Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to switchgear. More particularly the present disclosure relates to an interlock assembly for gas-insulated switchgear to enable access of disconnecting switches of bus riser, when a Vacuum Circuit Breaker (VCB) is open.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) is a compact metal encapsulated switchgear consisting of high-voltage components such as circuit-breakers and disconnectors, which may be safely operated in confined spaces. Where there is a lack of space, such as in city structures, roofing, offshore platforms, industrial facilities, and hydropower plants, the GIS is employed.
[0004] Typically, a vacuum circuit breaker is an electric power device mounted in a circuit breaker chamber of the switchgear to connect a primary side circuit with a secondary side circuit, thereby allowing a normal current conduction to supply electric power to load-side devices in normal times. One incomer and several outgoing panels make up a conventional GIS. There will be no supply for the outgoing panels and outgoing loads if the incomer panel is malfunctioning or undergoing maintenance. Further, bus coupler and riser are used to connect the additional GIS board in order to avoid this system downtime.
[0005] Existing electrical interlock and mechanical interlock are used between breaker and disconnectors, and simultaneously in traditional switchgear. However, an electrical signal is primarily responsible for the interlock between the disconnectors. There is a problem that prevents it from being utilised in a safer state since it is missing a mechanical mechanism that may stop a safety accident before it happens.
[0006] It is well known that switchgear consists of a number of panels, each of which is powered by a horizontal busbar. In the event that it needs two or more unique supplies for redundancy, maintenance, and operations logic. The horizontal busbar is then divided using a circuit breaker by the bus coupler panel, which then emerges. In order to carry back power on the busbar compartment of the switchgear, the bus riser is required as the next panel to the bus coupler. Further, disconnecting switches of the bus riser and the bus coupler must only be operated after the Vacuum Circuit Breaker of the bus coupler is open in order to avoid significant line-to-line faults.
[0007] There is, therefore, a need for an improved interlock to enable access of disconnecting switch of the bus riser, corresponding to the closed and open state of a Vacuum Circuit Breaker (VCB).

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0008] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfy are as listed hereinbelow.
[0009] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an interlock assembly for gas-insulated switchgear to enable access of disconnecting switch of a bus riser when a Vacuum Circuit Breaker (VCB) is Open to avoid significant line-to-line faults.
[0010] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an interlock assembly for gas-insulated switchgear that is safe and reliable.
[0011] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an interlock assembly for gas-insulated switchgear that is ergonomic in design like shape, size, and weight.
[0012] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an interlock assembly for gas-insulated switchgear that is cost-efficient and less sophisticated.
[0013] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an interlock assembly for gas-insulated switchgear that reduces operation time thus increasing system asset safety compared to the other conventional interlocks.
[0014] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an interlock assembly for gas-insulated switchgear where operation is allowed with in-front system power distribution logic, which is independent of operator availability.
[0015] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an interlock assembly for gas-insulated switchgear that may be electrically connected with a SCADA system from CCS.

SUMMARY
[0016] Various aspects of the present disclosure relates to switchgear. More particularly the present disclosure relates to an interlock assembly for gas-insulated switchgear to enable access of disconnecting switch of a bus riser, when a Vacuum Circuit Breaker (VCB) is open to avoid significant line-to-line faults, also the proposed interlock assembly reduces operation time thus increase system asset safety compared to the other conventional interlocks. Additionally, the proposed interlock assembly is ergonomic in design like shape, size, and weight, and cost-efficient as well.
[0017] An aspect of the present disclosure pertains to an interlock assembly configured with a switchgear. The interlock assembly may include a linkage unit configured in a bus riser and a bus coupler of the switchgear, and the linkage unit includes a first linkage mean movably coupled in the bus riser, a second linkage mean movably coupled in the bus coupler, and a set of connecting links being configured to move the first linkage mean corresponding to the second linkage mean. Additionally, a locking element adapted to be inserted in a first channel is provided in the second linkage mean of the bus coupler, and when the locking element is inserted in the first channel, the movement of the first linkage mean and the second linkage mean are restricted and a Vacuum Circuit Breaker (VCB) of the bus coupler is closed to prevent access to disconnecting switch of the bus riser. Upon removal of the locking element from the first channel enables movement of the first linkage mean and the second linkage mean after the opening of the VCB and consequently allow access to the disconnector switch of the riser panel.
