System for monitoring a switchgear

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for monitoring a switching device, the system comprising: an infrared camera; a processing unit; and an output unit. The infrared camera is configured to acquire a first infrared image of the switching device, wherein a total number of pixels in the first infrared image is equal to a first number. The processing unit is configured to: determine a pixel in the first infrared image having a maximum temperature; determine a temperature interval for the first infrared image with a second number smaller than the first number, the temperature interval being equal to a difference between the maximum temperature and a threshold temperature; determine the threshold temperature as a temperature of a pixel in the first infrared image such that a number of pixels in the first infrared image having a temperature between the threshold temperature and the maximum temperature most closely matches the second number; determine that a hot spot is present in the switching device. The determination that the hot spot is present comprises utilization of the temperature interval. The output unit is configured to output an indication of a fault in the switching device when it is determined that the hot spot is present in the switching device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for monitoring switching equipment, a method for monitoring switching equipment, a switching equipment having such a system, and a computer program element. Background Technology

[0002] Electrical equipment, such as switchgear, can suffer from minor faults that alter the system's resistance. These faults manifest as hot spots and can eventually lead to catastrophic failures. Here, switchgear can be high-voltage, medium-voltage, or low-voltage switchgear.

[0003] One solution is to use infrared thermal imaging cameras to monitor components of switching equipment, such as phases, to detect hot spots. This is because infrared (IR) images can be used to identify technical problems within electrical equipment (such as switching equipment) that are causing components to overheat, and to identify the hot spots themselves.

[0004] However, while humans can identify hotspots from infrared images, it requires 24-hour monitoring, which means that automated systems are needed, and it is not easy for automated systems to determine the presence of hotspots from infrared images.

[0005] These problems need to be addressed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, having an improved system for monitoring switching equipment would be advantageous.

[0007] It should be noted that this system is described in relation to switching equipment, but it has been found that the system can be used in other electrical systems where components may be subject to overheating.

[0008] In one aspect, a system for monitoring switchgear is provided. The system includes:

[0009] - Infrared camera;

[0010] - Processing unit; and

[0011] - Output unit.

[0012] An infrared camera is configured to acquire a first infrared image of a switching device, wherein the total number of pixels in the first infrared image is equal to a first number. A processing unit is configured to determine pixels in the first infrared image that have the maximum temperature in the first infrared image. The processing unit is configured to determine a temperature interval in the first infrared image using a second number less than the first number, the temperature interval being equal to the difference between the maximum temperature in the first infrared image and a threshold temperature in the first infrared image. The processing unit is configured to determine the threshold temperature in the first infrared image as the pixel temperature in the first infrared image such that the number of pixels in the first infrared image having a temperature between the threshold temperature and the maximum temperature in the first infrared image most closely matches the second number. The processing unit is configured to determine the presence of a hot spot in the switching device. The determination of the presence of a hot spot includes using the temperature interval of the first infrared image. An output unit is configured to output an indication of a fault in the switching device when a hot spot has been determined to exist in the switching device.

[0013] In other words, an infrared image of, for example, a three-phase switching device is acquired. Each image may have 1024 pixels. A number such as 300 is chosen. The image is then analyzed to determine the maximum or hottest temperature in the image. For example, this could be 60.5°C. Then, for a temperature threshold of 59°C, there will be A pixels between 59°C and 60.5°C, and for a temperature threshold of 58°C, there will be B pixels between 58°C and 60.5°C (where B is greater than A). Therefore, the processing unit determines a temperature threshold, such as 51.5°C, which results in the number of pixels (e.g., 302) between 51.5°C and 60.5°C being as close as possible to the chosen number (300). For example, a temperature threshold of 52°C might result in an equal number of pixels of 295, so the threshold temperature of 51.5°C is the determined temperature threshold. The associated temperature interval is then 60.5°C - 51.5°C, which equals 9°C. And this temperature interval can be used to determine whether there are hot spots in the image.

