US 6,198,062 B1 · Modular, high-voltage, three phase recloser assembly

Abstract

In accordance with the present invention, a recloser assembly including three modular recloser units operating under the control of a controller. The recloser units are interchangeable and are suitable for use in a three phase power distribution system where three phase tripping is desired or each recloser unit may be operated independently as in a single phase power distribution system. For use in a three phase system, a gang rod mechanically couples pivoting actuation levers extending from a solenoid switching assembly of each of the recloser units. The gang rod insures that all three switching assemblies open and close in unison, thus, each power is transmitted by all three recloser units or power is not transmitted by any of the three recloser units. For single phase power distribution operation, the gang rod is removed and the recloser units operate independently. Each recloser unit includes a cube shaped base, a tapered cylindrical support affixed to an upper surface of the base. The support includes an opening to receive a ceramic insulator supporting a switch terminal and a second threaded opening to receive a bushing and polymer insulator supporting a line terminal. Each recloser unit utilizes a vacuum interrupter switch or terminal contact assembly to contain electrical arcing and maximize terminal contact life. The interior region defined by each support is filled with an environmentally friendly, nonvolatile insulation material. An interior region of each base houses a solenoid switch assembly and a pressure equalization assembly.

Claims29

Dependent claims

A recloser assembly suitable for three phase power distribution systems comprising:

a) three interchangeable, modular recloser units, each recloser unit having a base defining an interior region and defining a throughbore through the base, a support affixed to the base and supporting a line terminal and a switch terminal having a stationary switch contact, and a switching assembly coupled to a moveable switch contact and being moveable from a first position to a second position when a signal is received indicative of an overcurrent condition on a power line coupled to the recloser assembly;
b) in the first position of the switching assembly, the moveable switch contact contacts the switch terminal stationary switch contact electrically coupling the switch terminal and the line terminal and in the second position of the switching assembly, the moveable contact is spaced apart from the switch terminal stationary switch contact;
and
c) the bases of the recloser units being mechanically affixed such that the throughbores of each base are connected thereby providing a passageway between the three bases, the switching assemblies of each recloser unit being mechanically linked such the switching assemblies of all three recloser units must move in unison from their respective first positions to their respective second positions and must move in unison from their respective second positions to their respective first positions, a position of each recloser unit being interchangeable with a position of either of the other two recloser units.

1 more element

An interchangeable, modular recloser unit suitable for use in a three phase recloser assembly, the recloser unit comprising:

a) a base defining an interior region and defining a throughbore through opposite sides of the base;
b) a support affixed to the base and supporting a line terminal and a switch terminal;
c) a switching assembly operable to selectively electrically couple the line terminal and switch terminal;
and
d) the base including an open right side and an open left side surrounding the throughbore, the base right side adapted to be mechanically linked to a base of a first recloser unit and the base left side adapted to be mechanically linked to a base of a second recloser unit, the three recloser units when assembled functioning as a three phase recloser assembly, the base right side including a plurality of threaded openings into which threaded end portions of a first plurality of tie rods are threaded and the base left side including a plurality of threaded openings into which threaded end portions of a second plurality of tie rods are threaded, the first plurality of tie rods extending parallel outwardly from the base right side and adapted to slidingly engage and support the first recloser unit base and the second plurality of tie rods extending parallel outwardly from the base left side and adapted to slidingly engage and support the second recloser unit base.

2 more elements

An interchangeable, modular recloser unit suitable for use in a three phase recloser assembly, the recloser unit comprising:

a) a base defining an interior region and defining a throughbore through opposite sides of the base;
b) a support affixed to the base and supporting a line terminal and a switch terminal;
c) a switching assembly operable to selectively electrically couple and selectively electrically decouple the line terminal and the switch terminal;
and
d) a pressure equalization assembly disposed in the base including an expandable bladder disposed in a chamber in the base, the bladder having an interior exterior in fluid communication with an interior region of the base surrounding the switching assembly, the bladder disposed in the chamber adjacent a blow off plate affixed to an exterior wall of the base overlying an opening in the base, the blow off plate releasably affixed to the exterior wall so as to be displaced from the base exterior wall by the bladder when a pressure in the bladder interior region exceeds a predetermined magnitude.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Modular, high-voltage, three phase recloser assembly

Life of this patent

Modular, high-voltage, three phase recloser assembly

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims29