FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to a multi column support system for supporting bus duct in a power transmission system. In particular the present invention relates to a modular type standalone device which can be deployed to support bus-ducts of any length. More particularly, the invention relates to a modular type supporting device for accommodating switchgear bus ducts in power transmission system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Substations are one of the most important elements in an electric power network and past experiences show that these equipments are very susceptible to damages due to wind, seismic events or impulse load due to switchgear operation. The mechanical performance of substation equipment depends on their structural configuration and material properties. As all the components are interconnected in sub-station, failure in one system would result in improper functioning of the equipment which ultimately leads to disruption in power supply. So it has to be ensured that power supply is not interrupted during natural hazards like storms or earthquakes.
The capability of high voltage power equipment to withstand heavy loads due to wind, seismic events and other impact load are of utmost importance especially when it is installed in high wind or seismic zones. High voltage equipment of substation are in general, mounted on steel structures to maintain electrical clearances. These structures

have a very profound effect on the motion that the supported equipment experience during a storm or earthquake. The acceleration that the equipment mounted on a structure, experiences will be several times more intense than the ground acceleration. Hence, it is sensible that the supporting structures are to be designed so as to withstand both heavy wind and earthquake vibrations, ensuring consistency in its operation. Below table provides a list of prior art related to the area of invention.



OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to propose a multi column support device for supporting bus-duct structure adopted in power transmission system.
Another object of the present invention is to propose a multi column support device for supporting bus-duct structure adopted in power transmission system, which possesses modularity in design.

A still another object of the present invention is to propose a multi column support device for supporting bus-duct structure adopted in power transmission system which can be deployed for supporting longer ducts.
Yet another object of the present invention is to propose a multi column support device for supporting bus-duct structure adopted in power transmission system, which in plurality can be spaced apart to support multiple ducts.
Another object of the present invention is to propose a multi column support device for supporting bus-duct structure adopted in power transmission system, which can be employed for supporting longer ducts of varying phase isolating distances.
A still another object of the present invention is to propose a multi column support device for supporting bus-duct structure adopted in power transmission system which can offer higher natural frequency so as to be away from proximity range during seismic events.
A still another object of the present invention is to propose a multi column support device for supporting bus-duct structure in power transmission system, which can withstand heavy wind load conditions.

A further object of the present invention is to propose a multi column support device for supporting bus-duct structure adopted in power transmission system, which can be adjusted to operate at various heights from ground.
A further object of the present invention is to propose a multi column support device for supporting bus-duct structure adopted in power transmission system, which can be adjusted to have proper alignment for the duct.
A still further object of the present invention is to propose a multi column support device for supporting bus-duct structure adopted in power transmission system, which prevents excessive deflection of the system and limit the stresses to an acceptable safe limits under severe wind and seismic load conditions.
A further object of the present invention is to propose a multi column support device for supporting bus-duct structure adopted in power transmission system, whereby use of fastener connections eliminate welding requirements.
A further object of the present invention is to propose a multi column support device for supporting bus-duct structure adopted in power transmission system, which has inbuilt facility to provide approachability to the top thus eliminate separate staircase or ladders.

Yet another object of the present invention is to propose a multi column support device for supporting bus-duct structure adopted in power transmission system, the modular type design enhancing the manufacturability thereby increasing productivity of the device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION.
Accordingly there is provided a multi column support device for bus-duct in power transmission system which are easily transferable and suitable for enhanced productivity, the supporting device comprises two frames both in longitudinal and transverse directions with multiple columns and the columns are connected together with inclined and horizontal members. The two frames placed across the length of the duct called as lateral frames whereas the other frames are kept along the length of duct or longitudinal frames, subjected to the technical requirements. The lateral frames consist of plurality of members inclined in opposite direction. One of the longitudinal frame consist of both horizontal and inclined bracings, is divided into segments at appropriate intervals by horizontal members and the slope of the inclined ones are in opposite directions due to functional requirements. All columns are laced together at the top with a frame consisting of heavier sections to hold the clamping device. The support blocks at the top is connected to the structure through adjustable support rods which enable in aligning the support blocks along with the clamping device to hold the bust duct.

Thus, the present invention is regarding the development of multi column structural system for supporting switchgear bus ducts employed in power transmission systems, wherein the design of the system is subjected to both technical and functional specifications, in particular, largely focused on technical requirements tor resist lateral forces corresponding to in-service conditions. This invention satisfies frequency requirements, modularity in design, approachability to duct region for maintenances, horizontal alignment of bus duct, deployability of plurality of supports to accommodate longer bus ducts, ease of transportation, faster process coating and elimination of welding at site. The present invention per se constitutes two frames both in longitudinal and transverse direction connected to four columns through plurality of members connected between the corresponding columns. Each frame contains plurality of inclined bracings following some pattern. At least one frame is divided into number of segments – subjected to the functional requirement and it depends on the height of the structure – by horizontal bracings. Each segment is further braced in the vertical plane through oppositely inclined members. The columns are connected to the top frame consists of relatively heavier sections which in turn connected to the supporting blocks. The tie rods anchors the bus duct to the support blocks. The present invention thus addresses prior art disadvantages when employed to support comparatively larger masses and subjected to severe environmental hazards like storm or earthquake.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The accompanied drawings describe the invention in detail and illustrate the features, aspects and advantages of the present invention. Reference numerals and alphabets

are used for locating the component of the device . The invention may be readily understood and carried into practical effect based on the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 shows isometric view of multi column structural device for supporting switchgear bus ducts.
Figure 2 shows enlarged view of the top assembly as in Figure 1.
Figure 3 shows enlarged view of the clamping means as in Figure 1
Figure 4 enlarged view of the ladder means as in Figure 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
Figure 1 shows the overall isometric view of the multi column support device for supporting bus-duct structure adopted in power transmission system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. The structure contains four columns (A, B, C and D) as in Figure 1. The two frames across the direction of duct length (lateral frames) are formed with bracings between the columns A and B, C and D respectively.

