CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to United States

Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 62/057,559, titled "isolator Protection Device" and tiled on September 30, 2014, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Embodiments described herein relate generally to electric power transmission equipment, and more particularly to systems, methods, and devices for protecting insulators at the end of transmission line arresters.

BACKGROUND

[0003] An arrester (sometimes called a lightning arrester or a surge arrester or a transmission line arrester) is a device used on electrical power systems and telecommunications systems to protect the insulation and conductors of the system from the damaging effects of lightning and other fault currents. A typical arrester has a high- voltage terminal and a secondary terminal. Whe a power surge (fault current) travels along the power line to the arrester, the current from the surge is diverted through the arrester, in most cases to earth (also called ground, an electrical ground, or an earth ground), if protection from the arrester fails or is absent, a power surge on the electrical system can introduce thousands of kilovolts that .may damage transmission lines and/or cause severe damage to transformers and other electrical or electronic devices.

SUMMARY

[0004] In general, in one aspect, the disclosure relates to an isolator protection device. The isolator protection device can include a housing having at least one wall and a first coupling feature, where the at least one wall forms a cavity, where the first coupling feature is configured to couple to an arrester, and where the at least one wall is configured to house an isolator body of an isolator within the cavity. The isolator protection device can also include a seeming device disposed within the cavity, where the securing device is configured to secure a stud of the isolator to the isolator body during normal operating conditions.

[0005| In another aspect, the disclosure cars generally relate to an electrical transmission system thai includes an arrester. The arrester of the electrical transmission system can include an isolator having an isolator body and a stud coupled to a distal end of the isolator body. The arrester of the electrical transmission system can include an isolator protection device coupled to the arrester. The isolator protection device can include a housing having at least one wall and a first coupling feature, where the a least one wall forms a cavity, where the first coupling feature couples to the arrester, and where the isolator body and at least a portion of the stud is disposed within the cavity. The isolator protection device can also include a securing device disposed within the cavity, where the securing device couples to the stud of the isolator and helps maintain a coupling between the stud and the isolator body during normal operating conditions.

[0006] These and other aspects, objects, features, and embodiments will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The drawings illustrate only example embodiments of isolator protection devices and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, as isolator protection devices may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The elements and features shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the example embodiments. Additionally, certain dimensions or positionings may be exaggerated to help visually convey such principles, in the drawings, reference numerals designate like or corresponding, but not necessarily identical, elements.

{0008} Figure 1 shows a portion of a transmission system that includes a transmission line arrester in a normal ly-operating state according to embodiments currently known in the art. (0009} Figure 2 shows the portion of the transmission system of Figure 1 that includes the transmission line arrester in a fault state according to embodiments currently known in the art,

[0010] Figures 3A-3C show various views of an isolator protection device in accordance with certain example embodiments.

[0011] Figure 4 shows a portion of a transmission system thai includes an isolator in a normally-operating state in accordance with certain example embodiments.

[0012] Figure 5 shows another portion of a transmission system thai includes an isolator during normal operating conditions in accordance with certain example embodiments.

Ι ^' ΟΟί.3] Figure 6 shows the system of Figure 5 shortly after a fault condition in accordance with certain example embodiments.

(0014} Figure. 7 shows another portion of a transmission system that includes an isolator during norma! operating conditions in accordance with certain example embodiments.

(0015] Figure 8 shows the system of Figure 7 shortly after a fault condition in accordance with certain example embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION ¹ OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS [0016] The example embodiments discussed herein are directed to systems, apparatuses, and methods of isolator protection devices. While example embodiments are described herein as being directed to transmission line arresters, example embodiments can also be used in other systems using arresters, including but not limited to electric distribution systems. As described herein, a user can be any person that interacts with example isolator protection devices. Examples of a user may include, but are not limited to, a consumer, an electrician, an engineer, a lineman, a consultant, a contractor, a operator, and a manufacturer's representative.

