U.S. patent application number 11/960481 was filed with the patent office on 2008-04-24 for method of processing high voltage capacitors.
This patent application is currently assigned to Maxwell Technologies, Inc.. Invention is credited to Joseph Bulliard, Eric Pasquier.
Application Number | 20080092355 11/960481 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36638714 |
Filed Date | 2008-04-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080092355 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bulliard; Joseph ; et
al. |
April 24, 2008 |
METHOD OF PROCESSING HIGH VOLTAGE CAPACITORS
Abstract
A high voltage capacitor design is provided that provides
improved performance. The high voltage capacitor includes a stack
of mechanically bonded capacitor cells, which in one variant
utilize a separator formed of two layers of paper. In one version,
the high voltage capacitor may be used as a capacitative voltage
divider.
Inventors: |
Bulliard; Joseph;
(Villarsel-le-Gibloux, CH) ; Pasquier; Eric;
(Pringy, CH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MAXWELL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
9244 BALBOA AVENUE
SAN DIEGO
CA
92123
US
|
Assignee: |
Maxwell Technologies, Inc.
San Diego
CA
|
Family ID: |
36638714 |
Appl. No.: |
11/960481 |
Filed: |
December 19, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11015126 |
Dec 17, 2004 |
7325285 |
|
|
11960481 |
Dec 19, 2007 |
|
|
|
60575597 |
May 28, 2004 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
29/25.41 ;
29/25.03; 361/321.1; 361/321.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 29/4913 20150115;
Y10T 29/43 20150115; Y10T 29/49197 20150115; H01G 9/14 20130101;
Y10T 29/435 20150115; H01G 13/04 20130101; H01G 9/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
029/025.41 ;
361/321.1; 361/321.4; 029/025.03 |
International
Class: |
H01G 4/22 20060101
H01G004/22; H01G 4/30 20060101 H01G004/30; H01G 9/06 20060101
H01G009/06 |
Claims
1. A method of processing high voltage capacitors, comprising the
steps of: providing at least one high voltage capacitor, the
capacitor including a housing having an interior and an exterior,
and sealing the interior from the exterior with at least one end
cap; and passing a fluid between the exterior and interior through
at least one selectively sealable port.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the fluid is an impregnation
fluid.
3. The method of claim 2, further comprising a step of applying a
vacuum to the interior of the capacitor.
4. The method of claim 3, further comprising a step of applying the
vacuum through at least one sealable port.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising a step of placing each
high voltage capacitor within a chamber.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one end cap is fitted
with at least one sealable port.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one high voltage
capacitor comprises a plurality of high voltage capacitors, and
wherein fluid from one source provides fluid to the plurality of
high voltage capacitors.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a divisional of U.S. application
Ser. No. 11/015,126, filed Dec. 17, 2004, entitled "A Method of
Processing High Voltage Capacitors," which claims priority from
commonly assigned U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/575,597,
filed May 28, 2004. Each of these applications is incorporated
herein by reference in their entirety.
[0002] The present application is also related to U.S. application
Ser. No. ______, filed Dec. 19, 2007, which is also a divisional
application of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/015,126, filed Dec. 17,
2004, and claims priority from 60/575,597, filed May 28, 2004.
INTRODUCTION
[0003] The present invention is generally related to a capacitors
and testing thereof and more particularly to HV capacitors and
testing thereof.
BACKGROUND
[0004] The manufacture and/or testing of high voltage (HV)
capacitors used in high voltage power transmission utilizes
processes that in many respects can be improved. HV capacitors are
typically very heavy and bulky; an exemplary HV capacitor weighs 50
Kg and is 2 meters long. In one variant, HV capacitors can be
configured for use as a CVD (Capacitor Voltage Divider).
[0005] The manufacture of HV capacitors typically includes the
assembly of a series string or stack of capacitor cells, which are
subsequently inserted into an open capacitor housing. In the prior
art, individual capacitor cells are joined in series by means of
the introduction of additional material, which is used to form of a
bond between the cells. FIG. 6b illustrates bonding of two aluminum
foils 10 of respective capacitor cells by use of additional
material 12, for example a solder, a conductive glue, a joining
tab, etc. As represented by dashed lines in FIG. 6b, the additional
material may act to deform an electrical field that is formed when
an electrical potential is present across the aluminum foils;
degraded performance may be one consequent result. In the prior
aft, after insertion of cells in an unsealed housing, the housing
is placed into a large oven chamber. With oven closed, the
capacitor housing and capacitor cells within are subjected to one
or more cycle of vacuum and/or high temperature so as to remove
moisture form the cells and the interior of the housing. Increased
oven drying throughput may be achieved by drying more than one HV
capacitor housing (a batch) at a time, but the oven size needs to
be increased accordingly. For example, in order to accommodate a
batch of 125 IV capacitor housings, in one embodiment an interior
of a drying oven is dimensioned to be on the order of about
3.times.5.times.5 meters. Although large ovens can permit a large
number of capacitor housings to be dried at one time, a large
amount of unused free volume remains within the oven, which
requires that more air be evacuated and/or more air be heated to
maintain a given temperature or vacuum within the oven; increased
drying time and/or increased energy usage may be a consequent
result.
