Patent Grant
7679000
The present invention relates to a wildlife guard for electrical power distribution and substation facilities. More particularly, it relates to a wildlife guard comprising an electrically conductive material that is capable of maintaining a small electrostatic charge that provides an annoying shock to deter wildlife from climbing thereon.
Distribution and substation equipment used to supply electrical power have used wildlife protection to prevent wildlife from simultaneously contacting energized and grounded surfaces or adjacent phases. When such contact occurs, short circuits and consequent power outages frequently are the result. The wildlife protection is typically applied to an equipment bushing or lightning arrester of the distribution or substation equipment. For adequate protection, a number of presently available wildlife guards have also required an insulated or covered wire interconnecting apparatus on the substation and distribution system.
Available wildlife guards have posed problems because they only attempt to deter the animal from simultaneously touching a grounded surface and an energized surface by functioning as a barrier, for example. The guards do nothing to keep the animal from climbing on the equipment entirely. As a result, because the animal is not deterred from staying away from the equipment entirely, the animal may still find a way to simultaneously touch energized and grounded surfaces or may cause the wildlife guard to be move or removed from the protected device. Additionally, the animals, particularly squirrels, have a tendency to chew on prior art wildlife guards. As a result there is a need for a wildlife guard that prevents or deters animals from climbing upon energized equipment.
In one aspect the present invention provides a wildlife guard for electrical power equipment comprising a body disposed for fitting onto the equipment. The body comprises a frame and with an electrically conductive material molded onto the frame. The frame can be of any desired configuration such as a disc, a cone, a grid, a grill, a plate, a tube or so forth.
In one aspect of the invention the electrically conductive material can be applied to a insulating structure for use with electrical equipment.
In one aspect of the invention the electrically conductive material comprises dielectric material with a conductive filler material in quantity sufficient to maintain an electrostatic charge.
In one aspect of the invention, the electrically conductive material is molded on the frame in a continuous pattern and in another aspect of the invention the electrically conductive material is molded on the frame in segments at discrete intervals so that the electricity will not pass through the wildlife guard to an installer if the wildlife guard inadvertently contacts a conductive part of the equipment and ground at the same time.
The electrically conductive material can be molded on the frame using over molding techniques including injection molding, cavity molding, compression molding extrusion molding and even dip molding.
While the invention may be embodied in many different forms, there is described in detail illustrative embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood that the present disclosure is to be considered only as an example of the principles of the invention. This disclosure is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the illustrated embodiments nor is the disclosure intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.
In general, the wildlife guard of the present invention comprises a body, which may also be referred to as a frame depending upon the overall configuration, configured and disposed for convenient mounting on electrical equipment to deter an animal from contacting an energized part of the electrical equipment and a grounded structure at the same time. In one aspect of the invention the frame is constructed from a non-conductive material, such a thermoplastic or thermosetting resin, other thermoplastic polymers, rubber, fiberglass or the like. In other aspects of the invention, the frame can be formed from metal or wire or similar material that may be conductive. In any event, the wildlife guard includes an electrically conductive layer on the frame. In general, the electrically conductive layer comprises a dielectric material with an electrically conductive filler.
The dielectric material comprises a moldable dielectric material such as thermoplastic elastomers, thermoplastic polymers, thermoplastic resins, rubber, such as copolymer rubbers, or other appropriate compounds or mixtures of the foregoing. The conductive filler is dispersed in the moldable dielectric material. The conductive filler can be any conductive material such as stainless steel, aluminum, copper, carbon black and so forth. The conductive layer includes sufficient conductive filler so that when a layer is molded on the frame and the frame is mounted on the electrical equipment, the dispersed conductive filler functions like an array of capacitors sufficient to hold an electrostatic charge. When an animal, such as a squirrel, contacts the electrically conductive layer, there is a discharge of electricity sufficient to shock and deter the animal without killing the animal.
In one aspect of the invention, the entire surface of the frame may have an electrically conductive layer. In other aspects of the invention, only the most highly exposed or most accessible surfaces of the frame include an electrically conductive layer. In other aspects of the invention, the frame includes discrete segments or areas of electrically conductive layer. The conductive layer can completely encapsulate the frame or be on a top surface, side surface, edge or any other exposed surface of the frame electrically conductive material thereon in a quantity sufficient to form an array of capacitors on the frame such that the wildlife guard maintains an electrostatic charge when placed on electrical equipment.
When the conductive layer is present in segments, the segments generally are separated by sections or areas of non-conductive material, which can be exposed non-conductive frame or layer of non-conductive material molded on the frame such that the electrically conductive segments or areas or not in electrical contact with each other. With this construction, electrical current would not pass through the entire wildlife guard if it inadvertently contacts electrically conductive equipment and ground at the same time, or any two points possessing a difference in electrical potential. In other embodiments, the discrete segments could be applied to a conductive frame, such as a wire frame.
In other aspects of the invention a conductive layer can be applied directly to an insulating device employed with electrical distribution equipment.
The wildlife guard of the present invention may be configured as a disc, a plate, a cone, a tube, a grid, a grill, lattice or any other desirable configuration that is attachable to the electrical distribution equipment.
In one aspect of the invention, the electrically conductive layer is over molded on the frame using known over-molding or co-molding techniques, such as cavity, injection or compression molding.
In one representative embodiment, the frame comprises a thermoplastic resin and the conductive layer comprises a thermoplastic elastomer with conductive filler dispersed therein. Generally, both the frame material and the conductive material may be formulated to be resistant to deterioration by ultra-violet radiation and exposure to the weather.
In another representative embodiment, the frame comprises metal or wire or other similar material that may be conductive and the conductive layer comprises a thermoplastic elastomer with conductive filler dispersed therein.
In general, there is a permanent bond between the conductive layer and a non-conductive frame. Such a direct bond may be achieved as a result of a co-molding process in which both materials are at least semi-flowable and thus may bond to each other. The frame and the conductive layer can be formed by a two-shot or two-step two material injection molding process in which the materials from which the frame and the conductive layer are formed are injected, either simultaneously or consecutively, into the mold in which the wildlife guard is to be formed. The mold cavities for forming the conductive layer and the frame may be included in the same mold. Other methods of manufacture are contemplated such as, but not limited to, a two-step process performed in a single mold cavity, co-injection molding, or co-extrusion. For example, when manufacturing a wildlife guard having a tube-like configuration as illustrated in
In other embodiments, the frame, either a wire type frame or thermoplastic frame is provided and the conductive layer is molded on the frame using acceptable molding techniques.
Referring to
As can be seen in
The bushing B is of the conventional type used in both substation applications and in distribution applications. Examples of distribution applications with bushings where the guard G may be used are on overhead transformers, on capacitors, on line arresters, on or near reclosers, regulators, terminators and the like. Examples of substation equipment with bushings where the guard G may be used include, for example, transformers, circuit breakers, reclosers, sectionalizing switches, terminators, surge arresters and the like. It should be understood that the foregoing examples are given for illustrative purposes and that other applications of the guard G are evident to those in the art. The present invention can also be used on insulators such as post, station post, suspension and pin type insulators.
Turning now to
The guard G may be configured in any useful configuration. One example is the disc-like guards disclosed in my U.S. Pat. No. 7,075,015, and my U.S. Pat. No. 6,878,883, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. It should also be understood that a guard G of any suitable outside diameter may be employed as required for the electrical power distribution equipment. The guard G may comprise one or more installation grip areas 20 formed at suitable locations of the guard G for attachment of a mounting tool or hot-stick. The illustrated grip area 20 is loop-like. The guard is installed generally as described in the above-referenced patents.
In one aspect of the invention frame 8 is formed of a high-strength, durable synthetic resin that is resistant against deterioration from the sun's ultraviolet rays during service use. Most preferably, the material is UL94 compliant for low flammability and is formed by injection or compression molding. In another aspect of the invention, frame 8 can be formed from alternative materials, even conductive material such as metal or wire or the like. As seen in
In any event, it has been determined that the conductive filler distributed in the moldable material forms an array of capacitors. The conductive filler material is preferably stainless steel conductive fibers, copper, aluminum, carbon black or any other conductive material compatible with the broader aspects of the invention known to conduct electricity. When stainless steel fibers are used, the stainless steel fibers preferably comprise less than about 20% by weight of the formulation, more preferably less than about 15% by weight of the composition, more preferably less than about 12% by weight of the composition, more preferably less than about 10% by weight of the composition, more preferably less than about 8% by weight of the composition, and most preferably between about 3% and about 5% of the composition. When copper is used the conductive material can comprise between about 3% and about 20% by weight of the formulation. Similarly when aluminum or carbon black is used material can comprise between about 3% and about 20% by weight of the formulation. The amount of conductive material may be adjusted if the underlying frame is formed from a conductive material, such as wire. In any event, the conductive material is infused in or mixed with the primary material used to form the conductive layer 22.