[0017] In one or more example embodiments, an arrester or similar electrical protection device is subject to meeting certain standards and/or requirements. For example, the International Electrotechnical Commission (TEC) sets standards, such as JEC 60099-4 Ed 2.2 (2009) that applies to metal-oxide surge arresters without gaps for alternating current (AC) systems, with which an arrester .must comply to be used in field applications. Example embodiments are designed to be used with an arrester or similar electrical protection device so that such arrester or similar electrical protection device is in compliance with any applicable standards and/or regulations.

f 0(118] The example isolator protection devices (or components thereof} described herein can be physically placed in outdoor environments, in addition, or in the alternative, example isolator protection devices (or components thereof;) can be subject, to extreme heat, extreme cold, moisture, humidity, chemical exposure (related to potential combustion for chemical corrosion), high winds, dust, and other conditions that can cause wear on the isolator protection devices or portions thereof. In certain example embodiments, the isolator protection devices, including any components and/or portions thereof, are made of materials that are designed to maintain a long-term useful life and to perform when required without, mechanical failure. Such materials can include, but are not limited to, aluminum, stainless steel, plastic, and ceramic.

[0019J Any example isolator protection device, or portions (e.g., features) thereof described herein can be made from a single piece (as from a mold). When an exa ple isolator protection device or portion thereof is made from a single piece, the single piece can be cut out, bent, stamped, and/or otherwise shaped to create certain features, elements, or other portions of a component. Alternatively, an example isolator protection device (or portions thereof) can be made from multiple pieces that are mechanically coupled to each other. In such a case, the multiple pieces can be mechanically coupled to each other using one or more of a number of coupling methods, including but not limited to epoxy, welding, fastening devices, compression fittings, mating threads, and slotted fittings. One or more pieces that are mechanically coupled to each other can be coupled to each other i one or more of a number of ways, including but not limited to fixedly, hmgedly, removeably, siidabiy, and fhreadahly.

0020| Components and/or features described herein can include elements that are described as coupling, fastening, securing, or other similar terms. Such terms are merely meant to distinguish various elements and/or features within a componeni or device and are not meant to limit the capability or function of that particular element and/or feature. For example, a feature described as a "coupling feature" can couple, secure, fasten, and/or perform other functions aside from merely coupling.

[0Θ21 ) A coupling feature (including a complementary coupling feature) as described herein can allow one or more components and/or portions of an isolator protection device (e.g., a housing) to become mechanically and/or electrically coupled, directly or indirectly, to another portion (e.g., securing device) of the isolator protection device and/or to an arrester (or component thereof). A coupling feature can include, but is not limited to, portion of a binge, an apert ure, a recessed area, a protrusion, a slot, a spring clip, a tab, a detent and mating threads. One portion of an example isolator protection device can be coupled to another portion of an isolator protection device and/or to an arrester by the direct use of one or more coupling features.

10022] in addition, or in the alternative, a portion of an example isolator protection device can be coupled to another portion of the isolator protection device and/or an arrester using one or more independent devices that interact with one or more coupling features disposed on a component of the isolator protection device. Examples of such devices can include, but are not limited to, a pin, a hinge, a fastening device (e.g., a stud, a bolt, a screw; a rivet), and a spring. One coupling feature described herein can be the same as, or different than, one or more other coupling features described herein. A complementary coupling feature as described herein can be a coupling feature that mechanically couples, directly or indirectly, wiih another coupling feature.

[0023] Any component described in one or more figures herein can apply to any subsequent figures having the same label, in other words, the description for any component of a subsequent (or other) figure can be considered substantially the same as the corresponding component described with respect to a previous (or other) figure. The numbering scheme for the components in the figures herein parallel the ivumbermg scheme for the components of previously described figures in that each component is a three or four digit number having either the identical last two digits. Fo any figure shown and described herein, one or more of the components may be omitted, added, repeated, and/or substituted. Accordingly, embodiments shown in a particular figure shouid not be considered limited to the specific arrangements of components shown in such figure. (0 24| Example embodiments of isolator protection devices will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example isolator protection devices are shown. Isolator protection devices may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should no be construed as limited to the example embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully con vey the scope of isolator protection devices to those of ordinary skill in the art. Like, bu not necessarily the same, elements (also sometimes called components) in the various figures are denoted by like reference numerals for consistency.

