEs, which increases heat dissipation along the power line. Accordingly, the use of multiple pairs of decaying resonators can aid in minimizing any portion of a transient induced signal that reaches the protected component 100. It can be appreciated that the CITE structures are not, in and of themselves, intended to act as heat sinks, although they may. Rather, the heat is anticipated to be dissipated by the power line 104 itself by radiative processes.
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic view of another embodiment in which CITEs according to the present disclosure are used on a power line having a first protected component 201 and a second protected component 203 at the right end of the power line.
  • FIGS. 6-8 illustrate both ends of the power line, each having respective protected components 201. 203.
  • the first and second protected components are transformers. It is to be understood that they can be other components (as defined above) as well.
  • variable CITE element 230 represents a variable number (1 to N) of CITEs and CITE groups associated with protected component 201
  • variable CITE element 232 represents a variable number n (from 1 to N) of CITEs associated with protected component 203.
  • the variable CITE element 230 is also shown separately to the right to illustrate the individual elements (1 to N) of the variable CITE.
  • Each element 230, 232 includes a number of adjacent decaying resonators equal to the number of CITEs in the element minus 1 (n-1). For example, if there are three CITEs numbered 1, 2 and 3 positioned on a power line in series, there will be a decaying resonator between CITEs 1 and 2, and another decaying resonator between CITEs 2 and 3.
  • resonator 235-1 is disposed between CITEs 1 and 2
  • resonator 235-2 is disposed between CITEs 2 and 3 of an exemplary variable CITE element.
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic view of another embodiment similar to FIG. 6 that includes more locations for installing variable CITE elements comprising one or more CITEs.
  • elements 240, 242, 244, 246, 248, 250, 252, 254 are coupled to the power line 104, between protected components 100, 102.
  • each of the variable CITE elements 240-254 can contain 1 to N CITEs.
  • FIG. 7 has a legend that indicates that each of the variable CITE elements 240-252 include a number of adjacent decaying resonators equal to the number of CITEs minus one (n-1).
  • resonator 235-3 appears between CITEs 1 and 2
  • resonator 235-4 appears between CITEs 2 and 3 of an exemplary variable CITE element.
  • the large number of CITEs that can be combined in the arrangement shown in FIG. 7 can provide a large number of decaying resonators to dissipate any signals induced by hazardous EMI. For instance, if variable CITE elements 240 and 242, which are situated proximate to each other on the power line each include 3 CITEs, the total number of CITEs in the general location of elements 240, 242 is 6 CITEs which would provide 5 decaying resonators therebetween.
  • FIG. 8 is a schematic view of another embodiment in which CITEs are arranged in groups of three along the power line 104.
  • the CITEs within the groups are spaced in relatively close proximity to each other (e.g., between about 1 centimeters and 10,000 centimeters); such spacing is referred to hereinafter as intra-group spacing.
  • CITEs 260, 261 and 262 form a first group;
  • CITEs 265, 266 and 267 form a second group;
  • CITEs 270, 271 and 272 form a third group; and
  • CITEs 275, 276 and 277 form a fourth group.
  • Each of the foregoing groups of three CITEs can be separated from an adjacent group of three CITEs by a larger inter-group distance compared to the intra-group spacing.
  • the intra-group spacing and the inter-group distance are selected, as known to those of ordinary skill in the art, to avoid creating constructive interference as determined by the speed of the induced signal on the power line, which is some portion of the speed of light, as determined by the actual voltage compared to the voltage levels necessary to achieve relativistic speeds, as is known to a person skilled in the art. It is noted that the speed of light in a vacuum is approximately one foot per nanosecond. On an electrical power transmission line (e.g., line 104) of the type contemplated herein, the speed of an electromagnetic wave is slower, on the order of about one foot per 1.25 to 7 nanoseconds, depending on a number of physical considerations.
  • the inter-resonator spacing is about 800 to about 1200 feet; however, it will be appreciated that this range is merely exemplary in nature and not limiting.
  • the propagation of pulses in this type of transmission line is well known and is discussed in textbooks on electromagnetic pulse theory.
  • FIG. 8 also shows adjacent decaying resonators that are intra group (i.e., 235-5 and 235-6 in the first group, 235-8 and 235-9 in the second group, 235-11 and 235-12 in the third group, and 235-14 and 235-15 in the fourth group), and between the groups (i.e., 235-7, 235- 10, 235-13).
  • intra group i.e., 235-5 and 235-6 in the first group, 235-8 and 235-9 in the second group, 235-11 and 235-12 in the third group, and 235-14 and 235-15 in the fourth group
  • the groups i.e., 235-7, 235- 10, 235-13.
  • a pair of CITEs of a decaying resonator can be nested within another pair of CITEs of another decaying resonator.
  • CITE 262 of the first group and CITE 265 of the second group define resonator 235-7 therebetween, while CITE 261 of the first group and CITE 266 of the second group can be considered to define a large resonator 235-15 that contains resonator 235-7.
