Indicator for failed capacitor cells

Abstract

The present disclosure generally relates to a failure indicator for providing an indication that a failure has occurred on a capacitor cell of a capacitor bank. In some embodiments, the failure indicator can include a magnetic element, and the failure indicator can be configured to move from a first orientation to a second orientation based on a mechanical or electromagnetic pulse in the capacitor cell caused by a failure of a first capacitor cell. In some embodiments, the magnetic element can maintain the first failure indicator in the second orientation to indicate the failure of the first capacitor cell.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. non-provisional patent application No. 16 / 819281, filed March 16, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to capacitors, and more particularly to systems, methods, and apparatus for providing an indicator for a failed capacitor cell in a capacitor bank. Background Technology

[0004] Conventional electrical capacitor banks can be protected and monitored by an unbalanced relay, which provides an indication when a capacitor cell fails within the bank. However, identifying which of the many capacitor cells in a bank have failed can be relatively expensive. For example, some conventional systems may implement current and / or voltage measuring devices and data transmitters to collect information and share it with operators. These conventional solutions may also require a power supply. However, high-voltage capacitors can be relatively inexpensive components with a long expected lifespan, so customers are sometimes reluctant to invest in implementing capacitor monitoring systems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In some embodiments of this disclosure, one or more systems, methods, devices, etc., are capable of providing an indication that a capacitor cell has failed. In at least one embodiment, a system is provided. In some embodiments, the system may include one or more capacitor cells, said one or more capacitor cells including a first capacitor cell. In some embodiments, the system may further include a first failure indicator coupled to the first capacitor cell, the first failure indicator including a first magnetic element, the first failure indicator being configured to move from a first orientation to a second orientation based on a mechanical or electromagnetic pulse in the first capacitor cell caused by failure of the first capacitor cell, wherein the first magnetic element holds the first failure indicator in the second orientation to indicate failure of the first capacitor cell.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first failure indicator provides a visual indication of the failure of the first capacitor cell.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first failure indicator is held in a first orientation based on the magnetic force between the first magnetic element of the first failure indicator and the first capacitor cell.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first failure indicator moving from the first orientation to the second orientation is further based on a mechanical pulse or electromagnetic pulse that overcomes the magnetic force between the first magnetic element of the failure indicator and the capacitor cell.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first failure indicator is further configured to be manually moved from the second orientation back to the first orientation.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first failure indicator includes an elongated member oriented horizontally or vertically, wherein a first magnetic element is attached to a first end of the elongated member oriented horizontally or vertically.

[0011] In some embodiments, the elongated member oriented horizontally or vertically further includes a second end opposite to the first end, and is further configured to rotate about the second end such that, in the first orientation, the first end is above the second end, and in the second orientation, the first end is below the second end.

[0012] In some embodiments, a first failure indicator is coupled to the first capacitor cell at the cover, side, or bottom of the capacitor cell.

[0013] In some embodiments, the system may further include a second capacitor unit, the second capacitor unit including a second failure indicator, the second failure indicator being held in a first orientation, wherein the second failure indicator being held in the first orientation indicates that the second capacitor unit is operating.

[0014] In at least one embodiment, a failure indicator for a capacitor cell may be provided. In some embodiments, the failure indicator may include a first magnetic element configured to move from a first orientation to a second orientation based on a mechanical or electromagnetic pulse in the capacitor cell caused by a failure of the capacitor cell, wherein the first magnetic element holds the failure indicator in the second orientation to indicate a failure of the first capacitor cell.

[0015] In some embodiments, the failure indicator provides a visual indication of the failure of a capacitor cell.

[0016] In some embodiments, the failure indicator is held in a first orientation based on the magnetic force between the first magnetic element of the failure indicator and the capacitor cell.

[0017] In some embodiments, the failure indicator moving from the first orientation to the second orientation is further based on a mechanical pulse that overcomes the magnetic force between the first magnetic element of the failure indicator and the capacitor cell.

[0018] In some embodiments, the failure indicator is further configured to be manually moved from the second orientation back to the first orientation.

[0019] In some embodiments, the failure indicator includes an elongated member oriented horizontally or vertically, wherein a first magnetic element is attached to a first end of the vertically oriented elongated member.

[0020] In some embodiments, the elongated member oriented horizontally or vertically further includes a second end opposite to the first end, and is further configured to rotate about the second end such that, in the first orientation, the first end is above the second end, and in the second orientation, the first end is below the second end.