10025] Terms such as "first," "second," "to ;' "bott m;' "outer," "inner;'

"distal," and "proximal" are used merely to distinguish one component (or pari of a component or state of a component) from another. Such terms are not meant to denote a preference or a particular orientation. Also, the names given to various components described herein are descriptive of one embodiments and are not meant to be limiting in any way. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a feature and/or component shown and/or described in one embodiment (e.g., in a figure) herein can he used in another embodiment (e.g., in any other .figure) herein, even if not expressly shown and/or described in such other embodiment.

f 00.26] Figure 1 shows a portion of a transmission system 100 that includes a transmission line anester 120 in a normally-operating state according to embodiments currently known in the art. The portion of the transmission system 100 of Figure 1 can include a ground source 110, at least one first phase high- voltage conductor 101, an arrester 120, a ground conductor 140, and a tether 142.

0027] The ground source 1 10 can be any device that is electrically coupled to an earth ground. An example of a ground source 1 10, as shown in Figure I, can be a transmissio tower having multiple pieces 111 made of metal or some other electrically conductive material. Other examples of a ground source 1 10 can include, but. are not limited to, a ground conductor (separate from the ground conductor 140), an electrically conductive pole, and a ground grid.

|O028j The first phase high-voltage conductor 101 can be one or more conductors that carry a common phase of power. For example, the first phase high- voltage conductor 101 can carry one phase of AC power. As another example, the first phase high- voltage conductor 101 can carry one leg (e.g., positive leg, negative leg) of direct current (DC) power. The power flowing through the first phase high-voltage conductor 01 can have a voltage level that is sufficient to use an arrester (e.g., arrester 120) in the manner shown in Figure 1. Typically, but not always, the voltage carried by the first- phase high-voltage conductor 101 is associated with the transmission (as opposed to distribution) of electric power. Examples of such voltage can include, but are not limited to, 230 kVAC, 345 kVAC, and 600 kVDC.

f0029} The arrester 120 can have a top end 121 , an arrester body 122, and a arrester coupling device 123. The arrester 120 (including one or more of its components) can be made of an electrically non-conductive material. For example, the arrester body 122 can be made of ceramic. The top end 121 of the arrester 120 is electrically and mechanically coupled to the first phase high-voltage conductor 1 1. The arrester 120 can have a length and/or thickness that meets or exceeds a minimum distance required for separating (thus preventing arc-over between) the high-voltage conductor to which the ar ester 120 is coupled (e.g., the first phase high-voltage conductor 101) and the ground conductor 140. The length of the aiTester 120 must be considered in light of a number of factors, including but not limited to the voltage flowing through the first phase high- voltage conductor 101 , the distance between the first phase high -voltage conductor 0.1 and an adjacent high-voltage conductor, the length of the ground conductor 140. and the distance between the a ester coupling device 123 of the arrester 120 and an adjacent high-voltage conductor.

[0030] The arrester body 122 can include one or more features (e.g., protrusions) disposed on its outer surface to help ensure thai the arrester 120 operates properly both during normal operating conditions and during fault conditions. Under normal operating conditions, as shown In Figure 1, the arrester 120 acts as an insulator, in other words, under normal operating conditions, the aiTester 120 prevents current from flowing from the top end 121 of the arrester 120 to the arrester coupling de vice 123 of the aiTester 120. Thus, the arrester 120 creates an open circuit between the first phase high- voltage conductor 101 and the ground conductor 140 during normal operating conditions. (00311 In. certain example embodiments., the arrester 120 can. include one or more components. For example, the arrester 1.20 can include an isolator 130, In this case, the isolator 130 is disposed at the arrester coupling device .123 of the arrester 120. The isolator 130 can include one or more components. For example, as shown in Figure L the isolator 130 can include an. isolator body 13.1 and a stud 13.2. Generally speaking, the isolator 130 acts as a type of mechanical switch. Specifically, the isolator 130 acts as a type of release mechanism that physically releases (directly or indirectly) the stud 132 disposed at the distal end of the isolator body 131. from the isolator body 131 when a certain condition is met (in this case, when a fault current is detected flowing through the arrester 120). The isolator 130 can be configured in one or more of a variety of forms. For example, the isolator 1.30 can be a relay with a coil (positioned within the isolator body 131) that energizes. n response to the energized coil, the isolator 130 can change the state of a contact (e.g., from open (normal state) to closed, (operated state)).