[0006] After drying, the HV capacitor housings are physically
removed from the oven for impregnation. The unsealed HV capacitor
housings are removed from the oven and immersed or filled in their
entirety in a vat or tank of impregnation fluid so as to fully
impregnate the interior of the housings and capacitor cells
therein. After the impregnation step, each capacitor housing is
individually fitted and sealed with sealing end caps. Each sealing
end cap may include terminals, with which external electrical
access to the capacitor cells within the housing may be made.
[0007] In the prior art, impregnation of HV capacitors, whether
individually or as a batch, is a very dirty and messy process that
leaves residues of impregnation fluid on the exterior of each
capacitor housing, as well, about the surrounding environment.
Consequently, after sealing of a capacitor housing with sealing end
caps, impregnation fluid typically needs cleaned from the housing
exterior and other exposed apparatus. After impregnation and
cleaning, the HV capacitor housings are reinserted into the oven,
the temperature of which is raised again so as to increase the
temperature of the impregnation fluid within the sealed housings.
The increased temperature increases pressure within the now sealed
capacitor housings. After an extended period of time, the HV
capacitor housings are removed from the oven and inspected for
leakage of impregnation fluid, particularly at sealed electrical
connection points and end caps. If no leaks are detected, the HV
capacitors are tested under application of a high voltage, and if
the HV test is passed, the HV capacitors can be made available for
use.
[0008] Variations in the order of testing, heating, and
impregnation to that described above may exist in the prior art,
but have in common that during each movement, test, and
dis/assembly step, the HV capacitors and cells are exposed to
impurities, moisture, and other undesired materials. The undesired
materials may to some extent be reduced by extra time consuming
drying and vacuum steps but, nevertheless, are always present.
Performance of prior art capacitors is consequently negatively
affected.
[0009] It is desired to improve upon one or more aspects of the
prior art.
SUMMARY
[0010] In one embodiment, a method of processing high voltage
capacitors comprises the steps of providing at least one sealed
high voltage capacitor housing, the housing having an interior and
an exterior; providing a fluid at the exterior of the sealed high
voltage capacitor housing; and detecting with a detector, the
presence or absence of the fluid in the interior of the sealed high
voltage capacitor housing. The method may further comprise a step
of applying a vacuum to the interior of each sealed high voltage
capacitor housing. The fluid may comprise a low molecular weight
gas. The detector may be coupled to each sealed high voltage
capacitor housing at a sealable port. Each sealed high voltage
capacitor housing may comprise at least one end cap. The at least
one end cap may include the sealable port. The at least one end cap
may be coupled to the housing by a seal disposed therebetween. The
method may further comprise a step of placing each sealed high
voltage capacitor housing within a chamber before performing a step
of detecting. The fluid may be pressurized.
[0011] In one embodiment, a method of processing high voltage
capacitors comprises the steps of providing at least one sealed
high voltage capacitor housing, the housing having an interior and
an exterior, and a sealable port; selectively passing a fluid
between the exterior and the interior at the sealable port; and
detecting with a detector the presence or absence of the fluid at
the exterior of the housing. The method may further comprise a step
of applying a vacuum to each sealed high voltage capacitor housing.
The method may further comprise a step of applying a pressure to
each sealed high voltage capacitor housing. The step of selectively
passing a fluid may be facilitated by application of a pressure
differential between the interior and the exterior. The fluid may
comprise a liquid. The fluid may comprises impregnation fluid. Each
sealed high voltage capacitor housing may be sealed by an end cap.
The end cap may include the sealable port. Between the end cap and
the housing there may be disposed a seal. The method may further
comprise a step of placing each sealed high voltage capacitor
housing within a chamber before performing the step of detecting
with a detector. The fluid may be heated. The chamber may be
heated. The chamber may comprise a vacuum chamber.