[0021] In some embodiments, a failure indicator is coupled to the capacitor cell at the cover, side, or bottom of the capacitor cell.

[0022] In some embodiments, the failure indicator includes a second capacitor unit, the second capacitor unit including a second failure indicator, the second failure indicator being held in a first orientation, wherein the second failure indicator held in the first orientation indicates that the second capacitor unit is operating.

[0023] In at least one embodiment, a system may be provided. In some embodiments, the system includes one or more capacitor cells, the one or more capacitor cells including a first capacitor cell. In some embodiments, the system includes a first failure indicator coupled to the first capacitor cell, the first failure indicator including a first magnetic element, the first failure indicator including an elongated member oriented horizontally or vertically, wherein the first magnetic element is applied to a first end of the horizontally or vertically oriented elongated member, wherein the vertically oriented elongated member further includes a second end opposite to the first end and is further configured to rotate about the second end such that, in a first orientation, the first end is above the second end, and in a second orientation, the first end is below the second end, wherein the first failure indicator is configured to move from the first orientation to the second orientation based on a mechanical pulse or electromagnetic pulse that overcomes the magnetic force between the first magnetic element of the first failure indicator and the first capacitor cell in the first capacitor cell, wherein the mechanical pulse is caused by a failure of the first capacitor cell, and wherein the first magnetic element holds the first failure indicator in the second orientation to indicate a failure of the first capacitor cell.

[0024] Additional systems, methods, apparatuses, features, and aspects can be recognized through the techniques of various embodiments of this disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of this disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered part of the claimed subject matter. Other features can be understood and will become apparent with reference to the description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Therefore, this disclosure has been described in general terms. Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which:

[0026] Figure 1A An example failure indicator in a first position is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 1B An example failure indicator in a second position is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure.

[0028] Figure 2 An example capacitor bank including one or more failure indicators is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 3A An example failure indicator in a first position is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 3B An example failure indicator in a second position is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure.

[0031] Figure 3C An example failure indicator in a second position is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure.

[0032] Figure 4A An example failure indicator in a first position is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 4B An example failure indicator in a second position is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure.

[0034] Figure 5A An example failure indicator in a first position is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 5B An example failure indicator in a second position is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure.

[0036] Figure 6A An example failure indicator in a first position is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 6B An example failure indicator in a second position is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure.

[0038] Figures 7A-7D An example graph of acceleration over a certain time period is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Embodiments of this disclosure are described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated. However, this disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be comprehensive and complete, and will fully convey the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art. Similar numerals throughout refer to similar, but not necessarily identical or completely identical, elements.

[0040] The following embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to understand and use this disclosure. It will be understood that other embodiments will be apparent based on this disclosure, and that changes in process, machinery, materials, dimensions, process equipment, and parameters may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0041] Numerous specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of this disclosure. However, it will be apparent that this disclosure can be practiced without these specific details. To avoid obscuring this disclosure, some well-known system constructions and process steps may not be disclosed in full detail. Similarly, the drawings illustrating embodiments of this disclosure are semi-illustrative and not drawn to scale, and in particular, some dimensions are exaggerated in the drawings for clarity of presentation. Furthermore, where multiple embodiments are disclosed and described as having some common features, similar reference numerals will generally be used to describe said features for clarity and for ease of illustration, description, and understanding, even if similar and related features are not entirely identical.

[0042] In some embodiments, systems, methods, devices, etc., are capable of providing an indication that a capacitor cell has failed. Failure can be insulation breakdown of the capacitor element that causes a short circuit and discharge. In some embodiments, such a capacitor cell can be a single capacitor cell in a group of capacitor cells that can form a collective capacitor bank. Each capacitor cell can have its own associated indicator (hereinafter referred to as a "failure indicator"), and each failure indicator can be a physical element attached to the capacitor cell. This allows an operator to visually inspect the failure indicators on the capacitor cells of the capacitor bank to determine which capacitor cells have failed. The failure indicator can be attached to any number of parts of the capacitor cell, such as the cap or bottom of the capacitor cell (or any other location).