[0032] As another example, the isolator 130 can be a disconnector. In such a case, the isolator 130 can include a detonator positioned within the isolator body 131 that detonates based on a range of currents tor a given frequency. One or more discrete components (e.g. , capacitors, inductors, resistors) and/or integrated circuits can be part of, or electrically coupled to. the .isolator 1 0 to control the conditions under which the detonator of the disconnector (or any other aspect of isolator 130} detonates. If the isolator 130 is a disconnector, the isolator 130 can have an unpri ed cartridge located in the vicinity of a sparkgap, which is oriented in. parallel with some type of electrical grading component (e.g. , an electronic capacitor, an electronic resistor, a conductive polymer, a high- wattage resistor), in such a case, during a fault condition, a voltage drop thai occurs across the grading component can cause a heat buildup, thus igniting the cartridge. In certain example embodiments, the isolator 130 can break into multiple pieces when the disconnector (or other part of the isolator 130) detonates. The isolator i 30 can be subject to one or more of a number of standards and or regulations. Examples of such standards and/or regulations can Include, but are not limited to, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standard (362.11-2012 and LEG 60099-4 (2009. ed. 2.2). 0033] The ground conductor 140 is electrically and mechanically coupled to the isolator 130 (in this case, to the stud 1.32 of the isolator 130} at one end and to a piece 111 of the ground source 1 10 at the other end. The ground conductor 140 is made of one or more of a number of electrically conductive materials (e.g. , copper, aluminum) and can be of an appropriate size (e.g., 6 AWG) to allow a fault current to flow therethrough during a fault condition. Specifically, a fault current flows from the stud 132, through the ground conductor 140, and to the ground source 1 10.

[0034] Similarly, the optional tether 142 can be mechanically coupled to the isolator 130 (in this case, to the stud 132 of the isolator 130) at one end and to a piece 1 1 1 of the ground source 1 10 at the other end. in addition, the tether 142 can be mechanically coupled to the ground conductor 140 at one or more points along the length of the ground- conductor 140. The tether 142 can he made of one or more of a number of electrically conductive materials (e.g., copper, aluminum). The tether 142 can be constructed in such a way as to be flexible. For example, as shown in Figure 1, the tether 142 can be a chain having a number of links 143 that are coupled end-to-end in a line.

[0035] The tether 142 can be used for one or more of a number of purposes. For example, the tether 142 can help anchor the arrester 120, a relatively heavy component, against wind, vibrations, and other forces that can be applied to the arrester 120. Without the tether 142, only the ground conductor 140 would be used to anchor the arrester coupling device 123 of the arrester 120.

[0036] Figure 2 shows the portion of the transmission system 200 of Figure 1 that includes the transmission line arrester 120 in a fault state according to embodiments currently known in the art. The components of Figure 2 are identical to the components of Figure 1, except that Figure 2 shows a fault condition as opposed to the normal operating conditions shown in Figure 1. When a fault condition occurs, a fault current is generated. In such a case, the arrester 120 conducts and allows the fault current to flow therethrough. Alternatively, Figure 2 can show the portion of the transmission system 200 of Figure 1 when the stud 132 experiences excessive mechanical stress, which causes the stud 132 (along with, the ground conductor 140 and the tether 1.42} to separate -from the rest of the arrester 120. Separation of the stud 132 from the remainder of the arrester 120 (and specifically from the isolator body 131 of the isolator 130) due to mechanical stress can occur during normal operating conditions or during a fault condition,

|0037] As described herein, a fault current (also called, among other commonly known names, a power surge, or simply a fault), is an electrical disturbance associated with a fault condition that falls outside of normal operating conditions and can lead to damage of electrical equipment if not contained and controlled. A fault current can be caused by one or more of a number of conditions, including but not limited to a light ing strike, a mechanical breakage, excessive heat, an open circuit, and putting power too close to ground,

[0038] When the isolator 1.30 detects a fault current flowing through the arrester

120, the isolator 130 changes from the normal state to an operated state. For the brief fractions of a second before the isolator 130 changes to the operated state, the fault current flowing through the arrester 120 continues through the stud 132 of the isolator 130, through the ground conductor 140, and to the piece 111 of the ground source 1 10. Once the isolator 130 is in the operated state, as shown in Figure 2, the stud 132 of the isolator 1.30 physically separates from some or all of the isolator body 131. In some cases, the isolator body 131 can break apart, in which case the stud 132 remains coupled to a portion of the isolator body 131 . In any case, the stud 132 separates from the isolator body 131. When this occurs, the isolator body 131 remains coupled to the arrester coupling device 123 of the arrester 120, while the stud 132 remains mechanically and electrically coupled to the ground conductor 140 and the tether 142.