  • the nesting of CITE’s in the foregoing manner increases the degree of attenuation of transient induced signals. This gives a convenient method of designing the system. One takes the maximum amplitude of an induced signal that the system is designed to protect against and divides it by the attenuation factor per nested pair of CITEs of decaying resonators to get the number of nested sets required.
  • the CITEs of the present disclosure have useful properties in comparison to conventional low pass filters.
  • the CITEs of the present disclosure can be electrically described as a low Q factor low pass filter.
  • the Q factor which is the ratio of reactance to resistance, describes how underdamped an oscillator or resonator is, and characterizes a resonator's bandwidth relative to its center frequency. Higher Q indicates a lower rate of energy loss relative to the stored energy of the resonator; the oscillations die out more slowly.
  • filters are designed to have as high a Q factor as possible, but the present invention is specifically optimized for a low Q factor because that it is the optimal configuration for having the energy trapped by the filter to be dissipated by the filter.
  • the CITEs of the present invention distinguish over traditional low pass filters in that the CITEs have a non-resonant design, operate achromatically and have a distinctive and unique frequency response curve. It can be appreciated that a CITE is designed to reflect some portion of the unwanted energy where a conventional filter is designed to absorb it internally as heat.
  • the CITEs of the present disclosure are distinguished over traditional low pass filter designs due to their use of selective impedance mismatch to create reflections of unwanted portions of the signal, as opposed to the use of tuned resonant electronic circuits comprised of inductors, capacitors and/or resistors in any combination which simply absorb unwanted portions of the signal.
  • the CITEs of the present invention provide a more achromatic frequency response in that frequencies under about one megahertz are passed unopposed while higher frequencies are selectively attenuated. The higher the frequency, the higher the attenuation factor, without the need for changing any component values as would be the case with conventional filter designs. Using multiple decaying resonators provides even higher attenuation of the higher frequency components.
  • the design methodology described herein provides a nearly step function frequency response.
  • a system with low “Q”, quality factor (Q ⁇ 1/2) is said to be overdamped.
  • Such a system does not sustain oscillations well, but, when displaced from its equilibrium steady- state output, it returns to it by exponential decay, approaching the steady state value asymptotically. It has an impulse response that is the sum of two decaying exponential functions with different rates of decay. As the quality factor decreases, the slower decay mode becomes stronger relative to the faster mode and dominates the system's response resulting in a slower system.
  • a second-order low-pass filter with a very low quality factor has a nearly first-order step response; the system's output responds to a step input by slowly rising toward an asymptote.
  • a filter with a low Q factor is desirable because it is allows the unwanted energy from a trapped EMP or other transient electromagnetic disturbance to die out in a decaying resonator(s) and be dissipated as heat.
  • the extremely short pulse width typically less than 500 nanoseconds for El pulses, it is desirable to make use multiple decaying resonators to further decrease the Q factor of the device.
  • CITE impedance transition element
  • the conductive impedance transition element (CITE) that forms one side of a decaying resonator can be implemented as a conductive disk that is larger in diameter than the power line it surrounds, wherein the conductive disk is electrically coupled to the power line.
  • the resulting difference in diameters between the CITE and an adjoining portion of power line creates a structure that exhibits a high VSWR for high frequencies of a transient electromagnetic (induced) signal as a result of the ratio of mismatched impedances between the CITEs and the adjacent portion of the power line.
  • FIG. 9 is a plan view of one side of a CITE 300.
  • the CITE 300 is formed overall in the shape of a disk, having an opening in the form of a central hole 302.
  • the CITE 300 is formed of a first (e.g., upper) part 305 and a second (e.g., lower) part 310 that are coupled by a hinge element 315 so as to permit the first part 305 and the second part 310 to move between an open position in which the two parts 305, 310 are at least partially separated from one another, and a closed position that is shown in FIG. 9.
  • the CITE 300 has an outer peripheral portion that can have a toroidal shape, as shown, and an intermediate portion, and a center portion in which the center hole 302 is formed. Since the CITE 300 is defined by the first and second parts 305, 310, each of these parts has an outer peripheral portion, the intermediate portion, and the center portion.
  • the outer peripheral portion thus includes rounded edges that are intended to eliminate and/or control coronal discharge.
  • the upper component has an outer peripheral section 312 of increased width and the lower component has a corresponding outer peripheral section 313 of increased width.
  • the outer peripheral section 312 is approximately 1 ⁇ 2 of a toms and the outer peripheral section 313 is likewise approximately half of a toms so that when combined, the two sections 312, 313 define a generally toroidal shape along the outer periphery of the CITE 300. In other words, these sections 312, 313 have rounded surfaces. It is noted that the inner surfaces of 312 and 313 may be textured or even spiked (not shown in FIGS. 9-11 but shown in FIGS. 12-15) to pierce and increase electrical contact with the power conductor that is contained by these elements.
