Claims:1. A retrofitting assembly for a switchgear, said assembly comprising;
a pair of mounting channels;
wherein the mounting channels are adaptably located in a panel chamber;
a pair of supporting channels adaptably fixed on top of the said mounting channels;
a mounting plate being fixed over the said mounting channel in a manner to facilitate mounting of a switchgear cassette over the mounting plate;
at least one flexible contact;
at least one retrofit link;
wherein the retrofit link and flexible contact are operatively matched with existing bus bar system of the switchgear.

2. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said mounting channel is substantially C shaped having two symmetrical edges so as to define a predetermined groove.

3. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said supporting channel is substantially J shaped having edges of different size wherein one edge is bigger than the other.

4. The assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the bigger edge of the supporting channel is in contact with the mounting channels.

5. The assembly as claimed in claims 3 and 4, wherein the edge smaller in size holds the switchgear cassette.

6. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the supporting channels facilitates adjustment of the switchgear in the Y-direction.

7. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting plate facilitates adjustment of the switchgear in X-direction.

8. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting plate provides structural support to the panel.

9. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting plate comprises a plurality of perforations that facilitate free flow of air.

10. The assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein each perforation is substantially quadrilateral in shape.

11. The assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein the plurality of perforations facilitates adjustment in X-direction.

12. The assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein adjustment in X-direction facilitates ease of termination.

13. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the supporting channel comprises a duality of perforations to facilitate alignment of the switchgear in Z-direction.

14. The assembly as claimed in claim 13, wherein each perforation is substantially quadrilateral in shape.

15. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flexible contact can be rotated in any direction to be operatively matched with the retrofit link.

16. The assembly as claimed in claim 15, wherein the flexible contact caters to all types of termination schemes.

17. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting channel is preferably forged from mild steel having a thickness of about 4 mm with maximum tensile strength of about 841 MPa.

18. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the supporting channel is preferably forged from mild steel having a thickness of about 4 mm with maximum tensile strength of about 841 MPa.

19. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting plate is preferably forged from mild steel having a thickness of about 3mm with maximum tensile strength of about 841 MPa.

20. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the retrofit link is preferably forged from ETP (Electrolytic-Tough-Pitch) grade copper having a thickness of about 6 mm with maximum tensile strength of about 220 MPa.

21. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flexible contact is preferably forged from ETP (Electrolytic-Tough-Pitch) grade copper having a thickness of about 6 mm with maximum tensile strength of about 220 MPa.

22. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the retrofit link and flexible contact is operatively matched with a cradle adaptor of a new switchgear.

23. The assembly as claimed in claim 22, wherein the new switch gear comprises of a cradle of which the cradle adaptor forms a part.
, Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The subject matter of the present invention, in general, relates to retrofitting of switchgears, and more particularly, pertains to a universal adaptor for retrofitting of switchgears.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[002] In an electric power system, a switchgear is the combination of electrical disconnect switches, fuses or circuit breakers used to control, protect and isolate electrical equipment. Switchgears are used both to de-energize equipment to allow work to be done and to clear faults downstream. It is directly linked to the reliability of an electricity supply.

[003] Retrofitting refers to the process of updating older equipment with new technology. The reasons for retrofitting existing switchgears being that such switchgear systems may contain components that may have been withdrawn or replaced over a period of time. Moreover, such components from various manufacturers may not be interchangeable. As manufacturers eliminate older products and introduce new technologies that are no longer compatible with existing switchgears. Further, there are no compatibility solutions that allow the switchgear panel from one manufacturer to adapt to one from another manufacturer.

[004] There exist numerous old switchgears protecting essential industrial processes that have been operational for significant time beyond their functional design life. Obtaining spares for such obsolete switchgear in this age can prove to be impossible and replacing the entire switchboard can have a serious impact on production downtime and budget constraints. Upgrading such old and obsolete switchgears with modern switchgears can be a costly and time intensive solution with added benefits of features of modern switchgear systems.

[005] Traditionally, retrofitting is effected by introducing modifications in existing bus bar and support system which involves a larger downtime. This is undesirable because downtime is a critical parameter and such higher downtimes lead to exponential production losses.

