Pressure Relief Mechanisms for Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) Housings and Related GIS Housings

Abstract

Housings for gas in a gas insulated switchgear (GIS) system is provided. The housing includes a pressure relief mechanism incorporated into the housing. The pressure relief mechanism includes a portion of the housing having a first thickness, different from a second thickness of a remaining portion of the housing, the first thickness being less than the second thickness. The pressure relief mechanism is configured to rupture at predetermined overpressure conditions to vent bi-products of an arc fault in the GIS system.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A housing for gas in a gas insulated switchgear (GIS) system, the housing comprising a pressure relief mechanism incorporated into the housing,
 wherein the pressure relief mechanism is defined by a portion of the housing for gas in the GIS system having a first thickness, different from a second thickness of a remaining portion of the housing for gas in the GIS system adjacent the pressure relief mechanism, the first thickness being less than the second thickness; and   wherein the pressure relief mechanism is configured to rupture at predetermined overpressure conditions to vent bi-products of an arc fault in the GIS system.   
     
     
         3 . The housing of  claim 2 , wherein the housing comprises a cast metal housing. 
     
     
         4 . The housing of  claim 2 , wherein the pressure relief mechanism is integrated with the housing such that the pressure relief mechanism is not installed onto or into the housing. 
     
     
         5 . The housing of  claim 2 , wherein the pressure relief mechanism is integrated directly into walls of the housing by incorporating a geometry of the pressure relief mechanism into a casting itself. 
     
     
         6 . The housing of  claim 2 , wherein the pressure relief mechanism is present on one of an interior and an exterior of the housing. 
     
     
         7 . A pressure relief mechanism for a housing of a gas-filled switchgear in a gas insulated switchgear (GIS) system, the pressure relief mechanism comprising a portion of the housing for the GIS system having a first thickness, different from a second thickness of a remaining portion of the housing of the GIS system adjacent the pressure relief mechanism, the first thickness being less than the second thickness;
 wherein the pressure relief mechanism is configured to rupture at predetermined overpressure conditions to vent bi-products of an arc fault in the GIS system;   wherein the pressure relief mechanism is present on one of an interior and an exterior of the housing; and   wherein the pressure relief mechanism is integrated with the housing such that the pressure relief mechanism is not installed onto or into the housing.   
     
     
         8 . The pressure relief mechanism of  claim 7 , wherein the housing comprises a cast metal housing. 
     
     
         9 . The pressure relief mechanism of  claim 7 , wherein the pressure relief mechanism is integrated directly into walls of the housing by incorporating a geometry of the pressure relief mechanism into a casting itself. 
     
     
         10 . A gas insulated switchgear (GIS) comprising:
 a gas filled housing including a pressure relief mechanism incorporated into the housing,   wherein the pressure relief mechanism is defined by a portion of the gas filled housing for the GIS having a first thickness, different from a second thickness of a remaining portion of the gas filled housing of the GIS adjacent the pressure relief mechanism, the first thickness being less than the second thickness; and   wherein the pressure relief mechanism is configured to rupture at predetermined overpressure conditions to vent bi-products of an arc fault in a GIS system.   
     
     
         11 . The GIS of  claim 10 , wherein the housing comprises a cast metal housing. 
     
     
         12 . The GIS of  claim 10 , wherein the pressure relief mechanism is integrated with the housing such that the pressure relief mechanism is not installed onto or into the housing. 
     
     
         13 . The GIS of  claim 10 , wherein the pressure relief mechanism is integrated directly into walls of the housing by incorporating a geometry of the pressure relief mechanism into a casting itself.