[0043] In some embodiments, a failure indicator can provide an indication that a capacitor cell has failed by using multiple physical orientations, wherein one or more orientations can indicate that failure has not yet occurred, and one or more orientations can indicate that failure has occurred. For example, a failure indicator in a first orientation can indicate that failure has not yet occurred, and a failure indicator in a second orientation can indicate that failure has occurred. The failure indicator can switch from the first orientation to the second orientation based on vibration in the capacitor cell caused by a pressure pulse that leads to internal failure of the capacitor cell. For example, the pulse can be a mechanical pulse or an electromagnetic pulse. This vibration may affect the failure indicator and cause it to switch from the first orientation to the second orientation. Examples of various embodiments of such failure indicators are provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In some instances, to ensure that the failure indicator remains in the first orientation until the capacitor cell fails, the failure indicator may include one or more magnetic elements having a magnetic force that is strong enough to hold the failure indicator attached to the capacitor cell in the first orientation, and weak enough that vibration from the capacitor cell can overcome the magnetic force and allow the failure indicator to switch to the second orientation. As mentioned above, this allows operators to visually locate failed capacitor cells while standing next to the capacitor bank. Operators can still use existing local or remote monitoring systems to identify problems within the capacitor bank, and using a failure indicator reduces operator time spent identifying specific failed capacitor cells while visually inspecting the cells themselves. Furthermore, as described above, the failure indicator can be mechanical, without any power source or electronics.

[0044] One technical effect and / or solution of certain embodiments of this disclosure can include visually indicating the failure of one or more obvious capacitors within a group or set of multiple capacitors. Furthermore, another technical effect and / or solution of certain embodiments of this disclosure can include providing a relatively inexpensive indicator of the failure of one or more obvious capacitors within a group or set of multiple capacitors, wherein the indicator is relatively cost-effective for installation, maintenance, and / or reset when needed. Additionally, another technical effect and / or solution of certain embodiments of this disclosure can include improved reliability and efficiency.

[0045] Refer to the attached diagram. Figure 1A An example embodiment of the failure indicator 100 as described herein can be shown. Figure 1A A failure indicator 100 in a first orientation can be shown, wherein the failure indicator 100 in the first orientation provides an indication that the capacitor cell (not shown in the figures) to which the failure indicator 100 is coupled has not yet experienced failure. This failure could be a short circuit and discharge of the capacitor element due to capacitor element insulation breakdown. Figure 1A As shown, the failure indicator 100 may include a magnetic element 102 and an elongated member 104. In some embodiments, the magnetic element may be attached to a first end 106 of the elongated member 104, and in some cases, the first end 106 may be located at the upper end of the elongated member 104. The magnetic element 102 may be attached to the side of the elongated member 104 facing the capacitor cell 101, such that the magnetic element 102 is located between the elongated member 104 and the capacitor cell 101. This configuration allows the magnetic element to hold the failure indicator 100 in a first orientation by the magnetic force between the magnetic element 102 and the capacitor cell 101. The failure indicator 100 may also be configured such that a second end 108 of the elongated member 104 is movably attached to a fixed portion 110 of the failure indicator 100. In some instances, the second end 108 of the elongated member 104 may be located at the bottom end of the elongated member 104. Additionally, the second end 108 may be adjustable to allow the elongated member 104 to move from a first orientation to a second orientation (e.g., as described below). Figure 1B In the sense of the second orientation depicted, the second end 108 of the elongated member 104 can be movably attached to the fixed portion 110 of the failure indicator 100. The failure indicator 100 in the second orientation can provide an indication that a failure has occurred in the capacitor unit 101. In some embodiments, this movability may involve a configuration such as Figure 1A The second end 108 rotates about an imaginary axis 112 passing through it, as depicted in the figure. For example, as depicted in the figure, the fixing portion 110 of the failure indicator 100 may include two holes 114 for receiving the extruded portion of the second end 108 of the elongated member 104. The imaginary axis 112 may pass through the extruded portion of the second end 108 and through the holes 114, allowing the elongated member 104 to rotate about the second end 108.