It will be appreciated that, although preferred percentages of conductive filler are set out above for illustrative purposes, the invention contemplates a conductive layer that includes any percentage or appropriate amount of conductive filler that provides the desired results described herein.
The conductive material within the moldable formulation comprising the conductive layer 22 is capable of attaining a small electrostatic charge from the electrostatic field surrounding, or adjacent to the electrically energized components of the device being protected. When touched by an animal, the charge dissipates to ground or across the device (e.g. a squirrel touching the device) through the animal but is a small enough charge that the shock received by the animal serves only as a deterrent to climbing on the electrical device and does not injure the animal at all. It is believed that over time the shock will condition the animal to avoid the shock, and therefore the wildlife guard, completely. As a result, the conductive fibers within the conductive layer provide a deterrent to wildlife, preventing them from climbing on electrical equipment protected by the guard.
In another embodiment and referring to
Jacket 32 may be constructed from a non-conductive material, such as a thermoplastic resin, a rubber or rubberized polymer or thermoplastic that allows some deformation of the jacket for mounting. The jacket is constructed to allow separation at the flange 40 sufficient to provide clearance for the conductor to be at least partially encased within the hollow cylindrical portion and returnable to its initial position to capture the conductor within the hollow cylindrical portion. The jacket can be deformable to allow opening or constructed in two sections connected by a hinge structure, or two separate sections connected by fasteners of some sort to allow separation for mounting. When placed on bushing B the wildlife guard may rest on supports 39 to elevate body portion 36 and the electrostatic panels 34 above the bushing B to keep the panels 34 from contacting the bushing. However, body 36 without supports 39 is acceptable, for example, where the conductive layer or panel 34 is positioned on the body to avoid contact with conductive elements.
Attached to the jacket 32, and most preferably the body portion 36, are electrostatic panels 34. The electrostatic panels 34 are made from an appropriate primary material, such as elastomer, with a conductive filler, as explained above. In general, conductive panels 34 are molded onto the jacket through an over-molding process, generally in a cavity mold. However, the panel could be molded separately and attached by any means such as fasteners, adhesive, such as glue or peel-off backing, or be in the form of a rubberized or silicone tape material applied to the cover. Thus the panels can be retrofitted to existing guard which may or may not have supports. In any event, the illustrated conductive panels 34 have a generally rectangular configuration, but can have any desired configuration or geometry and could extend completely around the body portion 36. Cover 30 may include one panel or any number of panels. In the illustrated embodiment, panels 34 are positioned near the bottom of body 36.
The panels 34 gain an electrostatic charge from the electrostatic field transmitted through the air from the conductor C or from any closely situated electric field of sufficient magnitude to charge the panel. When an animal climbing on electrical equipment incorporating the cover 30 and comes into contact with one of the panels 34, the animal receives a small shock and is deterred from further climbing on the electrical equipment. The shock is not harmful to the animal, but is of a level that is an annoyance to the animal. It is believed that the receipt of the shock by the animal creates a conditioned response in the animal that further prevents the animal from climbing on the equipment. As a result, the present invention saves the cost associated power failures and avoids the unnecessary death of wildlife.
Referring to
The segments of non-conductive material can be exposed segments of non-conductive body 52 or layers of non-conductive material bonded on the body. Hence, the segments of conductive layer are not in electrical contact with each other and an electrical charge could not travel the length of guard 50 if the guard inadvertently contacts a live wire and ground at the same time, providing an important safety feature. Wildlife guard 50 may include any number of conductive layers 56 and 57 as required, depending upon its length. Generally they should be close enough together that an animal engaging wildlife guard 50 would touch at least two conductive layers at the same time. Of course, the conductive layer could be one continuous layer along the length of the body, if so desired.
In general, conductive layers 56 and 57 comprise a primary material and a conductive filler, as previously described. The conductive layer can be over-molded on the cylindrical body using an acceptable molding technique, such as co-extrusion. For example, wildlife guard illustrated in
Although guards 50 and 60 are described as having non-conductive bodies, under appropriate circumstances the bodies may be formed from a material having some conductive properties. In those embodiments, the guard would be placed on an insulated or uninsulated, but non-shielded conductor.
