KR20180099661A - Method for monitoring an electrical installation comprising an electrical switching device and an electrical switching device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for monitoring the opening of a mechanical switching device in an AC high-voltage electrical circuit having two electrodes each experiencing an AC electrical potential and a floating potential, said method comprising the steps of: An initial opening step in which relative motion is performed at a first average separation rate greater than 0.05 meters per second; - at least one stabilization step in which the relative movement of the two electrodes is performed at a stabilized mean separation rate of less than 0.03 meters per second. The invention also relates to an electrical installation for implementing such a method.

Description

Method for monitoring an electrical installation comprising an electrical switching device and an electrical switching device

The present invention relates to the field of devices for opening high-voltage electrical circuits in high-voltage alternating current (AC) electrical equipment, and more particularly to a method for controlling such devices.

In a conventional manner, electrical networks are infrastructure of a local, national, or continental scale whereby electrical energy is delivered as high-voltage AC over hundreds, tens or even thousands of kilometers.

These networks include electrical facilities, in particular, electricity stations or substations in which at least one switchgear device is found.

In an electrical circuit, generally at least one voltage source and at least one voltage user are found, and the voltage user can select the electrical energy from any other type of energy, e.g., mechanical, and / or heat, and / Or any other device that uses electrical energy to convert energy into electrical energy, or any network that includes such devices.

Electrical circuits typically include switchgear devices for interrupting the flow of current in a circuit, typically between a voltage source and a voltage user, or between a voltage source and ground. Various types of switchgear devices are known. For example, there are mechanical devices for breaking electrical circuits, and there are circuit breakers designed and dimensioned to make it possible to open electrical circuits in which they are arranged, especially when they are under load or under fault conditions. Nonetheless, circuit breakers are expensive, bulky, and complex devices intended for network protection functions. Switchgear devices of simpler design such as disconnectors are known and they are not generally designed to block the circuits under load but instead are connected to the upstream side of the circuit connected to the voltage source and the downstream side of the circuit By providing a predetermined high level of electrical isolation between the parts, the current flow in the circuit is already blocked by some other switchgear device to ensure the safety of the equipment and the person while taking action against the equipment.

Called "metal-clad," in which active switchgear members are enclosed within a leaktight enclosure, sometimes referred to as a metal cladding or tank filled with insulating fluid, for high-voltage circuits, quot; clad " devices. These fluids can be gases, often sulfur hexafluoride (SF ₆ ), but also liquids and oils are also used. The fluid is selected for its insulation properties and is selected to provide an insulation strength that is greater than the dielectric strength of the dry air, especially at equivalent pressures. Metal-clad devices can be designed to be more compact than devices where interception and separation occur, especially in the air.

A typical " metal-clad " isolator particularly has two electrodes that are held on insulating supports at fixed locations remotely from the peripheral wall of an enclosure such as, for example, a metal cladding at ground potential. The electrodes are electrically connected together or electrically separated according to the position of the movable connecting member, for example, the sliding tube operated by the control means, forming part of one of the electrodes. The tube is typically carried by one of the electrodes to which the tube is connected, and separating the tube from the opposing electrode will probably result in an electrical arc. The disconnector is typically located within the electrical substation. It is connected to other elements of the substation, for example by connection busbars. On each side of the disconnector, other elements of the substation, such as circuit breakers, power transformers, overhead bushings, etc., will be found.

Thus, in certain electrical circuit configurations, a disconnector to be arranged between a high voltage AC voltage source and another switchgear device, such as a circuit breaker, may be provided, and the circuit breaker may thus be present on the downstream side of the voltage source and isolator Lt; / RTI > circuit. Thus, in order to open such an electrical circuit and separate it from the voltage source, the general procedure is to open the first switchgear device of the circuit breaker type, for example, to interrupt the flow of current in the circuit. Thereafter, in order to separate the downstream portion of the circuit, the isolator is opened. Under these circumstances, the first electrode of the disconnector is directly or indirectly electrically connected to the AC voltage source, whereas after the circuit is opened, the second electrode is electrically isolated from any voltage source and from any electrical ground And thus are in a floating electrical potential. The electrodes form part of a determined potential, for example a voltage source or electrical ground, in particular an electrode connected to a voltage source (upstream circuit), a metal cladding connected to ground, and / Considering that the electrodes are electrically isolated from any voltage source and from any electrical ground when forming non-zero capacitance with peripheral conductor elements connected to any part of any other switchgear device do. Thus, during operation to open the disconnector in such a facility, the first electrode is at an electrical potential that varies over time as a function of the AC voltage delivered by the voltage source to which it is connected. On the other hand, since the second electrode is separated, its electric potential is not determined. This may be the electrical potential of the electrode at the moment of its last contact while the two electrodes are in an electrically-closed relative position. After opening, there may be a remaining capacity coupling between the two electrodes, which results in the potential of the second electrode being changed. Nonetheless, this phenomenon is neglected here, since its size is generally much smaller than the electrical potential present either through an electrical arc between the two electrodes or at the moment of the last contact.

In contrast, during the relative opening movement of the electrodes, particularly at the beginning of such movement, there is a possibility that an electrical arc between the two electrodes occurs immediately after the position of the last electrical contact between the two electrodes in the opening direction .

The problem on which the present invention is based is illustrated with reference to Figure 4, which shows the time-dependent changes of the electric potentials U1, U2 of each of the two electrodes relative to the ground potential during the relative open- . This relatively open motion is thought to occur at a constant rate of relative movement between two electrodes corresponding to the interval between two electrodes that increases in a constant manner over time. Due to this increase in spacing, a corresponding constant increase of the withstand voltage between the two electrodes, i. E. The difference in potential between the two electrodes required to generate an electrical arc is observed. In other words, the withstand voltage between two electrodes of zero at the electrically-closed relative positions is determined by the fact that as soon as the physical contact between the two electrodes is lost, the electrically-open relative position between the two electrodes And gradually increases to a final withstand voltage value that ensures separation between the upstream portion and the downstream portion of the electrical circuit in which the disconnector is arranged.

In the electrically-closed relative position of the two electrodes, the two electrodes of the disconnector are always the same electrical potential, as can be seen in the left-hand portion of Figure 4, and this electrical potential is then converted to an AC voltage Lt; / RTI > Figure 4 shows the instant t ₀ , which is the moment when the physical contact between the two electrodes is lost. After this moment, the two electrodes are no longer considered to be in physical contact with each other. Nonetheless, in the moment immediately after the loss of contact, and in particular in the situation of the equipment operating at high voltage, an electrical arc arises, which at least initially causes the electric potential of the second electrode to always go to the electric And maintains it at substantially the same level as the potential. Nevertheless, after the instant t ₁ , the two electrodes are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance so as to interrupt the electrical arc during the first time, thereby enabling the potential difference to appear between the two electrodes. Nevertheless, as soon as the potential difference exceeds the withstand voltage defined by the spacing distance, a new arc is generated to bring the potential of the second electrode to the same level as the potential of the first electrode. Gradually, as the distance between the two electrodes increases with time and accordingly, the withstanding voltage between the two electrodes gradually increases due to the increase in the distance between the two electrodes The durations for which the arcs are interrupted are longer. In the example of FIG. 4, there is an instant t ₂ when only one electrical arc appears during each alternation half-cycle of the electrical potential of the first electrode. When such an arc appears, the potential of the second electrode at the moment of the arc becomes almost the same level as the electric potential of the first electrode. Such an arc is transient as long as the arc disappears once the two electrodes reach substantially the same potential as a result of an electrical arc. At this point, it should be recalled that the second electrode is at a potential that is in the floating state, not the potential determined, such as when the second electrode is connected to electrical ground or any other voltage source. Nevertheless, as soon as the electric arc is identified, the potential of the first electrode continuously changes because the first electrode is connected to the AC voltage source, while the potential of the second electrode is changed from the result of the preceding arc to the level reached It remains. This causes an increase in the electrical potential difference between the two electrodes, and when this potential difference exceeds the electrical separation performance between the two electrodes for the instantaneous relative position of the two electrodes, a new transient arc occurs .