These frames impart stability for the structure against the deflection across the length of the duct. Bracings between A and D, B and C form the second set of frames which are arranged along the length of duct (longitudinal frames) in order to prevent deflection along the length of the bus duct. Each pair of frames in the supporting device is spaced apart based on the dimensions of the bus duct supported by the system.
According to the invention, the lateral frames consist of plurality of inclined bracings (5), and gusset plates (6). The inclined bracings (5) joins the columns at the gusset locationsthrough fasteners (7). Plurality of horizontal bracings (11) and inclined bracings (12) form at least one of the longitudinal frames R or S. The horizontal bracings are placed at a particular intervals along the length of the corresponding columns. Plurality of gusset plates (13) and fasteners (14) are used to join the said horizontal bracings to the respective locations on the columns. The inclined bracings (12) are connected to horizontal bracings (11) in the same plane, nearly at the centre of the horizontal bracings. Each inclined bracing (12) is connected to the corresponding horizontal member (11), wherein the member is so arranged as to join through at least one fastener (15). The aforementioned inclined bracings (12) are oriented in particular angles facing each other and leaving some space in between, due to both technical and functional requirements. The other frame in the longitudinal direction consists of plurality of inclined bracings (5) and gusset plates for connecting members together. The columns (A to D) are connected to each other of their top using another set of horizontal members (1), called as tie beams. Larger sections are selected for the said members as it controls torsional sway arising from unsymmetrical loads expected to act

on the supporting device. The tie beams together form a detachable top frame (E). The connection between the tie beams and the columns are though plurality of gusset plates (9) in the same plane. At least two support blocks (2) are used for seating the bus ducts on top of the supporting device. The said support blocks are provided with predefined grooves (8) at the centre to ensure proper alignment of bus duct with respect to the supporting device and are joint to the horizontal members (1) provided at the top of the columns, through adjustable connections (3). At least two semi¬circular – depending on the size of the bust duct – tie rods (4) with extended legs are connected to the blocks. These rods hold the bus duct on to the blocks (2) to be seated in the grooves (8). Thus, the mechanism consisting of plurality of tie beams, support blocks, adjustable support rods, and tie rods together enable the bus duct to be anchored to the supporting device in a specific location with proper alignment.
The bracing pattern followed in the lateral frames has an additional advantage of having lower exposed area and contributing lesser into solidity ratio due to relatively less number of bracing members. The cumulative effect will be seen in the reduction of wind load acting on the lateral frames. The structure can resist major individual load such as self-weight of the structure, dead load due to bus-duct along with internals, live load in service conditions, heavy wind loads, seismic loads, impact loads due to switchgear operation and feasible combinations of the said loads as per the relevant standards.

While the illustrative embodiments of the disclosure has been described above, it will be recognized and understood that various modifications can be made to the embodiments and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications which may fall within the spirit and the scope of the disclosure.

WE CLAIM :
1. A modular type supporting device for accommodating switchgear bus ducts in
power transmission system, the device comprising :
• a plurality of columns and each column oriented in a designed direction;
• a plurality of inclined bracings connected between at least two of said columns on multiple sides;
• multiple horizontal members connecting between the two columns on at least one of a several longitudinal frames formed therein; divide the height of corresponding columns equally into particular number of segments.
• multiple members inclined in opposite direction and connected between the horizontal members and the corresponding columns;
• horizontal members constitute a frame at the top for connecting all columns together;
• a plurality of support blocks each with a groove at the top surface and connected to the top frame by a corresponding number of fasteners and support blocks; said support blocks to hold the bus ducts.
2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the columns are spaced apart based
on the duct size for lateral stability of the device.

3. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said multiple members are inclined wherein a range of angles to impart lateral stability to the device.
4. The device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the members on lateral faces are inclined in opposite direction.
5. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the members are inclined in opposite directions, which adds stiffness of the device in longitudinal direction.
6. The device as claimed in claim 1 or 5, wherein both horizontal and oppositely inclined members together act as a ladder for maintenance work.
7. The device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the inclined members transfer the vertical live load to the connected columns.
8. The device as claimed in claim 1 or 5, wherein both horizontal and inclined members when connected create a space in between to facilitate climbing.
9. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top horizontal members are made of relatively heavier sections to control the torsional sway due to unsymmetrical load distribution on the supporting device.

10. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of support blocks oriented across to hold the ducts in its position by providing proper seating in the groove.
11. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of rods connect the support blocks to the top frame, and wherein the plurality of rods is independently adjustable to ensure horizontal alignment of the bus ducts.
12. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of tie rods connect the bus duct with the support blocks, and wherein the plurality of tie rods can be operated separately so as to accommodate ducts with different sizes.
13. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device is constructed using standard sections with stress and deflection within the allowable limits specified in the standards codes, and wherein all connections are fastened together so as to completely eliminate welding at site.
14. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device is capable to withstand
severe wind, seismic and impulse load conditions.

15. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the modular type configuration of the device allows supporting of the ducts both in parallel and non-parallel configuration including adjustment of the distance between the structure.