[006] Reference is made to US 2012/0228097 A, wherein a method and system for retrofitting a circuit breaker is disclosed. The retrofit assembly includes one or more adjustable elements for fitting a circuit breaker into a switchgear panel of the switchgear. The adjustable elements include a plurality of adjustable modular female tulip contacts to receive a corresponding plurality of male contacts in a panel of the switchgear, each female tulip contact being flexible for a plurality of diameters, a plurality of modular phase adjustment contact arms to provide phase alignment between the poles of the circuit breaker, and/or an adjustable truck for placing the circuit breaker in contact with a rack for the circuit breaker in the switchgear. It employs a tulip contact system that acts as a medium for retrofitting of switchgears.

[007] Reference is also made to US 7124488 B2, wherein a retrofit breaker adapter system and method are disclosed. In particular, to a system for modifying a circuit breaker for removable installation in a cell of switchgear system, wherein the unmodified circuit breaker is not adapted for mounting in the cell. The system includes an adapter frame to which the circuit breaker is mounted and gear assemblies mounted to opposing sides of the circuit breaker. The gear assemblies adapt a racking device of the circuit breaker so as to be operable to rack the circuit breaker within the cell of the switchgear system.

[008] Reference is also made to US 7544907 B1, wherein special provisions for network protector retrofits is disclosed. The retrofit assembly is structured to allow a CM22 type circuit breaker to engage, and be enclosed by, a CMD type circuit breaker tank. The retrofit assembly includes a levering mechanism, a circuit breaker bus assembly having bus support members, and a door handle system structured to allow a user to actuate the circuit breaker contacts when the tank is closed.

[009] The approaches indicated hereinabove involve additional space limitations that complicate dielectric and heat run considerations, involve extensive custom design work and materials, and do not provide an optimum retrofitting solution.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need to improve the existing retrofit solutions to minimize the assembly operation times, provide flexibility regarding tolerances of joints, if any, and reduces the numbered of junctions involved in retrofitting. To overcome the drawbacks in existing retrofitting techniques, the present invention discloses a retrofit assembly with a universal adaptor wherein the adaptor can be rotated in any direction and caters to all types of termination schemes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the present invention. It is not intended to identify the key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concept of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to a more detailed description of the invention presented later.

[0012] An object of the present invention is to provide a retrofitting assembly that overcomes the drawbacks of existing retrofitting solutions.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a retrofitting assembly that does not involve complicate dielectric and heat run considerations.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a retrofitting assembly that does not involve extensive custom design work or materials.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a retrofitting assembly that minimizes the downtime required for retrofitting of a switchgear system.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a retrofitting assembly that is flexible regarding tolerance to joints, if any, and reduces the numbered of junctions involved.

[0017] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a universal adaptor that can be rotated in any direction.

[0018] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a universal adaptor that caters to all types of termination schemes.

[0019] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a universal adaptor that is a flexible contact, suitable for flat or vertical or horizontal termination schemes.

[0020] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a rotatable universal adaptor that facilitates the technician in aligning an retrofitting assembly with existing bus bar system.

[0021] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a universal adaptor flexible enough to accommodate tolerances of switchgear joints, if any.

[0022] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a universal adaptor that reduces the number of junctions required for retrofitting.

[0023] Briefly, a retrofit assembly with a universal adaptor is disclosed. The retrofit assembly consists of a mounting channel, supporting channels, mounting plate, cradle, retrofit links, universal adaptor and cradle adaptor. An existing old switchgear along with cassette (if any) is taken out from panel and the earlier mounting channels are sustained in the panel. For mounting new switchgear in the panel, supporting channels and mounting plate are provided. The said assembly does away with the need for drilling, welding and cutting processes on the existing bus bars to drastically reduce the downtime.

[0024] The present invention discloses a retrofitting assembly for a switchgear. The said retrofitting assembly comprising; a pair of mounting channels; wherein the mounting channels are adaptably located in a panel chamber; a pair of supporting channels adaptably fixed on top of the said mounting channels; a mounting plate being fixed over the said mounting channel in a manner to facilitate mounting of a switchgear cassette over the mounting plate; at least one flexible contact; at least one retrofit link; wherein the retrofit link and flexible contact are operatively matched with existing bus bar system of the switchgear. The flexible contact is such that it reduces the numbers of joints required for retrofitting and is also flexible enough to accommodate tolerances of the switchgear joints, if any.

[0025] Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[0026] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0027] Figure 1 illustrates the retrofit components with the universal adaptor according to one implementation of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 illustrates the entire set up of the retrofitting assembly with switchgear according to one implementation of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 3 illustrates the retrofit link-universal adaptor arrangement according to one implementation of the present invention.