[0012] In one embodiment, a method of processing high voltage
capacitors comprises the steps of providing at least one high
voltage capacitor, the capacitor including a housing having an
interior and an exterior, and sealing the interior from the
exterior with at least one end cap; and passing a fluid between the
exterior and interior through at least one selectively sealable
port. The fluid may be an impregnation fluid. The method may
further comprise a step of applying a vacuum to the interior of the
capacitor. The method may further comprise a step of applying the
vacuum through at least one sealable port. The method may further
comprise a step of placing each high voltage capacitor within a
chamber. At least one end cap may be fitted with at least one
sealable port. The at least one high voltage capacitor may comprise
a plurality of high voltage capacitors, and fluid from one source
provides fluid to the plurality of high voltage capacitors.
[0013] In one embodiment, a method of processing a high voltage
capacitor comprises the steps of providing a sealed high voltage
capacitor, the capacitor having an interior and an exterior;
providing a first fluid at the exterior of the capacitor; providing
a first detector; detecting with the first detector the presence or
absence of the first fluid at the interior of the housing; and
providing a second fluid at the interior of the capacitor. The
method may further comprise a step of detecting the presence or
absence of the second fluid at the exterior of the housing. The
second fluid may be an impregnation fluid. The first fluid is a
gas. The method may further comprise a step of providing a chamber;
disposing the high voltage capacitor in the chamber; performing the
steps of detecting after disposing the capacitor in the chamber.
The method may further comprise a step of applying a vacuum to the
high voltage capacitor. The second fluid may be a gas. The second
fluid may be heated. The sealed high voltage capacitor may comprise
at least one selectively sealable port though which the first and
second fluid are provided.
[0014] In one embodiment, a method of processing high voltage
capacitors comprises the steps of providing at least one sealed
high voltage capacitor, each high voltage capacitor having an
interior and an exterior, and at least one selectively sealable
port; and passing fluid between the exterior and the interior of
each capacitor. The method may further comprise a step of passing
fluid from the interior to the exterior of each capacitor at a
sealable port. Fluid may be passed through a sealable port as a dry
gas. Fluid may be passed through a sealable port as an impregnation
fluid. Fluid may be passed through a sealable port as a low
molecular weight gas. Each high voltage capacitor may be sealed by
an end cap, wherein the end cap includes a seal and a selectively
sealable port. The step of passing fluid may comprise a first step
of passing a dry gas and a second step of passing an impregnation
fluid. The fluid may originate from one source. The sealable port
may comprise a coupler. The sealable port may be adapted to receive
fluid via a hose. The method may further comprise a step of
disposing each capacitor within a chamber prior to the step of
applying fluid. The high voltage capacitor may comprise a plurality
of fins.
[0015] Other variants, embodiment, benefits, and advantages will
become apparent upon a reading of the Specification and related
Figures.
FIGURES
[0016] In FIG. 1, there is seen a not to scale representation of a
HV capacitor.
[0017] In FIG. 2, there is seen a not to scale cross-section of a
rolled capacitor cell with exploded views of a right end and a left
end of a cell.
[0018] In now to FIG. 3, there is seen not to scale representations
of two capacitor cells connected in series.
[0019] In FIG. 4, there is seen a not to scale representation of a
plurality of capacitor cells connected by aluminum foils at their
ends.
[0020] In FIG. 5, there is seen a not to scale representation of a
CVD.
[0021] In FIG. 6a there is seen a mechanical bond that does not
interfere with an electrical field.
[0022] In FIG. 6b, there is seen a prior art mechanical bond that
interferes with an electrical field.
[0023] In FIG. 7a, there is seen a not to scale representation of a
HV capacitor subject to a leak test.
[0024] In FIG. 7b, there is seen a not to scale representation of a
HV capacitor subject to a leak test.
[0025] In FIG. 8, there is seen a not to scale representation of a
HV capacitor subject to drying.
[0026] In FIG. 9, there is seen a not to scale representation of a
HV capacitor subject to drying.
[0027] In FIG. 10, there is seen a not to scale representation of a
HV capacitor subject to vacuum.
[0028] In FIG. 11, is seen a not to scale representation of a HV
capacitor subject to impregnation.
