WO2020219916A1

WO2020219916A1 - Integrated switchgear assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2020219916A1
Application number: PCT/US2020/029868
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brian Stephen NAULT; Vincent MAREC; Janet ACHE; Blair S. KERR
Original assignee: G & W Electric Company
Priority date: 2019-04-26
Filing date: 2020-04-24
Publication date: 2020-10-29
Also published as: CA3137906C; CA3137906A1

Abstract

An integrated assembly includes a switchgear apparatus configured for operation at voltages up to 72.5 kV, a mount assembly configured for attachment to a pole and configured to support the switchgear apparatus from the pole, and an electrical accessory wired to the switchgear apparatus. The electrical accessory is configured to be at least partially supported by the pole and is selected from a group consisting of: (a) a surge arrestor, (b) a power transformer, (c) a disconnect switch, and (d) a control cabinet.

Description

INTEGRATED SWITCHGEAR ASSEMBLY

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/839,278, filed on April 26, 2019, and to co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/916,019, filed on October 16, 2019, the entire contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure relates to solid dielectric switchgear, and more particularly to reclosers.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] Reclosers are switchgear that provide line protection, for example, on overhead electrical power lines and/or substations. Reclosers serve to segment the circuits into smaller sections, reducing the number of potentially impacted customers in the event of a short circuit. Previously, reclosers were controlled using hydraulics. More recently, solid dielectric reclosers have been developed for use at voltages up to 38 kV. Solid dielectric reclosers may be paired with electronic control devices to provide automation and“smart” recloser functionality.

[0004] Reclosers and other switchgear are typically sold to an end user as individual units. The end user may then need to procure any required accessories, such as power transformers, lighting arrestors, or the like, often from various suppliers. The end user must then mount the switchgear and any required accessories, ensure the installation meets required line-to-line and line-to-ground clearance requirements, and perform all wiring between the switchgear and the accessories in the field.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] A need exists for fault protection and circuit segmentation in power transmission circuits, which typically operate at higher voltages (e.g., up to 1,100 kV). Reclosers allow for multiple automated attempts to clear temporary faults on overhead lines. In power transmission systems, this function is typically achieved using circuit breakers in substations. The present disclosure provides switchgear in the form of a recloser that can operate at voltages up to 72.5 kV. Due to its higher voltage capabilities, a recloser according to the present disclosure may necessarily be larger, heavier, and require greater line-to-line and line-to-ground clearances than previously available reclosers. The present disclosure thus advantageously provides an integrated assembly to facilitate efficient installation of the recloser.

[0006] For example, the present disclosure provides, in one aspect, an integrated assembly including a switchgear apparatus configured for operation at voltages up to 72.5 kV, a mount assembly configured for attachment to a pole and configured to support the switchgear apparatus from the pole, and an electrical accessory wired to the switchgear apparatus. The electrical accessory is configured to be at least partially supported by the pole and is selected from a group consisting of: (a) a surge arrestor, (b) a power transformer, (c) a disconnect switch, and (d) a control cabinet.

[0007] The present disclosure provides, in another aspect, an integrated assembly configured to be mounted to a pole, the integrated assembly including a switchgear apparatus configured for operation at voltages up to 72.5 kV, and a mount configured for attachment to the pole. The switchgear apparatus is coupled to the mount such that the mount is configured to support the switchgear apparatus from the pole. The integrated assembly also includes an electrical accessory coupled to the mount such that the mount is configured to support the electrical accessory from the pole. The electrical accessory is wired to the switchgear apparatus prior to attaching the mount to the pole.

[0008] The present disclosure provides, in another aspect, a kit including a plurality of switchgear apparatuses, each switchgear apparatus configured for operation at a power transmission voltages up to 72.5 kV, a plurality of surge arrestors configured to provide lighting protection for the plurality of switchgear apparatuses, a power transformer configured to reduce the power transmission voltage to a lower voltage, and a mounting assembly for mounting the plurality of switchgear apparatuses, the plurality of surge arrestors, and the power transformer to a pole. [0009] Other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. l is a perspective view of a recloser and/or switchgear apparatus (“recloser”) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the recloser of FIG. 1.

[0012] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a housing of the recloser of FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a head casting of the recloser of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the recloser of FIG. 1, taken through the head casting of FIG. 4.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an assembly including the recloser of FIG. 1 coupled to a bracket in a vertical orientation.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of an integrated assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the integrated assembly of FIG. 7.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a top view of the integrated assembly of FIG. 7.

[0019] FIG. 10 is a side view of a control cabinet usable with the integrated assembly of FIG. 7.