| ^' 03 ] if there is no fault condition, but the stud 1 2 separates from the rest of the arrester 120 (as from, for example, high winds and/or excessive vibrations), an outage condition can occur. In other words, by coupling the tether 142 and the ground conductor 140 to the stud 132, the stud 132 creates a failure point because of the mechanical stresses that the stud 132 can be subjected to during normal operations, if the stud 132 separates from the rest of the arrester 120 and if the tether 142 and the ground conductor 140 are mechanically coupled to the stud 132, as in the current, art, unnecessary outages can result. Further, if the arrester 12.0 is not electrically coupled to ground (as wb.en the stud 132, the tether 142, and the ground conductor 140 are separated from the rest of the arrester 120), then severe damage can result when a fault condition occurs because the arrester 12.0 cannot properly switch during the fault condition as designed.

Θ04Θ] Example embodiments are designed to increase the cantilever strength of the isolator 130 (and, in particular, the isolator body 131 and the stud 132) without compromising the electrical operation of the isolator and the rest of the transmission system 100. As a result, the occurrence of the type of failure described in the previous paragraph can be greatly reduced. Specifically, as described below, the housing of the example isolator protection device is designed to house the isolator body 131 and at least a portion of the stud 132 and provide strength and rigidity to the isolator 130 in. the lace of any forces applied substantially perpendicular to the length- wise axial direction of the isolator body 131 and the stud 132.

\(¼ΗΪ I Figures 3A-3C show various views of an isolator protectio device 350 in accordance with certain example embodiments. Specifically, Figure 3A shows a cross- sectional side ienv of the isolator protection device 350. Figure 3B shows a top view of the housing 380 of the isolator protection device 350. Figure 3C shows a top view of the securing device 370 of the isolator protection device 350.

[0042] Referring to Figures 1.-3C, the example isolator protection device 350 can include a housing 380 and a securing device 370. In certain example embodiments, the housing 380 has at least one wall 392. The at least one wail 392. can be disposed on the sides and top of the housing 380. On the sides, each wall 392 has an outer surface 387, an inner surface 389, and a bottom surface 388. On the top, the wall 396 has an outer surface 386 and an inner surface 390. The top wail 396 can have a coupling feature 394 that is used to couple the housing 380 to a portion of the arrester 120. For example, the coupling feature 394 can be coupled to the arrester coupling device 123.

| 043| The coupling feature 394 in this case is an aperture formed by an inner wall 391 that traverses the top wail 396 and has a width 383 (in this case, a diameter). An example width 383 can. be approximately one inch. Mating threads are shown in Figure 3A to be disposed on at least, a portion of the inner wail 391. in such a case, as shown in Figure 5 below, complementar)' mating threads can be disposed on the outer surface of the arrester coupling device 123 (or some other portion of the arrester 120). As described above, the coupling feature 394 can have any of a number of other configurations thai complement the coupling features of the arrester coupling device 123.

[1 044] The side wall 392. combined with, the top wall .396, form a cavity 393.

The bottom end (i.e. , the end opposite the top wail 392) can be open. The side wails 392 of the housing 380 can form airy of a number of shapes when viewed cross-sectioiialiy from above. For example, as shown in Figure 3B, the side walls 392 of the housing 380 can be substantially circular when viewed from above. Other shapes formed by side walls 392 of the housing 380 when viewed cross-sectionaliy from above can include, but are not limited to, a square, a hexagon, an oval, a rectangle, and a random shape.

[0945] The housing 380 can have a height 381 and a width 382. Similarly, the cavity 393 wiihin the housing 380 can have a height 384 and a width 385. The width 385 of the cavity 393 can be substantially the same as, or slightly larger than, the width 373 of the securing device 370, In addition, as show below with respect to Figure 5, the height 384 and width 385 of the cavity can be at least as great as the height and width of the isolator body.

|9946} In certain example embodiments, the securing device 370 of the isolator protection device 350 is removably disposed within a distal end of the cavity 393 of the housing 380 and includes a coupling feature 395. In this example, the securing device 370 is a washer-shaped device that is substantially circular when viewed from above, and has a thickness 371 and a width 373 (in this case, a diameter). The cross-sectional shape of the securing device 370 when viewed from above can be substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of the side walls 392 of the housing 380 when viewed from above. Alternatively, the cross-sectional shape of the securing device 370 when viewed from above can be shaped differently than the cross-sectional shape of the side walls 392 of the horsing 380 when viewed from above, but can still be positioned within the cavity 393 in such a way that the side walls 392 prohibit or greatly reduce sideways (toward or away from a side wall 392) and/or rotational movement of the securing device 370 within the cavity 393.