This electrical arc are continuously generated until the time t ₃ corresponding to the instant of the last electric arc during the opening operation. After this last electric arc, the withstand voltage between the two electrodes is too great for a new arc to occur. Thus, when the two electrodes reach their electrically-opened relative position, the second electrode is at the moment of the last electrical arc and at the moment of the last electrical arc resulting from the last electrical arc, Lt; / _RTI > due to the electrical potential of the electrode.

Simulations have shown that this endpoint value for the electrical potential of the second electrode is very random in a given method of opening a disconnector of the type described above and in a given facility using a given AC voltage source. These simulations were orally announced at the CIGRE conference in New Delhi in 2013 (Thomas Berteloot, Alain Girodet, Paul Vinson, and Mathieux Bernard, "Development of a gas insulated disconnector for UHV networks" group A3.28 February 2014 - Switching phenomena for EVH and UHV equipment "). This disclosure is particularly useful for obtaining an end point value for an electrical potential of a second electrode that is less than the value obtained for an open speed of 0.05 meters per second (m / s) or 0.1 m / s for an open speed of 0.5 m / s Suggests that it makes the potential greater. Similar teachings can be found in the document " Influence of the switching speed on the fast transient overvoltage " (Shu Yinbiao, Han Bin, Jin Li-Ming, Chen Weijiang, Ban Liangeng, Xiang Zutao and Chen Guoqiang IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery, Vol. 28, No. 4, Oct. 2013).

However, it seems that the endpoint value for the electrical potential of the second electrode, sometimes referred to as " trapped charge "

First, it should be noted that between the instant t ₂ and t ₃ , the potential difference ΔU or "striking voltage" between the two electrodes at the instant of the occurrence of the electrical arc increases at each alternation. However, for each electrical arc, a high-frequency overvoltage appears for the first microsecond. This is referred to as " very fast transient overvoltage " (VFTO). The larger the strike voltage [Delta] U between the two electrodes of the disconnecting unit becomes, the larger the corresponding VFTO becomes. VFTO propagates to all points electrically connected to the shunt; Thus, it propagates into other elements of the substation located on one side of the shunter. Thus, the VFTO is likely to propagate to power transformers, bushings, circuit breakers, .... Thus, an overvoltage due to VFTO stresses live-to-ground insulation of all elements connected to the disconnector.

Solutions to these problems have already been proposed, but they are not fully satisfactory.

A first solution of the prior art is to use a disconnector with a resistor. In such devices, electrical resistance is only inserted into the current path during the open operation. In this isolator, the resistor is located between one of the electrodes of the disconnector and the resistive electrode. Then, electrical arcs are generated between the resistance electrode and the tube of the isolator. The resistance can be as large as 1 kilo ohms (kΩ). This first solution is based on a larger bulky disconnector, due to its greater cost as a result of the additional part, and to a greater need for maintenance as it has lower reliability as a result of the presence of electrical resistance Lt; / RTI >

For example, the second solution described in document JP-2000.067705 is to use a disconnector whose values of the striking voltages between two electrodes are controlled by using a laser beam to cause an electrical arc to occur. The laser source is located outside the disconnector and an optical device composed of mirrors or lenses serves to transfer energy from the laser between the tube and the opposing electrode. It will be appreciated that such a solution is expensive and complex.

Thus, the other electrode having one electrode that undergoes the AC electric potential, while at the same time, for limiting the high-frequency overvoltages due to the electrical arc appearing during opening in the mechanical switchgear device in the floating electrical potential, There is a need to do so while keeping costs low.

For this purpose, the invention proposes a method of controlling the opening of a mechanical switchgear device in an AC high-voltage electrical circuit, the device being characterized in that the first electrode undergoes an AC electrical potential having an alternation period, Two electrodes are of the type having two electrodes electrically separated from any voltage source and any electrical ground, and the two electrodes of the mechanical device are of the electrically-closed relative position in which the electrodes establish the nominal electrical connection of the device And the two electrodes are movable relative to each other with controlled open movements between at least one electrically-opened final relative position spaced apart from one another at a final spacing, the method comprising the steps of do:

At least one rapid open time interval of the same duration as at least one alternating cycle of the AC potential of the first electrode while the relative movement between the two electrodes is greater than 0.05 m / s , Preferably at a first mean separation rate greater than 0.1 m / s; And

At least one of the durations corresponding to the interval between two electrodes within the range of 10% to 90% of the last interval, which is equal to at least 5 times the alternating period of the AC potential of the first electrode after the initial open phase At least one stabilization step wherein the relative movement between the two electrodes occurs at a stabilized mean separation rate of less than 0.03 m / s.

According to another optional feature of this method, taken alone or in combination:

After the stabilization step, the method comprises at least one continuation open time interval of a duration equal to at least 5 times the alternating period of the AC potential of the first electrode, while the relative movement between the two electrodes is 0.03 at an average separation rate greater than m / s, preferably greater than 0.05 m / s, more preferably greater than 0.1 m / s.

The method comprises at least one secondary stabilization time interval of a duration equal to at least five times the alternating period of the AC potential of the first electrode while the relative movement between the two electrodes ≪ / RTI > occurs at an average separation rate of less than 0.03 m / s.

The method includes a final opening step in which the electrodes reach their final open relative position.

The stabilization step starts at a mid-relative position between the two electrodes, which is distinguished from the closed relative position and the final open position and from the closed relative position and final open position.

The stabilization step is triggered corresponding to a predetermined relative position between the two electrodes.

The stabilization step is triggered as a function of at least one operating parameter of the device.

The stabilization step is triggered as a function of the duration of the time interval between the two electrical arcs between the first and second electrodes at least during the open motion.

During the initial opening phase, the time interval between the two electrical arcs between the first and second electrodes is detected, and the duration of the time interval is compared with a reference value at which the stabilization step is triggered.

The stabilization step is triggered as a function of the voltage between the two electrodes at the moment when an electrical arc occurs between the at least two electrodes.

The continuously open step is triggered after a predetermined length of time has elapsed since the last electrical arc detected between the two electrodes.

- the secondary stabilization step is triggered as a function of at least detecting the electrical arc between the first and second electrodes during the subsequent open phase.

During the stabilization step, the electrodes occupy at least one last-arc relative position, and for the last-arc relative position:

In this position, there is an electric potential value of the first electrode which undergoes the AC electric potential, causing the electric arc to occur between the two electrodes with respect to the previous electric potential of the second electrode; And

The electric arc makes the second electrode a final potential whose electric potential difference between the first and second electrodes is less than the minimum withstand voltage between the two electrodes for that position.

During the stabilization step, the electrodes are arranged such that the gap value between the electrodes is in the range of 10% to 50%, more preferably in the range of 10% to 30% of the gap value of the electrodes at the final open position, Occupy position.

During the stabilization step, the electrodes are arranged such that the value of the distance between the electrodes is in the range of 40% to 90% of the value of the interval of the electrodes at the final open position, more preferably in the range of 60% to 90% Occupy position.

The stabilization step comprises at least one stop of the relative movement between the two electrodes.

The stabilization step consists of stopping the relative movement between the two electrodes.

The stabilization step provides a duration that is at least 5 times, alternatively at least 10 times, alternatively at least 20 times the alternating period of the electrical potential experienced by the first electrode.

The stabilization step provides a duration that is less than 75 times the alternating period of the electrical potential experienced by the first electrode, preferably 50 times the alternating period of the electrical potential experienced by the first electrode.

The second average separation rate is such that the rate at which the device's minimum withstand voltage is generated by the increase in the interval value itself is less than 1.0 peak voltages per second (pu / s), preferably 0.5 pu / s, where 1 pu is the peak value of the electrical potential experienced by the first electrode relative to ground.

The electrical potential of the second electrode is less than 0.5 pu when the two electrodes reach their final open relative position, where 1 pu is the peak value of the electrical potential experienced by the first electrode relative to ground.