[0020] FIG. 11 is a plan view of an integrated assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The disclosure is capable of supporting other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. In addition, as used herein and in the appended claims, the terms“upper”, “lower”,“top”,“bottom”,“front”,“back”, and other directional terms are not intended to require any particular orientation, but are instead used for purposes of description only.

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a recloser 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The recloser 10 includes a housing assembly 14, a vacuum interrupter (“VI”) assembly 18, a conductor assembly 22, which in some embodiments may be a load-side conductor assembly 22 and in other embodiments may be a source-side conductor assembly 22, and an actuator assembly 26. The VI assembly 18 includes a first terminal 30 extending from the housing assembly 14 along a first longitudinal axis 34, and the conductor assembly 22 includes a second terminal 38 extending from the housing assembly 14 along a second longitudinal axis 42 perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis 34. In other embodiments, the second longitudinal axis 42 may be obliquely oriented relative to the first longitudinal axis 34. The actuator assembly 26 may operate the VI assembly 18 to selectively break and/or reestablish a conductive pathway between the first and second terminals 30, 38. Although the recloser 10 is illustrated individually in FIG. 1, the recloser 10 may be part of a recloser system including a plurality of reclosers 10, each associated with a different phase of a three-phase power transmission system and ganged together such that operation of the plurality of reclosers 10 is synchronized.

[0023] Referring now to FIG. 2, the illustrated housing assembly 14 includes a main housing 46 with an insulating material, such as epoxy, that forms a solid dielectric module 47. The solid dielectric module 47 is preferably made of a silicone or cycloaliphatic epoxy. In other embodiments, the solid dielectric module 47 may be made of a fiberglass molding compound. In other embodiments, the solid dielectric module 47 may be made of other moldable dielectric materials. The main housing 46 may further include a protective layer 48 surrounding the solid dielectric module 47. In some embodiments, the protective layer 48 withstands heavily polluted environments and serves as an additional dielectric material for the recloser 10. In some embodiments, the protective layer 48 is made of silicone rubber that is overmolded onto the solid dielectric module 47. In other embodiments, the protective layer 48 may be made of other moldable (and preferably resilient) dielectric materials, such as polyurethane.

[0024] With continued reference to FIG. 2, the main housing 46 includes a first bushing 50 that surrounds and at least partially encapsulates the VI assembly 18, and a second bushing 54 that surrounds and at least partially encapsulates the conductor assembly 22. The silicone rubber layer 48 includes a plurality of sheds 58 extending radially outward from both bushings 50, 54.

In other embodiments, the sheds 58 may be formed as part of the dielectric module 47 and covered by the silicone rubber layer 48. In yet other embodiments, the sheds 58 may be omitted. The first and second bushings 50, 54 may be integrally formed together with the dielectric module 47 of the main housing 46 as a single monolithic structure. Alternatively, the first and second bushings 50, 54 may be formed separately and coupled to the main housing 46 in a variety of ways (e.g., via a threaded connection, snap-fit, etc.).

[0025] The illustrated VI assembly 18 includes a vacuum bottle 62 at least partially molded within the first bushing 50 of the main housing 46. The vacuum bottle 62 encloses a movable contact 66 and a stationary contact 70 such that the movable contact 66 and the stationary contact 70 are hermetically sealed within the vacuum bottle 62. In some embodiments, the vacuum bottle 62 has an internal absolute pressure of about 1 millipascal or less. The movable contact 66 is movable along the first longitudinal axis 34 between a closed position (illustrated in FIG. 2) and an open position (not shown) to selectively establish or break contact with the stationary contact 70. Due to the lack of conductive atmosphere within the bottle 62, the vacuum bottle 62 quickly suppresses electrical arcing that may occur when the contacts 66, 70 are opened.

[0026] The conductor assembly 22 may include a conductor 74 and a sensor assembly 78, each at least partially molded within the second bushing 54 of the main housing 46. The sensor assembly 78 may include a current sensor, voltage sensor, partial discharge sensor, voltage indicated sensor, and/or other sensing devices. One end of the conductor 74 is electrically coupled to the movable contact 66 via a current interchange 82. The opposite end of the conductor 74 is electrically coupled to the second terminal 38. The first terminal 30 is electrically coupled to the stationary contact 70. The first terminal 30 and the second terminal 38 are configured for connection to respective electrical power transmission lines. [0027] With continued reference to FIG. 2, the actuator assembly 26 includes a drive shaft 86 extending through the main housing 46 and coupled at one end to the movable contact 66 of the VI assembly 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive shaft 86 is coupled to the movable contact 66 via an encapsulated spring 90 to permit limited relative movement between the drive shaft 86 and the movable contact 66. The encapsulated spring 90 biases the movable contact 66 toward the stationary contact 70. The opposite end of the drive shaft 86 is coupled to an output shaft 94 of an electromagnetic actuator 98. The electromagnetic actuator 98 is operable to move the drive shaft 86 along the first longitudinal axis 34 and thereby move the movable contact 66 relative to the stationary contact 70. In additional or alternative embodiments, the functionality provided by the encapsulated spring 90 may be provided with an external spring and/or a spring positioned otherwise along the drive shaft 86. For example, the spring may be instead positioned at a first end or at a second end of the drive shaft 86.