  • the first part 305 has a middle section 314 recessed with respect to the outer peripheral section 312 and the second part 310 has a corresponding middle section 315 that is recessed with respect to the outer peripheral section 313.
  • the middle sections 312, 314 can be planar in form and generally have a semi-circular shape.
  • the first part 305 also includes a protruding fastening hub 316 positioned on the second side of the CITE which faces toward the protected component (extending out of the page in the view of FIG. 9) and the second part 310 includes a corresponding protruding fastening hub 317 also positioned on the second side of the CITE.
  • the fastening hubs 316, 317 form a lip around the central hole 302.
  • the fastening hubs are used to securely couple the CITEs to the power line and also to securely fasten the upper and lower parts 305, 310 together as will be described further below with reference to FIGS. 10 and 12.
  • the upper component 305 is seated upon the lower component.
  • the upper component 305 can pivot in a counterclockwise direction away from the lower component 310 as shown in FIG. 10.
  • a gap or space is opened up between the upper component 305 and the lower component 310.
  • the opening of this gap also provides access to the center opening that is defined between the fastening hubs 316, 317 that receives the power line (cable) about which the CITE is disposed.
  • clearance hole 307 and threaded hole 308 are also depicted in FIG. 10 through respective feet sections 321, 327 of fastening hubs 316 and 317.
  • the bore holes 307, 308 match and form a continuous hole through which a fastening element such as a screw or bolt can be inserted, locking the upper and lower sections of the CITE together.
  • An exemplary screw head 303 is shown in FIG. 9 to represent such a fastening element.
  • the sections 321, 327 can include additional bore holes for receiving additional screws or bolts to further ensure a tight connection between the fastening hubs of the upper and lower parts of the CITE.
  • a rivet can also be used, in which case threaded elements are not needed.
  • FIG. 12 is the inclined contact surface 328 of the lower component which seats with a complementary contact surface of the upper component 305 (not shown).
  • the fastening hubs 316, 317 are positioned on one side of the CITE 300 (i.e., protrude outwardly perpendicular to the plane of the disc in one direction) and when multiple CITEs 300 are combined in series, the fastening hubs can act as spacers since two adjacent CITEs 300 can be arranged such that the protruding fastening hubs 316, 317 contact, or are in close proximity to, an opposite face of the adjacent CITE 300.
  • the fastening hubs sections 316, 317 can determine the distance between the two adjacent CITEs 300.
  • the length of the fastening hubs 316, 317 can be used to define the distance (gap) between the two adjacent CITEs 300 in embodiments in which groups of CITEs are grouped together in a unit.
  • the transmitted transient induced signal that moves from a first CITE 300 toward the protected electrical component thus encounters a second CITE 300 that is located the prescribed set distance (defined as the length of the protruding inner sections 316, 317) away from the first CITE 300.
  • a series of CITEs 300 can be arranged with controlled spacing along the power line.
  • the spacing between adjacent CITEs 300 in the series can be uniform, it will also be appreciated that the spacing can be non- uniform in that there can be at least a first distance between two adjacent CITEs 300 and a different second distance between two other adjacent CITEs 300.
  • Non-uniform spacing of CITEs 300 can be useful in providing multiple destructive interference conditions along the power line 104. As the incoming hazardous EMI can have different spectral components, having non-uniform spacing ensures destructive interference over a range of different frequencies.
  • the body of the CITE 300 is made from a lightweight material such as plastic or fiber glass.
  • a conductive coating for example, of copper, nickel, iron, or mu-metal is applied to the outer peripheral section using techniques known to those of skill in the art including but not limited to electroplating (with or without current) and vacuum deposition.
  • electroplating with or without current
  • vacuum deposition To increase the adhesion of the conductive coating to the outer peripheral section of the CITE, during formation the material out of which the body of the CITE is made can be infused with metallic pieces or particles. It is preferable to use particles of the same composition as the coating to be applied (e.g., iron or nickel).
  • the body of the CITE as a whole can be constructed from a conductive material such as copper, nickel, iron, or mu-metal or a combination thereof.
  • performance of the CITE can be improved by increasing the magnetic permeability of the middle section of the CITE 314 can be coated with materials of having high permeability.
  • the middle section can be coated or plated with Mu-metal or high purity iron.
  • the middle can be coated with ferrite materials.
  • FIG. 11 is a hinge end view of the CITE shown in FIG. 10 in which the upper and lower components 305, 310 have been pivoted away from the seated position.
  • the bottom surface 322 of the upper component has a jagged profile and the top surface 324 of the lower component has a complimentary jagged profile adapted to cooperatively engage to the lower surface of the upper component.
  • the surfaces 322, 324 do not engage in a flush manner, leaving a notch 325 that extends inwardly into the CITE
  • FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the CITE 300 in a slightly pivoted position, which more clearly illustrates fastening hubs 316, 317.
  • Fastening hub 316 includes a semicircular lip section 319 and a foot rectangular “foot” section 321.
  • fastening hub 317 includes a semicircular lip section 323 and a rectangular foot section 327.
