WO2020000129A1

WO2020000129A1 - Protection device for switchgear assembly, switchgear assembly, and switchgear

Info

Publication number: WO2020000129A1
Application number: PCT/CN2018/092599
Authority: WO
Inventors: Xiuling Wei; Cailun HU; Yibin LIN; Degeng LV
Original assignee: Abb Schweiz Ag
Priority date: 2018-06-25
Filing date: 2018-06-25
Publication date: 2020-01-02
Also published as: CN112189300A; EP3811510A1; EP3811510A4

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a protection device for a switchgear assembly, a switchgear assembly, and a switchgear. The protection device comprises a rear plate; a front plate arranged opposite to the rear plate and attached to the rear plate by a pair of connection plates spaced from each other, so that a cavity is formed between the rear and front plates, the cavity adapted to accommodate an electrical connection element of the switchgear assembly; and a pair of covers for closing the cavity, at least one of the pair of covers comprising a plurality of holes for ventilation between the cavity and an ambient environment.

Description

PROTECTION DEVICE FOR SWITCHGEAR ASSEMBLY, SWITCHGEAR ASSEMBLY, AND SWITCHGEAR

FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of electrical power, and in particular, to a protection device for a switchgear assembly, a switchgear assembly, and a switchgear.

BACKGROUND

In an electric power system, switchgear is the combination of electrical disconnect switches, fuses, or circuit breakers used to control, protect, and isolate electrical equipment. Switchgear is used both to de-energize equipment to allow work to be done and to clear faults downstream. Electrical devices such as short circuit protection devices (SCPDs) may be installed in the switchgear by means of a switchgear assembly, for example, a plug-in module. The electrical devices are connected to the power supply via an electrical connection element such as a cable or a copper bar.

However, the electrical connection element or the electrical device is completely open to the ambient environment or completely enclosed from the ambient environment. Without any protection device, the components in the switchgear assembly are accessible by hand, fastener, or tool. Probability for accident short circuit or arc fault is high. With a completely closed enclosure, air flow is blocked and it is difficult for the heat produced by the electrical connection element (for example, power connection) to be spread out. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved protection device for the switchgear assembly.

SUMMARY

In general, example embodiments of the present disclosure provide a protection device for a switchgear assembly, a switchgear assembly, and a switchgear.

In a first aspect, there is provided a protection device for a switchgear. The protection device comprises a rear plate; a front plate arranged opposite to the rear plate and attached to the rear plate by a pair of connection plates spaced from each other, so that a cavity is formed between the rear and front plates, the cavity adapted to accommodate an electrical connection element of the switchgear assembly; and a pair of covers for closing the cavity, at least one of the pair of covers comprising a plurality of holes for ventilation between the cavity and an ambient environment.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, by providing the cover with holes, the connection element may be protected from intrusion, dust, accidental contact, and/or the like and the heat may be dissipated to the surrounding environment.

In some embodiments, the at least one cover comprises a mesh. In such embodiments, the mesh may be fabricated in a cost-effective way and the holes in the mesh may have a relatively small dimension to provide a high level of protection.

In some embodiments, the mesh is embedded in a rigid support. In such embodiments, the rigid support can improve the mechanical property of the cover, such that the cover can sustain a much higher pressure.

In some embodiments, the rigid support comprises at least one double folded edge. In such embodiments, the double folded edge can improve the mechanical property of the cover to sustain a much higher pressure.

In some embodiments, the mesh comprises a woven wire cloth. In such embodiments, the woven wire cloth is cost effective and may have holes with a relatively small dimension.

In some embodiments, the at least one cover comprises or consists of a pre-cut meshed plate. In such embodiments, the pre-cut meshed plate may have holes with a relatively small dimension and may be manufactured by a cost-effective process.

In some embodiments, the at least one cover comprises a molding material, and the plurality of holes are arranged within the molding material. In such embodiments, the cover may be manufactured by a molding process with relatively large holes in a cost-effective way.

In some embodiments, the plurality of holes comprise punched holes. In such embodiments, the cover may be manufactured by a punching process with relatively large holes in a cost-effective way.

In some embodiments, the at least one cover further comprises at least one of: a molding material comprising a plurality of holes and arranged on the mesh, or a plate comprising a plurality of punched holes and arranged on the mesh. In such embodiments, by combining the two protection structures, the protection device can achieve a much better protection.