[0030] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and may have not been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figure may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference numbers are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0031] The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of exemplary embodiments of the invention. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary.

[0032] Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0033] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0034] It is to be understood that the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0035] By the term “substantially” it is meant that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to those of skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide.

[0036] Features that are described and/or illustrated with respect to one embodiment may be used in the same way or in a similar way in one or more other embodiments and/or in combination with or instead of the features of the other embodiments.

[0037] It should be emphasized that the term “comprises/comprising” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or component but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

[0038] The subject invention lies in providing a retrofit assembly with a universal adaptor for retrofitting switchgears.

[0039] The present invention pertains to a retrofit assembly with a universal adaptor. The Retrofit assembly consists of a mounting channel, supporting channels, mounting plate, cradle, retrofit links, universal adaptor and cradle adaptor. An existing old switchgear along with cassette (if any) is taken out from panel while the earlier mounting channels are sustained in the panel. A new switchgear is mounted on the panel with the aid of supporting channels and mounting plate. The retrofit assembly does away with the need for drilling, welding and cutting required on the existing bus bars thereby drastically reducing the downtime.

[0040] In one implementation, a retrofitting assembly that overcomes the drawbacks of existing retrofitting solutions is provided for.

[0041] In another implementation, a retrofitting assembly that does not involve complicate dielectric and heat run considerations is provided for.

[0042] In another implementation, a retrofitting assembly that does not involve extensive custom design work or materials is provided for.

[0043] In another implementation, a retrofitting assembly that minimizes the downtime required for retrofitting of a switchgear system is provided for.

[0044] In another implementation, a retrofitting assembly that is flexible regarding tolerance to joints, if any, and reduces the numbered of junctions involved is provided for.

[0045] In another implementation, a universal adaptor that can be rotated in any direction is provided for.

[0046] In another implementation, a universal adaptor that caters to all types of termination schemes is provided for.

[0047] In another implementation, the universal adaptor is a flexible contact suitable for flat or vertical or horizontal termination schemes is provided for.

[0048] In another implementation, a rotatable universal adaptor that facilitates the technician in aligning an engineered assembly with existing bus bar system is provided for.

[0049] In another implementation, a universal adaptor flexible enough to accommodate tolerances of switchgear joints, if any, is provided for.

[0050] In another implementation, a universal adaptor that reduces the number of junctions required for retrofitting is provided for.

[0051] In another implementation, a retrofit assembly consisting of a mounting channel, supporting channels, mounting plate, cradle, retrofit links, universal adaptor and cradle adaptor is provided for. The mounting channel is substantially C shaped having two symmetrical edges so as to define a predetermined groove.

[0052] In another implementation, removing of an existing old switchgear along with cassette (if any) while retrofitting is provided for.

[0053] In another implementation, sustaining the earlier mounting channels in the panel while retrofitting is provided for.

[0054] In another implementation, mounting of a new switchgear in the panel by the supporting channels and mounting plate is provided for. The supporting channel is substantially J shaped having edges of different size wherein one edge is bigger than the other. The bigger edge of the supporting channel is in contact with the mounting channels. The smaller in size holds the switchgear cassette.

[0055] In another implementation, the supporting channels facilitates the technician with adjustment of the switchgear in the Y-direction while the mounting plate facilitates with adjustment, if any, to overcome the tolerances of the panel and bus bar in X-direction.

[0056] In another implementation, the supporting channels and mounting plate eliminates the need for performing drilling, welding and cutting of the existing bus bars at site thereby reducing the downtime drastically.

[0057] In another implementation, the mounting plate provides a structural support to the existing panel.

[0058] In another implementation, the mounting plate contains perforations that facilitate free flow of air for better convection and radiation thereby eliminating the chance of generation of heat spot at the joints.

[0059] In another implementation, quadrilateral holes facilitate with the adjustment in X-direction to facilitate the ease of termination.

[0060] In another implementation, supporting channels contain quadrilateral holes for alignment of the assembly in Z-direction.

[0061] In another implementation, the supporting channel also facilitates adjustment in Y direction.

[0062] In another implementation, the mounting channel is placed in the panel chamber, on which the supporting channel is fixed along with the mounting plate.