[0028] The electromagnetic actuator 98 in the illustrated embodiment includes a coil 99, a permanent magnet 100, a spring 101, and a plunger 103 that is coupled to the output shaft 94.

The coil 99 includes one or more copper windings which, when energized, produce a magnetic field that acts on the plunger 103 to move the output shaft 94. The permanent magnet 100 is configured to hold the plunger 103 and the output shaft 94 in a position corresponding with the closed position of the movable contact 66.

[0029] The spring 101 biases the output shaft 94 in an opening direction (i.e. downward in the orientation of FIG. 2) to facilitate opening the contacts 66, 70, as described in greater detail below. The force exerted by the spring 101 when the contacts 66, 70 are in the closed position is less than the magnetic holding force. Thus, the permanent magnet 100 provides a strong magnetic holding force to maintain the contacts 66, 70 in their closed position against the biasing force of the spring 101, without requiring any current to be supplied through the coil 99.

[0030] In some embodiments, the actuator assembly 26 may include other actuator configurations. For example, in some embodiments, the permanent magnet 100 may be omitted, and the output shaft 94 may be latched in the closed position in other ways. In additional or alternative embodiments, the electromagnetic actuator 98 may be omitted or replaced by any other suitable actuator (e.g., a hydraulic actuator, etc.). [0031] The actuator assembly 26 includes a controller (not shown) that controls operation of the electromagnetic actuator 98. In some embodiments, the controller receives feedback from the sensor assembly 78 and energizes and/or de-energizes the electromagnetic actuator 98 automatically in response to one or more sensed conditions. For example, the controller may receive feedback from the sensor assembly 78 indicating that a fault has occurred. In response, the controller may control the electromagnetic actuator 98 to automatically open the VI assembly 18 and break the circuit. The controller may also control the electromagnetic actuator 98 to automatically close the VI assembly 18 once the fault has been cleared (e.g., as indicated by the sensor assembly 78).

[0032] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the head casting 118 includes a main body 126 and a plurality of mounting bosses 130 spaced along the outer periphery of the main body 126. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of mounting bosses 130 includes a first pair of bosses 130a extending from the main body 126 in a first direction, a second pair of bosses 130b extending from the main body 126 in a second direction opposite the first direction, and a third pair of bosses 130c extending from the main body 126 in a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions. In other embodiments, the head casting 118 may include a different number and/or arrangement of mounting bosses 130.

[0033] The head casting 118 is couplable to the main housing 46 in a plurality of different orientations such that the pairs of bosses 130 (130a, 130b, 130c) may be positioned in a number of different rotational orientations about axis 34 with respect to the main housing 46. That is, the rotational orientation of the pairs of bosses 130 about the circumference of the main housing 46 may be varied as desired by rotating the orientation of the head casting 118 and main housing 46 relative to one another about the axis 34 to a desired position before coupling the head casting 118 and the main housing 46. In some embodiments, the head casting 118 may be coupled to the main housing 46 in at least three different orientations. In other embodiments, the head casting 118 may be coupled to the main housing 46 in at least six different orientations. In other embodiments, the main housing 46, the head casting 118, and the actuator housing 114 may be coupled together in other ways (e.g., via direct threaded connections or the like). [0034] With reference to FIG. 5, the illustrated actuator assembly 26 includes a manual trip assembly 102 supported by the head casting 118 and that can be used to manually open the VI assembly 18. The manual trip assembly 102 includes a handle 104 accessible from an exterior of the housing assembly 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 104 of the manual trip assembly 102 extends along a side of the main body 126 opposite the third pair of bosses 130c and generally adjacent the connector 138. The handle 104 is preferably at a grounded potential. Because the head casting 118 is couplable to the main housing 46 in different orientations, the position of the handle 104 with respect to the main housing 46 is also variable. As such, the handle 104 may be accessible to an operator when the recloser 10 is in a wide variety of different mounting configurations. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 104 is rotatable about a first rotational axis 105 to move a yoke 106 inside the head casting 118. The yoke 106 is engageable with a collar 110 on the output shaft 94 to move the movable contact 66 (FIG. 2) toward the open position.