[0014] In other words, the temperature span of the current-carrying phase of a switching device, for example, can indicate the presence of hot spots without requiring a detailed understanding of the image structure.

[0015] In this way, the new temperature monitoring system can be used to determine whether there are hot spots in the image that indicate a fault in the switching equipment system.

[0016] Moreover, a minimal number of camera systems are required to implement such a switching equipment monitoring system.

[0017] In one example, the second number is a fixed number.

[0018] In one example, the second number is the predetermined number.

[0019] In one example, the second number is determined based on one or more calibrated infrared images of the switching device or similar switching device.

[0020] In one example, determining the presence of a hotspot involves using the maximum temperature in the first infrared image.

[0021] In this way, as the switching equipment heats up, the maximum temperature will gradually increase, and for each maximum temperature, the temperature interval should be known for switching equipment without hot spots. Then, if the temperature interval for the maximum temperature is higher than expected, a hot spot can be identified. Therefore, it is not necessary to know whether the maximum temperature is normal, such as knowing at which point in the heating phase the switching equipment is normal; simply indicating that the temperature interval is higher than the expected temperature interval for that maximum temperature is sufficient to indicate the presence of a hot spot.

[0022] In one example, determining the presence of a hotspot involves determining that the temperature interval of the first infrared image is greater than a threshold temperature interval value.

[0023] In one example, the threshold temperature interval value is determined based on the maximum temperature in the first infrared image.

[0024] In one example, an infrared camera is configured to acquire a second infrared image of the switching device after acquiring a first infrared image of the switching device, and the total number of pixels in the second infrared image is equal to a first number. A processing unit is configured to determine the pixels in the second infrared image that have the highest temperature in the second infrared image. The processing unit is configured to use this second number to determine a temperature interval in the second infrared image, the temperature interval being equal to the difference between the highest temperature in the second infrared image and a threshold temperature in the second infrared image. The processing unit is configured to determine the threshold temperature in the second infrared image as the pixel temperature in the second infrared image such that the number of pixels in the second infrared image having a temperature between the threshold temperature and the highest temperature in the second infrared image most closely matches the second number. The processing unit is configured to determine the presence of a hotspot in the switching device based on the fact that the temperature interval in the second infrared image is greater than the temperature interval in the first infrared image.

[0025] Therefore, for example, in operation under a steady state with a constant current, by monitoring the temperature intervals between images, it is possible to determine the presence of hot spots without the constant current resulting in a constant maximum temperature or a pseudo-steady state with slight current variations that could lead to changes in the maximum temperature. Hot spots can be identified and alarms can be issued, while an increase in the maximum temperature of the healthy system due to increased current can also be identified, since the temperature intervals do not increase or do not increase by the amount indicated by the presence of hot spots.

[0026] In one example, an infrared camera is configured to acquire multiple infrared images of a switching device after acquiring a first infrared image of the switching device, and the total number of pixels in each of the multiple infrared images is equal to a first number. The processing unit is configured to determine the pixel in each of the multiple infrared images that has the maximum temperature in each of the multiple infrared images. The processing unit is configured to use a second number to determine a temperature interval in each of the multiple infrared images, the temperature interval being equal to the difference between the maximum temperature in each of the multiple infrared images and a threshold temperature in each of the multiple infrared images. The processing unit is configured to determine the threshold temperature in each of the multiple infrared images as the pixel temperature in each of the multiple infrared images such that the number of pixels in each of the multiple infrared images having a temperature between the threshold temperature in each of the multiple infrared images and the maximum temperature in each of the multiple infrared images most closely matches the second number. The processing unit is configured to determine the presence of the hot spot in the switching device based on the rate of change between adjacent temperature intervals of the temperature interval of the first infrared image and the temperature intervals of the multiple infrared images.

[0027] In one example, the identification of hotspots involves using machine learning algorithms.

[0028] In one example, the machine learning algorithm is a trained neural network.

[0029] In one example, the system includes a visual camera configured to acquire a visible image of the switching device. A processing unit is configured to overlay the location of the maximum temperature in the infrared image onto the corresponding location in the visible image.