[0063] In another implementation, the mounting plate is used as a platform on which the cassette is placed, the new switchgear is assembled on the cassette along with the retrofit link and the universal adaptor that facilitates a technician with matching it to the existing bus bar system.

[0064] The existing state of art retrofitting solutions suffer from additional space limitations that complicate dielectric and heat run considerations and involve extensive custom design work and materials, all the while not providing optimal solution to retrofitting. Therefore, there is a need for a retrofit solution that requires minimum assembly operation time, provide flexibility regarding tolerances of joints and require minimum number of junction. To overcome the drawbacks in existing retrofitting techniques, the present invention discloses a retrofit assembly with a universal adaptor where the adaptor is such that it can be rotated in any direction and caters to all types of termination schemes.

[0065] Figure 1 illustrates the retrofit assembly of the present invention. It comprises of a mounting channel (1), a pair of supporting channels (2), a mounting plate (3), a cradle (4), a plurality of retrofit links (5), a plurality of universal adaptors (6) and a plurality of cradle adaptors (7). Notably, the cradle (4) and cradle adaptors (7) form part of the new switchgear system that will replace the old switchgear system. The universal adaptor is a flexible contact that can be rotated in any direction and caters to all types of termination schemes.

[0066] Figure 2 illustrates the entire set up of the retrofitting assembly with switchgear. The mounting channel (1) is placed in the panel chamber, on which the supporting channel (2) is fixed along with the mounting plate (3). The mounting plate (3) is used as a platform on which the cassette is placed, the new switchgear is assembled on the cassette along with the retrofit links (5) and the universal adaptors (6) that facilitates the technician to match it with the existing bus bar system. Figure 3 illustrates retrofit link-universal adaptor arrangement.

[0067] During retrofitting, existing old switchgear along with cassette (if any) is taken out from panel and the mounting channels (1) are sustained in the panel. For mounting new switchgear in the panel, supporting channels (2) and mounting plate (3) are provided. The supporting channels (2) facilitates the technician in adjustment of the switchgear in the Y-direction and the mounting plate (3) facilitates in adjustment, if any to overcome the tolerances of the panel and bus bar in X-direction. As a result, this eliminates the activities like drilling, welding and cutting required on the existing bus bars at site thereby drastically reducing the downtime.

[0068] The mounting plate (3) is such that it provides a structural support to the existing panel. Further, the mounting plate (3) is provided with perforations to facilitate free flow of air for better convection and radiation thereby eliminating the chance of generation of heat spot at the joints. Still further, quadrilateral holes are provided for adjustment in X-direction to facilitate ease of termination.

[0069] The supporting channels (2) are also provided with quadrilateral holes for alignment of the assembly in Z-direction. Further, the supporting channel (2) also facilitates with adjustment in Y direction.

[0070] The mounting channel (1) is preferably forged from mild steel, having a thickness of about 4 mm and maximum tensile strength of about 841 MPa. The supporting channel (2) is preferably forged from mild steel, having a thickness of about 4mm and maximum tensile strength of about 841 MPa. The mounting plate (3) is preferably forged from mild steel, having a thickness of about 3mm and maximum tensile strength of about 841 MPa. The retrofit link and universal adaptor are preferably forged from ETP (Electrolytic-Tough-Pitch) grade copper, having a thickness of about 6 mm and maximum tensile strength of about 220 MPa.

[0071] Some of the important advantages of the present invention, considered to be noteworthy are indicated herein below:

a) The retrofitting assembly provides a flexible contact suitable for flat, vertical and horizontal termination schemes;
b) The retrofitting assembly ensures minimum downtime during retrofitting of switchgear system;
c) The retrofitting assembly expedites manufacturing it does not involve tooling;
d) The retrofitting assembly provides a swift and firm assembly;
e) The retrofitting assembly ensures thermal stability of the switchgear system;
f) The retrofitting assembly requires a downtime of about a few hours only;
g) The retrofitting assembly significantly reduces the number of joints required; and
h) The retrofitting assembly is easy to manufacture, requires less production time and economical.

[0072] Although a simple and economic retrofitting assembly with universal adapter that to minimizes the assembly operation time, provide flexibility regarding tolerances of joints and reduces the numbered of junctions involved in retrofitting has been described in language specific to structural features/methods indicated, it is to be understood that the embodiments disclosed in the above section are not necessarily limited to the specific features or components or devices or methods described therein. Rather, the specific features are disclosed as examples of implementations of a retrofitting assembly with universal adapter.