[0018] In an aspect, when the VCB is closed , the first linkage mean is in front of the access cut out to prevent access to disconnecting switch of the bus riser, and when the VCB is open, the first linkage mean moves away from the access cut out of disconnecting switch to allow access to the disconnecting switch of the bus riser panel.
[0019] In an aspect, the first linkage mean includes a first shutter and a first mechanical link, where the first shutter may be perpendicularly coupled to an upper part of the first mechanical link. The second linkage mean includes a second shutter, and a second mechanical link, where the second shutter may be perpendicularly coupled to a bottom part of the second mechanical link. The first mechanical link and the second mechanical link may be movably coupled by the set of connecting links, and movement of the locking element in a downward direction from the first channel, enables movement of the second shutter, and consequently move the set of connecting links that facilitates the first shutter to move from a first position to a second position after the opening of the VCB.
[0020] In an aspect, the linkage unit includes VCB pushrod movable members coupled to the second linkage mean and configured to enable movement of the second linkage mean. The VCB pushrod movable members are positioned in one or more second channels in such a manner that facilitate movement of the second shutter between a first end and a second end of the second channels upon movement of the VCB pushrod movable members in the associated one or more second channels.
[0021] In an aspect, when the locking element is in the first channel, the VCB pushrod movable members may be restricted at the first end of the second channel, and when the VCB pushrod movable members are positioned at the first end, the movement of the second shutter may be restricted. Additionally, when the locking element is released from the first channel, the VCB pushrod movable members enable linear movement of the linkage unit between the bus riser and the bus coupler.
[0022] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0023] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure.
[0024] In the figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.
[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary representation of an interlock assembly configured in bus riser and bus coupler, when VCB is closed, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary representation of an interlock assembly configured in bus riser and bus coupler, when VCB is open, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary representation of the mechanical links, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary representation of a first linkage mean when disconnecting switch of a riser panel is not accessible, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary representation of a first linkage mean when disconnecting switch of a riser panel is accessible, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary representation of movable members and VCB open & close pushrods movable members when VCB is closed, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary representation of VCB open & close pushrods movable members, when VCB is open, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0032] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary representation of the SLD scheme for a gas-insulated switchgear, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0034] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.
[0035] Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprise” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced.
[0036] In particular, the term “Disconnecting switch (DS)” should be interpreted as referring to a switch. In particular, the term “ON/OFF push rod” should be interpreted as referring to movable members.
[0037] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to switchgear. More particularly the present disclosure relates to an interlock assembly for gas-insulated switchgear to enable access of disconnecting switch of a bus riser, when a Vacuum Circuit Breaker (VCB) is open.
[0038] The present disclosure elaborates upon an interlock assembly configured with a switchgear. The interlock assembly may include a linkage unit configured in a bus riser and a bus coupler of the switchgear, and the linkage unit includes a first linkage mean movably coupled in the bus riser, a second linkage mean movably coupled in the bus coupler, and a set of connecting links being configured to move the first linkage mean corresponding to the second linkage mean. Additionally, a locking element adapted to be inserted in a first channel provided in the second linkage mean of the bus coupler, and when the locking element is inserted in the first channel, the movement of the first linkage mean and the second linkage mean are restricted and after closing of Vacuum Circuit Breaker (VCB) of the bus coupler, to prevent access to disconnecting switch of the bus riser. Upon removal of the locking element from the first channel enables movement of the first linkage mean and the second linkage mean after the opening of the VCB and consequently allow access to the disconnecting switch of the bus riser.
[0039] In some embodiments, when the VCB is closed, the first linkage mean is in front of the switches to prevent access disconnecting switch of the bus riser, and when the VCB is open, the first linkage mean moves away from the access cut-out to allow access to the disconnecting switch of the bus riser.