[0035] Exemplary operating sequences of the recloser 10 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to FIG. 2. During operation, the controller of the recloser 10 may receive feedback from the sensor assembly 78 indicating that a fault has occurred. In response to this feedback, the controller may initiate a circuit breaking sequence. In the circuit breaking sequence, the controller automatically energizes the coil 99 of the electromagnetic actuator 98. The resultant magnetic field generated by the coil 99 moves the plunger 103 and the output shaft 94 in an opening direction (i.e. downward in the orientation of FIG. 2). This movement greatly reduces the magnetic holding force of the permanent magnet 100 on the plunger 103. For example, in some embodiments, the plunger 103 may have a resilient construction and retract inwardly and away from the permanent magnet 100 as the plunger 103 moves in the opening direction, thereby creating an air gap between the plunger 103 and the magnet 100. In other embodiments, the width of the plunger 103 may decrease in the opening direction to create an air gap between the plunger 103 and the magnet 100. In yet other embodiments, the plunger 103 may include one or more non-magnetic regions and/or a reduced volume of magnetic material that may move into proximity with the permanent magnet 100 as the plunger 103 moves in the opening direction. [0036] With the holding force of the permanent magnet 100 reduced, the spring 101 is able to overcome the holding force of the permanent magnet 100 and accelerate the output shaft 94 in the opening direction. As such, the coil 99 need only be energized momentarily to initiate movement of the output shaft 94, advantageously reducing the power drawn by the

electromagnetic actuator 98 and minimizing heating of the coil 99.

[0037] The output shaft 94 moves the drive shaft 86 with it in the opening direction. As the drive shaft 86 moves in the opening direction, the encapsulated spring 90, which is compressed when the contacts 66, 70 are closed, begins to expand. The spring 90 thus initially permits the drive shaft 86 to move in the opening direction relative to the movable contact 66 and maintains the movable contact 66 in fixed electrical contact with the stationary contact 70. As the drive shaft 86 continues to move and accelerate in the opening direction under the influence of the spring 101, the spring 90 reaches a fully expanded state. When the spring 90 reaches its fully expanded state, the downward movement of the drive shaft 86 is abruptly transferred to the movable contact 66. This quickly separates the movable contact 66 from the stationary contact 70 and reduces arcing that may occur upon separating the contacts 66, 70. By quickly separating the contacts 66, 70, degradation of contacts 66, 70 due to arcing is reduced, and the reliability of the VI assembly 18 is improved.

[0038] The controller may then receive feedback from the sensor assembly 78 indicating that the fault has been cleared and initiate a reclosing sequence. In additional and/or alternative embodiments, the controller may initiate the reclosing sequence after waiting a predetermined time period after the fault was originally detected, or in response to receiving a signal from an external controller commanding the controller to initiate the reclosing sequence. In the reclosing sequence, the controller energizes the coil 99 in an opposite current direction. The resultant magnetic field generated by the coil 99 moves the output shaft 94 (and with it, the drive shaft 86 and the movable contact 66) in a closing direction (i.e. upward in the orientation of FIG. 2).

[0039] The movable contact 66 comes into contact with the fixed contact 70, restoring a conductive path between the terminals 34, 38. The output shaft 94 and drive shaft 86 continue to move in the closing direction, compressing each of the springs 90, 101 to preload the springs 90, 101 for a subsequent circuit breaking sequence. As the output shaft 94 approaches the end of its travel, the plunger 103 of electromagnetic actuator 98 is influenced by the permanent magnet 100, which latches the plunger 103 in its starting position. The coil 99 may then be de energized. In some embodiments, the coil 99 may be de-energized a predetermined time period after the contacts 66, 70 are closed. This delay may inhibit the movable contact 66 from rebounding back to the open position.

[0040] In some circumstances, an operator may opt to manually initiate a circuit breaking operation to open the contacts 66, 70 using the manual trip assembly 102. In some

embodiments, the manual trip assembly 102 may include a mechanical and/or an electrical interlock to lock the movable contact 66 in its open position when the manual trip assembly 102 is actuated, thereby preventing the electromagnetic actuator 98 from reclosing the contacts 66,

70.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 6, the illustrated recloser 10 may be coupled to a mounting bracket 200 that interfaces with the bosses 130 on the head casting 118 to facilitate mounting the recloser 10 in a variety of different orientations. The illustrated mounting bracket 200 includes a backing frame 204, a first arm 208 extending perpendicularly from the backing frame 204, a second arm 212 extending perpendicularly from the backing frame 204 and spaced from the first arm 208, a first brace 216 extending at an angle between the backing frame 204 and the first arm 208, and a second brace (not shown) structured and oriented in the same manner as the first brace 216 extending at an angle between the backing frame 204 and the second arm 212. As such, the illustrated mounting bracket 200 is generally U-shaped.