INVENTION
[0029] Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments
of the invention that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Wherever practical, same or similar reference numerals are used in
the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts
or steps, however, to simplify the disclosure the same or similar
reference numerals may in some instances refer to parts or steps
that comprise variants of one another. The drawings are in
simplified form and not to precise scale. For purposes of
convenience and clarity directional terms, such as top, bottom,
left, right, up, down, over, above, below, beneath, rear, front,
and other terms may be used with respect to the accompanying
drawings. These and similar directional terms should not be
construed to limit the scope of the invention. The words "couple",
"connect" and similar terms with their inflectional morphemes are
used interchangeably, unless the difference is noted or otherwise
made clear from the context. These words do not necessarily signify
direct connections, but may include connections through
intermediate components and devices. Details in the Specification
and Drawings are provided to enable and understand inventive
principles and embodiments described herein and, as well, to the
extent that would be needed by one skilled in the art to implement
the principles and embodiments covered by the scope of the claims.
The words "embodiment" refers to particular apparatus or process,
and not necessarily to the same apparatus or process. Thus, "one
embodiment" (or a similar expression) used in one place or context
can refer to a particular apparatus or process; the same or a
similar expression in a different place can refer to a different
apparatus or process. The number of potential embodiments is not
necessarily limited to one or any other quantity.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 1, there is seen a not to scale
representation of a HV capacitor. In one embodiment, a HV capacitor
100 comprises a housing 101 and a plurality of capacitor cells 102
disposed within. The capacitor cells 102 are connected in a series
string, with the number of capacitors in the string dictated by a
desired nominal operating voltage of the capacitor 100. Electrical
access to ends of the series string of capacitor cells 102 is
provided by sealed terminals 111a, 112a. In a typical
configuration, a HV capacitor 100 includes a plurality of ribs; the
ribs facilitate cooling of the HV capacitor and, as well, provide a
geometry and material to which impurities have difficulty adhering
to.
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 2, and other Figures as needed, there
is seen a not to scale cross-section of a rolled capacitor cell
with exploded views of a right end and a left end of a cell. In one
embodiment of the present invention, a capacitor cell 102 comprises
a combination of insulator, separator, and conductor. In one
embodiment, capacitor cell 102 is formed by disposing a layer of
insulative polypropylene 104 over one or more layers of paper
product separator 105, and disposing the one or more layers of
paper product separator over a layer of aluminum foil conductor
107. In one particular embodiment, the polypropylene has a
thickness of about 12.7 microns, the paper layers have a thickness
of about 20 microns, and the aluminum foil has a thickness of about
10 microns. It is understood, however, that the present invention
should not to be limited by dimensions disclosed herein as they may
be changed in accordance with design requirements; for example, in
other embodiments, the aluminum foil can vary in thickness between
5 um and 25 um.
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 3, and other Figures as needed, there
is seen not to scale representations of two capacitor cells
connected in series. As illustrated in FIG. 3, layers of
polypropylene, paper, and aluminum foil 107 of a capacitor cells
102a-b are rolled in a manner that provides access to layers at a
respective left end 106 and a right end 108 of each capacitor cell.
A number of methods can be employed to provide a rolled capacitor
cell as illustrated, including taking an initially unrolled length
of the layers and folding the length such that the left end and the
right end are initially adjacent to each other, and such that what
would be an end opposite to the adjacent left and right ends is
repeatably rolled as a length "Y" to a point where a certain length
of the left end 106 and right end 108 remain unwound and exposed.
In one embodiment, the length X at the left and right end that
remains unwound is about 45 mm. Also illustrated in FIG. 3 is a
layer of aluminum foil 107 left unrolled at the left end 106 and
positioned in a bottom orientation, and at the right end 108 a
layer of aluminum foil 107 left unrolled in a top orientation. In
these orientations, the left end of capacitor cell 102a is
alignably disposed over a right end of a previously similarly
rolled capacitor cell 102b.