In some embodiments, the at least one cover further comprises at least one of: a molding material comprising a plurality of holes and arranged on the pre-cut meshed plate, or a plate comprising a plurality of punched holes and arranged on the pre-cut meshed plate. In such embodiments, by combining the two protection structures, the protection device can achieve a much better protection.

In some embodiments, the connection plates are shaped to have a respective holder feature operable to be held by a hand, and wherein the holder feature comprises a recess extending between the pair of covers. In such embodiments, the protection device or the switchgear assembly can be maintained by bare hands without a tool.

In some embodiments, the at least one cover comprises a holder feature operable to be held by a hand, and wherein the holder feature comprises a recess extending between the pair of the connection plates. In such embodiments, the protection device or the switchgear assembly can be maintained by bare hands without a tool.

In some embodiments, the front plate and the pair of connection plates are integrally formed. In such embodiments, the protection device may be assembled in a convenient way.

In some embodiments, the pair of covers each comprise a plurality of holes to provide a better effect of ventilation.

In some embodiments, the electrical connection element includes at least one of a cable and a copper bar.

In some embodiments, the switchgear assembly is a plug-in module.

In a second aspect, there is provided a switchgear assembly for a switchgear. The switchgear assembly comprises the protection device of the first aspect; an electrical connection element arranged in the protection device operable to be coupled to a power supply; and an electrical device arranged on the front plate and electrically coupled to the connection element.

In a third aspect, there is provided a switchgear. The switchgear comprises at least one switchgear assembly of the second aspect.

It is to be understood that the Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will become easily comprehensible through the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Through the more detailed description of some embodiments of the present disclosure in the accompanying drawings, the above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent, wherein:

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a switchgear in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 2A shows a perspective view of a protection device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 2B shows a perspective exploded view of the protection device of Fig. 2A;

Fig. 2C shows a perspective view of a support in the protection device of Fig. 2A; Fig. 2D shows another perspective view of the support of Fig. 2C;

Fig. 3A shows a perspective view of a switchgear assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 3B shows a perspective exploded view of the switchgear assembly of Fig. 3A; Fig. 3C shows a perspective view of a protection device in the switchgear assembly of Fig. 3A;

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a protection device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 5A shows a perspective view of a protection device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 5B shows a perspective exploded view of the protection device of Fig. 5A;

Fig. 6A shows a perspective view of a switchgear assembly in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 6B shows a perspective view of a protection device in the switchgear assembly of Fig. 6A;

Fig. 6C shows a perspective exploded view of the protection device of Fig. 6B;

Fig. 6D shows a top view of a molding material in the protection device of Fig. 6B;

Fig. 7A shows a perspective view of a switchgear assembly in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 7B shows a perspective view of a protection device in the switchgear assembly of Fig. 7A;

Fig. 7C shows another perspective view of the protection device of Fig. 7B;

Figs. 8A and 8B show perspective views illustrating a protection device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

Figs. 9A and 9B show perspective views illustrating a protection device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Principle of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some example embodiments. It is to be understood that these embodiments are described only for the purpose of illustration and help those skilled in the art to understand and implement the present disclosure, without suggesting any limitations as to the scope of the disclosure. The disclosure described herein can be implemented in various manners other than the ones describe below.

As used herein, the term “includes” and its variants are to be read as open terms that mean “includes, but is not limited to. ” The term “based on” is to be read as “based at least in part on. ” The term “one embodiment” and “an embodiment” are to be read as “at least one embodiment. ” The term “another embodiment” is to be read as “at least one other embodiment. ” Other definitions, explicit and implicit, may be included below.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a switchgear 100 such as a low voltage switchgear in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The switchgear 100 includes a switchgear assembly 102, which may be a functional unit or a plug-in module as shown in Fig. 1.

A functional unit, also known as a module, comprises all the electrical and mechanical elements including switching devices that contribute to the fulfilment of the same function. A module comprising a fixed module, a plug-in module, and a withdrawable module, in which a plug-in module is so constructed that its electrical equipment can be safely removed from or connected to the main circuit whilst this circuit is live. In general, removal and installation of a plug-in module requires the use of a tool.

The switchgear assembly 102 may include an electrical connection element or a power connection coupled to the power supply such as power grid or mains supply. For example, the electrical connection element is a cable or a bar such as a copper bar. The electrical connection element is further coupled to an electrical device 310 such as a Short Circuit Protection Device (SCPD) . In operation, the components such as contacts in the switchgear 100 generate heat, which is transferred to the electrical connection element such as copper bar to be dissipated to the ambient environment.