[0047] In certain example embodiments, the securing device 370 of Figure 3C is shaped as a disc and has a body 375 that has a top surface 376, a bottom surface 377, and an outer perimeter 378. The securing device 370 can also have one or more coupling feaiures disposed thereon. For example, the securing device 370 can have a coupling feature 395 used to couple the securing device 370 to a. portion of the isolator 130. In this case, the coupling feature 395 is an aperture formed by an inner wail 374 that traverses the thickness 371 of the body 375 of the securing device 370, The aperture can have a width 372 (in this ease, a diameter). An example width 372 can be approximately 3/8 inches. Mating threads are shown in Figure 3 A to be disposed on at least a portion of the inner wail 374. in such a case, as shown in Figure 5 below, complementary mating threads can be disposed on the outer surface of the stud 132 (or some other portion of the isolator 130). The coupling feature 395 can have any of a number of other configurations thai complement the coupling features of the stud 132. Alternatively, the inner wail 374 that forms the coupling feature 39.5 of the securing device 370 can be featureless (e.g., smooth).

|0048] in certain example embodiments, as shown in Figure 5 below, the securing device 370 is held in place within the cavity 393 of the housing 380 by the stud 132 of the isolator 130. In such a case, the outer perimeter 378 of the securing device 370 can be substantially featureless (e.g., smooth). As an alternative, the outer perimeter 378 of the securing device 370 can have one or more coupling features (e.g., mating threads) disposed thereon to couple to complementary coupling features (e.g., complementary mating threads) of the side wail 392 (for example, along the inner surface 389 of the side wall 392) of the housing 380.

[0049] Figure 4 shows a portion of a transmission system 400 that includes the isolator protection device 350 of Figure 3 in a normally-operating state (which is driven by the isolator 130 being in a normally-operating (non-exploded) state) in accordance with certain example embodiments. Any reference numbers described below but not shown in Figure 4 are hereby incorporated based on the reference number used in Figures 1-3. Further, any description tor a component with respect to Figures 1-3 can be incorporated into the corresponding component of the system 400 in Figure 4.

[0050] Referring to Figures 1 -4, the portion of the transmission system 400 shown in Figure 4 includes the isolator protection device 350 of Figure 3, the arrester coupling device 123 of Figures 1 and 2, and the isolator 130 of Figures 1 and 2. While more detail is provided below with respect to Figure 5. in addition to the isolator body 131 and the stud 132, the isolator 130 includes a coupling device 134 that couples, at one end, to the top of the isolator body 131 (as shown in Figure 4) and at the opposite end to the arrester coupling device 123 (although, in Figure 4, the coupling device 134 is decoupled from the arrester coupling device 123).

fOOSl] Figure 4 also shows that the stud 132 of the isolator 130 is threaclably coupled to the coupling feature 395 of the securing device 370. Figure 4 further shows that the width 373 of the securing device 370 (defined by the outer perimeter 378) is slightly greater than the width of the isolator body 13 1 . In addition, the arrester coupling device 123 is threadabiy coupled to the coupling feature 394 of the housing 380. Finally, an optional nut 464 is shown threadabiy coupled to the arrester coupling device 123 and. positioned adjacent to the outer surface 386 of the top wall 396 of the housing 380.

(0052) Figure 5 shows another portion of a transmission system 500 that includes the isolator 130 of Figures 1 and 2 and ihe isolator protection device 350 of Figure 3 during normal operating conditions in accordance with certain example embodiments. Any reference numbers described below but not shown in Figure 5 are hereby incorporated based on the reference number used in Figures 1-4. Further, any description for a component with respec to Figures 1-4 can be incorporated into the corresponding component of the system 500 in Figure 5.