[0042] The recloser 10 is received within a space defined between the arms 208, 212 such that the handle 104 and connector 138 face away from the backing frame 204. As such, the handle 104 and connector 138 are easily accessible when the recloser 10 is attached to the mounting bracket 200. The first arm 208 is coupled to the first pair of bosses 130a, and the second arm 212 is coupled to the second pair of bosses 130b (e.g., with a plurality of threaded fasteners; not shown). The backing frame 204 is coupled to the third pair of bosses 130c. Thus, the mounting bracket 200 is attached to the head casting 118 of the recloser 10 on three different sides to securely hold the recloser 10. [0043] The mounting bracket 200 advantageously allows each recloser 10 to be mounted, for example, in a vertical orientation (e.g., FIGS. 7-9), in which the first axis 34 is oriented generally perpendicular to the ground, and in a horizontal orientation (e.g., FIG. 11) in which the first axis 34 is oriented generally parallel to the ground. Of course, the possible varied orientations of a particular recloser 10 relative to the ground may be different from those in the exemplary embodiments illustrated herein. Each recloser 10 can thus be conveniently used with different wiring configurations, clearances, or spacings, which facilitates installation of the recloser 10 outside of substations. The mounting bracket 200 may also be used to mount the recloser 10 in a substation in either a vertical, a horizontal orientation, or, in some embodiments, in an angled orientation between the vertical and horizontal orientations.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 7-8, the recloser 10 may be part of a recloser system or integrated switchgear assembly 300 including first, second, and third reclosers 10a, 10b, 10c— each associated with a different phase of a three-phase power transmission system. The reclosers 10a- c may be electronically and/or mechanically ganged together to synchronize operation

(including, for example, opening and closing the contacts 66, 70) of the reclosers lOa-c.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the integrated assembly 300 includes a support element or crossbar 304. The crossbar 304 is elongated along a longitudinal axis 305 that extends centrally through the crossbar 304. (FIG. 9). The three reclosers lOa-c are coupled to the crossbar 304 by respective mounting brackets 200. The first recloser 10a is positioned adjacent a first end 304a of the crossbar 304, and the second recloser 10b is positioned adjacent a second end 304b of the crossbar 304 opposite the first end 304a. The third recloser 10c is centered along the length of the crossbar 304 and between the reclosers lOa-b.

[0046] Due to their high voltage capabilities, the reclosers lOa-c may be larger, heavier, and require greater line-to-line and line-to-ground clearances than previously available reclosers at lower voltage classes. For example, the reclosers lOa-c may each weigh between about 900 pounds and about 1,200 pounds in some embodiments, or between about 1,000 pounds and about 1,100 pounds in some embodiments. Despite the relatively large size and weight of the reclosers lOa-c, the construction of the illustrated integrated assembly 300 and in particular, the crossbar 304, allows the integrated assembly 300 to be mounted on one or more electrical utility poles with the reclosers lOa-c in a laterally-spaced or side-by-side arrangement. As such, the illustrated integrated assembly 300 may advantageously be installed in a wide variety of locations (including outside of electrical substations).

[0047] For example, the crossbar 304 may be coupled to first and second parallel utility poles 308 by respective pole mounts 312 (FIG. 8). In the illustrated embodiment, the pole mounts 312 are positioned between the reclosers lOa-b and the recloser 10c along the length of the crossbar 304. As such, the integrated assembly 300 may have a center of gravity CG that is between the two poles 308. In addition, the illustrated integrated assembly 300 is configured such that the reclosers lOa-c and the utility poles 308 are positioned on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis 305, which may provide improved access to the reclosers lOa-c (FIG. 9).

[0048] The integrated assembly 300 may also include one or more electrical accessory components wired to one or more of the reclosers lOa-c. The electrical accessory component(s) may include but are not limited to one or more surge arrestors, power transformers, wildlife protectors, insulators, disconnect switches, control cabinets, or the like.

[0049] For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7-9, the integrated assembly 300 includes a first power transformer 316 coupled to the crossbar 304 at the first end 304a and a second power transformer 320 coupled to the crossbar 304 at the second end 304b. The power transformers 316, 320 may be configured to step down the high transmission voltage (e.g., 72.5 kV) from the reclosers lOa-c to a lower voltage (e.g., 120 V). In some embodiments, one or both power transformers 316, 320 may provide power to the controllers of the reclosers lOa-c.