Figs. 2A and 2B show a perspective view and a perspective exploded view of a protection device 200 for the switchgear assembly 102, respectively, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The protection device 200 may protect the components such as the copper bar in the switchgear assembly 102 from intrusion (body parts such as hands and fingers) , dust, accidental contact, and/or the like.

As shown in Figs. 2A and 2B, the protection device 200 includes a rear plate 206 and a front plate 212 arranged opposite to the rear plate 206. In some embodiments, the rear plate 206 is arranged towards the interior of the switchgear 100, while the front plate 212 is arranged towards the exterior of the switchgear 100, for example. The front and

rear plates

212, 206 may be attached to one another, for example, by a pair of connection plates 213 spaced from each other. In this way, a cavity 207 is formed between the rear and

front plates

206, 212. This cavity 207 is adapted to accommodate the electrical connection element of the switchgear assembly 102.

In some embodiments, the connection plates 213 are attached to the rear plate 206 by screws, for example. It is to be understood that the connection plates 213 may be attached to the rear plate 206 by any other suitable mechanism such as rivets. In some embodiments, the connection plates 213 and the front plate 212 may be integrally formed, so that it would be relatively simple to mount and/or dismount the protection device 200. It is to be understood that the connection plates 213 may be attached to the front plate 212 by any other suitable mechanism such as screws or rivets.

In some embodiments, the rear plate 206 includes an opening 241 for attaching the electrical connection element. For example, the electrical connection element passes through the opening 241 from the exterior to the interior of the protection device 200. The front plate 212 includes an opening 242, such that the electrical connection element passes through the opening 242 from the interior of the protection device 200 to be exposed. The exposed electrical connection element is further attached to the electrical device 310 arranged on the front plate 212.

As shown in Figs. 2A and 2B, a top cover 201 and a bottom cover 209 are arranged to close the cavity 207, and at least one of the

covers

201 and 209 includes a plurality of holes for ventilation between the cavity 207 and the ambient environment. By providing the cover with holes, the connection element may be protected from intrusion, dust, accidental contact, and/or the like and the heat may be dissipated to the surrounding environment. In some embodiments, each of the top and bottom covers 201 and 209 includes a plurality of holes to enhance ventilation and cooling effect.

In some embodiments, the top cover 201 includes a mesh 202 embedded in a support 204. The mesh may be fabricated in a cost-effective way and the holes in the mesh may have a relatively small dimension to provide a high level of protection. It is to be understood that the support 204 may be removed to reduce the cost of the top cover 201. The mesh 202 is a barrier made of connected strands of metal or other materials. For example, the mesh 202 may be a woven wire cloth. The mesh 202 may have many attached or woven strands to form a number of holes. In this way, the mesh 202 can protect the components in the cavity 207 from intrusion, dust, accidental contact, and/or the like. Meanwhile, the holes in the mesh 202 facilitate ventilation between the cavity 207 and the surrounding environment.

In some embodiments, the holes in the mesh 202 have various shapes such as rectangle, triangle, and so on, and the holes in the mesh 202 have various dimensions to provide various levels of protection. For example, the holes may have a dimension below 1 mm to provide an IP4X protection. Alternatively, the holes may have a dimension below 12.5 mm to provide an IPXXB protection. It is to be understood that the holes may have any other suitable dimension. Advantageously, the mesh 202 can be fabricated in various cost effective methods to obtain holes with a relatively low dimension.

In some embodiments, the mesh 202 is made of metal materials to improve mechanical strength of the top cover 201. The support 204 may be rigid to improve the mechanical performance of the top cover 201. The rigid support can improve the mechanical property of the cover, such that the cover can sustain a much higher pressure. For example, the support 204 is made of metal materials such as steel. It is to be understood that the support 204 may be made of any other suitable material that can improve the rigidity of the top cover 201. As shown, the support 204 is a frame with a number of ribs interleaved with each other. It is to be understood that the support 204 may have a different arrangement than the one as shown, for example, a ladder arrangement as shown in Figs. 3A-3C.

In some embodiments, the bottom cover 209 may include a mesh 210 embedded in a support 208. The bottom cover 209 is configured similarly to the top cover 201 described above, and for the sake of brevity its description will not be repeated here.