[0046] In some embodiments, as mentioned above, when a capacitor cell fails, the failure indicator 100 can move from a first orientation to a second orientation. Figure 1B An example of a failure indicator 100 in a second orientation can be shown. That is, Figure 1B The failure indicator in the middle can be with Figure 1B The failure indicator 100 shown is the same as or similar to that shown, wherein, Figure 1A The failure indicator 100 is in a first orientation, which indicates that there is no failure in the capacitor cell 101, and Figure 1BThe failure indicator 100 is in a second orientation, which can indicate that a failure has occurred in the capacitor cell 101. In some embodiments, the failure indicator 100 can move from a first orientation to a second orientation based on a pulse that may occur during a failure of the capacitor cell 101. The pulse can be, for example, an electromagnetic pulse or a mechanical pulse, but may also include any other type of pulse. The pulse can cause the failure indicator 100 to move from the first orientation to the second orientation by overcoming the magnetic force between the magnetic element 102 of the failure indicator 100 and the capacitor cell 101. That is, the force of the pulse can be greater than the magnetic force, thereby causing the magnet and correspondingly the elongated part 104 of the failure indicator 100 to move away from the capacitor cell. As the force of the pulse pushes the elongated part 104 away from the capacitor cell, the elongated part 104 can rotate about an imaginary axis 112 passing through the second end 108, thereby causing the elongated part 104 to fall into the second orientation. The elongated component 104 in the second orientation (and correspondingly the failure indicator 100) can provide the operator with a visual indication (or indicator) that a failure has occurred on the capacitor cell 101 associated with the failure indicator 100 in the second orientation. The operator can then handle the capacitor cell 101 and manually return the failure indicator 100 to the first orientation to indicate that the capacitor cell 101 is no longer experiencing a failure.

[0047] Figure 2 An example capacitor bank 200 is shown, comprising one or more capacitor cells 202 (e.g., capacitor cells 204, 206, 208, and 210). Although only four capacitor cells are shown in the capacitor bank 200, it may include any number of capacitor cells 202. Each of the capacitor cells 202 in the capacitor bank 200 may include an associated failure indicator 212 (e.g., failure indicator 214, 216, 218, and 220). That is, capacitor cell 204 may be associated with failure indicator 214, capacitor cell 206 may be associated with failure indicator 216, capacitor cell 208 may be associated with failure indicator 218, and capacitor cell 210 may be associated with failure indicator 220. In some instances, each capacitor cell 202 may also be associated with any other number of failure indicators 212, and capacitor cells 202 may share a failure indicator 212. The failure indicator 212 can be located on any part of the capacitor cell 202 (such as the cover 222 or bottom 224 of the capacitor cell 202 (and any other location)). The failure indicator 212 can be associated with, as described above, the failure indicator 212. Figure 1A-1B The failure indicator 100 described herein is the same as any other failure indicator described herein.

[0048] In some embodiments, each of the failure indicators 212 (e.g., failure indicators 214, 216, 218, and 220) can provide a visual indication of whether the capacitor cell 202 associated with the failure indicator 212 has failed. Figure 2 As illustrated in the diagram above, such as those mentioned in the text... Figure 1A-1B As described, failure indicators 214, 216, and 220 can be in a first orientation. These failure indicators in the first orientation can provide a visual indication that the capacitor cells 204, 206, and 210 associated with failure indicators 214, 216, and 220, respectively, have not yet experienced failure. Additionally, as described above regarding... Figure 1A-1B As described, the failure indicator 218 can be in a second orientation. The failure indicator 218 in the second orientation can provide a visual indication that the capacitor cell 208 associated with the failure indicator 218 may have failed. An operator may be able to visually inspect the capacitor bank 200 and see the failure indicator 218 in the second orientation. This allows the operator to quickly identify which capacitor cells 202 of the capacitor bank 200 have failed. As mentioned above, when the failure of capacitor cell 208 is addressed, the operator can then move the failure indicator 218 back to the first orientation.

[0049] Figure 3A An example embodiment of a failure indicator 300 in a first orientation can be shown. The first orientation of the failure indicator 300 can be similar to the first orientation of the failure indicator 100, because a failure indicator 300 in a first orientation can provide a visual indication that the capacitor unit 301 to which the failure indicator 300 is attached has not yet experienced failure. The failure indicator 300 can be for... Figure 1A-1B The failure indicator 300 may be any alternative embodiment of the failure indicator 100 or any other failure indicator described herein. Failure indicator 300 may function similarly to failure indicator 100. For example, failure indicator 300 may include a magnetic element 302 and an elongated portion 304, or any other element as described above for failure indicator 100. Failure indicator 300 may differ from failure indicator 100 in that failure indicator 300 may include an extruded element 306 extruded from the elongated portion 304. Extruded element 306 may be used to better assist the operator in visually identifying the current orientation of failure indicator 300 (e.g., first orientation or second orientation). Although Figures 3A-3CThe extrusion element 306 is depicted as triangular in shape, but it can also be any other shape. Furthermore, the failure indicator 300 can be movably attached to the fixing portion 310 of the failure indicator 300 in a manner different from the failure indicator 100, where the second end 308 of the elongated member 304 is movably attached. For example, a portion of the second end 308 can protrude through a hole 312 in the fixing portion 310 of the failure indicator 300. This configuration allows the elongated member 304, and consequently the failure indicator 300, to rotate about an imaginary axis passing through the hole 312.