[0033] Referring now to FIG. 4, and other Figures as needed, there
is seen a not to scale representation of a plurality of capacitor
cells connected by aluminum foils at their ends. In one embodiment,
capacitor cell 102a and capacitor cell 102b are bonded by a
mechanical bond that joins exposed aluminum foil 107 of a right end
108 of capacitor cell 102b to exposed aluminum foil 107 of a left
end 106 of capacitor cell 102a. Repeated mechanical bonding of
aluminum foils of respective capacitor cells can be used to form a
series string or stack of electrically interconnected capacitor
cells. In various embodiments, a nominal voltage rating for a
string of capacitor cells is between about 10 KV and 420 KV, with
individual nominal cell capacitance ranging between about 20 nf and
10 uf. Other ratings are within the scope of the present invention,
as would determined by particular design specification. In one
embodiment, 3 uf capacitor cells are connected in series to provide
a 170 Kilovolt rated capacitor. In one embodiment, adjacently
exposed aluminum foils of a right end of a cell 102b and a left end
of a cell 102a are placed over a support 109, and mechanical
pressure is applied to press the foils against each other and the
support. The mechanical pressure is of a value that allows a
mechanical bond to be formed between the two conductors without
causing damage or contamination to the conductors and other layers
of material that may be present. With mechanical bonding, it is
identified that aluminum oxide layers present on the aluminum foils
may be penetrated and, thus, better electrical contact between the
aluminum foils may be made. Formation of mechanical bonds by
pressure applied to aluminum foils at a relatively low temperature
is called by those skilled in the art as a "cold weld." In one
embodiment, a mechanical bond can also be formed at a raised or
relatively high temperature. A mechanical bonding process can be
repeated, wherein a bonded capacitor cell 102b is moved to a lower
position under a stack of previously bonded cells, and an aluminum
foil of a right end of an unbonded capacitor cell is placed next to
an aluminum foil of a left end of a previously bonded cell 102b,
and the bonding process is repeated on the two foils. The process
may be repeated until a desired number of capacitor cells have been
bonded in series. Preferably, the dimension X disclosed in FIG. 3,
is provided as a length that when cell 102b is moved under cell
102a to form a stack of cells, the right end 108 of cell 102b and
the left end 106 of cell 102a can be manipulated and extended
without causing damage to the cells 102a and 102b, or bonds formed
therebetween.
[0034] In one embodiment, mechanical pressure is applied to the
positionally exposed aluminum foils of capacitors 102a and 102b,
for example, by a hardened metal cylinder that is moved or rolled
across the exposed aluminum foils (represented by the two headed
arrow). In one embodiment, the roller may comprise a surface that
forces a patterned impression to be formed in the aluminum foils,
for example, a cross hatch pattern, or the like. Patterned
impressions may be used to help mechanically interlock the aluminum
foils together and so as to add strength to the bond. The exposed
aluminum foils of unconnected capacitors may be positioned and
bonded by a manual and/or automated process. Although in one
embodiment a roller is identified, in other embodiments, it is
understood that exposed aluminum foils could be bonded by other
force applying devices and mechanisms, for example, a mechanical
press device, etc. Because the present invention does not utilize
adhesives, solder, tabs, or other additional products to bond
aluminum foils of capacitor cells together, the associated
degradation in performance and reliability that occurs in the prior
art is reduced or eliminated. As represented in FIG. 6a, without
use of additional products to form a bond between conductors, an
electrical field that can be formed by a potential applied across
the conductors is minimally deformed and, thus, electrical
performance of a HV capacitor 100 can be improved over that of the
prior art.
[0035] Referring back to FIG. 2, it is identified that principles
described above can be used in the assembly of a HV Capacitative
Voltage Divider (CVD), a type of HV capacitor known to those
skilled in the art. In a preferred embodiment, a capacitor cell 102
as used in a CVD includes one layer of polypropylene 104, two
layers of paper 105, and one layer of aluminum foil 107. In one
embodiment, the polypropylene has a thickness of about 12.7
microns, each layer of paper has a thickness of about 10 microns,
and the aluminum foil has a thickness of about 10 microns. Analysis
and empirical results have identified that use of two layers of
paper 105, enables use of a CVD over a wider range of temperatures
than a CVD that would use capacitor cells 102 made with one layer
of paper of equivalent thickness.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 5, there is seen a not to scale
representation of a CVD. In one embodiment, a CVD differs from the
HV capacitor 100 topology described above in at least one respect;
an intermediate connection 103 is included to provide electrical
access to an electrical point within a series string of capacitor
cells 102. In one embodiment, electrical connection and access at
an intermediate connection may be provided by an appropriately
dimensioned and positioned intermediate capacitor extending
portion. Those skilled in the art will identify that the number of
capacitor cells used to configure upper and lower legs of a CVD
and, thus, the location of the intermediate connection, would vary
according to desired specifications.
[0037] Referring back to FIG. 1, and other Figures as needed, there
is seen capacitor cells disposed within a housing. After individual
capacitor cells 102 are mechanically bonded in series, the
resulting stack of cells is electrically coupled to one or more
terminals provided with one or more end caps. In one embodiment,
the electrically coupled stack is inserted into an appropriately
sized housing 101, and end caps 111, 112 are sealably attached to
each open end of the housing. In one embodiment, between each end
cap and the housing there is provided one or more seal, o-ring,
gasket, or the like disposed to seal Scaling of a HV capacitor 100
with end caps at this point in a process facilitates shielding of
the interior of the housing from external impurities during
subsequent processing steps. With end caps attached to a housing,
the resulting embodiment at this point in a process is understood
to comprise a capacitor housing, a stack of serially bonded
capacitor cells 102 disposed within, and ones one or more sealed
end cap, but sans any impregnation fluid, or in other words, the
interior of the HV capacitor 100 is without any electrolyte or
oil.