[0050] The power transformers 316, 320 may be solid dielectric outdoor power transformers; however, the integrated assembly 300 may additionally or alternatively include other types of power transformers in other embodiments. In addition, the integrated assembly 300 may include a different number of power transformers, or the integrated assembly 300 may not include a power transformer. The power transformers 316, 320 may be also positioned elsewhere within the integrated assembly 300 in other embodiments.

[0051] With continued reference to FIGS. 7-9, the illustrated integrated assembly 300 further includes a first plurality of surge arrestors 324 and a second plurality of surge arrestors 328. The first plurality of surge arrestors 324 may provide lightning and/or surge protection for the first terminals 30 of the respective reclosers lOa-c. The second plurality of surge arrestors 328 may provide lightning and/or surge protection for the second terminals 38 of the respective reclosers lOa-c. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first plurality of surge arrestors 324 is mounted on a support arm 332 that extends from the crossbar 304 on an opposite side of the longitudinal axis 305 as the reclosers lOa-c. Each of the second plurality of surge arrestors 328 is mounted on a support arm 336 that extends from the mount 200 of the associated recloser lOa-c. As such, the first plurality of surge arrestors 324 and the second plurality of surge arrestors 328 are positioned on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis 305. In other embodiments, however, the surge arrestors 324, 328 may be positioned elsewhere within the integrated assembly 300.

[0052] With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the illustrated integrated assembly 300 further includes a plurality of wildlife protectors 340 configured to protect the terminals 30, 38 of the reclosers lOa-c. For example, the wildlife protectors 340 may inhibit birds or other animals from making direct contact with the terminals 30, 38. In some embodiments, of the wildlife protectors 340 may substantially enclose the associated terminal 30, 38. The wildlife protectors 340 may be removable from the terminals 30, 38 to facilitate making electrical connections with the respective terminals.

[0053] With reference to FIG. 10, the integrated assembly 300 may further include a control cabinet 344 coupled to one or both of the poles 308. The control cabinet 344 may enclose one or more controllers that control operation of the reclosers lOa-c. The illustrated control cabinet 344 includes three cable ports 348a, 348b, 348c. The cable ports 348a, 348b, 348c are configured to receive control cables that extend to the connectors 138 (FIG. 6) of the respective reclosers 10a- c. In this way, connections between the reclosers lOa-c and the controller within the control cabinet 344 can be made quickly and easily by the end-user. In some embodiments, the control cabinet 344 may receive power from one or both of the power transformers 316, 320 to power the controllers within the control cabinet 344.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 7, in the illustrated embodiment, the mounting brackets 200, the crossbar 304, the pole mounts 308, and the supports arms 332, 336 are each part of a mounting assembly 350 that is attachable to electrical utility poles 308 to support the reclosers lOa-c and the various electrical accessory components from the poles 308. The mounting assembly 350 allows an end-user to install the integrated assembly 300 on poles 308 at a work site as a single unit, reducing the number of components to integrate on site, and reducing the number of connection points on the pole(s) 308. The mounting assembly 350 may also reduce the number of lifts and off-the-ground assembly steps.

[0055] In use, the integrated assembly 300 facilitates efficient installation of switchgear, such as the reclosers lOa-c. The integrated assembly 300 advantageously allows for electrical accessory components, including but not limited to one or more surge arrestors, power transformers, wildlife protectors, insulators, disconnect switches, and control cabinets to be pre assembled at the factory and provided to an end-user as a complete kit, ready for attachment to power lines. Primary wiring connections between each of the components of the integrated assembly 300 may also be made at the factory prior to shipment to the end-user and, in some embodiments, prior to mounting the integrated assembly 300 (e.g., on poles 308). In some embodiments, electrical lugs and/or bundles of primary wiring may be included as part of the integrated assembly 300 This greatly expedites installation of the integrated assembly 300 and reduces commissioning time. In addition, in some embodiments, the integrated assembly 300 may be functionally tested as an assembly prior to shipping the integrated assembly 300 to the end-user. As a result, the integrated assembly 300 may advantageously be more reliable than assemblies that are constructed and wired in the field from a variety of different components.

[0056] FIG. 11 illustrates an integrated assembly 300a according to another embodiment. Like the integrated assembly 300 described above with reference to FIGS. 7-10, the illustrated integrated assembly 300a includes three reclosers 10a, 10b, 10c— each associated with an electrical line L carrying a different phase of a three-phase power transmission system. The reclosers lOa-c may be electronically and/or mechanically ganged together to synchronize operation (including, for example, opening and closing the contacts 66, 70) of the reclosers 10a- c.