Fig. 2C shows a perspective view of the support 204 including an enforcement structure in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, and Fig. 2D shows a top cover 201 including the support 204 and a mesh embedded in the support 204. For example, the support 204 includes one or more double folded edges 302 to improve the mechanical property of the cover 201. The mesh 202 can be embedded in the support 204 by the double folded edges 302 and the process for assembling the top cover 201 and the protection device 200 can be simplified accordingly.

Turning back to Fig. 2A-2B, the connection plate 213 is shaped to have a holder feature 211. In this way, the user may hold the connection plate 213 by his hand (s) to mount and/or dismount the front plate 212 and the connection plate 213. As shown in Fig. 2A-2B, the holder feature 211 has a recess or indentation extending between the pair of the connection plates 213. An edge of the recess is arranged at a location where the front plate 212 meets the connection element 213, so that the user′s hand (s) can hold the edge of the recess.

Fig. 3A shows a perspective view of a switchgear assembly 102 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, and Fig. 3B shows a perspective exploded view of the switchgear assembly 102 as shown in Fig. 3A. For those elements which have been described above with reference to Figs. 2A-2B, the descriptions will not be repeated h ere.

As shown in Figs. 3A-3B, the switchgear assembly 102 includes an electrical device 310 such as a Short Circuit Protection Device (SCPD) . The electrical device 310 is coupled to copper bars 304, which are in turn coupled to the incoming contacts 302. The incoming contacts 302 may be coupled to a power supply, such as the grid or the mains. In operation, the contacts 302 can generate heat and transfer the heat to the copper bars 304.

As shown in Figs. 3A-3B, the switchgear assembly 102 includes a protection device 200, which is separately illustrated in Fig. 3C. The connection plate 213 is shaped to have a holder feature 205 adjacent to the rear plate 206. For example, the holder feature 205 includes a recess or indentation of the connection element 213, and extends between the top and bottom covers 201 and 209.

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a protection device 200 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. For the elements which have been described above with respect to Figs. 2A-2B, the descriptions will not be repeated here. The top cover 201 is shaped to have a holder feature 218 to be held by the user. For example, the holder feature 218 includes a recess or groove adjacent to the rear plate 206 extending between the connection elements 213. The bottom cover 209 is shaped to have a holder feature similar to the holder feature 218 described above, and for the sake of brevity its descriptions will not be repeated here.

Fig. 5A shows a perspective view of a protection device 200 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, and Fig. 5B shows a perspective exploded view of the protection device 200 as shown in Fig. 5A. For the elements which have been described above with respect to Figs. 2A-2B, the descriptions will not be repeated here.

As shown in Fig. 5A, the top cover 201 includes a pre-cut meshed plate 304 instead of a mesh embedded in a support as shown in Figs. 2A-4. The pre-cut meshed plate 304 includes a plurality of holes or openings. The holes may have a rectangular shape, a triangular shape, a circular shape, or the like. The pre-cut meshed plate 304 is a metal sheet fabricated with the plurality of holes by a cutting process prior to mounting the plate 304. The holes may be fabricated with various dimensions to provide desired protection levels. For example, the pre-cut meshed plate may have holes with a relatively small dimension and can be manufactured by a cost-effective process.

Fig. 6A shows a perspective view of a switchgear assembly 102 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The switchgear assembly 102 includes an electrical device 310 and a protection device 200. Figs. 6B and 6C show a perspective view and a perspective exploded view of the protection device 200, respectively. For the elements which have been described above with respect to Figs. 2A-3C, the descriptions will not be repeated here.

For example, the top cover 201 includes a molding material molded with a plurality of holes. The molding material may be plastic, for example. The top cover 201 can be manufactured by a molding process, which is very cost effective, especially for an IPXXB level protection. Fig. 6D shows a top view of the top cover 201, showing a plurality of circular holes and a plurality of rectangular holes interleaved with each other. It is to be understood this pattern is provided only for illustrative purpose without suggesting any limitation as to the scope of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7A shows a perspective view of a switchgear assembly 102 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The switchgear assembly 102 includes an electrical device 310 and a protection device 200. Figs. 7B and 7C show a perspective view and a perspective exploded view of the protection device 200, respectively. For the elements which have been described above with respect to Figs. 2A-3C, the descriptions will not be repeated here.

In some embodiments, the top cover 201 of the protection device 200 is a metal sheet with punched holes. As shown, the holes are arranged in an array pattern, and each hole has a rounded rectangular shape. It is to be understood this pattern and shape are provided only for illustrative purpose without suggesting any limitation as to the scope of the present disclosure. The holes may be fabricated on-site or off-site by a punching process on a metal sheet. The punching process is cost-effective and especially suitable for an IPXXB level protection.