[0040] In some embodiments, the first linkage mean includes a first shutter and a first mechanical link, where the first shutter may be perpendicularly coupled to an upper part of the first mechanical link. The second linkage mean includes a second shutter, and a second mechanical link, where the second shutter may be perpendicularly coupled to a bottom part of the second mechanical link. The first mechanical link and the second mechanical link may be movably coupled by the set of connecting links, and movement of the locking element in a downward direction from the first channel, enables movement of the second shutter, and consequently move the set of connecting links that facilitates the first shutter to move from a first position to a second position only after the opening of the VCB.
[0041] In some embodiments, the linkage unit includes movable members coupled to the second linkage mean and configured to enable movement of the second linkage mean. The movable members are positioned in one or more second channels in such a manner that facilitate movement of the second shutter between a first end and a second end of the second channels upon movement of the one or more movable members in the associated one or more second channels.
[0042] In some embodiments, when the locking element is in the first channel, the movable members may be restricted at the first end of the second channels, and when the one or more movable members are positioned at the first end, the movement of the second shutter may be restricted. Additionally, when the locking element is released from the first channel, the movable members enable linear movement of the linkage unit between the bus riser and the bus coupler.
[0043] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary representation of an interlock assembly configured in bus riser and bus coupler, when VCB is closed, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0044] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary representation of an interlock assembly configured in bus riser and bus coupler, when VCB is open, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0045] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary representation of the mechanical links, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0046] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary representation of a first linkage mean when disconnecting switch of the riser panel is not accessible, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0047] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary representation of a first linkage mean when disconnecting switch of the riser panel is accessible, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0048] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary representation of movable members and VCB open & close pushrods movable members when VCB is closed, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0049] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary representation of VCB open & close pushrods movable members, when VCB is open, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0050] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary representation of the SLD scheme for a gas-insulated switchgear, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0051] As illustrated, an interlock assembly 100 adapted to be configured with a switchgear, includes a linkage unit 102 configured in a bus riser 104 and a bus coupler 106 of the switchgear. The bus riser 104 is positioned as next panel to the bus coupler (106) to carried back power on a busbar compartment of the switchgear. The linkage unit 102 includes a first linkage mean 108 movably coupled in the bus riser 104, a second linkage mean 116 movably coupled in the bus coupler 106, and a set of connecting links 114 may be configured to move the first linkage mean 108 coupled in the bus riser 104 corresponding to the second linkage mean 116 coupled in the bus coupler 106. Additionally, a first end of each of the set of connecting links 114 coupled to the first linkage mean 108, and a second end of each of the set of connecting links 114 coupled to the second linkage mean 116.
[0052] In some embodiments, when the first linkage mean 108 is in front of disconnecting switch (DS) (interchangeably referred to as a switch, hereinafter) when Vacuum Circuit Breaker (VCB) is closed, to prevent access to the disconnecting switch of the bus riser. In some embodiments, when the VCB is open, the first linkage mean 108 moves away from the switch (DS) (FIG. 5) to allow access to the DS of the bus riser.
[0053] In some embodiments, the first linkage mean 108 coupled in the bus riser 104 includes a first shutter 110 and a first mechanical link 112. The first shutter 110 may be perpendicularly coupled to an upper part of the first mechanical link 112. Additionally, the first shutter 110 can be movably coupled that move from a first position to a second position. When the first shutter 110 is in first position (as shown in FIG. 4), when the VCB is in closed condition, thus preventing access to disconnecting switch of riser panel, and the first shutter 110 is in the second position (as shown in FIG. 5). When the VCB is in open condition, thus allowing access to the disconnecting switch of riser panel.