[0057] Each of the reclosers lOa-c of the integrated assembly 300a may be coupled to a pole 308 by a respective mounting bracket 200 in a vertically spaced or stacked arrangement. That is, the reclosers lOa-c may be spaced apart along a longitudinal axis 309 of the pole 308. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting brackets 200 are coupled to the pole 308 such that each of the reclosers lOa-c is oriented horizontally, with the axis 34 that extends through the first terminal 30 of each recloser lOa-c oriented generally parallel with the lines L and generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 309 of the pole 308. Of course, depending on the orientation of the pole 308, the possible varied orientations of a particular recloser lOa-c relative to the ground may be different from those illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 11. In other embodiments, the mounting brackets 200 may be coupled to the pole 308 in other orientations, such that one or more of the reclosers lOa-c may be oriented vertically (i.e. with the axis 34 extending generally parallel with the longitudinal axis 309 of the pole 308) or with the axis 34 oriented at an oblique angle (e.g., a 45 degree angle in some embodiments) relative to the longitudinal axis 309 of the pole 308. In other embodiments, one or more of the reclosers lOa-c may be mounted with the axis 42 at different orientations, by rotating the recloser(s) lOa-c about the axis 34 relative to the respective mounting bracket 200. (FIG. 6). The mounting brackets 200 thus advantageously provide the flexibility to mount the reclosers lOa-c on the pole 308 in a variety of different orientations to best suit a particular installation.

[0058] The integrated assembly 300a may include one or more electrical accessory components wired to one or more of the reclosers lOa-c. The electrical accessory component(s) may include but are not limited to one or more surge arrestors, power transformers, wildlife protectors, insulators, disconnect switches, control cabinets, or the like.

[0059] For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, the integrated assembly 300a includes a power transformer 316 coupled the pole 308 via a transformer mount 317. In some embodiments, the transformer mount 317 may space the power transformer 316 a distance away from the pole 308 to provide clearance based on the operating voltage of the power transformer 316. The power transformer 316 may be configured to step down the high transmission voltage (e.g., 72.5 kV) from the reclosers lOa-c to a lower voltage (e.g., 120 V). In some embodiments, the power transformer 316 may provide power to the controllers of the reclosers lOa-c.

[0060] The power transformer 316 may be a solid dielectric outdoor power transformer; however, the integrated assembly 300a may additionally or alternatively include other types of power transformers in other embodiments. In other embodiments, the integrated assembly 300a may include a different number of power transformers, or the integrated assembly 300a may not include a power transformer. The illustrated integrated assembly 300a also includes a fuse or disconnect switch 360 with a switch mount 361 that is coupled to the pole 308. The disconnect switch 360 may be configured to disconnect power from the reclosers lOa-c to the power transformer 316 in some embodiments.

[0061] With continued reference to FIG. 11, the illustrated integrated assembly 300a further includes a plurality of surge arrestors 328 that may provide lightning and/or surge protection for the respective reclosers lOa-c. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the plurality of surge arrestors 328 is mounted on a support arm 336 that extends from the mount 200 of the associated recloser lOa-c. In other embodiments, however, the surge arrestors 328 may be positioned elsewhere within the integrated assembly 300a, and in some embodiment, the integrated assembly 300a may additionally or alternatively include one or more surge arrestors 328 mounted support arms 336 that extend directly from the pole 308.

[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting brackets 200, the transformer mount 317, the switch mount 361, and the support arms 336 are each part of a mounting assembly 350a that is attachable to an electrical utility pole 308 to support the reclosers lOa-c and the various electrical accessory components from the pole 308. Because the integrated assembly 300a may be provided with all of its components as a kit, the mounting assembly 350a of the integrated assembly 300a may be already configured to provide the electrical components of the integrated assembly 300a with required clearances. In some embodiments, pre-sized wires may be provided together with the integrated assembly to facilitate electrically connecting the electrical components of the integrated assembly 300a after the mounting assembly 350a is attached to the pole 308.

[0063] Thus, the present disclosure advantageously provides an integrated assembly 300a that facilitates efficient installation switchgear, such as the reclosers lOa-c. The integrated assembly 300a advantageously allows for electrical accessory components, including but not limited to one or more surge arrestors, power transformers, wildlife protectors, insulators, disconnect switches, and control cabinets to be pre-assembled at the factory and provided to an end-user as a complete kit, ready for attachment to power lines. This greatly expedites installation of the integrated assembly 300a. In addition, in some embodiments, the integrated assembly 300a may be functionally tested as an assembly prior to shipping the integrated assembly 300a to the end-user. As a result, the integrated assembly 300a may be more reliable than assemblies that are constructed and wired in the field from a variety of different components.