The invention also provides an electrical installation comprising a mechanical switchgear arrangement for opening an AC high-voltage electrical circuit, wherein the first electrode is subjected to AC electrical potential and the second electrode is connected to any voltage source and any The two electrodes of the mechanical device are of the type having two electrodes electrically separated from the electrical ground, and the two electrodes are electrically connected to each other by means of an electrically-closed relative position where the electrodes establish a nominal electrical connection of the device under the control of the control device, Characterized in that the control device is configured to carry out a control method having at least one of the above features, characterized in that the control device is movable with respect to each other with openings between at least one electrically- .

According to another optional feature of such a facility, taken alone or in combination:

The control device further comprises an actuator for controlling relative movement between the electrodes and a controller for controlling the actuator, wherein the controller is programmed to perform a control method having at least one of the above features.

The control device comprises an actuator for controlling the relative movement between the electrodes using a transmission mechanism for connecting the actuator to at least one of the electrodes, the transmission mechanism comprising a control means having at least one of the above features .

Various other features appear from the following description, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a diagram of an electrical installation of the present invention including a mechanical switchgear device shown in the figures in its electrically-closed relative position of its electrodes.
Figs. 2 and 3 are schematic diagrams of the mechanical switchgear device of Fig. 1 shown in their intermediate position and their electrically-open relative positions, respectively.
4 shows changes over time of the individual electrical potentials of two electrodes measured against ground in a mechanical switchgear device during a relative opening movement at a constant velocity between the electrodes.
5A-5D illustrate four examples of the method of the present invention for controlling the opening of a mechanical switchgear device, plotting changes over time of the interval E between two electrodes of the device.
6 is a flow chart illustrating the performance of an exemplary method of the present invention for controlling the opening of a mechanical switchgear device.
Figures 7A-7D illustrate an embodiment of a mechanical switchgear device including a transmission mechanism configured to perform the method according to the present invention and connecting the actuator to one of the electrodes.

Figures 1 to 3 show the major component elements of a mechanical switchgear for a high-voltage electrical circuit that may include an ultra-high voltage AC circuit, which have three relative positions between the electrodes of the switchgear device Respectively.

These devices are designed to operate with normal currents designed to operate continuously without damaging the device at nominal alternating currents, i.e., voltages greater than 1000 volts (V) AC, or even voltages higher than 50,000 V AC, To open or close the electrical circuit for delivery.

The device is a mechanical switchgear device as long as the device is open by isolating and separating the two contact portions to interrupt the flow of current through the device. Naturally, the electrical circuit is closed by movement until the two contact portions come into contact to re-establish the flow of current through the device.

In an embodiment, the mechanical switchgear device is a disconnector. In an embodiment, the switchgear device is designed to open a single electrical circuit, for example, one phase, however, the present invention can also be applied to a plurality of switchgear devices, for example, including a plurality of switchgear devices in parallel within a common enclosure, And may be implemented as an apparatus designed to open electrical circuits.

The present invention will be described in more detail in the context of a " metal-clad " type switchgear device. Thus, the apparatus 10 includes an enclosure 12 that defines an internal volume 16 of the enclosure 12. When the device is in its operational configuration, the enclosure 12 is preferably leak-sealed against the exterior of the enclosure 12. The enclosure 12 serves to provide access to the interior volume 16 from outside the enclosure at least during maintenance or assembly operations or to provide access to the interior volume 16 of the enclosure 12 in contact with the enclosure 12, And one or more openings (not shown) that enable it to communicate with other volumes. Thus, the openings may be designed to be closed by, for example, viewing ports or covers, or they may be designed to be sealed by a leakage seal connection between the openings and corresponding openings of the other enclosure, (16) is in communication with the other leak-sealed enclosure itself. Because this is a leak-tight seal, the internal volume 16 of the enclosure 12 can be filled with insulating fluid that can be kept separate from ambient air. The fluid may be gas or liquid. The pressure of the fluid may be different from the atmospheric pressure, for example, the pressure of the fluid may be greater than 3 bar absolute, or the pressure of the fluid may be a very low pressure, perhaps close to vacuum. In the sense of the present invention, a vacuum should be considered as an insulating fluid. The insulating fluid may be air, especially dry air, preferably at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure. Nonetheless, and preferably, the fluid is selected to have a higher insulation properties, for example greater than the insulation strength of the dry air under equivalent temperature and pressure conditions.

In a general manner, the device 10 has at least two electrodes for electrically connecting, respectively, to the upstream and downstream portions of the electrical circuit for opening. The two electrodes are arranged such that the electrodes as shown in Fig. 1 establish the nominal electrical connection of the device and accordingly have at least one electrically-closed relative position corresponding to that the device is in the closed state, Open relative positions that correspond to the open states of the device, such as the < RTI ID = 0.0 > device. ≪ / RTI > In the illustrated example, the apparatus 10 includes a fixed first electrode 20 and a second electrode 22 comprising a fixed main body and a movable connecting member 24. It will be appreciated that the movable connecting member may form part of the first electrode 20, or that both electrodes 20 and 22 may have separate movable connecting members.

In the example shown, each electrode 20, 22 is fastened to the enclosure 12 through an insulative support 26. Outside the enclosure 12, the device 10 has individual connection terminals 28, 30 electrically connected to the corresponding electrodes 20, 22. One of the terminals is for connecting to the upstream part of the electric circuit, while the other terminal is for connecting to the downstream part of the electric circuit. A portion of the electrical circuit, referred to as the " upstream side, " without any special meaning to the direction or polarity of the current flow, is connected to the first electrode 20 via the connection terminal 28, to be. Therefore, the downstream side portion of the electric circuit is a portion connected to the second electrode 22 through the connection terminal 30.

In this example, each electrode 20, 22 is electrically connected in a permanent manner to an associated connection terminal 28, 30, regardless of the open or closed state of the switchgear device.

The main bodies of the two electrodes 20 and 22 are connected to the main body of the enclosure 12 in such a way that the electrode-to-electrical insulating gaps are arranged along the direction of the central axis A1 between the opposing portions of their respective peripheral surfaces. Are arranged in a fixed manner within the interior volume (16) to be spaced from and spaced from the peripheral wall.

In the example shown, the movable linking member 24 of the second electrode of the device is slidable along the axis A1 through the second electrode 22 and is optionally referred to as a " longitudinal & And may include a tube that is guided to slide along the central axis A1.

The connecting member 24 is configured such that the electrical connecting member 24 as shown in Figure 1 has an electrically-closed relative position establishing a nominal electrical connection with the opposite electrode 20, And can be moved using an open motion relative to the opposite electrode 20 between electrically-opened relative positions as shown in FIG. 3 by passing intermediate relative positions. In the illustrated embodiment, the movable linking member 24 is preferably made of a conductive material, for example metal, which is electrically connected to the main body of the second electrode, 24 are electrically connected to the associated connection terminal 30 in a permanent manner.

In its closed relative position, the connecting member 24 is moved longitudinally along the central axis A1 towards the first electrode 20 through the inter-electrode electrical insulation gap. Hereinafter, the closed relative position is defined by the position of the last electrical contact between the two electrodes when moving in the opening direction of the switchgear device, that is, the current through the mechanical contact between the two electrodes It is considered to be the last position that can flow. In certain arrangements, there may be a certain amount of dead stroke between the position of the last electrical contact between the two electrodes moving in the opening direction of the switchgear device and the electrically-closed position at the end . Nevertheless, only this last electrical contact location is considered herein. In a known manner, the connecting member 24 comprises, in this embodiment, a connecting rod 44 which is substantially parallel to the axis A1 and which is movable in a direction which is itself controlled by the rotating lever 46 Is moved from the relative position closed by the control device 42 toward the open relative position.

The mechanical switchgear device 10 is intended for inclusion in an electrical installation 14 having an example of the high voltage AC electrical circuit shown in FIG.

Within such a facility, the first electrode 20 is connected to a corresponding source of an electrical circuit having an AC voltage source 32, which may be a secondary source, such as, for example, a transformer or converter, or a primary source, Side portion thereof. Between the AC voltage source 32 and the switchgear device 10, there can be all kinds of electrical devices, including switchgear devices. Nonetheless, the upstream portion of such a circuit is considered to be in a state in which the first electrode undergoes an AC electrical potential. In the example shown, the first electrode undergoes an AC electrical potential that is directly or indirectly imparted by the voltage source 32.