[0038] Although HV capacitor 100 is sealed by its end caps, the
present invention allows that selective access from the exterior to
the interior (or interior to the exterior) of the capacitor may be
made though one or more sealable port. Although illustrated in one
embodiment as two selectively sealable ports 115 and 116, each
disposed at respective opposite end caps 111 and 112, it will be
understood that in other embodiments, one or more sealable port may
be disposed at the same end cap. As well, in other embodiments, one
or both end caps 111, 112 may comprise more than two sealable
ports. As will be understood, unless a defect or failure is
detected during some of the processes described further below, use
of sealable ports allows that sealed end caps do not necessarily
have to be removed and, thus, time consuming repositioning,
dis/assembly, retesting, and/or cleaning steps may be avoided, as
would be required in the prior art. Additionally, after sealable
attachment of end caps is performed, damaging exposure to external
moisture and impurities (as occurs during prior art end cap
removal, repositioning, dis/assembly, and or cleaning steps) can be
minimized. Exposure to impurities is reduced with the present
invention because the interior of the HV capacitor 100 is exposed
to an external environment during processing only as determined by
a selective opening or closing of its sealable ports. Compare this
to the prior art, wherein during required end cap removal process
steps, the interior of a HV capacitor is always exposed to an
external environment.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 7a, there is seen a not to scale
representation of a HV capacitor subject to a leak test. In
embodiments described further herein, connections to selectively
sealable ports, as well as sealable ports themselves, will be
understood to utilize or comprise one or more coupler as are used
by those skilled in the art to permit quick leak free seals, and/or
dis/connections, to be made under pressure and/or vacuum. In one
embodiment, the couplers may provide open-flow or no-flow
functionality. In one embodiment, when closed, the couplers may
provide sealing functionality. In one embodiment, one or more
sealable port may be closed or sealed by a sealable insert or
plug.
[0040] In one embodiment, a sealable port 115 is selectively closed
and a sealable port 116 is coupled to a source of fluid or gas 118,
for example, a source of low molecular weight and/or inert gas such
as helium, or the like. In one embodiment, with pressurized gas 118
applied at sealable port 116, a gas leak detector 120 can be
positioned about the HV capacitor 100 so as to verify that gas has
or has not leaked out from within the capacitor. In one embodiment,
the leak detector 120 comprises a helium leak detector as could be
obtained and used by those skilled in the art. A detector 120 may
be positioned to detect helium at possible points of leakage, for
example, at interfaces between the housing, end caps, sealed ports,
and/or electrical terminals.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 7b, there is seen a not to scale
representation of a HV capacitor subject to a leak test. In one
embodiment, one or more HV capacitor 100 is coupled at a
selectively sealable port to a gas detector 120 and, with other
provided sealable ports sealed/closed, is exposed to an external
source of gas 118, for example, low molecular weight and/or inert
gas such as helium, or the like. If no externally applied gas is
detected by the gas detector 120, the capacitor housing 101, end
caps 111, 112, ports 115, 116 and terminals 111a, 112a may be
considered as being sealed sufficiently against leakage of
subsequently used impregnation fluid from within the HV capacitor
100.
[0042] In one embodiment, it is identified that leak testing may be
enhanced by placement of one or more HV capacitor 100 in a chamber
122. In one embodiment, after placement of one or more HV capacitor
100 within chamber 122, hoses and/or couplers 123 within or at
walls of the chamber may be used to connect a leak detector 120 to
a sealable port of HV capacitor(s) within the oven, and to a source
of gas 118. It is identified that if gas is introduced into a
chamber 122 that is sealed, the chamber may become pressurized, and
that the pressure may be used to accelerate any potential leakage
of gas from outside to within the sealed interior of each HV
capacitor 100; detection of the gas within a sealed capacitor
housing can be used as an indication that the capacitor housing is
not properly sealed. The amount of time required to determine if a
HV capacitor 100 may be subject to leakage from subsequently used
impregnation fluid may accordingly be reduced.
[0043] It has been identified that application of a vacuum to the
interior of each sealed HV capacitor 100 at a sealable port may be
used to accelerate leakage of an externally applied gas and, thus,
detection of the gas within a HV capacitor that is improperly
sealed. In one embodiment, gas detector 120 itself may comprise a
vacuum source (not shown) with which gas from a gas source 118 can
be potentially drawn into a leaking HV capacitor 100.