[0050] Figure 3B An example embodiment of a failure indicator 300 in a second orientation can be shown. Like the failure indicator 100, the failure indicator 300 in the second orientation can provide a visual indication that a failure has occurred at the capacitor cell 301. The failure indicator 300 can move from the first orientation to the second orientation in a similar manner to the failure indicator 100. That is, the failure indicator 300 can move from the first orientation to the second orientation based on a pulse that may occur during the failure of the capacitor cell 301. The pulse can be, for example, an electromagnetic pulse or a mechanical pulse. The pulse can cause the failure indicator 300 to move from the first orientation to the second orientation by overcoming the magnetic force between the magnetic element 302 of the failure indicator 300 and the capacitor cell 301. That is, the force of the pulse can be greater than the magnetic force, thereby causing the magnet and correspondingly the elongated member 304 of the failure indicator 300 to move away from the capacitor cell. As the force of the pulse pushes the elongated member 304 away from the capacitor cell, the elongated member 304 can rotate about an imaginary axis passing through the second end 308, thereby causing the elongated member 304 to fall into the second orientation.

[0051] Figure 3C Another example embodiment of the failure indicator 300 in the second orientation can be shown. For example... Figure 3C As shown, the failure indicator 300 may include one or more holes 314 on an elongated member 304 that can be used to receive a magnetic element 302. That is, the location of the magnetic element 302 is not limited to the first end 307 of the elongated member 304. This can be similarly applied to any of the other failure indicators described herein (i.e., the location of any magnetic element is not limited). Additionally, Figure 3C Other components that can be used to describe the failure indicator 300 may not be limited to Figures 3A-3BThe embodiment shown herein. For example, the second end 308 of the elongated member 304 may be movably attached to the fixed portion 310 of the failure indicator 300 through two holes (e.g., a first hole 314 and a second hole not shown in the figure). In this way, the failure indicator 300, and any other failure indicator described herein, may be constructed in any number of different ways that allow the failure indicator 300 to move from a first orientation to a second orientation, and may not be limited to the exact structural description provided herein.

[0052] Figure 4A An example embodiment of a failure indicator 400 in a first orientation can be shown. Figure 4A and as described below Figure 4B The failure indicator 400 depicted herein may include some similarities to other failure indicators described herein. For example, failure indicator 400 may include a magnetic element 402 and an elongated member 404, wherein the position of the elongated member 404 can be used by an operator to determine whether the capacitor cell 401 to which the failure indicator 400 is attached has failed. Failure indicator 400 may also differ from other failure indicators described herein. For example, failure indicator 400 may include a housing 406 and a spring 408. In some embodiments, housing 406 may be a structural element that physically surrounds the magnetic element 402, the elongated member 404, and / or the spring 408. Housing 406 may be cylindrical in shape, with an opening in the middle to accommodate the aforementioned failure indicator 400 elements, but may alternatively be any other shape. Figure 4A The housing 406 depicted may be transparent or opaque. The housing 406 may also be conformable to the shape of the magnetic element 402, allowing the magnetic element to be fixed to a specific path within the housing 406.

[0053] Figure 4B An example embodiment of a failure indicator 400 in a second orientation can be shown. As with any of the other failure indicators described herein, the failure indicator 400 in a second orientation can provide an operator with a visual indication that a failure has occurred at capacitor unit 401 (i.e., the capacitor unit associated with the failure indicator 400). Figure 4B (as well as Figure 4A In the specific embodiment depicted in [the diagram], the second orientation may involve an elongated member 404 that protrudes outward from the housing 406 such that the elongated member 404 is visible from the outside of the housing 406. In the first orientation, for example, the elongated member 404 may be completely contained within the housing 406 or may be extruded from the housing 406, but may be more prominent than in the failure indicator 400. Figure 4B As shown, less is extruded when in the second orientation.