On the other hand, the other electrode, specifically the second electrode 22, is at least in a particular configuration of an electrode electrically separated from any voltage source and any electrical ground. As mentioned above, the second electrode 22 may be, for example, a switchgear device 34 that serves to interrupt the current between the user voltage network 36 and the switchgear device 10, for example, , The downstream portion of the electrical circuit, which may in particular include a circuit breaker. In a configuration in which the switchgear device is in an open relative position and the downstream circuit breaker 34 is open, the second electrode 22 is therefore electrically connected to any other voltage source or electrical ground, It is in the floating electrical potential.

In order to limit the absolute value of the charge trapped on the second electrode, the present invention proposes a new method of controlling the opening of the mechanical switchgear device 10.

In the examples shown partially in Figures 5A, 5B, and 5C, the method may include the following steps:

a) the relative positions of the two electrodes 20 and 22 closed at a first maximum average separation rate measured during at least one fast open time interval of the same duration T1 as one alternating period of the AC potential of the first electrode An initial opening step of performing a relative movement from the first opening step; And

b) after the initial opening step, the two electrodes 20 and 22 are equal to at least 5 times the alternating period of the AC potential of the first electrode and within the range of 10% to 90% of the last interval (E _f ) At least one stabilization step that is determined over a stabilization time interval of a duration T2 corresponding to the interval between the electrodes and performs a movement relative to a stabilized average separation rate that is less than a maximum first average separation rate. Advantageously, the stabilizing average separation rate may be less than 50% of the maximum first average separation rate.

The initial fast opening step serves to obtain a reliable separation between the two electrodes and to reduce the total duration of the open motion.

As can be seen from the following examples, the stabilizing step may comprise moving the two electrodes 20 and 22 away from one another with their relative opening movement. Nevertheless, and preferably, the stabilizing step comprises at least one stop of the relative movement between the two electrodes. For example, as can be seen from the example of FIG. 5B, the stabilization step may include stopping relative movement between the two electrodes 20 and 22.

This method can be performed with relative opening movement between the two electrodes 20 and 22 of the mechanical switchgear device for a manually controlled electric circuit. Nevertheless, a method is provided which is advantageously automated in mechanical switchgear devices.

Thus, in a mechanical switchgear device for opening an electrical circuit, the control device 42 for controlling the relative movement of the two electrodes can be configured to, for example, include one or more of the additional method features described below and / ≪ / RTI > can be configured to perform a control method having features.

For example, the control device 42 may include an actuator 48, such as an electric motor, a pneumatic motor, or the like, which may actuate relative movement between the two electrodes 20 and 22, perhaps via a transmission mechanism And may include an energy accumulator motor. In the illustrated example, the transmission mechanism includes a connecting rod 44 and a lever 46. The transmission mechanism connects the actuator (48) to at least one of the electrodes to control movement of the electrode. Specifically, the transmission mechanisms 44 and 46 allow the movable linking member 24 to move without causing the main bodies of the first and second electrodes to move. The control device 42 includes a controller in the form of an electronic monitoring and control unit 52 for controlling the actuator 48, for example. The electronic monitoring and control unit 52 may be made in the form of a plurality of individual components in communication with each other.

By way of example, the electronic monitoring and control unit 52 may control the relative movement between the two electrodes, in particular as a function of the time interval between two electrical arcs during the open motion of the two electrodes, ), In particular actuators 48, for example. Specifically, the electronic monitoring and control unit 52 can be programmed to control the actuator so that the speed of the actuator 48 will follow the steps above, possibly with one or more of the steps described below.

In a variant, or in a further example, a control device may be provided comprising an actuator for controlling the movement of the electrode using a transmission mechanism that connects the actuator to at least one of the electrodes, the transmission mechanism comprising, for example, , At least one of the electrodes for a constant speed of the actuator is controlled by a transmission mechanism and is configured in such a manner as to follow one or more of the steps described above and possibly the steps described below. One example of such an embodiment is described in more detail below.

5A-5D, which illustrate several changes to the relative movement between the two electrodes 20 and 22 as a function of time during the operation of opening the switchgear device 10, , The two electrodes 20 and 22 move from the electrically-closed relative position where the distance E between the two electrodes is zero to an electrically-open relative position where the distance E _f is maximum. This operation is performed at the moment when the two electrodes 20 and 22 lose their physical contact, which allows the two electrodes 20 and 22 to conduct current by conduction, and when the two electrodes 20 and 22 reach their final open relative position Lt; RTI ID _{= 0.0} > t0 &_lt; / RTI > to instant tf.

The spacing E at a given instant may be determined as the shortest distance between the two electrodes 20 and 22 in the insulating fluid surrounding the electrodes within the enclosure 12. In the example shown, as long as the tube 24 protrudes, the gap between the two electrodes 20 and 22 is spaced apart from the first electrode 20 and the main body of the second electrode 22, Corresponds to the distance between the electrode (20) and the tube (24). Naturally, once the tube is received within the main body of the second electrode 22, the spacing between the two electrodes 20 and 22 is such that the distance between the first electrode 20 and the main body of the second electrode 22 Which remains constant even when the separation movement of the tube 24 continues.

Thus, the spacing corresponds to the minimum distance traveled by the electric arc between the two electrodes 20 and 22.

In the illustrated example, the separation motion between the two electrodes is a linear motion along the axis, and the spacing corresponds to the shortest distance between the two electrodes measured along that axis.

It should be noted that the instantaneous separation rate between the two electrodes 20 and 22 corresponds to the time derivative of the spacing between the two electrodes. Thus, the instantaneous separation rate may differ from the rate at which one of the two electrodes 20 and 22 moves, for example, in certain situations where the relative separation motion does not follow a straight line.

5A-5D, the relative opening movement of the electrodes 20 and 22 may be subdivided into at least two steps.

Fast initial opening stage is continued until the end time is identified as a time t _a1, for example, starting at the moment t ₀ In the examples of Figure 5a to 5c. During this initial phase, the two electrodes 20 and 22 move progressively away.

During the initial stage, the relative movement of the two electrodes is preferably continuous without stopping to limit the duration of this step. The instantaneous separation rate of the two electrodes during the initial stage may be constant as shown in Figs. 5A to 5C, or may vary during this step as shown in Fig. 5D.

When the separation rate is considered constant or constant during this high-speed initial opening step, as shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C, the two electrodes 20 and 22 are spaced apart from each other by an interval value corresponding to the intermediate relative position of the two electrodes Ea1 to the first average separation speed V1. The first average separation rate can be calculated, for example, to have the following values when this speed is constant:

_{V1 = E a1 / (t a1} - t 0)

The initial stage is followed by at least one stabilization step, possibly a plurality of stabilization steps, after the initialization step, during which the two electrodes perform a relative motion at a second average separation rate that is less than the first average separation rate.

In the examples of Figures 5A-5C, the stabilization step is performed in such a way that the separation speed during the stabilization step is constant and, in this example, starting from the instant t _a1 corresponding to the moment of termination of the initial opening step, the two electrodes 20 and 22 Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > tb1 < / RTI > occupying the relative position at which their interval has reached the second value E _b1 . During this stabilization step, the relative movement of the two electrodes occurs at an average separation rate V2 that is less than the first average separation rate V1. As an example, the second average separation rate V2 can be calculated as having the following values:

V2 = (E _b1 - E _a1 ) / (t _b1 - t _a1 )

During the stabilization step, the instantaneous separation rate between the two electrodes may be constant as shown in Figs. 5A to 5C, or may be variable during this step as shown in Fig. 5D. During the stabilization step, the two electrodes 20 and 22 may be stationary relative to one another, which corresponds to an average separation rate V2 of zero as shown in Figure 5b.

In certain circumstances during the initialization phase the average separation speed of the relative movement V2 is not 0, the two electrodes are continued until the two electrodes in their open relative position indicating a maximum distance E _f (20 and 22) is reached, A stabilization step may be provided.