[0053] Referring to Figures 1 -5, the system 500 of Figure 5 includes the isolator protection device 350 coupled to the arrester coupling device 123 and the stud 132 of ihe isolator 130, as is the case during normal operating conditions. Specifically, the outer surface of the arrester coupling device 123 in Figure 5 is threadabiy coupled to the coupling feature 394 of the top wail 396 of the housing 380 of the isolator protection device 350 and to the arrester body 122. ^" ihe system 500 of Figure 5 also shows that the coupling device 134 that extends outward from the top of the isolator body 131 is threadabiy coupled to an inner bore disposed in the distal end of the arrester coupling device 123. The coupling device 134 can have any of a number of widths, including but not limited to be approximately 3/8 inches. In some eases, the proximal end of the coupling device 134 can have a head (not shown) that anchors the coupling device 134 into the isolator body 131. In addition, or in the alternative, the coupling device 134 can be coupled to the isolator body 131 in. one or more other ways. For example, the coupling device 134 can be held within the isolator body 131 by epoxy.

[0054] As a result of the coupling device 134 of the isolator 130 being coupled to the arrester coupling device 123, the isolator body 131 is disposed entirely within the cavity 393 formed by the side walls 392 of the isolator protection device 350. In other words, the height 139 and the width 138 of the isolator body 131 is less than the height 384 and the width 385, respectively, of the cavity 393 formed by the side walls 392 and the top wall 396 of the housing 380. The optional nut 464 is also shown threadably coupled to the arrester coupling device 123 and disposed between the housing 380 and the arrester body 122. In addition to, or in the alternative of, the nut 464, one or more other optional components (e.g., a washer, a spacer) can be coupled to the arrester coupling device 123 and/or disposed between the housing 380 and the arrester body 122.

[0055] Also in Figure 5, the securing device 370 of the isolator protection device

350 is threadably coupled to the stud 132 that extends outward from the distal end of the isolator body 131. In some cases, the proximal end of the stud 132 can have a head 133 that anchors the stud 132 into the isolator body 13 1. In addition, or in the alternative, the stud 132 can be coupled to the isolator body 131 in one or more other ways. For example, the stud 132 can be held within the isolator body 131 by epoxy. in addition, the securing device 370 is disposed within the cavity 39.3. Since the width 373 of the securing device 370 is substantially the same as or slightly less than the width 385 of the cavity 393, the stud 1 2 of the isolator 1 0 is held firmly in place within the cavity 393. In other words, any lateral forces applied by the ground conductor 140 and/or the tether 1.42, which are coupled to a more distal portion of the stud 132 compared to the securing device 370, have little to no effect on the mechanical integrity of the isolator 130 (and the isolator body 13 i in particular) during normal operating conditions.

[0056] The tether 142 and the ground conductor 140 can be coupled to the stud

132 in a number of ways. In this case, the distal end of the ground conductor 140 of the tether 142 is coupled to a terminating device 144, and the distal end (in this case, the distal link 143) of the tether 142. is coupled to a connection bar 136, In this case, the resulting configuration at the distal end of the stud 132 includes a spacer 135 coupled to (or disposed over) the stud 132. In this case, the spacer 135 is disposed between the securing device 370 and the tennmatmg device 144. In a further distal direction, the connection bar 136 is disposed between the terminating device 144 and a nut 137. Those of ordinary skill will appreciate that any of a number of other components and/or configurations can be used to securely couple the tether 142 and the ground conductor 140 to the stud 132, and provide proper clearance of the tether 142 and the ground conductor 140 from the housing 380 of the isolator protection device 350.

[0§57] Figure 6 shows a system 600 that includes the system of Figure 5 shortly after a fault condition in accordance with certain example embodiments, in other words, the system 600 of Figure 6 is shown in a fault state. The system 600 of Figure 6 is substantially the same as the system 500 of Figure 5, except as described beiow. Referring to Figures 1-6, as a result of the fault condition, the stud 132 (as well as the optional head 133) has become physically separated from the isolator body 131. Consequently, the securing device 370 is physically removed from the cavity 393 and physically separates from the rest of the isolator protection device 350. The securing device 370 is physically removed from the cavity 393 because the securing device 370 is mechanically coupled to the stud 1 2.

|0058] If the securing device 370 merely abuts against or does not physically contact, the at least one wall 392 of the housing 380 during normal operating conditions, then the securing device 370 (and so the stud 1 2) can more easily be ejected from the cavity 393 when a fault condition occurs. Further, the housing 380 can be substantially undamaged as a result of the stud 132 and the securing device 370 being ejected from the cavity 393 when a fault condition occurs.