[0044] In one embodiment, a gas source 118 or another source of
heat may be used to introduce heat into chamber 122. In one
embodiment, chamber 122 may provide heating functionality. Cycled
heating of the chamber 122 may be used to expand seals and joints
of each HV capacitor 100 during leakage testing to better simulate
actual operating conditions and possible failure modes that may
occur during actual use.
[0045] It is identified that testing for leakage as described by
the present invention above obviates the need for the extended high
temperature testing of HV capacitors as is needed in the prior art.
For example, in the prior art, leakage testing is performed by
subjecting sealed and impregnation fluid filled HV capacitors to a
high temperature for 48 hours; after cooling a subsequent visual
inspection is performed to see if any leaked fluid is present
outside the capacitor. Compared to the prior art, leakage testing
of HV capacitors 100 in a manner as described by the present
invention can be performed very cleanly and quickly, and such that
testing throughput and reliability can be increased. Because a
plurality of HV capacitors 100 may be easily connected at their
sealable ports by means of a coupler, and subsequently quickly
tested for leakage of a gas (not impregnation fluid as in the prior
art), cleaning of leaked or spilled impregnation fluid can be
eliminated. Furthermore, leakage testing of prior art HV capacitors
requires that they be filled with impregnation fluid and tested in
heating ovens for on the order of 48 hours, which contrasts with
about 5 minutes as is made possible by the above described gas leak
test processes. With the present invention, if leakage of gas is
detected, an offending leaking HV capacitor 100 may be quickly
disconnected at a sealable port from a source of gas and moved for
subsequent disassembly and repair, which differs from the prior
art, wherein a leaking HV capacitor, as indicated by leaking
impregnation fluid, requires that the capacitor housing and
impregnation fluid be cooled, that the capacitor be disassembled,
that the impregnation fluid be removed from the housing, and that
the capacitor be cleaned, before repair procedures can be
implemented.
[0046] Referring now to FIG. 8, there is seen a not to scale
representation of a HV capacitor subject to drying. Those skilled
in the art will identify that in one embodiment, the drying process
described herein could in addition to, or on its own, be performed
before a gas leak test. If gas leakage testing is performed first,
the source of pressurized gas 118 and/or gas leak detector 120 may
be disconnected from a selectively sealable port/coupler at which
it/they were applied, other sealable ports/couplers may be
unsealed/opened, and a drying process may be initiated.
[0047] In one embodiment, a sealable port is coupled to a
pressurized source of dry and/or inert gas 121. In one embodiment,
the gas is heated. The gas is applied at some temperature and/or
pressure sufficient to expose and pass over, and through, the
capacitor cells 102 within the capacitor housing 101 and such that
most or all moisture and other impurities present within the
housing is expelled from any unsealed/open port(s), for example, a
port 115. One or more of the HV capacitors 100 may be coupled to
the same source of gas 121 in manner that allows all the capacitors
to be dried at the same time.
[0048] Referring now to FIG. 9, there is seen a not to scale
representation of a HV capacitor subject to drying. In one
embodiment, it is identified that a drying process according to the
present invention may also be performed by placement of one or more
HV capacitor 100 in a chamber 122. In one embodiment, chamber 122
provides oven functionality that may be utilized in conjunction
with application of a source of dry and/or inert gas 121. In one
embodiment, after placement of one or more HV capacitor 100 within
chamber 122, one or more selectively sealable port is connected to
a source of gas 121 via hoses and/or couplers 123 provided within
or at walls of the chamber, such that gas applied from outside the
chamber can be passed through each HV capacitor within the chamber.
It is identified that if heated gas 121 is provided, the
temperature of the interior of the HV capacitor(s) 100 may be
raised independent of the temperature of chamber 122. Accordingly,
the amount of time chamber 122 needs to be maintained at a certain
temperature to achieve a desired amount of drying of HV capacitor
100 may in many cases be reduced. In contrast, in the prior art, an
entire volume of a drying oven needs to be heated in order to
sufficiently raise the temperature of the interior of the unsealed
open capacitor housings placed therein. Because with the present
invention only the relatively small interior volume of each sealed
HV capacitor 100, and not the large volume of a chamber actually
needs be dried, quicker testing and throughput may be achieved.