Nevertheless, particularly in the examples shown in Figs. 5A and 5B, after the stabilization step, the method may include at least one continuous quick opening step, Beginning at the instant t _b1 , the relative motion during this occurs at a third average separation rate V3, which is greater than the second average separation rate V2 during the stabilization step, between the two electrodes 20 and 22. This continued open step may continue until the two electrodes reach their open relative position, which represents the maximum spacing E _f . Under these circumstances, particularly as shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the third mean separation rate V3 can be calculated, for example, as having the following values:

V3 = (E _r - E _b1 ) / (t _f - t _b1 )

It should be noted that the third mean separation rate V3 may be equal to, greater than, or less than the first mean separation rate V1 during the initial opening phase.

Nevertheless, and as shown in FIG. 5C, the method further comprises, after the continuously opening step described above, a secondary stabilization step in which relative motion occurs between the two electrodes at a fourth mean separation velocity V4 . ≪ / RTI > In the example shown, the secondary stabilization step lasts from the start moment t _a2 to the end moment t _b2 . Under these circumstances, the fourth mean separation rate V4 can be calculated, for example, as having the following values:

V4 = (E _b2 - E _a2 ) / (t _b2 - t _a2 )

The fourth average separation rate V4 is smaller than the third average separation rate V3 for the continuation opening step described immediately above. Naturally, the third mean separation rate V3 can be calculated, for example, as having the following values:

V3 = (E _a2 - E _b1 ) / (t _a2 - t _b1 )

The fourth average separation rate V4 may be equal to, less than, or greater than the second average separation rate V2 during the first stabilization step described above.

The fourth mean separation rate V4 is preferably smaller than the first mean separation rate V1 during the initial opening phase described above.

The fourth mean separation rate V4 may be constant as shown, or may be variable or zero during the secondary stabilization step.

This secondary stabilization step is advantageous in that if the secondary stabilization step is not exclusively constituted by stopping the relative movement between the two electrodes 20 and 22, then the two electrodes reach their electrically-open relative position It can continue until. Nevertheless, in the example shown in FIG. 5C, the method includes a final opening step during which the electrodes 20 and 22 reach their final open relative positions. This final opening step may occur at an average separation rate greater than the average separation rate of the first stabilization step and / or greater than the average separation rate of the second stabilization step.

Naturally, two secondary stabilization steps, during which the mean separation rate of the two electrodes is separated by a continuation opening step which is larger than the mean separation rate of the two electrodes during the separation steps that took place immediately before and immediately after It is possible to increase the number of secondary stabilization steps.

In the examples shown in Figs. 5A to 5C, separation rates are considered constant for various steps. More specifically, the transition from one stage to another is a curve plotting the change in spacing between the two electrodes as a function of time, which represents a clear break indicating a discontinuity in its derivative, , And is readily identified by the fact that a change in the relative rate of separation between the two electrodes during a transition from one step to the next occurs rapidly.

In the example shown in Fig. 5D, the separation speed of the relative motion between the two electrodes during the various steps is not constant. In addition, the transition from one stage to the next takes place without any abrupt change, with gradual acceleration or deceleration. Under these circumstances, the mean separation rate nonetheless can be determined during the stabilization step by the following method.

The stabilization step comprises at least one stabilization of the duration corresponding to the interval between the two electrodes in the range of 10% to 90% of the final interval E _f , equal to at least 5 times the alternating period of the AC potential of the first electrode Wherein the relative movement between the two electrodes occurs at a stabilized mean separation rate V2 that is less than 0.03 m / s during the stabilization time interval. In the sense of the present invention, it is to be understood that the exact start and end of the stabilization step need not necessarily be precisely determined, but that the presence of such a step is determined by the presence of at least one stabilization time interval as defined above will be. Within the limits, the stabilization step consists of a single stabilization time interval as defined above.

In the example shown in Fig. 5D, two stabilization time intervals are shown which satisfy this definition, both of which belong to the same stabilization step. It is possible to define a plurality of even or infinite stabilization time intervals that are continuous or partly overlapping during the stabilization step when the stabilization step provides a duration that is greater than 5 times the alternating period of the AC potential of the first electrode It will be understood.

The first of these stabilization time intervals is shown to terminate at instant t _2f , starting at instant t _2i , each corresponding to intervals E _2i and E _2f between the two electrodes. This has, for example, a duration T2 equal to 5 times the alternating period of the AC potential of the first electrode. Thus, the average separation rate of the two electrodes during this first stabilization time interval is:

V2 ₁ = ( _E2f - _E2i ) / ( _t2f - _t2i ) = ( _E2f - _E2i ) / T2

The minimum stabilization mean separation rate is also defined as: V2min. For this purpose, the second stabilizing time interval of such a stabilization time interval, starting at the respective moment t _2imin corresponding to two of the distance between the electrodes E _2imin and E _2fmin is defined as one that terminates at a moment t _2fmin Respectively. Which has a duration T2 set to five times the alternating period of the AC potential of the first electrode. The moments t _2imin and t _2fmin are selected at the same times on each side of the instant t2min such that the instantaneous velocity of the separation motion between the two electrodes reaches a local minimum. The local minimum corresponds to the moment when the acceleration in the interval becomes zero while moving from the negative value to the positive value. The average separation rate between the two electrodes during this stabilization time interval is thus:

V2min = ( _E2fmin - _E2imin ) / ( _t2fmin - _t2imin ) = ( _E2fmin - _E2imin ) / T2

In this example, the second time interval is the interval during which the stabilized average separation rate V2min is considered to be at its maximum. The minimum stabilization average separation rate V2min is less than 0.03 m / s.

In the example shown in Figure 5d, it stabilized before the opening step, and locally to continue opening step after stabilization, in that steps 2 are each moment t _1max of the separation movement between the two electrode velocity and t _3max for It is possible to define it as steps passing through the maximum. The local maximum corresponds to the moment when the acceleration of the interval becomes zero while moving from the positive value to the negative value. _1max moment t is a local minimum of the moment t in _2min before stabilization. The instant t _3max is after the local maximum instant t _2min in the stabilization phase.

The initial opening step comprises at least one rapid open time interval of the duration T1, which is equal to at least one alternating period of the AC potential of the first electrode, for example one alternating cycle of the AC potential of the first electrode, While the relative movement between the two electrodes occurs at a first average separation rate V1 greater than 0.05 m / s, preferably greater than 0.1 m / s.

The minimum stabilization mean separation speed V1max is also defined. To this end, the moment t _1imax and t _1fmax to the same time on the two electrodes, the moment of separation movement between the velocity is stabilized prior to the time each side of the t _1max reaching local maximum during the first stage By choosing, it is possible to determine the fast open time interval of duration T1, which is equal to one alternating cycle of the AC potential of the first electrode. E _1imax and E _1fmax are the corresponding values for the spacing between the two electrodes. During this rapid open time interval, the first mean separation rate V1, in particular the maximum first mean separation rate V1max, can be computed fairly simply using the following equation:

V1max = ( _E1fmax - _E1imax ) / ( _t1fmax - _t1imax ) = ( _E1fmax - _E1imax ) / T1

Preferably, the maximum first average separation rate V1max is greater than 0.05 m / s, more preferably greater than 0.1 m / s.

The continuous open phase includes at least one continuation open time interval of a duration equal to at least 5 times the alternating period of the AC potential of the first electrode while the relative motion between the two electrodes (20, 22, 24) Occurs with an average separation rate V3 greater than the minimum stabilization average separation rate V2min, preferably greater than 0.03 m / s, more preferably greater than 0.05 m / s.

The minimum stabilization average separation speed V3max is also defined. For this purpose, the instants t 3 _imax and t _3fmax at the same time on each side of the instant t _3max so that the instantaneous velocity of the separation motion between the two electrodes reaches a local maximum during the subsequent open phase after the stabilization step By choosing, it is possible to determine the time interval for continued opening having a duration T3 equal to five times the alternating period of the AC potential of the first electrode. E _3imax and E _3fmax are values corresponding to the interval between the two electrodes. During this continued open time interval, the maximum third mean separation rate V3max can be calculated fairly simply using the following equation:

V3max = ( _E3fmax - _E3imax ) / ( _t3fmax - _t3imax ) = ( _E3fmax - _E3imax ) / T3

Preferably, the maximum average separation rate V3max during this continuous open time interval is greater than 0.03 m / s, preferably greater than 0.05 m / s, and more preferably greater than 0.1 m / s.

