Patent ID: 8101881
Filing Date: 2012-01-24
Classification: H02B

Abstract:
1. An exhaust system for exhausting electric arcs within a switchgear, comprising: a switchgear unit having a lower compartment dimensioned to receive therein a first circuit breaker and an upper compartment dimensioned to receive therein a second circuit breaker, wherein the lower compartment includes a wall panel having a first lower blow out panel for venting gas caused by an electric arc, and wherein the first lower blow out panel is opened away from the lower compartment in response to internal pressure inside the lower compartment generated by an electric arc; an exhaust unit attached to an exterior of the switchgear unit, the exhaust unit including a bus compartment and a first ventilation flap assembly in a top surface of the exhaust unit such that gas vented from the first lower blow out panel is exhausted in a vertical direction within the exhaust unit out the first ventilation flap assembly in the exhaust unit, wherein the bus compartment is dimensioned to receive therewithin a busbar conductor for carrying current to a protection or measurement device disposed within the lower or upper compartments of the switchgear unit, the exhaust unit further including a second ventilation flap assembly in the top surface of the exhaust unit such that gas produced by an electric arc relative to the busbar conductor is exhausted in a vertical direction within the bus compartment and out the second ventilation flap assembly; and a second switchgear unit having a lower compartment and an upper compartment, wherein the lower compartment of the second switchgear unit includes a wall panel having a second lower blow out panel for venting gas caused by an electric arc, wherein the second lower blow out panel is opened away from the lower compartment of the second switchgear in response to internal pressure inside the lower compartment generated by an electric arc, wherein the second switchgear unit is attached to the exhaust unit such that the exhaust unit is sandwiched between the switchgear unit and the second switchgear unit and such that the busbar conductor extends horizontally from the switchgear unit through the bus compartment of the exhaust unit and into the second switchgear unit.