[0054] In some embodiments, the movement of the failure indicator 400 from a first orientation to a second orientation can be similar to other failure indicators described herein, but may differ in some respects. For example, the failure indicator 400 may move from the first orientation to the second orientation based on a pulse that may occur during the failure of the capacitor cell 401. The pulse may be, for example, an electromagnetic pulse or a mechanical pulse. The pulse can cause the failure indicator 400 to move from the first orientation to the second orientation by overcoming the magnetic force between the magnetic element 402 of the failure indicator 400 and the capacitor cell 401. That is, the force of the pulse can be greater than the magnetic force, thereby causing the magnet and correspondingly the elongated portion 404 of the failure indicator 400 to move away from the capacitor cell. However, as Figure 4B As depicted, instead of the failure indicator 400 being moved to the second orientation by rotation of the elongated member 404 (e.g., as described with respect to failure indicators 100 and 220), the magnetic element 402 (and the elongated member 404) can be translated to the second orientation via the housing 406. That is, the first orientation may involve the magnetic element 402 at a first end 410 of the housing 406 where the capacitor unit 401 is located, and the second orientation may involve the magnetic element 402 at or near a second end 412 of the housing 406, the second end 412 being at the end of the housing 406 opposite to the first end 410. Additionally, the magnetic element 402 can be held in the second orientation by a spring 408. That is, in the first orientation, the spring 408 may be applying almost no force to the magnetic element 402, but in the second orientation, the spring 408 may be applying force to the magnetic element in a direction away from the capacitor unit 401. That is, in the first orientation, the spring 408 can apply almost no force to the magnetic element 402, but in the second orientation, the spring 408 can apply force to the magnetic element in a direction away from the capacitor unit 401. This allows the failure indicator 400 to remain in the second orientation until the operator can visually identify the failure indicator 400 and manually reset the failure indicator 400 back to the first orientation.

[0055] Figure 5A An example embodiment of a failure indicator 500 in a first orientation can be shown. Figure 5A and as described below Figure 5BThe failure indicator 500 depicted herein may include some similarities to other failure indicators described herein. For example, failure indicator 500 may include a magnetic element 502 and an elongated portion 504. Failure indicator 500 may also differ from other failure indicators described herein. For example, the elongated portion 504 of failure indicator 500 may completely surround the magnetic element 502. The elongated portion 504 may also be transparent, such that the magnetic element 502 is visible within the elongated portion 504. In a first orientation, the magnetic element of the failure indicator may be attached to a first end 506 of capacitor unit 501, to which failure indicator 500 is attached. As may be the case with other failure indicators described herein, the magnetic element 502 may be attached to the first end 506 by electromagnetic force.

[0056] Figure 5B An example embodiment of a failure indicator 500 in a second orientation can be shown. As with any of the other failure indicators described herein, the failure indicator 500 in a second orientation can provide an operator with a visual indication that a failure has occurred at capacitor unit 501 (i.e., the capacitor unit associated with the failure indicator 500). Figure 5B (as well as Figure 5A In the specific embodiment depicted in [the text], the second orientation may involve a magnetic element 502 at a location different from the first end 506 of the elongated member 504. For example, the elongated member 504 may be fixed, and the magnetic element 502 may be easily detached from the first end 506 of the elongated member 504 and dropped to the second end 508 of the elongated member 504. An operator may be able to visually inspect the failure indicator 500 and see the magnetic element 502 at the second end 508 of the elongated member to identify that a failure has occurred at the capacitor cell 501. The operator may then be able to use a magnet to move the magnetic element 502 from the second end 508 to the first end 506 to drag the magnetic element 502 through the elongated member 504.

[0057] Figure 6A An example embodiment of a failure indicator 600 in a first orientation can be shown. Figure 6A and as described below Figure 6BThe failure indicator 600 depicted herein may include some similarities to other failure indicators described herein. For example, failure indicator 600 may include a magnetic element 602 and an elongated member 604. The magnetic element 602 may be attached to a first end 606 of the elongated member 604, and in some cases, the first end 606 may be located at the tip of the elongated member 604. The magnetic element 602 may hold the failure indicator 600 in a first orientation by the magnetic force between the magnetic element 602 and the capacitor unit 601. Failure indicator 600 may also differ from other failure indicators described herein. For example, the elongated member 604 may be made of a relatively flexible material (such as silicone, rubber, etc.). Additionally, a second end 608 of the elongated member 604 may be attached to the capacitor unit 601, making it immovable, as is the case in other failure indicators 600 described herein.

