U.S. patent application number 16/456059 was filed with the patent office on 2020-03-05 for adapter system for conversion of an installed medium-voltage air termination to a dead-front separable connector.
The applicant listed for this patent is S&C Electric Company. Invention is credited to David J. Beseda, Phillip J. Fahey, Michael R. Maroney.
Application Number | 20200076180 16/456059 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 69639253 |
Filed Date | 2020-03-05 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200076180 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Maroney; Michael R. ; et
al. |
March 5, 2020 |
ADAPTER SYSTEM FOR CONVERSION OF AN INSTALLED MEDIUM-VOLTAGE AIR
TERMINATION TO A DEAD-FRONT SEPARABLE CONNECTOR
Abstract
An air-termination adapter that encloses an air-termination
connection assembly to electrically isolate components that are at
hazardous voltages and allow the air-termination connection
assembly to be coupled to a dead-front termination for electrical
equipment. In one embodiment, the adapter includes an outer body
having a lower conical section, a middle cylindrical section and an
upper cylindrical connection section all defining an internal
chamber. The air-termination connection assembly extends into the
chamber from the bottom of the lower section and is coupled to a
connector rod at one end. The connector rod is coupled to a
connector associated with a conical interface in the connection
section to provide the dead-front termination to the electrical
equipment.
Inventors: |
Maroney; Michael R.;
(Chicago, IL) ; Fahey; Phillip J.; (Wilmette,
IL) ; Beseda; David J.; (Park Ridge, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
S&C Electric Company |
Chicago |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
69639253 |
Appl. No.: |
16/456059 |
Filed: |
June 28, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62725318 |
Aug 31, 2018 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01R 13/648 20130101;
H01R 13/53 20130101; H02G 5/00 20130101; H02G 15/064 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H02G 15/064 20060101
H02G015/064; H01R 13/648 20060101 H01R013/648 |
Claims
1. An air-termination adapter for enclosing an air-termination,
said adapter comprising a body including a lower body portion
defining a chamber and a connection portion including an interface
having an opening at each end of the connection portion and being
in communication with the chamber, where the lower body portion and
the connection portion define a general T-shape, said lower body
portion including an opening opposite to the connection portion for
accepting the air-termination.
2. The adapter according to claim 1 wherein the connection portion
is cylindrical.
3. The adapter according to claim 2 wherein the interface is a
conical interface that provides a dead-front termination.
4. The adapter according to claim 1 wherein the lower body portion
includes a lower conical portion, a middle cylindrical portion, and
a tapered portion between the lower conical portion and the middle
portion, where the middle portion is coupled to the connection
portion.
5. The adapter according to claim 1 wherein the body is a single
piece molded body including an outer semi-conductive layer formed
over a dielectric layer.
6. The adapter according to claim 5 wherein the outer
semi-conductive layer is a rubber layer.
7. The adapter according to claim 5 wherein the body further
includes an inner semi-conductive layer on an opposite side of the
dielectric layer from the outer semi-conductive layer.
8. The adapter according to claim 7 wherein the inner
semi-conductive layer extends into the connection portion.
9. The adapter according to claim 1 wherein the air-termination
provides an electrical connection between a cable and equipment in
switchgear.
10. The adapter according to claim 1 further comprising a cap that
covers the opening.
11. An air-termination adapter being configured for enclosing an
air-termination, said adapter comprising a body including a
plurality of body sections that define a chamber and give the body
a general conical shape, said chamber being in communication with a
lower opening in the body and an upper opening in the body.
12. The adapter according to claim 11 wherein the plurality of body
sections include a lower conical portion, a lower middle
cylindrical portion, a tapered portion between the lower portion
and the middle portion, an upper middle cylindrical portion, a
tapered portion between the cylindrical portions, an upper conical
portion and an annular portion.
13. The adapter according to claim 11 wherein the body is a single
piece molded body including an outer semi-conductive layer formed
over a dielectric layer.
14. The adapter according to claim 13 wherein the outer
semi-conductive layer is a rubber layer.
15. The adapter according to claim 13 wherein the body further
includes an inner semi-conductive layer on an opposite side of the
dielectric layer from the outer semi-conductive layer.
16. The adapter according to claim 11 wherein the air-termination
provides an electrical connection between a cable and equipment in
switchgear.