The protection device has been described above with reference to various embodiments. It is to be understood that the cover or a portion of the cover of different embodiments may be combined to form a further cover. The combined cover structure can provide an enhanced protection from the ambient environment and a better durability For example, at least part of the cover 201 as shown in Figs. 2A-5B may be combined with the cover 201 as shown in Figs. 6A-7C. Figs. 8A and 8B show perspective views of a part of such a protection device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The top cover 201 of the protection device 200 includes a metal sheet 214 with punched holes and a mesh 202 embedded in a support 204 arranged inside the metal sheet 214. The bottom cover 209 includes a metal sheet 216 with punched holes and a mesh 210 embedded in a support 208 arranged inside the metal sheet 214.

The metal sheet 214 and the mesh 202 can provide the same or different levels of protection. For example, the metal sheet 214 provides an IPXXB level protection and the mesh 202 provides an IP4X level protection. It is to be understood that the metal sheet 214 may be replaced by other structures such as the molding material as shown in Figs. 6A-6D.

Figs. 9A and 9B show perspective views of a part of another protection device 200 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The top cover 201 of the protection device 200 includes a metal sheet 214 with punched holes and a mesh 202 arranged inside the metal sheet 214. The bottom cover 209 includes a metal sheet 216 with punched holes and a mesh 210 arranged inside the metal sheet 214.

Although the present disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the present disclosure defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

A protection device (200) for a switchgear assembly (102) , comprising:

a rear plate (206) ;

a front plate (212) arranged opposite to the rear plate (206) and attached to the rear plate (206) by a pair of connection plates (213) spaced from each other, so that a cavity (207) is formed between the rear and front plates (206, 212) , the cavity (207) adapted to accommodate an electrical connection element of the switchgear assembly (102) ; and

a pair of covers (201, 209) for closing the cavity (207) , at least one of the pair of covers (201, 209) comprising a plurality of holes for ventilation between the cavity (207) and an ambient environment.
The protection device (200) of claim 1, wherein the at least one cover (201, 209) comprises a mesh (202, 210) .
The protection device (200) of claim 2, wherein the mesh (202, 210) is embedded in a rigid support (204, 208) .
The protection device (200) of claim 3, wherein the rigid support (204, 208) comprises at least one double folded edge (302) .
The protection device (200) of claim 2, wherein the mesh (202, 210) comprises a woven wire cloth.
The protection device (200) of claim 1, wherein the at least one cover (201, 209) comprises a pre-cut meshed plate (304) .
The protection device (200) of claim 1, wherein the at least one cover (201, 209) comprises a molding material, and wherein the plurality of holes are arranged within the molding material.
The protection device (200) of claim 1, wherein the plurality of holes comprise punched holes.
The protection device (200) of claim 2 or 3, wherein the at least one cover (201, 209) further comprises at least one of:

a molding material comprising a plurality of holes and arranged on the mesh (202, 210) , or

a plate (214) comprising a plurality of punched holes and arranged on the mesh (202, 210) .
The protection device (200) of claim 6, wherein the at least one cover (201, 209) further comprises at least one of:

a molding material comprising a plurality of holes and arranged on the pre-cut meshed plate (304) , or

a plate (214) comprising a plurality of punched holes and arranged on the pre-cut meshed plate (304) .
The protection device (200) of claim 1, wherein the connection plates (213) are shaped to have a respective holder feature (211, 205) operable to be held by a hand, and wherein the holder feature (211) comprises a recess extending between the pair of covers (201, 209) .
The protection device (200) of claim 1, wherein the at least one cover (201, 209) comprises a holder feature (218) operable to be held by a hand, and wherein the holder feature (218) comprises a recess extending between the pair of the connection plates (213) .
The protection device (200) of claim 1, wherein the electrical connection element includes at least one of a cable and a copper bar.
The protection device (200) of claim 1, wherein the front plate (212) and the pair of connection plates (213) are integrally formed.
The protection device (200) of claim 1, wherein the switchgear assembly (102) is a plug-in module.
A switchgear assembly (102) for a switchgear (100) comprising:

the protection device (200) of any of claims 1-15;

an electrical connection element arranged in the protection device (200) operable to be coupled to a power supply; and

an electrical device (310) arranged on the front plate (212) and electrically coupled to the electrical connection element.
A switchgear (100) comprising at least one switchgear assembly (102) of claim 16.