[005.9] Figure 7 shows yet another portion of a transmission system 700 tha includes the isolator 130 of Figures 1 and. 2 and an isolator protection device 750 during .normal operating conditions in accordance with certain example embodiments. Any reference numbers described below but not shown in Figure 7 are hereby incorporated based on the reference number used in Figures 1-6. Further, any description for a component with respect to Figures 1-6 can be incorporated into the corresponding component of the system 700 in Figure 7.

|0060f Referring to Figures 1 -7, the isolator protection device 750 in the system

700 of Figure 7 differs from the isolator protection device 350 of Figure 3 in that the securing device 770 is configured differently, instead of a disc, the securing device 770 of the isolator protection device 750 of Figure 7 includes a potting compound 768 that fills the cavity 793 and surrounds at least a portion of the isolator 730. As used herein, a potting compound 768 is any materia! (liquid, solid) that can fill at least a portion of the cavity 793 and one or more components (e.g., the isolator body 7 1 , the stud 732) of the isolator 730 stable within the housing 780 of the isolator protection device 750 during normal operating conditions,

|0O61| The potting compound 768 can be specifically designed to remain solid and. within the cavity 793 during normal operating conditions, and yet also break apart or otherwise allow the stud 732 (with or without a portion of the isolator housing 731 } to be released during a fault condition when the isolator 730 operates. For example, the potting compound 768 can, be designed to break apart or liquefy when its temperature (driven by an explosion of the isolator housing 731 ) exceeds a certain threshold temperature. As another example, as shown i Figure 8 below, some or ail of the potting compound 768 can be designed to fracture or otherwise break apart when the pressure (driven by an explosion of the isolator housing 731) that it is exposed to exceeds a certain threshold pressure.

(00621 in addition, or in the alternative, one or more modifications can be made to the housing 780 of the isolator protection device 750. For example, the inner surface 789 of the side wall 792 can be coated with a special material to allow the porting compound 768 to more easily fall out of the housing 780 when the isolator 730 operates. As another example, the inner surface 789 of. the side wail 792 of. the housing 80 can be featureless (e.g., smooth), also to allow the potting compound 768 to more easily fall out of the housing 780 when the isolator 730 operates.

[0063J Thus, the securing device 770 of the isolator protection device 750 of

Figure 7 is designed to secure, at least in part, the stud 732 to the isolator body 731 during normal operating conditions. Further, the securing device 770 of the isolator protection device 750 of Figure 7 is designed to release the stud 732 during a iault condition, which allows the stud 732 to become decoupled from the isolator body 731 during the fault condition. |CMI64] Figure 8 shows a system 800 that includes the system of Figure 7 shortly- after a fault condition in accordance with certain example embodiments, in other words, the system 800 of Figure 8 is shown in a fault state. The system 800 of Figure 8 is substantially the same as the system 700 of Figure 7, except as described below. Referring to Figures 1-8, as a result of the fault condition, the potting compound 768 fractures (especially the potting compound 768 proximate to where the stud 732 couples to the isolator body 731). When the potting compound 768 fractures, as shown in Figure 8, the stud 732 (as well, as the optional head 733) can become physically separated from the isolator body 731. Further, at least a portion of the potting compound 768 (the securing device 770} is physically removed from the cavity 793 and physically separates from the rest of the isolator protection device 750 as a result of the fault condition.

[0065] Example embodiments provide increased mechanical stability of the isolator of an arrester, extending the useful life and reliability of the isolator and the arrester as a whole. Example embodiments provide a number of benefits. Examples of such benefits include, but are not limited to, reduced downtime of equipment, lower maintenance costs, avoidance of catastrophic failure, improved maintenance planning, improved efficiency of one or more devices and/or other portions of art example transmission system, extended useful life of one or more components of an example transmission system, and reduced cost of labor and materials.

[0066] Although embodiments described herein are made with reference to example embodiments, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications are well within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Those skil led in the art will appreciate that the example embodiments described herein are not limited to any specifically discussed application and that the embodiments described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. From the description of the example embodiments, equivalents of the elements shown therein will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, and ways of constructing other embodiments using the present disclosure will suggest themselves to practitioners of the art. Therefore, the scope of the example embodiments is not. limited herein.