[0049] Referring now to FIG. 10, there is seen a not to scale
representation of a HV capacitor subject to vacuum. In one
embodiment, a HV capacitor 100 may be coupled at one or more
selectively sealable port to a vacuum source 124. In one
embodiment, sealable ports not coupled to a vacuum source 124 may
be sealed or closed. Connections made to vacuum source 124 may be
achieved by means of vacuum tight couplers and connections as are
know to those skilled in the art. Vacuum may be applied to bring
moisture and/or impurity levels within the a sealed HV capacitor
100 to a desired level. In one embodiment, a plurality of HV
capacitors 100 may be coupled to the same vacuum source 124 in a
manner that allows evacuation of moisture and/or impurities from
more than one housing 101 at a time. In one embodiment, vacuum may
be applied to each HV capacitor 100 by means of a vacuum source 124
coupled to the chamber 122. In one embodiment, the chamber 122 may
provide vacuum functionality.
[0050] Referring now to FIG. 11, there is seen a not to scale
representation of a HV capacitor subject to impregnation. In one
embodiment, one or more HV capacitor 100 may have one or more
selectively sealable port coupled to a source of fluid 125. Fluid
125 is typically used to fill the capacitor housing 101 so as to
impregnate capacitor cells 102 and/or to provide a medium with
which to dissipate heat generated by the cells. In one embodiment,
impregnation fluid 125 comprises an oil as would be used by those
skilled in the art. In one embodiment, during filling, sufficient
free volume of air is left to allow for expansion of impregnation
fluid 127 within a sealed HV capacitor 100 under anticipated
operating temperatures. Impregnation fluid 127 may be introduced by
filling, under pressure, and/or under vacuum. In one embodiment,
impregnation fluid 127 may be applied at one open sealable port and
another sealable port may be selectively unsealed/opened
sufficiently to allow fluid to be expelled. In one embodiment,
expelled fluid and/or air may be directed by means of couplers and
hoses to outside chamber 122 or to a container within the chamber.
In one embodiment, fluid 127 may be drawn into a HV capacitor 100
at one sealable port with a vacuum applied at a sealable port.
Because during impregnation all fluid preferably is contained
within each HV capacitor 100, or connections thereto, impregnation
of a HV capacitor 100 with fluid 127 can be preferably performed
with minimal or no spillage. In one embodiment, impregnation of HV
capacitors 100 may be performed inside a chamber 122. In one
embodiment, fluids 127 may be introduced to within chamber 122 via
hoses and/or couplers 123. If other processing of HV capacitors 100
within a chamber 122 is desired, impregnation within a chamber 122
may be achieved without removal of any HV capacitors 100 from
within the chamber before or after such processing, as minimal
dis/connection of appropriate hoses to/from respective ports and
couplers is all that would be required to change from one source of
fluid to another source of fluid. Upon impregnation, if desired,
all sealable ports can be quickly and easily selectively
closed/sealed by an insert, a screwable plug, or by a coupler
119.
[0051] It has, thus, been identified that in accordance with one or
more embodiments described herein, a more reliable and better
performing HV capacitor can be manufactured. It has further been
identified that processing, testing, drying, and impregnation of HV
capacitors can be performed in a much shorter period of time than
previously possible. For example, the start to end time to
process/test a batch of prior art HV capacitors takes 120 hours,
whereas the start to end time to process/test the same number of HV
capacitors 100 can take less than about 48 hours. Connections to
selectively sealable ports of a plurality of HV capacitors 100 may
be made quickly and easily in a batch mode using hose type
connections and other appropriate fixtures. No or minimal cleanup
is required during impregnation with the present invention because
easy quick sealable connections are able to made to HV capacitors
by means of one or more sealable port. Contrast this to the prior
art, wherein after a HV capacitor housing is filled with
impregnation fluid in a vat, and afterwards fitted and sealed with
end caps, the exterior of prior art housing typically requires
extensive cleaning. Also with the present invention, no or a
minimal amount of impregnation fluid is wasted and/or contaminated
as occurs during prior art immersion in, and removal from,
impregnation vats. Because quick, easy, clean dis/connections can
be made by and to sources of vacuum, heat, gas, and/or fluids via
sealable ports of HV capacitors (outside and/or inside a test
chamber), HV capacitor manufacture and testing throughput is
increased. Drying, impregnation, and/or leakage tests can be
performed without repeated removal of HV capacitors from within a
chamber and/or impregnation vat. Because heat, and/or, vacuum,
and/or pressurized gas can be applied to HV capacitors within a
chamber from a source external to the chamber, the chamber itself
may not necessarily require that it provide heat, pressure, and/or
vacuum functionality.
[0052] Thus, the present invention and embodiments thereof should
be limited only by the claims that follow and, as well, by their
legal equivalents.
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