  • the “feet” sections 321a, 327a of the respective fastening hubs have a different fastening mechanism from that shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.
  • the bottom surface of foot section 321a (of fastening hub 316) includes a ratchet element 343 with flexible teeth having the ability to bend and snap in place with respect to matching teeth positioned in a receptacle 345 in the foot section 327b of fastening hub 317.
  • the manufacturing methods and material properties used for such ratcheting fasteners are known to those of skill in the art.
  • the CITE is being closed and ratchet element 343 enters the receptacle 345 the upper and lower sections 305, 310 are secured together in place.
  • the inclined contact surface 328 of the lower component which seats with a complementary contact surface of the upper component 305 (not shown).
  • the inner surfaces of the semicircular sections 319, 323 of the fastening hubs include sharp incision elements 341 (identified collectively).
  • the incision elements are adapted to cut into the outer surface of the power line when the CITE is mounted and the fastening hubs 316, 317 close around the power line. By cutting into the power line, a firm, secure, and conductive connection between CITE and the power line is ensured.
  • the incision elements 341 can be formed in pyramidal form as shown, as spikes, or in other shapes that would support the functional purpose of the incision elements as known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The number and sizes of the individual incision elements used can vary based on the known characteristics of the power line.
  • a conductive paste is applied to all joints in the CITE and to the interface between the CITE and the power line.
  • a conductive paste such as ConductoLube, manufactured by Cool Amp ConductoLube Co. of Lake Oswego, Oregon, or the equivalent, can be applied on surfaces 328 and to all other interfaces between the upper and lower components 305, 310.
  • the conductive paste is also applied to the hinge surfaces 322, 324 to prevent arcing at the hinge element as well.
  • FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the lower component 310 of the CITE and FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the upper component 310.
  • the component views of FIG. 13 and 14 more clearly illustrate the inclined contact surfaces 328, 329 on which the upper and lower components connect. Both surfaces 328, 329 are discontinuous and broken in the middle to provide for the central hole 302.
  • FIG. 15 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken through axis 15-15 in FIG. 11. The view of FIG. 15 illustrates that most of the outer sections 312, 313, other than the hinge element 315 of the respective upper and lower components are hollow, which helps reduce the weight and cost of the CITE.
  • the construction of the CITE 300 thus allows for the easy opening of its structure to allow receipt of a cable and then the sealed closing of the upper and lower components 305, 310 results in the capturing of the cable, thereby causing the CITE 300 to be securely coupled to the cable.
  • the upper component of the CITE similar to the upper component of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 9-16 has a tongue element 355 that protrudes from a bottom surface of the component.
  • the lower component includes a complementary groove 357 sized to tightly receive the tongue element with a small amount of tolerance, in order to achieve a solid electrical contact.
  • FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a CITE according to the present disclosure.
  • the CITE 600 includes upper and lower sections 605, 610 that are not attached at a hinge element.
  • fastening hub 616 of section 605 comprises a semicircular lip 621 which forms an edge around a central hole through the cite 602, and two feet sections 623, 624 positioned on either side of the semicircular lip 621.
  • fastening hub 617 of section 610 comprises a semicircular lip 631 positioned around central hole 602 and two feet sections 633, 634.
  • Foot section 623 of the upper section couples to foot section 633 of the lower section
  • foot section 624 of the upper section couples to foot section 634 of the lower section to secure the upper and lower sections to each other.
  • matching threaded bore holes are drilled through sections 623/633 and 624/634 allowing screws, bolts, rivets or similar fastening elements to extend through and securely join the matching sections.
  • the cross-sectional shape of the CITE is circular
  • one or more of the CITEs employed can have other shapes including elliptical, polygonal, and non-uninform (e.g., asymmetrical and/or irregular).
  • the cross-sectional dimensions of the CITEs are larger than the diameter of the power line upon which they are mounted, and deliberate impedance mismatch occurs as in the case of circular CITEs.
  • the CITEs of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 9-16 can be usefully adapted to signal the presence of a high voltage line, for example in airports and other facilities in which it is useful to call out the presence of high voltage power lines for distant visibility.
  • walls of the outer peripheral “torus” section 1010 can be made, at least in part, of a transparent material such as a plastic or fiber glass.
  • the torus sections are hollow, they can be filled with a gas, such as neon, which fluoresces in the presence of a high electric field. Fluorescence radiation e.g., 1015 emanating from the outer peripheral section 1010 is shown.
  • a getter pump is desirable to maintain the purity of the fluorescing gas which is preferably a noble gas such as neon or argon.
  • FIG. 17 shows an alternative embodiment of an impedance transition element (CITE), numbered 500.
  • CITE 500 is conductive and makes conductive contact with power line 104, which it encircles (surrounds).
  • CITE 500 has a generally flat face 505 shown on the right, and a conically surface 510 which inclines away from surface 510 toward the left.