[0058] Figure 6B An example embodiment of a failure indicator 600 in a second orientation can be shown. As with any of the other failure indicators described herein, a failure indicator 600 in a second orientation can provide a visual indication that the capacitor cell 601 to which the failure indicator 600 is attached may have failed. In some embodiments, the failure indicator 600 may move from a first orientation to a second orientation based on a pulse that may occur during the failure of the capacitor cell 601. The pulse may be, for example, an electromagnetic pulse or a mechanical pulse. The pulse can cause the failure indicator 600 to move from the first orientation to the second orientation by overcoming the magnetic force between the magnetic element 602 of the failure indicator 600 and the capacitor cell 601. That is, the force of the pulse can be greater than the magnetic force, thereby causing the magnetic element 602 and the corresponding elongated portion 604 of the failure indicator 600 to move away from the capacitor cell 601. In some instances, due to the flexible nature of the elongated portion 604, the pulse can cause the first end 606 of the elongated portion 604 where the magnetic element 602 is located to fall away from the capacitor cell 601, which can effectively cause the elongated portion 604 to... Figure 6B The elongated member 604 is bent in the manner depicted. The elongated member 604, bent as depicted, in this second orientation, can provide the operator with a visual indication that a failure has occurred at the capacitor unit 601. The operator can then move the first end 606 of the elongated member 604 back to a first position, in which the magnetic element 602 is magnetically attached to the capacitor unit 601.

[0059] Figures 7A-7D An example graph of acceleration over a certain period of time is shown, and it can also represent a pulse caused by a failure in a capacitor cell. Figures 7A-7DThe graph 700 in the diagram can depict four test scenarios for various capacitor cells (such as those described above). These test scenarios depict exemplary pulses 702 that may occur during capacitor cell failure. The pulses 702 shown in the graph 700 can be pulses that trigger a failure indicator (e.g., any of the failure indicators described herein) to move from a first orientation to a second orientation, allowing the operator to visually inspect the capacitor bank and quickly identify which capacitor cells have failed.

Claims

1. A system for providing an indicator for a failed capacitor cell in a capacitor bank, comprising: One or more capacitor units (202), including first capacitor units (101, 204, 206, 208, 210, 301, 401, 501, 601); and First failure indicators (100, 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 300, 400, 500, 600) are coupled to the first capacitor cells (101, 204, 206, 208, 210, 301, 401, 501, 601). Each first failure indicator (100, 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 300, 400, 500, 600) includes a first magnetic element (102, 302, 402, 502, 602). The first failure indicators (100, 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 300, 400, 500, 600) are configured based on the... A failure of a first capacitor cell (101, 204, 206, 208, 210, 301, 401, 501, 601) causes a mechanical or electromagnetic pulse in the first capacitor cell (101, 204, 206, 208, 210, 301, 401, 501, 601) to move it from a first orientation to a second orientation, wherein the first failure indicator (100, 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 300, 400, 500, 600) is in the second orientation to indicate the failure of the first capacitor cell (101, 204, 206, 208, 210, 301, 401, 501, 601). The first failure indicator (100, 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 300, 400, 500, 600) includes elongated components (104, 304, 404, 504, 604) oriented horizontally or vertically. The first magnetic element (102, 302, 402, 502, 602) is attached to a first end (106, 410, 506, 606) of the elongated component (104, 304, 404, 504, 604). The elongated component (104, 304, 404, 504, 604) is further... Includes a second end (108, 308, 412, 508, 608) opposite to the first end (106, 410, 506, 606), and is further configured to rotate about the second end (108, 308, 412, 508, 608) such that, in the first orientation, the first end (106, 410, 506, 606) is above the second end (108, 308, 412, 508, 608), and in the second orientation, the first end (106, 410, 506, 606) is below the second end (108, 308, 412, 508, 608).

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The first failure indicator (100, 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 300, 400, 500, 600) provides a visual indication of the failure of the first capacitor unit (101, 204, 206, 208, 210, 301, 401, 501, 601).

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The first failure indicator (100, 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 300, 400, 500, 600) is held in the first orientation based on the magnetic force between the first magnetic element (102, 302, 402, 502, 602) of the first failure indicator (100, 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 300, 400, 500, 600) and the first capacitor unit (101, 204, 206, 208, 210, 301, 401, 501, 601).