Guards 70, 70′ includes a conductive layer 92 molded on frame 72. The frame can be constructed from molded thermoplastic material or an alternate material, such as a conductive material like metal or wire or the like. In general, guard 70 of
Alternatively, the conductive layer can comprise discrete conductive layers 92 positioned around the frame as shown in the drawings. In general, where the conductive layer comprises discrete conductive layers, the frame is constructed from a non-conductive material to avoid forming an electrical connection between the discrete conductive layers. There are sections 93 of non-conductive material, such as exposed frame or other non-conductive material between the segments of conductive layer at various places around the frame so that the segments of conductive layer are not in electrical contact with each other. Hence, if guard 70, 70′ contacts an energized electrical conductor and ground simultaneously, electricity will not be conducted through the entire guard. Adjacent conductive layers 92′ could have different conductive filler content or different mass so as to create a voltage potential.
Alternatively, frame 102 can be formed from another material, for example metal, wire or the like. When comprising a pliable material, such as a wire frame 102, components of the frame may be bendable. For example, spokes 106 can be bent downwardly to prevent a buildup of leaves or other debris on the spokes.
There is an electrically conductive layer 114 molded on the frame, using appropriate molding techniques. In the illustrated embodiment of wildlife guard 100, the electrically conductive layer 114 is present on the central member 104 and the spokes 106, including the terminal diffusers 108. As previously described in regards to other embodiments, conductive layer 114 may encompass the frame elements, may be present on any exposed surface of the frame elements or may be present in discrete sections of different mass or conductive filler content. Generally, if the conductive layer is provided in discrete segments, frame 102 would be constructed from a non-conductive material. As should be understood, any pattern of conductive layer that provides for sufficient buildup of static charge is within the scope of the invention. In general, the spherical shape of the diffusers prevents the concentration of electricity that can occur with a pointed or angular structure, but these are not required for the invention to work.
Insulating device 122 is formed from a non-conductive material such as epoxy, thermoplastic resin, porcelain, and so forth. Wildlife guard 120 can be molded to the insulating device using the materials and molding techniques previously described. If desired, the entire assembly, i.e. insulating device 122 and wildlife guard 120 could be molded as one piece, with the wildlife guard 120 including conductive filler. On the other hand, the insulating device 122 can be molded as one piece with a conductive wildlife guard 120 over-molded onto insulating device 122. The conductive wildlife guard can be contiguous, in segments or comprise attached conductive panels, similar to those described above in reference to
In other embodiments, the wildlife guard 120 could be molded separately from the insulating device 122 and affixed to the insulating device in any acceptable manner.
In the illustrated embodiment, wildlife guard 120 is substantially circular in peripheral configuration and extends radially out from the insulating device 122 and is positioned on the insulating device at a location which could impede an animal from touching conductive elements C1, C2 and positioned so that an animal accessing the insulating device would likely touch the wildlife guard 120 and be deterred by a shock. To that end, wildlife guard can be constructed having any geometric configuration, such as circular, rectangular, triangular, octagonal, conical and so forth. It can be constructed as a flat plate, frame, grid or other desirable construction. It can comprise only spokes or the like extending radially from the insulating device. The wildlife guard can extend out from the insulating device in a horizontal plane or be configured to angle downwardly to help eliminate buildup of debris on the guard.
The wildlife guards of the present invention apply to a wide variety, if not all, insulator materials. Further, although the alternative embodiments show the wildlife guards of the present invention for use in protecting bushings, arresters, insulators, and terminators, the present invention contemplates that other power devices having energized and grounded surfaces or surfaces of different electrical potential may also be protected from wildlife.
Certain of the embodiments of the wildlife guard of the present invention lend them selves to attachment or installation by use of a device such as a hot-stick, it will be appreciated that any of the devices described herein may be attached to electrical equipment by hand using insulated gloves, for example, or by any other safe and effective way of mounting the devices.
While the specific embodiments have been described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention, and the specification and accompany drawings should not be construed so as to narrow the scope of protection and the accompanying claims.
This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/521,425, filed Sep. 14, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,309,837, which is a division of application Ser. No. 11/450,081, filed Jun. 9, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,276,665, which is a division of application Ser. No. 11/077,917, filed Mar. 11, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,075,015, which is a division of application Ser. No. 10/664,231, filed Sep. 17, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,878,883, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| Child | 11521425 | US | |
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| Child | 11703471 | US |