  • the flat face 505, as the first reflecting surface, presents an abrupt impedance change compared to the impedance of the adjacent portion of power line 104 (to the right of face 505) due to the abrupt change in diameter.
  • the conically shaped face on the left presents a more gradual change in impedance compared to the impedance of the adjacent portion of power line 104 (to the left of flat face 510).
  • the flat face 505 is used for reflecting a transient electromagnetic interference signal.
  • the CITE 500 functions as a result of it having a much greater diameter (dimensions) compared to the dimensions (diameter) of the power line.
  • FIGS. 18A - 18C illustrate CITE embodiments having different cross-sectional shapes.
  • FIG. 18A shows an embodiment of a CITE 701 having upper and lower sections 705, 710 that when assembled have an elliptical cross-sectional shape.
  • FIG. 18B shows an embodiment of a CITE 711 having upper and lower sections 715, 720 that when assembled have a polygonal (in this case hexagonal) shape and
  • FIG. 18C shows an embodiment of a CITE 712 having upper and lower sections 725, 730 that when assembled have an asymmetrical cross-sectional shape.
  • CITEs 701, 711 and 721 are otherwise similar structurally to the embodiment shown in FIG. 16 (e.g., they each include a similar fastening hub with threaded elements on both lateral sides of a central hole for mounting to a power line).
  • the outer “toms” portion of the CITE can be coated with a conductive metal such as copper, nickel, high purity iron of mu-metal using electroplating or vacuum deposition.
  • the middle section of the CITE can be plated with Mu metal which has extremely high magnetic permeability. As the middle portion has a smaller surface area than the outer toms portion, this reduces the volume of Mu-metal or high purity iron which is applied, reducing overall costs while still providing greatly enhanced magnetic permeability.
  • Mu-metal or iron is coated on only one side of the CITE, while in other embodiments, both sides are coated.
  • a much smaller CITE structure i.e., lower diameter
  • a CITE can be constructed by adding layers of Mu-Metal or high purity iron symmetrically arranged on both sides of the CITE to produce a “sandwich” structure with a cross-section of high-low-high (HLH) permeability.
  • HHL high-low-high
  • FIG. 32 shows an embodiment of a side having such a “sandwich” structure.
  • a CITE 1400 has a first Mu-metal or high purity iron layer 1410 coated on the surface of a first side of the CITE and a second Mu-Metal or high purity iron layer 1420 coated on the surface of a second side of the CITE. It is also possible to add additional layers, but for practical purposes, a 3-layer CITE is a preferred design.
  • FIG. 21 shows another embodiment of a conductive impedance transition element (CITE) in the form of a ferrite bead located coaxially on power line 104.
  • CITE conductive impedance transition element
  • the energy from these sources is either reflected back along power line 104 toward the source of the induced signal or is dissipated as low-level heat along the power line. Only in extreme cases is the heat noticeable. It is noted that ferrites also absorb energy as well as reflecting some portion of it.
  • a CITE generally does not dissipate energy but, instead, produces reactance that impedes the flow of the relatively high frequencies of a transient electromagnetic interference signal.
  • This reactance is commonly referred to simply as impedance, although impedance can be any combination of resistance and reactance.
  • Ferrite concentrates the magnetic field and increases impedance and therefore reactance, which impedes or ‘filters out’ high frequency signals.
  • Ferrite beads are regularly made in split configurations which facilitates installation on an existing power line.
  • the ferrite component If the ferrite component is so designed, it can produce an additional loss in the form of resistance heating in the ferrite itself.
  • the Q factor of an inductor is the ratio between the its reactance and resistance at a given frequency. When the Q factor of a ferrite inductor is low, it has relatively high resistance and is therefore subject to resistive heating. Depending on the application, the resistive loss characteristic of the ferrite may or may not be desired.
  • a design of a ferrite CITE that uses a ferrite bead to improve noise filtering (in addition to protecting electrical components from a transient electromagnetic interference signal) should take into account specific characteristics of a circuit including the ferrite CITE and also the frequency range to block. Different ferrite materials have different properties with respect to frequency.
  • ferrite structures consisting of two or more different ferrite compositions may be utilized to optimize both the reflective and absorptive properties of the CITE. There are a variety of methods of combining two or more ferrite components that would be known to those of skill in the art.
  • ferrite As is known to those of skill in the art, the permeability of ferrite depends upon the specific ferrite blend used. In general, ferrites have permeability ranging from 1500 to 3000 (relative). If a material with substantially higher permeability is used, such as Mu-Metal (75- 80% nickel, balance dependent on specific alloy) which has a permeability in the range of 80,000-100,000 on the same relative scale, then the size of the CITE can be reduced while having at least the same magnetic permeability properties. Thus, as noted above, with the addition of Mu-metal, a much smaller CITE structure can be used to obtain the same degree of attenuation of the El pulse. In some embodiments, a CITE of reduced size can include a layer of Mu-metal coated onto the surface of one side of the CITE.