17. An air-termination adapter being configured to enclose an
air-termination, said adapter comprising a body including a
plurality of body sections that define a chamber and give the body
a general conical shape, said chamber being in communication with a
lower opening in the body, wherein the body is a single piece
molded body including an outer semi-conductive layer formed over a
dielectric layer and an inner semi-conductive layer on an opposite
side of the dielectric layer from the outer semi-conductive layer,
and wherein the air-termination provides an electrical connection
between a cable and equipment in switchgear.
18. The adapter according to claim 17 wherein the plurality of body
sections include a lower conical portion, a middle cylindrical
portion, and a tapered portion between the lower conical portion
and the middle portion.
19. The adapter according to claim 17 wherein the plurality of body
sections include a lower conical portion, a lower middle
cylindrical portion, a tapered portion between the lower portion
and the middle portion, an upper middle cylindrical portion, a
tapered portion between the cylindrical portions, an upper conical
portion and an annular portion.
20. The adapter according to claim 17 wherein the body is a single
piece molded body including an outer semi-conductive layer formed
over a dielectric layer.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority from the
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/725,318, filed on Aug. 31,
2018, the disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated
herein by reference for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
Field
[0002] This disclosure relates generally to an air-termination
adapter for enclosing and electrically isolating an air-termination
connection assembly and, more particularly, to an air-termination
adapter for enclosing and electrically isolating an air-termination
connection assembly, where the adapter operates in combination with
a connection rod for coupling the connection assembly to a
dead-front termination in a switchgear.
Discussion of the Related Art
[0003] An electrical power distribution network, often referred to
as an electrical grid, typically includes a number of power
generation plants each having a number of power generators, such as
gas turbine engines, nuclear reactors, coal-fired generators,
hydro-electric dams, etc. The power plants provide a high voltage
AC signal on high voltage transmission lines that deliver
electrical power to a number of substations typically located
within a community, where the voltage is stepped down to a medium
voltage. The substations provide the medium voltage power to a
number of three-phase feeder lines. The feeder lines are coupled to
a number of lateral lines that provide the medium voltage to
various transformers, where the voltage is stepped down to a low
voltage and is provided to a number of loads, such as homes,
businesses, etc.
[0004] Power distribution networks of the type referred to above
include a number of switching devices, breakers, reclosers,
interrupters, etc. that control the flow of power throughout the
network. Some of these components are enclosed in a number of
external housings that are mounted on, for example, a concrete pad,
or mounted underground, and are generally referred to herein as
switchgear. The number and type of switchgear are application
specific to the particular power network.
[0005] Electrical cables going into and out of the switchgear are
terminated or connected to certain electrical devices or equipment,
such as switches, within the switchgear. For many of these
applications, an air-termination is employed to connect the cable
to a connection point, where the air-termination is configured to
grade the electrical stress from the ground shield on the cable,
and where the air-termination includes sheds that increase the
surface distance from the high voltage connection to ground.
However, this type of known air-termination and connection assembly
in the switchgear provides a number of exposed conductors that
create exposure to hazardous voltages to personnel that operate or
service the equipment.
SUMMARY
[0006] The following discussion discloses and describes an
air-termination adapter that encloses an air-termination connection
assembly to electrically isolate components that are at hazardous
voltages and allow the air-termination connection assembly to be
coupled to a dead-front termination for electrical equipment. In
one embodiment, the adapter includes an outer body having a lower
conical section, a middle cylindrical section and an upper
cylindrical connection section all defining an internal chamber.
The air-termination connection assembly extends into the chamber
from the bottom of the lower section and is coupled to a connector
rod at one end. The connector rod is coupled to a connector
associated with a conical interface in the connection section to
provide the dead-front termination to the electrical equipment.
[0007] Additional features of the disclosure will become apparent
from the following description and appended claims, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a broken-away isometric view of a known switchgear
including an air-termination;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a broken-away isometric view of a known switchgear
including a series of T-body connectors;
[0010] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of an air-termination adapter
for enclosing an air-termination connection assembly and providing
an integral dead-front termination;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a broken-away isometric view of the adapter shown
in FIG. 3;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter shown in
FIG. 3 and showing the air-termination connection assembly;
[0013] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of an air-termination adapter
for enclosing an air-termination connection assembly and providing
a connection to a T-body connector;
[0014] FIG. 7 is a broken-away isometric view of the adapter shown
in FIG. 6;
[0015] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter shown in
FIG. 6 and showing the air-termination connection assembly and the
T-body connector; and
[0016] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter shown in
FIG. 6 and showing the air-termination connection assembly and the
T-body connector, where a connector rod coupled to the T-body
connector is curved.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0017] The following discussion of the embodiments of the
disclosure directed to an air-termination adapter configured to
enclose an air-termination and provide a dead-front termination to
electrical equipment is merely exemplary in nature, and is in no
way intended to limit the invention or its applications or uses.