[0054] In some embodiments, a first channel 124 may be provided in the second linkage mean 116 of the bus coupler 106 to receive a locking element 122. Upon insertion of the locking element 122 in the first channel 124 (as shown in FIG. 1), the movement of the first linkage mean 108 and the second linkage mean 116 are restricted, As the VCB of the bus coupler 106 is closed and interlock prevents access to disconnecting switch of the bus riser 104 panel. Further, upon removal of the locking element 122 from the first channel 124 (as shown in FIG. 2) enables movement of the first linkage mean 108 and the second linkage mean 116 due to the opening of the VCB and consequently allows access to the disconnecting switch of riser panel.
[0055] In some embodiments, the linkage unit 102 includes VCB close and open pushrod movable members 132 (interchangeably referred to as movable members, hereinafter) coupled to the second linkage mean 116 and configured to enable movement of the second linkage mean 116. In some embodiments, the second linkage mean 116 includes a second shutter 118, and a second mechanical link 120. The second shutter 118 may be perpendicularly coupled to a bottom part of the second mechanical link 120.
[0056] In some embodiments, the first mechanical link 112 and the second mechanical link 120 may be movably coupled by the set of connecting links 114-a, and 114-b (as shown in FIG. 3). Upon movement of the locking element 122 in a downward direction from the first channel 124, enables movement of the second shutter 118, and consequently, moves the set of connecting links 114 that facilitates the first shutter 110 to move from the first position to the second position, only after the VCB is in open condition.
[0057] In some embodiments, one or more second channels 134 are provided on the second shutter 118, and the VCB pushrod movable members 132 are positioned in the associated second channel 134 in such a manner that facilitates movement of the second shutter 118 between a first end and a second end of the second channels 134. The second shutter 118 moves between a first end 138 and a second end 140 of the second channels 134 which restricts movement of the VCB pushrod movable members 132 in the associated second channels 134. It ensures that the VCB of the bus coupler panel is not accessible, as the DS of the riser panel is accessible.
[0058] In some embodiments, when the locking element122 is in the first channel 124 (as shown in FIG. 6), the VCB pushrod movable members 132 are restricted at the first end 138 of the one or more second channels. Additionally, when the VCB pushrod movable members 132 are positioned at the first end 138, the movement of the second shutter 118 is restricted, thus VCB is closed and accessible to operate. Furthermore, upon release of the locking element 122 from the first channel 124 (as shown in FIG. 7), the VCB pushrod movable members 132 enable linear movement of the linkage unit 102 between the bus riser 104 and the bus coupler 106 after the opening of the VCB, and consequently enable access to the disconnecting switch of riser panel(As shown in fig 5) and at same time VCB is not accessible as movable member 132 is in second position 140 Therefore, ensure that incoming supplies are not directly connected to one another, and protect them from line-to-line failures.
[0059] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary representation 800 of a SLD scheme for a gas insulated switchgear, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. An incomer I/C 1 delivers power to outgoing O/G 1, O/G 2, and O/G 3 of board A, while I/C 2 delivers deliver power to O/G 4, O/G 5, and O/G 6 of board B. When IC 1 and IC 2 are in operation the bus coupler and riser must be in the off state. Additionally, the board A and board B are linked because of Bus Coupler (BC) and Bus Riser (BR). When I/C1 is malfunctioning or undergoing maintenance, I/C 2 may feed to the supply board A in order to ensure continuity. This may be done by turning BC and BR to on condition and disconnecting I/C 1 from the board A. Furthermore, Disconnecting switch of BC or BR must only be operated after a VCB of BC is open in order to avoid significant line-to-line faults, which may be ensured by employing the proposed interlock assembly.
[0060] Above disclosed embodiments discloses an interlock assembly for gas-insulated switchgear to enable access of disconnecting switch of a bus riser, when a Vacuum Circuit Breaker (VCB) is open to avoid significant line-to-line faults, also the proposed interlock assembly reduces operation time thus increasing system asset safety compared to the other conventional interlocks. Additionally, the proposed interlock assembly is ergonomic in design like shape, size, and weight, and cost-efficient as well.
[0061] Moreover, in interpreting the specification, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refer to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C ….and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.