  • the Mu-Metal or high purity iron from one side of the CITE extend across the centerline to overlap and electrically connect with the Mu-Metal or high purity iron on the other side of the device. This ensures that the magnetic properties are those of a contiguous ring rather than a ring with a gap in it. If a gapped design is used, the gap should be sufficiently wide as to prevent arcing. The dimensions of said gap will be driven by the operating voltage that the CITE is designed to operate at.
  • CITEs conductive impedance transition elements
  • impedance transition elements are designed and formed so as to be consistent with good high voltage engineering practice to prevent or minimize the formation of arcs, coronal discharge, and electrical shorts. These shapes are well known to persons of ordinary skill in the high voltage arts.
  • Conductive impedance transition elements are simple physical structures which can be manufactured by a variety of methods. These methods include, but are not limited to, machining, casting, die casting, injection molding, forging, stamping, lost wax casting, powder metallurgy and sintering, 3D additive manufacturing, profiling with a water jet, profiling with a laser, etc., and combinations of these methods. Additionally, the CITEs can be assembled from component parts, such as disks with anti-corona rings attached to the exterior perimeter, and a clamp mechanism attached to the center. The specific method(s) chosen will be routine to persons of ordinary skill in the art and would usually be based upon on most cost-effective method(s) for making the number of devices required over a given period of time, as well as the manufacturing processes available to the manufacturer.
  • FIGs. 22A and 22B are plan views illustrating a method of assembling a CITE from two longitudinal sections.
  • FIG. 22A shows a front view of a disc-shaped first section 805. The front surface of the section shown defines a “plane of the section.”
  • the first section has a slot 808 that extends from the outer circumference of the disc to the center. The diameter of slot 808 is set to allow a power line 804 to be received into the slot as shown.
  • a removable bracket 815 is shown placed beneath in inner end of the slot 808 at the center of section 805.
  • the bracket includes clearance holes for receiving threaded elements 817, 818 such as screws or bolts.
  • the back of section 805 cab include additional fastening elements (e.g., holes) for receiving fasteners such as screws or bolts that extend transversely, perpendicular to the plane of the section (not shown in FIG. 22 A).
  • FIG. 22B is a rear view of a complementary disc-shaped second section 820.
  • the second section 820 is designed to be fitted to section 805 to assemble the CITE.
  • Second section 820 includes slot 822 shaped similarly to slot 808 of section 805 to receive the power line 804.
  • a bracket 825, complementary to the bracket 815 of the top section is shown above the inner end of slot 822.
  • Bracket 825 includes threaded holes 827, 828 adapted to receive the threaded elements 817, 818 of the complementary bracket 815 of the first section. In this manner, the first section can be secured to the second section with the brackets 815, 825 forming a tight fit around the power line 804.
  • the surface of the second section can include threaded holes e.g., 831, 832 for receiving additional fastening elements.
  • the sections can be fastened together via the complementary brackets 815, 825 that fasten the first and second sections in the plane of the sections, and additionally via additional fastening elements that fasten the first and second sections along an orientation transverse to the plane of the section.
  • the CITE 900 is formed in the shape of a sphere 905 having a diameter greater than the diameter of the power line 904. This is not the preferred form for a CITE, but the sphere also provides an impedance mismatch which causes reflection of incoming hazardous EMI.
  • the CITEs of the present invention are comprised of simple structures that clamp on to existing power lines. They have no active electronic circuitry, nor do they contain any internal components that can be damaged or degraded during virtually any operational scenario.
  • impedance transitional elements can be readily mass produced. Accordingly, their cost for a pair of CITEs that form a decaying resonator can be a small fraction of the cost of other solutions. Further, because CITEs can be designed to be easily installed on live power lines, installation time and costs can be substantially reduced compared to other technologies. The savings can be particularly significant because the supply of power over the power line is not interrupted. Absorber Elements
  • the CITE elements described above are conductive and do not absorb the energy of incoming hazardous EMI.
  • the energy of the incoming EMI is dissipated as heat along the power line.
  • one or more absorber elements can be mounted to the power line in association with or in addition to the CITE elements.
  • the absorber elements can be formed in a similar manner to the CITEs but are made from resistive or semi-resistive (or semi-conductive) materials, such as graphene.
  • the resistive materials are designed to absorb energy from incoming hazardous EMI and to convert the electromagnetic energy into heat.
  • absorber elements can be added at regular or irregular intervals along the power line.
  • an absorber element can be added to each assembly or positioned adjacent to each assembly. This is only one example, and those of skill in the art can readily appreciate that absorber elements can be added in various numbers and configurations consistent with their purpose of providing additional heat dissipation capacity.
  • the absorber elements can be separate, standalone element, or, in some embodiments, the absorber elements can be integrated as part of the CITE elements. A mix of separate and integrated absorber elements can also be used.
  • FIGS. 25A-C show disc elements in which the central portion of the disc is made from different materials.
  • the central portion 1025 is made from resistive or semi-conductive material such as graphene which acts as an absorber element.