Preferably, the duration T2, which is equal to 5 times the alternating period of the AC potential of the first electrode and centered on the moment t _2min at which the instantaneous velocity of the separation motion between the two electrodes reaches the local maximum, The minimum stabilization mean separation rate V2min during the stabilization time interval of the first electrode is equal to one alternating cycle of the AC potential of the first electrode and the instantaneous separation speed between the two electrodes during the initial opening step before the stabilization step is at a local maximum Is less than 0.5 times the maximum first mean separation velocity V1max during the rapid open time interval of the duration T1 centered on _t1max at the instant it reaches.

Likewise, and preferably, same as 5 times the AC voltage alternating period of the first electrode and aligned centered on the moment t _2min onto which the instantaneous speed of the separation movement between the two electrodes reaches a local minimum The minimum stabilized mean separation velocity V2min during the stabilization time interval of duration T2 is equal to one alternating period of the AC potential of the first electrode and the instantaneous separation motion velocity between the two electrodes during the continuation opening step after the stabilization step is Is less than 0.5 times the maximum third isolation average velocity V3max during the continuation open time interval of the duration T3 centered on the instant _t3max at which it reaches the local maximum.

When the method does not provide a rapid open phase, the gap curve does not have a local maximum point for the separation velocity after a local minimum point for the separation motion velocity. Under these circumstances, the stabilization step can be regarded as ending at an open relative position corresponding to the maximum gap between the two electrodes.

If desired, a similar method can be implemented to calculate the average separation rate for the secondary stabilization step (s).

The method described above for determining appropriate velocities in the general situation shown in Fig. 5d is also valid for the examples of Figs. 5a to 5c in which the velocity is constant during each step.

In a general way, the stabilizing step is the same as at least 5 times that of the alternating period of the AC voltage of the first electrode and the duration corresponding to the interval between the two electrodes in a 10% to a range of 90% of the final interval (E _f) (T2) during which the relative movement between the two electrodes occurs at a stabilized average separation rate V2 of less than 0.03 m / s during the stabilization time interval Can be regarded as a period of time.

As can be appreciated from the above, the stabilizing step is their final physical closed relative positions of the two electrodes, the location of contact with their middle of the maximum spacing of two electrodes between E _f of the position of the final open relative position relative position E Start at _a1 . As mentioned above, in the stabilization step at a constant speed, the start of the stabilization step can be easily identified. In a more general situation, the start of the stabilization phase is the beginning of a continuous period covering all of the successive or overlapping stabilization time intervals as mentioned above. In a more general situation, the termination of the stabilization step is the end of a continuous period encompassing all of the successive or overlapping stabilization time intervals as mentioned above. Between its onset of being defined in this way and its termination, the stabilization step is at least 5 times, or indeed at least 10 times, or indeed at least 20 times the alternating period of the electrical potential experienced by the first electrode 20 Provide duration.

In other examples shown, the stabilization step starts at a location where the spacing _Ea1 between the two electrodes is different from the closed relative position and the final open relative position of the two electrodes.

In certain alternative embodiments, the stabilization step may be triggered corresponding to predetermined relative positions of the two electrodes 20, 22, 24. Under these circumstances, the intermediate relative position _Ea1 between the two electrodes at which the stabilization step is initiated is a predetermined relative position.

On the other hand, in other variant embodiments, the stabilization step may be triggered as a function of at least one operating parameter of the device. By way of example, and not limitation, these operating parameters may be determined based on structural and geometric parameters of the device and / or parameters associated with the nature and / or pressure of the gas within the enclosure 12, and / or the electrical potential (s) Parameter characteristics, and / or interval velocity profiles of the two electrodes. Under these circumstances, the intermediate relative position E _a1 between the two electrodes at which the stabilization phase begins is determined as a function of at least these operating parameters of the device. As such, the stabilization step may thus be triggered as a function of the voltage between the two electrodes at the instant of the strike voltage, i. E., The moment the electrical arc occurs between the two electrodes 20,22, Alternatively, and by way of example, the stabilization step may be triggered as a function of the duration of the time interval between the two electrical arcs between the first and second electrodes at least during the open motion.

Specifically, in certain embodiments of the present invention it is possible to detect the time interval between consecutive electrical arcs between the first and second electrodes during the initial opening phase or during the continuation opening phase, The duration of the detected time interval may be compared with a reference value at which the stabilization step is triggered.

For this purpose, there is provided a switchgear device provided with a sensor 50 capable of detecting the presence of an electrical arc between the two electrodes, more particularly the movable member 24 and the opposing electrode 20 . By way of example, the sensor 50 may be an optical sensor that observes the space between the two electrodes, preferably an electrical sensor within the electrical circuit proximate the switchgear device 10, or by overvoltages that occur when electrical arcs occur And may be an electromagnetic sensor that senses the electromagnetic field inside the generated enclosure 12. The sensor 50 may also include a combination of sensors. By way of example, the sensor 50 may be coupled to an electronic control unit that can determine the time interval between two electrical arcs as a function of the signals transmitted by the sensor 50.

The electronic monitoring and control unit 52 of the control device 42 is capable of monitoring and controlling the actuator 48 as well as receiving signals from the sensor 50 and controlling the two It is possible to determine the time interval between consecutive electrical arcs.

With this arrangement, the electronic monitoring and control unit 52 can be programmed to perform a method of controlling the opening of the mechanical switchgear device 10 with the main steps as shown in Fig.

During the first step 100, the method may include an initial step " open V1 start ", during which the electronic monitoring and control unit 52 may determine that the rapidity between the two electrodes starting from the closed relative position Controls the motor 48 to operate the motor via the transmission mechanisms 44 and 46 to effect relative movement, thereby causing the device to begin opening. The velocity profile of this motion can be used to determine, among other things, any profile of the profiles shown in Figs. 5A-5D, for example at a constant velocity with a first mean separation velocity V1 as shown in Figs. 5A- Profile or a varying velocity profile as shown in Figure 5d.

While this initial step 100 continues to occur, the monitoring and control unit 52 sets the detection step 200 to determine the time interval? T ₅₀ between the two electrical arcs between the first and second electrodes You can trigger. This step may include receiving signals relating to the presence of an electrical arc between the movable member 24 and the opposing electrode 20 resulting from the device opening, as delivered from the sensor 50 . The monitoring and control unit 52 can then infer the time interval? T ₅₀ between the two consecutive arcs detected by the sensor 50 from this. The determination of this time interval Δt ₅₀ is the distance between, or may be initiated from the start city of the initial step 100, or to some extent since, for example, a first time delay after the lapse or two electrodes Lt; / RTI > may be initiated after a threshold value for < RTI ID =

As soon as the detection step 200 is able to determine successive time intervals between two consecutive arcs, then the monitoring and control unit 52, during the comparison step 300, the time intervals Δt ₅₀ may be operable to compare the reference time interval Δt _ref. This reference time interval? T _ref may be a value stored in the monitoring and control unit 52. This may be a value selected from the table as a function of the operating parameters of the switchgear device 10. [ Alternatively, the reference value? _Ref may be a value calculated as a function of one or more operating parameters of the switchgear 10 or the facility.

When determining that the comparison step 300 is larger, the duration of the measured time interval Δt ₅₀ than the reference value Δt _ref, for monitoring and control unit 52 is started V2 stabilization step 400 "stabilized after the initial step &Quot; and during this stabilization phase, the relative movement between the two electrodes occurs with a velocity profile of reduced velocity. The velocity profile of such movement may be selected from among others, in particular one or other of the profiles shown in Figures 5A to 5D, e.g. smaller than a constant first separation velocity V1, as in Figures 5A to 5C A constant velocity profile at the stabilizing mean separation velocity V2, or a variable velocity profile as in FIG. 5D. The monitoring and control unit 52 then modifies the control signals transmitted to the motor 48 to slow the speed of the separation motion between the two electrodes.