[0062] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions, or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0063] The proposed invention provides an interlock assembly for gas-insulated switchgear to control operation of a vacuum circuit breaker (VCB) to avoid significant line-to-line faults.
[0064] The proposed invention provides an interlock assembly for gas-insulated switchgear that is safe and reliable.
[0065] The proposed invention provides an interlock assembly for gas-insulated switchgear that is ergonomic in design like shape, size, and weight.
[0066] The proposed invention provides an interlock assembly for gas-insulated switchgear that is cost-efficient and less sophisticated.
[0067] The proposed invention provides an interlock assembly for gas-insulated switchgear that reduces operation time thus increasing system asset safety compared to the other conventional interlocks.
[0068] The proposed invention provides an interlock assembly for gas-insulated switchgear where operation is allowed with in-front system power distribution logic, which is independent of operator availability.
[0069] The proposed invention provides an interlock assembly for gas-insulated switchgear that may be electrically connected with a SCADA system from CCS.

, Claims:1. An interlock assembly (100) configured with a switchgear, the interlock assembly comprising:
a linkage unit (102) configured in a bus riser (104) and a bus coupler (106) of the switchgear, and the linkage unit comprises:
a first linkage mean (108) movably coupled in the bus riser (104);
a second linkage mean (116) movably coupled in the bus coupler (106);
a set of connecting links (114) being configured to move the first linkage mean (108) corresponding to the second linkage mean (116), wherein a first end of each of the set of connecting links (114) coupled to the first linkage mean (108), and a second end of each of the set of connecting links (114) coupled to the second linkage mean (116);
VCB pushrod movable members (132) coupled to the second linkage mean (116) and configured to enable movement of the second linkage mean (116); and
a locking element (122) adapted to be inserted in a first channel (124) provided in the second linkage mean (116) of the bus coupler (106), wherein when the locking element (122) is inserted in the first channel (124), the movement of the first linkage mean (108) and the second linkage mean (116) are restricted and the Vacuum Circuit Breaker (VCB) of the bus coupler is closed and prevents access to disconnecting switch of the bus riser, and removal of the locking element (122) from the first channel (124) enables movement of the first linkage mean (108) and the second linkage mean (116) that upon opening of the VCB and consequently allow access to the disconnecting switch of the bus riser.
2. The interlock assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein when the VCB is closed, the first linkage mean (108) is in front of the first channel (124) and prevents access to the disconnecting switch of the bus riser.
3. The interlock assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein when the VCB is open, the first linkage mean moves away from the first channel (124) and allows access to the disconnecting switch of the bus riser.
4. The interlock assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first linkage mean (108) comprises a first shutter (110) and a first mechanical link (112), wherein the first shutter is perpendicularly coupled to an upper part of the first mechanical link.
5. The interlock assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein the second linkage mean (116) comprises a second shutter (118), and a second mechanical link (120), wherein the second shutter is perpendicularly coupled to a bottom part of the second mechanical link.
6. The interlock assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first mechanical link (112) and the second mechanical link (120) are movably coupled by the set of connecting links (114), wherein movement of the locking element (122) in a downward direction from the first channel (124), enables movement of the second shutter (118), and consequently move the set of connecting links (114) that facilitates the first shutter (110) to move from a first position to a second position upon opening of the VCB.
7. The interlock assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein the VCB Pushrod movable members (132) are positioned in one or more second channels (134) in such a manner that facilitate movement of the second shutter (118) between a first end and a second end of the second channels (134) upon movement of the VCB pushrod movable members (132) in the associated one or more second channels (134).
8. The interlock assembly as claimed in claim 7 wherein when the locking element (122) is in the first channel (124), the one or more movable members (132) are restricted at the first end of the one or more second channels (134).
9. The interlock assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein when the VCB pushrod movable members (132) are positioned at the first end, the movement of the second shutter (118) is restricted.
10. The interlock assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein when the locking element (122) is released from the first channel (124), the VCB pushrod movable members (132) enable linear movement of the linkage unit (102) between the bus riser (104) and the bus coupler (106).