  • the central portion 1035 is made from a metal such as an aluminum. This embodiment is similar to the CITEs described above with reference to FIGS. 9-16.
  • FIG. 25C shows a disc element in which the central portion 1045 is made from ferritic material which can act both as a reflector and absorber of incoming hazardous EMI.
  • FIGS. 26 A and 26B Another embodiment of an integrated CITE/absorber element is shown in FIGS. 26 A and 26B.
  • one side of the CITE 1105 includes a conductive central portion 1115 and the opposite side of the CITE 1110 includes an absorptive material (resistive or semi-conductive) in its central portion 1120 element.
  • the CITE assembly may be composed of various combinations of conductive, absorptive, and ferritic materials in an array of CITEs (such as is shown in FIG. 8) to achieve maximum suppression of the unwanted high frequency components of the incident signal.
  • the multiple phases of each set of power lines are arranged at a distance to each other typically measured in feet, while the parallel power lines of the same phase are arranged much closer to each other, typically measured in terms of inches.
  • the inter-phase conductor spacing is an order of magnitude larger than the spacing of conductors of the same phase. This is due to the fact that because the adjacent power lines of the same phase are at the same voltage, they can be spaced fairly closely together. The actual spacing depends on characteristics of the power lines, such as their diameter and other factors. In some embodiments, the distance between the sets of adjacent power lines of the same phase can be, for example, 2 inches to 36 inches, and more typically 6 inches to 12 inches apart. Generally, all of the parallel power lines have the same diameter.
  • FIG. 29A shows an example of a CITE that is specifically adapted to provide protection against hazardous EMI to dual adjacent, parallel power lines of the same phase.
  • the embodiment depicted could be extended to installations having more than two distinct adjacent, parallel sets of power lines (an example of which is shown is depicted in FIG. 31 and discussed below).
  • the power lines are depicted as being horizontally adjacent to each other. This is one possible arrangement; however, the adjacent power lines can be set any angle or orientation with respect to each other as long as they remain parallel and do not come too close to power lines of other phases.
  • the CITE 1150 includes an upper section 1155 and lower section 1160.
  • the upper section 1155 includes an upper central hub 1157
  • the lower section 1160 includes a lower central hub 1162.
  • the upper central hub section 1157 includes two arcuate, hemi-cylindrical notches
  • the lower central hub section 1162 includes complementary arcuate, hemi-cylindrical notches.
  • 29B shows an enlarged view of the upper and lower central hubs 157, 162 and the central holes 1171, 1172.
  • the closest distance (D) between the central holes 1171, 1172 is shown.
  • the distance (D) is determined by the installation of the power lines, and can be in the range of 2 inches to 36 inches.
  • the hub region of the CITE 1150 for multiple, adjacent power lines is typically larger than in the CITE embodiments for single power lines.
  • the diameter of the CITE can also be correspondingly larger to accommodate the larger hub.
  • the CITE 1150 can be made using metals such as aluminum or copper; the CITE can include ferrites materials, and, in some implementations can also include absorber elements as described above.
  • FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the CITE 1150 for dual phase lines.
  • the view of FIG. 30 shows the CITE in a slightly open position in which the CITE can be installed on parallel power lines, with the parallel power lines inserted through central holes 1171, 1172.
  • This view also clearly depicts a ratchet locking mechanism for securing the upper and lower sections of the CITE 1155, 1160 to each other.
  • the locking mechanism comprises a ratchet element 1180 with teeth and a corresponding receptacle 1182 with a corresponding profile adapted to securely receive the ratchet element.
  • aspects of the designs adapted for single power lines described above and shown in FIGS. 9- 28E can be further adapted to mounting on multiple adjacent, parallel power lines of the same phase.
  • a CITE adapted for multiple lines can include a hinge and can use a different locking mechanism from the mechanism shown in Fig. 30.
  • FIG. 31 is a front plan view of another view of an embodiment of a CITE 1200 adapted for three phase lines, shown without the central hubs and incision elements.
  • the CITE 1200 includes an upper section 1205 and a lower section 1210. Both the upper and lower sections are preferably semicircular in shape as depicted with arcuate circumferences and planar beveled edges (as shown in FIG. 12).
  • the upper section 1205 includes two arcuate notches 1207 that emerge from the on the planer edge.
  • the lower section 1210 is not an exact mirror image of the upper section.
  • the planar edge of lower section is modified by a central polygonal notch 1212 having a wide side at the planar edge and the narrower side toward the circumference of the lower section.
  • the polygonal notch is trapezoidal in shape, but the polygonal notch can be formed in other shapes, asymmetric or symmetric.
  • the narrow edge of the polygonal notch further contains a central arcuate notch 1214.
  • the polygonal notch 1212 in the lower section is filled in with a correspondingly shaped polygonal insert 1220, having a wide edge positioned on the planar edge of the lower section, and a narrow edge positioned on the narrow edge of the polygonal notch of the lower section.