For example, in the discussion herein the adapter is employed in
connection with equipment in switchgear. However, the
air-termination adapter may have other applications.
[0018] FIG. 1 is a broken-away isometric view of a known switchgear
10 having an outer housing 12 in which is mounted electrical
equipment 14, such as switching devices. For purposes of the
discussion herein, the switchgear 10 is intended to represent any
switchgear, pad mounted or otherwise, that includes any suitable
configuration of components, devices and equipment configured in
the housing 12 that provide switching and disconnecting of and
between electrical cables 16 coupled thereto that are part of an
electrical distribution network, such as a medium voltage network,
where only one of the cables 16 is shown. The cable 16 extends
through an air-termination 18 having sheds 20, and is electrically
coupled to a plate 22 that is bolted by bolts 24 to a connector 26
for the equipment 14. In this design, the plate 22 and the
connector 26 are at a hazardous voltage potential and are exposed
to the environment creating a potentially hazardous situation for
personnel that operate or service the switchgear 10 and the
equipment 14.
[0019] In order to help reduce the risk of exposure to hazardous
voltage potentials, more modern switchgear designs employ different
types of connectors. FIG. 2 is a broken-away isometric view of a
known switchgear 30 having an outer housing 32 in which is mounted
electrical equipment 34, such as switching devices. A T-body
connector 36 connects a cable 38 to the equipment 34, where the
T-body connector 36 includes an extension portion 40 that is
electrically coupled to the cable 38 and a connection portion 42
that is both mechanically and electrically attached to a cable
attachment plate 44 through a connection referred to in the
industry as a dead-front termination well understood by those
skilled in the art. The connection portion 42 includes a cap 46
opposite to the plate 44 that allows a worker to gain access to a
mounting stud (not shown) that both provides mechanical support and
electrical continuity. The T-body connector 36 may include an inner
conductor (not shown), an insulation layer (not shown), such as a
dielectric rubber layer, covering the conductor, and a grounded
semi-conductive outer layer 46, such as a semi-conductive rubber
layer, covering the dielectric layer, which ensures that there is
no exposure to energized conductors.
[0020] This disclosure discusses and describes an air-termination
adapter that encloses the air-termination 18 and other electrical
components so as to eliminate any potentially exposed hazardous
voltages and also allow the air-termination 18 to be electrically
coupled to a T-body connector for connection to a dead-front
termination. The adapter has particular application for use with
older switchgear employing air-termination connections that have
been upgraded to include dead-front terminations. The adapter
simplifies the installation and connection of new dead-front
connection equipment that replaces air-terminated equipment by
converting the air-termination cable so that it can be connected to
the new dead-front equipment.
[0021] FIG. 3 is an isometric view and FIG. 4 is a broken-away
isometric view of an air-termination adapter 60 showing one
embodiment of the type of adapter referred to above. The adapter 60
includes a single piece molded body 62 having a lower conical
portion 64, a middle cylindrical portion 66, a tapered portion 68
between the lower portion 64 and the middle portion 66, and an
upper cylindrical connector portion 70, where the connector portion
70 gives the adapter 60 a general T-shape. The body 62 defines an
internal chamber 72 that is open at a bottom end 74 of the lower
portion 64, where an optional cover 78 (only shown in FIG. 3) can
be "snapped on" or secured to the bottom end 74 to cover the
opening and prevent animals from entering the chamber 72. The body
62 includes a semi-conductive outer shielding layer 80, such as a
semi-conductive rubber layer, that covers a dielectric insulating
layer 82, where the insulating layer 82 is formed as a conical
interface 90 within the connector portion 70. An inner
semi-conductive layer 84, which may be the same material as the
shielding layer 80, is provided within the middle portion 66 and is
operable to provide electrical grading. The layer 84 includes a
collar portion 86 positioned in the connector portion 70 and having
a slot 88.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter 60 showing
an air-termination connection assembly 96 extending into the
chamber 72, where the connection assembly 96 includes the cable 16,
the air-termination 18 and the plate 22. The plate 22 is positioned
within the chamber 72 in the middle portion 66 and is coupled to
one end of a connector rod 98. An opposite end of the rod 82 having
an annular terminal 100 extends through the slot 88 and is
positioned within the interface 90.