[0064] Although the disclosure has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the disclosure as described.

[0065] Various features and advantages of the disclosure are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. An integrated assembly comprising:

a switchgear apparatus configured for operation at voltages up to 72.5 kV;

a mount assembly configured for attachment to a pole and configured to support the switchgear apparatus from the pole;

an electrical accessory configured to be electrically connected to the switchgear apparatus,

wherein the mount assembly is configured to support the electrical accessory from the pole, and

wherein the electrical accessory is selected from a group consisting of:

(a) a surge arrestor,

(b) a power transformer,

(c) a disconnect switch, and

(d) a control cabinet.

2. The integrated assembly of claim 1, wherein the switchgear apparatus is a first switchgear apparatus, and wherein the integrated assembly further includes a second switchgear apparatus and a third switchgear apparatus, each of the second and third switchgear apparatus configured for operation at voltages up to 72.5 kV.

3. The integrated assembly of claim 2, wherein the mount assembly includes a crossbar, and wherein the first switchgear apparatus, the second switchgear apparatus, and the third switchgear apparatus are coupled to the crossbar.

4. The integrated assembly of claim 3, wherein the pole is a first pole, wherein the crossbar includes a first pole mount configured for attachment to the first pole, and wherein the crossbar includes a second pole mount configured for attachment to a second pole.

5. The integrated assembly of claim 4, wherein the first pole mount is positioned between the first switchgear apparatus and the second switchgear apparatus along a length of the crossbar, and wherein the second pole mount is positioned between the second switchgear apparatus and the third switchgear apparatus along the length of the crossbar.

6. The integrated assembly of claim 3, wherein the electrical accessory is a power transformer, and wherein the power transformer is supported by the crossbar.

7. The integrated assembly of claim 3, wherein the electrical accessory is a surge arrestor, and wherein the surge arrestor is supported by the crossbar.

8. The integrated assembly of claim 2, wherein the mounting assembly includes a first mount configured to support the first switchgear apparatus, a second mount configured to support the second switchgear apparatus, and a third mount configured to support the third switchgear apparatus.

9. The integrated assembly of claim 8, wherein the first mount, the second mount, and the third mount are attachable to the pole in a spaced relationship along a length of the pole.

10. An integrated assembly configured to be mounted to a pole, the integrated assembly comprising:

a switchgear apparatus configured for operation at voltages up to 72.5 kV;

a mount configured for attachment to the pole, wherein the switchgear apparatus is coupled to the mount such that the mount is configured to support the switchgear apparatus from the pole; and

an electrical accessory coupled to the mount such that the mount is configured to support the electrical accessory from the pole,

wherein the electrical accessory is wired to the switchgear apparatus prior to attaching the mount to the pole.

11. The integrated assembly of claim 10, wherein the switchgear apparatus is a first switchgear apparatus, and wherein the integrated assembly further includes a second switchgear apparatus and a third switchgear apparatus, each of the second and third switchgear apparatuses configured for operation at voltages up to 72.5 kV.

12. The integrated assembly of claim 11, wherein the mount includes a crossbar, and wherein the first switchgear apparatus, the second switchgear apparatus, and the third switchgear apparatus are coupled to the crossbar.

13. The integrated assembly of claim 12, wherein the pole is a first pole, wherein the crossbar includes a first pole mount configured for attachment to the first pole, and wherein the crossbar includes a second pole mount configured for attachment to a second pole.

14. The integrated assembly of claim 13, wherein the first pole mount is positioned between the first switchgear apparatus and the second switchgear apparatus along a length of the crossbar, and wherein the second pole mount is positioned between the second switchgear apparatus and the third switchgear apparatus along the length of the crossbar.

15. The integrated assembly of claim 10, wherein the electrical accessory is a power transformer.

16. The integrated assembly of claim 10, wherein the electrical accessory is a surge arrestor.

17. The integrated assembly of claim 10, further comprising a wildlife protector.

18. A kit compri sing :

a plurality of switchgear apparatuses, each switchgear apparatus configured for operation at a power transmission voltages up to 72.5 kV;

a plurality of surge arrestors configured to provide lighting protection for the plurality of switchgear apparatuses;

a power transformer configured to reduce the power transmission voltage to a lower voltage; and

a mounting assembly for mounting the plurality of switchgear apparatuses, the plurality of surge arrestors, and the power transformer to a pole.