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein, The first failure indicator (100, 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 300, 400, 500, 600) moving from the first orientation to the second orientation is further supported by a mechanical pulse or electromagnetic pulse based on the first magnetic element (102, 302, 402, 502, 602) of the first failure indicator (100, 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 300, 400, 500, 600) overcoming the magnetic force between the first magnetic element (102, 302, 402, 502, 602) and the first capacitor unit (101, 204, 206, 208, 210, 301, 401, 501, 601).

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a second capacitor unit (101, 204, 206, 208, 210, 301, 401, 501, 601), the second capacitor unit (101, 204, 206, 208, 210, 301, 401, 501, 601) including a second failure indicator (100, 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 300, 400, 500, 600), the second failure indicator (100, 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 300, 400, 500, 600) remaining in a first orientation, wherein, The second failure indicator (100, 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 300, 400, 500, 600) in the first orientation indicates that the second capacitor unit (101, 204, 206, 208, 210, 301, 401, 501, 601) is operating.

6. A failure indicator (100, 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 300, 400, 500, 600) for capacitor cells (101, 204, 206, 208, 210, 301, 401, 501, 601), comprising: The first magnetic element (102, 302, 402, 502, 602), the failure indicator (100, 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 300, 400, 500, 600) are configured based on the failure of the capacitor cell (101, 204, 206, 208, 210, 301, 401, 501, 601) resulting in the failure of the capacitor cell (101, 204, 206, 208, ... A mechanical pulse or electromagnetic pulse in capacitors 210, 301, 401, 501, and 601 causes the capacitor to move from a first orientation to a second orientation, wherein the failure indicator (100, 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 300, 400, 500, and 600) is in the second orientation to indicate the failure of the capacitor cell (101, 204, 206, 208, 210, 301, 401, 501, and 601). The failure indicator (100, 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 300, 400, 500, 600) includes elongated components (104, 304, 404, 504, 604) oriented horizontally or vertically, wherein the first magnetic element (102, 302, 402, 502, 602) is attached to a first end (106, 410, 506, 606) of the vertically oriented elongated component (104, 304, 404, 504, 604), and wherein the horizontally or vertically oriented elongated component (104, 304, 404, 504, 604) further includes... The first end portion (106, 410, 506, 606) is opposite to the second end portion (108, 308, 412, 508, 608), and is further configured to rotate about the second end portion (108, 308, 412, 508, 608) such that, in the first orientation, the first end portion (106, 410, 506, 606) is above the second end portion (108, 308, 412, 508, 608), and in the second orientation, the first end portion (106, 410, 506, 606) is below the second end portion (108, 308, 412, 508, 608).

7. The failure indicator according to claim 6, wherein, The failure indicators (100, 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 300, 400, 500, 600) provide a visual indication of the failure of the capacitor units (101, 204, 206, 208, 210, 301, 401, 501, 601).

8. The failure indicator according to claim 6, wherein, The failure indicators (100, 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 300, 400, 500, 600) are held in the first orientation based on the magnetic force between the first magnetic element (102, 302, 402, 502, 602) of the failure indicators (100, 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 300, 400, 500, 600) and the capacitor units (101, 204, 206, 208, 210, 301, 401, 501, 601).

9. The failure indicator according to claim 8, wherein, The failure indicators (100, 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 300, 400, 500, 600) moving from the first orientation to the second orientation are further based on mechanical pulses that overcome the magnetic force between the first magnetic element (102, 302, 402, 502, 602) of the failure indicators (100, 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 300, 400, 500, 600) and the capacitor units (101, 204, 206, 208, 210, 301, 401, 501, 601).

10. The failure indicator according to claim 6, wherein, The failure indicators (100, 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 300, 400, 500, 600) are further configured to manually move from the second orientation back to the first orientation.

11. The failure indicator according to claim 6, further comprising a second capacitor unit (101, 204, 206, 208, 210, 301, 401, 501, 601), the second capacitor unit (101, 204, 206, 208, 210, 301, 401, 501, 601) comprising a second failure indicator (100, 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 300, 400, 500, 600), the second failure indicator (100, 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 300, 400, 500, 600) remaining in a first orientation, wherein, The second failure indicator (100, 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 300, 400, 500, 600) in the first orientation indicates that the second capacitor unit (101, 204, 206, 208, 210, 301, 401, 501, 601) is operating.

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