[0023] The adapter 60 is installed on the connection assembly 96 by
first disconnecting the plate 22 from, for example, the connector
26, securing the rod 98 to the plate 22 using, for example, the
bolts 24, inserting the rod 98 and the connection assembly 96
through the opening at the bottom end 74 of the lower portion 64,
and extending the rod 98 through the slot 88 so that the terminal
100 is positioned within the interface 90. The cover 78 is removed
and attached to the bottom portion 64 as necessary. To connect the
adapter 60 to the equipment, a stud (not shown) is threaded into a
bushing interface (not shown) on the equipment, one end of the
interface 90 is positioned over the bushing so that the stud
extends into the interface 90 and through the terminal 100, and a
plug (not shown) is inserted into an opposite end of the interface
90 and threaded onto the stud so that the rod 98 makes an
electrical connection with the bushing. In this manner, the cable
16 is coupled to the equipment in the switchgear through a
dead-front termination, and all of the components that may be at a
hazardous voltage are enclosed within the adapter 60.
[0024] In an alternate embodiment, T-body connectors may already be
employed in the switchgear to provide the dead-front terminations,
and the older air-terminations may be connected to the T-body
connectors. FIG. 6 is an isometric view and FIG. 7 is a broken-away
isometric view of an air-termination adapter 110 showing one
embodiment of an adapter of the type referred to above that can be
employed in this situation. The adapter 110 includes a single piece
molded body 112 having a lower conical portion 114, a lower middle
cylindrical portion 116, a tapered portion 118 between the lower
portion 114 and the middle portion 116, an upper middle cylindrical
portion 120, a tapered portion 122 between the cylindrical portions
116 and 120, an upper conical portion 124 and an annular portion
126. The body 112 defines an internal chamber 130 that is open at a
bottom end 132 of the lower portion 114 and a top end 128 of the
annular portion 126. The body 112 includes a semi-conductive outer
shielding layer 134 that covers a dielectric insulating layer 136
and an inner semi-conductive layer 138, which may be the same
material as the shielding layer 134, is provided within the middle
portion 116 that provides electrical grading.
[0025] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter 110 showing
the air-termination connection assembly 96 extending into the
chamber 130. The plate 22 is positioned within the chamber 130 at
the middle portion 116 and is coupled to one end of a connector rod
140, where the rod 140 is positioned within an insulating sleeve
142. The rod 140 extends out of the opening at the top end 128 of
the adapter 110 and an opposite end of the rod 140 is inserted into
an extension portion 142 of a T-body connector 144 and is
electrically coupled to an annular terminal 146 in a connection
portion 148 of the connector 144. The connection portion 148
includes an interface connector 150, a stud 152 and a plug 154 that
allow the T-body connector 142 to be coupled to the equipment
bushing interface in the same manner described above. The adapter
110 is installed on the connection assembly 96 by first connecting
the rod 140 to the T-body connector 144, sliding the connection
assembly 96 through the opening at the bottom end 132 of the lower
portion 114 so that the plate 22 sticks out of the opening at the
top end 128 of the annular portion 126, and securing the rod 140 to
the plate 22.
[0026] The rod 140 is straight, and depending on the particular
switchgear may not allow the connection assembly 96 to be properly
connected to the T-body connector 144 because of the location of
the equipment bushing interface. However, by bending the rod 140 a
proper connection can likely be made. This embodiment is
illustrated in FIG. 9 by air-termination adapter 160, where like
elements to the adapter 110 are identified by the same reference
number. In the adapter 160, the rod 140 has been replaced with a
curved connector rod 162 so as to better allow the connection
assembly 96 to be connected to the bushing interface.
[0027] The foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely
exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. One skilled in the
art will readily recognize from such discussion and from the
accompanying drawings and claims that various changes,
modifications and variations can be made therein without departing
from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined in the
following claims.
* * * * *