The duration of the stabilization step can be predetermined, for example, by a threshold for the spacing between the two electrodes or by a predetermined time duration. Alternatively, such a duration may be used as a function of one or more operating parameters of the switchgear device, for example, the structural and geometrical parameters of the device or the parameter characteristics of the electrical potential (s) experienced by the device, Or in the form of a calculation as a function of these parameters.

In this embodiment, at least one continuation open step 500 "open V3 start" is also provided after the stabilization step, and the relative movement between the two electrodes during this continuation open step is greater than the second mean separation speed It occurs at a large average separation rate.

The continuation opening step 500 is performed when two electrodes reach their last electrically-opened relative position where the two electrodes reach the final interval and trigger the stopping step 700 " stop & Can be continued without changing.

Nevertheless, in the illustrated embodiment, the steps for performing the monitoring step 600 " test " during the continue open step 500 are provided, wherein signals transmitted by the sensor 50 during the monitoring step are two Is used to detect the possible appearance of an electrical arc between the electrodes.

If such an arc is detected, the method advantageously directly triggers the secondary stabilization step by returning the method directly to the stabilization step 400 described above, or alternatively, Lt; / RTI > Thus, triggering the secondary stabilization step is determined as a function of at least detecting the electrical arc between the first and second electrodes during the subsequent open phase.

Under all circumstances, when the two electrodes reach their final interval, the method triggers the stopping step 700 to stop the control device 42.

Naturally, other variations of methods that follow the methods described with particular reference to Figures 5A-5D can be expected.

As an example, the termination of the stabilization step may also be determined as a function of detecting the presence of an electrical arc between the two electrodes, and such determination may be performed using the sensor 50. For example, a stabilization step may be provided in which a predetermined time elapses after the last detected arc between two electrodes 20, 22, 24 and then ends. Therefore, after this time has elapsed, it is possible to trigger the continuously open step.

In the process, for example, the stabilization step, as defined by the start moments t _a1 , t _a2 and end moments t _b1 , t _b2 of the stabilization step, in particular the positioning of the first stabilization step, Selected or calculated to occupy at least the last-arc relative position during the stabilization step, and for the last-arc relative position:

- in this position, and for the previous value of the potential of the second electrode, there is an electric potential value of the first electrode which causes an electric arc to occur between the two electrodes; And

The electric arc makes the second electrode a final potential whose electric potential difference between the first and second electrodes is less than the minimum withstand voltage between the electrodes for that position.

The minimum withstand voltage between the electrodes for this position corresponds to the voltage between the two electrodes to cause an electrical arc to occur between the two electrodes 20, 22, 24 at that position. For any facility, this can be determined by campaign tests.

If such a position is not found, at least one secondary stabilization step may be required until such an effect is obtained.

In other words, such a position can be determined by the following equation, given the operating parameters of the switchgear device in the installation, possibly after several changes in value due to continuous electrical arcs generated by the interchange variations of the potential of the first electrode And a position at which the potential difference between the second electrodes reaches a final value, and a continuing relative opening between the two electrodes until the two electrodes reach their relative electrically- The potential of the second electrode does not change any more during the movements. With the present invention, the potential of the electrode at the floating potential is stabilized against a potential as close as possible to the minimum potential that may exist depending on the structural parameters of the isolator.

In a general manner, the time and end moments of the stabilization step, and the spacing between the two electrodes corresponding to these two moments, are such that the value of the distance between the electrodes and the electrodes during the stabilization step, At least one relative position within the range of 10% to 90%

Simulations and tests have shown that, in certain configurations, during the stabilization step, the electrodes are positioned within the range of 10% to 50% of the value of the distance between the electrodes at the final open position, Satisfactory results have been obtained when occupying at least one relative position within the range of 10% to 30%, precisely. In other arrangements, during the stabilization step, the electrodes are arranged such that the spacing value between the electrodes is within the range of 40% to 90% of the spacing of the electrodes at the final open position, more preferably within the range of 60% to 90% If at least one relative position is occupied, satisfactory results are obtained.

Preferably, the stabilizing step is performed in such a way that the alternating period of the AC electrical potential experienced by the first electrode, in particular at least five times the alternating period of the voltage of the voltage source, Provides a duration equal to at least fifteen times the alternating period of the AC electrical potential experienced by the first electrode.

Simulations and tests indicate that the stabilization step is performed in a period less than 75 times the alternating period of the AC electrical potential experienced by the first electrode, preferably less than 50 times the alternating period of the AC electrical potential experienced by the first electrode Can be provided. By limiting the duration of the stabilization step in this manner, the total time required for the open movement of the switchgear device between the electrically-closed relative position of the two electrodes and the electrically-opened relative position is reduced. Nonetheless, it has been found generally that by observing this duration limit, the last electrical arc is reached during the stabilization step.

Simulations and tests indicate that the second mean separation rate is a rate that the rate at which the device's maximum withstand voltage generated by an increase in the value of the interval increases is less than 1.0 pu / s, preferably less than 0.5 pu / s , Where 1 pu is the peak value of the AC voltage experienced by the first electrode, in particular the peak value of the voltage of the voltage source.

By adopting the above recommendations for the position of the stabilization step, for the duration of the stabilization step, and for the maximum rate of increase of the maximum withstand voltage of the device, the simulations show that once the two electrodes reach their final open relative position Shows that the electric potential of the second electrode is smaller than 0.5 pu.

7A to 7D are similar to those described above with reference to Figs. 1 to 3, but connect the actuator 48 to at least one of the electrodes, specifically to the tube 24 of the second electrode 22 Figure 4 illustrates one embodiment of a mechanical switchgear device for an electrical circuit in which the transmission mechanism 44, 46 is configured to perform an embodiment of the method of the present invention in an overall mechanical manner.

In a similar manner, the mechanism includes a lever 46 which is rotationally driven by an actuator 47 about an axis A2 perpendicular to the axis of motion A1 of the electrodes. At the end of the lever 46 away from the axis of rotation A2 the hinge pin 44 of the axis A3 received in the L-shaped slot 56 formed in the lever 46 in a plane perpendicular to the axes A2 and A3, hinged to the lever 46 about an axis A3 parallel to the axis A2 by means of a hinge pin 54. The L-shaped slot 56 provides a long dead-stroke branch 56b and a short initial-drive branch 56a, these two branches forming an angle of about 90 degrees therebetween. Each of the two branches 56a, 56b extends from a common intersection toward an end-of-branch end.

7A, corresponding to the electrical relative position, the lever 46 is oriented in such a manner that the short branch 56a is oriented towards the first electrode 20 with respect to its intersection with the long branch 56b It can be understood that The hinge pin 54 is received at the end of the short branch 56b.

During the open motion, the lever 46 is driven by the actuator 48 in a clockwise direction, specifically as viewed in the figures. Because the hinge pin 54 is received at the end of the short branch 56a of the slot it is pushed by its end in the rearward direction so that it moves away from the second electrode 22, 24 connected by the connecting rod 44 .

7B shows the position of the transmission mechanism in which the orientation of the short branch of the slot 56 is substantially perpendicular to the connecting rod 44. Fig. Proceeding from this position, under the influence of forces and under the influence of gravity, the hinge pin 54 escapes from the end of the short branch 56a of the slot and advances toward the intersection with the long branch 56b of the slot. It can then be observed that the long branch 56b of the slot is substantially parallel to the axis A1 of the open motion.

7B and 7C, the lever 46 continues its rotational movement with respect to the axis A2, but this rotational movement does not cause the connecting rod 44 to move, and therefore the second electrode 22, 24) do not move. Specifically, between these two positions, the hinge pin 54 between the connecting rod 44 and the lever 46 moves from the intersection to the slot 56 toward its end reaching the position shown in FIG. And can be moved freely along the long branch 56b. Thus, between the positions of FIGS. 7B and 7C, the lever 46 continues its rotational movement, whereas the tube 24 of the second electrode 22 is not moved and accordingly a constant It can be confirmed that the interval is maintained.