  • the wide section of the polygonal insert 1220 has two further arcuate notches that match in position and mate with respective actuate notches 1207 and 1209 of the upper section.
  • An arcuate notch 1226 on the narrow edge of the polygonal insert matches in position and mates with arcuate notch 1214 of the lower section.
  • the polygonal insert 1220 and machine surfaces on the edges of the upper section and lower section can be machined with tongue and groove features or other mating elements so that the polygonal insert is secured in place upon being positioned in the polygonal notch 1212, precluding any motion of the insert along the axis of the power line conductors. It is also noted that the polygonal insert and related notches can be in the upper section instead of the lower section.
  • the matching arcuate notches 1207/1222, 1209/1224 and 1226/1214 form holes in which power lines of the same phase can be seated.
  • a power line can be seated on notch 1214 of the lower section.
  • the polygonal insert 1220 can then be placed over this power line.
  • Additional power lines can be placed on notches 1222, 1224 of the insert, and the upper section can be placed over the additional power lines.
  • the sections can be secure using fasteners described in the embodiments discussed above.
  • the arcuate notches can include incision elements as described above. Conductive paste should be used to seal the edges joining the polygonal insert 1220 to the lower section 1210 of the CITE.
  • the upper and lower sections of the CITE can be hinged (as shown, for example, in FIG. 10)
  • FIGS. 27A and 27B are, respectively, an axial cross-sectional view and a longitudinal cross- sectional view of a coaxial power cable 1200 having periodic variation in impedance according to the present disclosure.
  • the cable includes a core 1205 having one or more conductive wires, a semiconductive layer 1210 surrounding the core, a conductive shield layer 1215, and an insulating layer 1220 surrounding the shield layer.
  • the semiconductive layer 110 has periodic variation in content which corresponds to periodic variations (differentials) in impedance. For example, areas 1232 and 1234 have higher resistance compared with respective adjacent regions 1233 and 1235.
  • the adjacent regions of differential impedance create impedance mismatch interfaces at which received hazardous EMI is reflected in a manner similar to the way induced signals along the above-ground powerline are reflected by the CITE elements.
  • CITEs described herein can be used in conjunction with other protective means that utilities use to protect against hazardous EMI, such as but not limited, to vacuum tube devices.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • High Energy & Nuclear Physics (AREA)
  • Shielding Devices Or Components To Electric Or Magnetic Fields (AREA)
  • Near-Field Transmission Systems (AREA)
  • Filters And Equalizers (AREA)

Abstract

Dispositif destiné à empêcher un signal induit par des interférences électromagnétiques (EMI) dangereuses sur une ligne électrique dans un groupe de multiples lignes électriques parallèles de la même phase dans un système d'alimentation électrique d'atteindre un composant électrique connecté à l'une des multiples lignes électriques, le dispositif comprenant au moins un élément de transition d'impédance conductrice présentant une structure en forme de disque dotée de multiples trous destinés à recevoir les multiples lignes électriques adjacentes de la même phase, les structures en forme de disque présentant chacune un diamètre externe qui est supérieur au diamètre de la totalité des multiples lignes électriques parallèles pour créer volontairement un décalage d'impédance entre les éléments de transition d'impédance conductrice et des parties adjacentes des multiples lignes électriques. La désadaptation d'impédance amène les éléments de transition d'impédance conductrice à réfléchir des composants à haute fréquence d'un signal induit sur les multiples lignes électriques par des EMI dangereuses et les composants à haute fréquence sont réfléchis et dissipés sous la forme de chaleur.
EP22771944.0A 2021-03-17 2022-03-09 Procédé et appareil permettant de protéger des composants électriques d'une perturbation électromagnétique transitoire transmise sur des lignes électriques parallèles Withdrawn EP4309195A1 (fr)

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US17/204,527 US11322814B2 (en) 2020-01-27 2021-03-17 Method and apparatus for protecting electrical components from a transient electromagnetic disturbance transmitted on parallel power lines
PCT/US2022/019577 WO2022197509A1 (fr) 2021-03-17 2022-03-09 Procédé et appareil permettant de protéger des composants électriques d'une perturbation électromagnétique transitoire transmise sur des lignes électriques parallèles

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US4689752A (en) * 1983-04-13 1987-08-25 Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation System and apparatus for monitoring and control of a bulk electric power delivery system
US4635055A (en) * 1983-04-13 1987-01-06 Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation Apparatus for measuring the temperature and other parameters of an electic power conductor
US8248740B2 (en) * 2008-09-19 2012-08-21 Advanced Fusion Systems, Llc High speed current shunt
US9217762B2 (en) * 2014-02-07 2015-12-22 Smart Wires Inc. Detection of geomagnetically-induced currents with power line-mounted devices
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KR20240008833A (ko) 2024-01-19
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MX2023010839A (es) 2023-10-23
JP2024513339A (ja) 2024-03-25
AU2022237342A1 (en) 2023-09-28

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