[0030] In one example, the processing unit is configured to overlay the locations of pixels in the infrared image that have temperatures between a threshold temperature and a maximum temperature onto the corresponding locations in the visible image.

[0031] In other words, the location of hot pixels can be mapped onto a visible image so that a person can inspect the situation to determine if there is a fault.

[0032] In a second aspect, a switching device comprising the system according to the first aspect is provided.

[0033] In a third aspect, a method for monitoring switching devices is provided. The method includes:

[0034] - A first infrared image of the switching device is acquired by an infrared camera, wherein the total number of pixels in the first infrared image is equal to a first number;

[0035] - The processing unit determines the pixel in the first infrared image that has the highest temperature in the first infrared image;

[0036] - The processing unit determines a temperature interval of the first infrared image using a second number less than the first number, the temperature interval being equal to the difference between the maximum temperature in the first infrared image and a threshold temperature in the first infrared image, wherein the utilization includes the processing unit determining the threshold temperature in the first infrared image as a pixel temperature in the first infrared image, such that the number of pixels in the first infrared image having a temperature between the threshold temperature in the first infrared image and the maximum temperature in the first infrared image most closely matches the second number;

[0037] - The processing unit determines that a hot spot exists in the switching device, wherein determining the presence of the hot spot includes utilizing the temperature interval of a first infrared image; and

[0038] - When a hot spot is identified in the switching device, the output unit outputs an indication of the fault in the switching device.

[0039] According to another aspect, a computer program element is provided for controlling one or more of the aforementioned apparatuses and / or systems, wherein if the computer program element is executed by a processor, the computer program element is adapted to perform the aforementioned methods.

[0040] According to another aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided that stores computer elements as described above.

[0041] Computer program elements can be, for example, software programs, but can also be FPGAs, PLDs, or any other suitable digital devices.

[0042] The above aspects and examples will become apparent and illustrated with reference to the embodiments described below. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Exemplary embodiments will be described below with reference to the following figures:

[0044] Figure 1 An exemplary infrared image of a switching device is shown;

[0045] Figure 2 An exemplary infrared image of a switching device and examples of two different thresholds applied to the infrared image are shown;

[0046] Figure 3An exemplary infrared image of a switching device with a hotspot is shown, and relative to... Figure 2 Examples of two different thresholds are now applied to infrared images with hotspots; and

[0047] Figure 4 It shows having, as Figure 3 The example infrared image of the hotspot switching device and an example of the applied threshold are shown, which are compared with... Figure 2 The method shown for health switching devices is similar to that used for three-phase switching devices;

[0048] Figure 5 It shows having, as Figure 3 The example infrared image of the switching device showing an increased intensity hotspot, and an example of the applied threshold, are shown, in conjunction with... Figure 2 The method shown for health switching devices is similar to that used for three-phase switching devices;

[0049] Figure 6 The graphs showing the maximum temperature versus temperature interval for healthy switching devices and switching devices with development hotspots are presented. Detailed Implementation

[0050] Figures 1-6 Details are provided explaining a new system for monitoring switching equipment. The system includes an infrared camera, a processing unit, and an output unit. The infrared camera is configured to acquire a first infrared image of the switching equipment. The total number of pixels in the first infrared image is equal to a first number. The processing unit is configured to determine the pixels in the first infrared image that have the maximum temperature in the first infrared image. The processing unit is configured to determine a temperature interval in the first infrared image using a second number less than the first number, the temperature interval being equal to the difference between the maximum temperature in the first infrared image and a threshold temperature in the first infrared image. The use of the second number includes: the processing unit is configured to determine the threshold temperature in the first infrared image as the pixel temperature in the first infrared image such that the number of pixels in the first infrared image having a temperature between the threshold temperature and the maximum temperature in the first infrared image most closely matches the second number. The processing unit is configured to determine the presence of a hot spot in the switching equipment. The determination of the presence of a hot spot includes using the temperature interval of the first infrared image. The output unit is configured to output an indication of a fault in the switching equipment when a hot spot is determined to exist in the switching equipment.