When the lever 46 continues its rotational movement about the axis A2 relative to the position shown in Figure 7c and the hinge pin 54 is received at the end of the long branch 56b of the L- The connecting rod 44 and the subsequent second electrodes 22 and 24 begin again to perform its open movement until it reaches the electrically open relative position shown in Figure 7d.

Thus, using the control device as shown, a rotational movement of the lever 46 at a constant speed relative to the axis A2 resulting, for example, by a motor 48 driven at a constant speed, Will cause movement of the second electrode 22, 24 including a stationary phase between positions. As a result, the apparatus shown in Figs. 7A to 7D is a stabilization step in which the relative movement between the two electrodes is stopped. This step is an initial opening step between the positions of Figs. 7A and 7B and Figs. 7b, mechanical means for causing the electrodes to move in such a way as to provide a motion profile similar to the motion profile of Figure 5b use.

As various changes may be made in the present invention without departing from the scope thereof, the present invention is not limited to the examples described and shown above.

Claims (24)

A method of controlling the opening of a mechanical switchgear device (10) in an AC high-voltage electrical circuit,
The apparatus is characterized in that the first electrode (20) undergoes an AC electrical potential having an alternating period and the second electrode (22, 24) comprises two electrodes electrically isolated from any voltage source and any electrical ground Wherein the two electrodes of the mechanical device are arranged such that the electrodes are in an electrically-closed relative position establishing a nominal electrical connection of the device and at least two electrodes spaced apart from each other by a final spacing (E _f ) Open relative to each other with open movements controlled between an electrically-opened final relative position,
The method comprises:
- an initial opening step comprising at least one rapid open time interval of the same duration (T1) as at least one alternating period of the AC potential of the first electrode, Wherein the relative movement between the first opening and the second opening occurs at a first average separation rate (V1) greater than 0.05 m / s, preferably greater than 0.1 m / s; And
- after said initial opening step, the two electrodes (20) within the range of 10% to 90% of the last interval (E _f ) which is equal to at least 5 times the alternating period of the AC potential of the first electrode , At least one stabilization time interval of a duration (T2) corresponding to the intervals between the two electrodes (20, 22, 24) during the at least one stabilization step, , 24) occurs with a stabilized mean separation rate (V2) of less than 0.03 m / s.
The method according to claim 1,
The method comprising at least one continuation opening step comprising at least one continuation open time interval of a duration equal to at least five times the alternating period of the AC potential of the first electrode after the stabilization step, The relative movement between the two electrodes 20, 22, 24 during one continuous open phase is greater than 0.03 m / s, preferably greater than 0.05 m / s, more preferably between 0.1 m / s Wherein said at least one continuous opening step occurs at a greater average separation speed (V3).
The method of claim 2,
The method includes a secondary stabilization step comprising at least one secondary stabilization time interval of a duration equal to at least five times the alternating period of the AC potential of the first electrode after a continuation open step, Characterized in that the secondary stabilization step comprises a secondary stabilization step during which the relative movement between the two electrodes (20, 22, 24) occurs at an average separation rate (V4) of less than 0.03 m / s , Way.
10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims,
Characterized in that the method comprises a final opening step in which the electrodes (20, 22, 24) reach their final open relative position (Ef).
10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims,
The stabilizing step includes the step of applying the two electrodes (20, 22, 24) between the closed relative position and the final open position (E _f ), distinguished from the closed relative position and the final open position (E _f ) _Gt ; _Ea1 < / RTI &_gt; between the intermediate relative position < RTI ID = 0.0 &_gt; ( _Ea1 ) < / RTI >
10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims,
Characterized in that the stabilization step is triggered corresponding to a predetermined relative position between the two electrodes (20, 22, 24).
10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims,
Characterized in that the stabilization step is triggered as a function of at least one operating parameter of the device (10).
10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims,
Wherein the stabilization step is triggered as a function of the duration of the time interval between at least two electrical arcs between the first and second electrodes (20; 22, 24) during the open motion.
10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims,
During the initial opening phase, a time interval (? T ₅₀ ) between two electrical arcs between the first and second electrodes (20; 22, 24) is detected and the duration of the time interval? T ₅₀ Is compared with a reference value (? _Ref ) at which the stabilization step is triggered.
10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims,
Characterized in that the stabilization step is triggered as a function of at least a voltage between the two electrodes at the instant of occurrence of an electrical arc between the two electrodes (20, 22, 24).
The method of claim 2,
Characterized in that the continuously open step is triggered after a predetermined length of time has elapsed since the last electrical arc detected between the two electrodes (20, 22, 24).
The method of claim 3,
Wherein the secondary stabilization step is triggered as a function of at least detecting an electrical arc between the first and second electrodes during a subsequent open phase.
10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims,
During the stabilization step, the electrodes (20, 22, 24) occupy at least one last-arc relative position, and relative to the at least one last-arc relative position,
The first electrode (20), which undergoes an AC electrical potential at the last arc-relative position, causing an electrical arc to occur between the two electrodes with respect to a previous electrical potential of the second electrode ) ≪ / RTI > is present; And
Wherein the electrical arc causes the electrical potential difference between the first electrode (20) and the second electrode (22, 24) to be greater than the electrical potential difference between the second electrode (22, 24) To a final potential that is less than a minimum withstand voltage between the electrodes.
10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims,
During the stabilization step, the electrodes 20, 22 and 24 are arranged such that the spacing between the electrodes is within the range of 10% to 50% of the spacing value E _f of the electrodes at the final open position, And preferably occupies at least one relative position within the range of 10% to 30%.
10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims,
During the stabilization step, the electrodes 20, 22, 24 are positioned such that the spacing value between the electrodes is within a range of 40% to 90% of the spacing value E _f of the electrodes at the final open position, And preferably occupies at least one relative position within the range of 60% to 90%.
10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims,
Characterized in that the stabilizing step comprises at least one stop of said relative movement between said two electrodes (20, 22, 24).
10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims,
Wherein the stabilizing step comprises stopping the relative movement between the two electrodes (20, 22, 24).
10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims,
Characterized in that the stabilizing step provides a duration of at least 5 times, alternatively at least 10 times, alternatively at least 20 times, the alternating period of the electric potential experienced by the first electrode (20) How to.
10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims,
The stabilization step is continued for a time period that is less than 75 times the alternating period of the electrical potential experienced by the first electrode (20), preferably less than 50 times the alternating period of the electrical potential experienced by the first electrode Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > period. ≪ / RTI >
10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims,
The second average separation rate V2 is such that the rate at which the minimum withstand voltage of the device is generated by the increase in the interval value itself is less than 1.0 pu / s, preferably less than 0.5 pu / s , Wherein 1 pu is a peak value of the electric potential experienced by the first electrode (20) with respect to ground.
10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims,
The electrical potential of the second electrode is less than 0.5 pu when the two electrodes reach their final open relative position and 1 pu is the peak of the electrical potential experienced by the first electrode 20 against ground Value. ≪ / RTI >
An electrical installation comprising a mechanical switchgear arrangement (10) for opening an AC high-voltage electrical circuit,
The apparatus is of a type in which the first electrode (20) undergoes an AC electrical potential and the second electrode (22, 24) has two electrodes electrically separated from any voltage source and any electrical ground, The two electrodes 20, 22 and 24 are electrically connected to each other by means of an electrically-closed relative position under which the electrodes establish a nominal electrical connection of the device under control of the control device 42, The control device 42 being capable of moving relative to one another with openings between one electrically-opened relative position, the arrangement being such that the control device 42 is configured to perform a control method according to any one of the preceding claims ≪ / RTI >
23. The method of claim 22,
The control device (42) includes an actuator (48) for controlling the relative movement between the electrodes (20, 22, 24), and a controller for controlling the actuator, Wherein the controller is programmed to perform the method according to any one of the preceding claims.
23. The method of claim 22,
The control device 42 is adapted to control relative movement between the electrodes 20, 22, 24 using a transmission mechanism 44, 46 that connects the actuator 48 to at least one of the electrodes. Characterized in that it comprises the actuator (48), and wherein the transmission mechanism (44, 46) is configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

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