[0051] In one example, the second number is determined based on an infrared image captured by an infrared camera or equivalent infrared camera of the switching device or equivalent switching device, such that the second number is the number of pixels in the infrared image that have the maximum temperature value and cover the part of the switching device that needs to be monitored (e.g., a phase or a portion of a phase).

[0052] According to one example, the second number is a fixed number.

[0053] According to one example, the second number is the predetermined number.

[0054] According to one example, the second number is determined based on one or more calibrated infrared images of the switching device or similar switching device.

[0055] According to one example, determining the presence of a hotspot involves using the maximum temperature in a first infrared image.

[0056] According to one example, determining the presence of a hotspot involves determining that the temperature interval of the first infrared image is greater than a threshold temperature interval value.

[0057] According to one example, the threshold temperature interval value is determined as a function of the maximum temperature in the first infrared image.

[0058] According to one example, an infrared camera is configured to acquire a second infrared image of a switching device after acquiring a first infrared image of the switching device. The total number of pixels in the second infrared image is equal to a first number. A processing unit is configured to determine the pixels in the second infrared image that have the highest temperature in the second infrared image. The processing unit is configured to use the second number to determine a temperature interval in the second infrared image, the temperature interval being equal to the difference between the highest temperature in the second infrared image and a threshold temperature in the second infrared image. The use of the second number includes: the processing unit is configured to determine the threshold temperature in the second infrared image as the pixel temperature in the second infrared image such that the number of pixels in the second infrared image having a temperature between the threshold temperature and the highest temperature in the second infrared image most closely matches the second number. The processing unit is configured to determine the presence of a hotspot in the switching device based on the fact that the temperature interval in the second infrared image is greater than the temperature interval in the first infrared image.

[0059] In one example, the processing unit is configured to determine the presence of a hot spot in the switching device based on the fact that the temperature interval of the second infrared image is larger than the temperature interval of the first infrared image by a set amount.

[0060] In one example, the setting is 0.5℃, 1℃, 1.5℃, ..., 3℃.

[0061] In one example, the setpoint is determined as a function of the maximum temperature.

[0062] According to one example, an infrared camera is configured to acquire multiple infrared images of a switching device after acquiring a first infrared image of the switching device. The total number of pixels in each of the multiple infrared images is equal to a first number. The processing unit is configured to determine the pixel in each of the multiple infrared images that has the maximum temperature in each of the multiple infrared images. The processing unit is configured to use a second number to determine a temperature interval in each of the multiple infrared images, the temperature interval being equal to the difference between the maximum temperature in each of the multiple infrared images and a threshold temperature in each of the multiple infrared images. The use of the second number includes: the processing unit is configured to determine the threshold temperature in each of the multiple infrared images as the pixel temperature in each of the multiple infrared images such that the number of pixels in each of the multiple infrared images having a temperature between the threshold temperature in each of the multiple infrared images and the maximum temperature in each of the multiple infrared images most closely matches the second number. The processing unit is configured to determine the presence of the hot spot in the switching device based on the rate of change between adjacent temperature intervals of the temperature interval of the first infrared image and the temperature intervals of the multiple infrared images.

[0063] As an example, determining the existence of hotspots involves using machine learning algorithms.

[0064] As an example, a machine learning algorithm is a trained neural network.

[0065] According to one example, the system includes a visible camera configured to acquire a visible image of the switching device, and wherein the processing unit is configured to overlay the location of the maximum temperature in the infrared image onto the corresponding location in the visible image.

[0066] According to one example, the processing unit is configured to overlay the locations of pixels in the infrared image that have temperatures between a threshold temperature and a maximum temperature onto the corresponding locations in the visible image.

[0067] As can be clearly seen from the above, switchgear can be configured to have the monitoring system described above, or existing switchgear can be retrofitted with the system described above for monitoring switchgear.

[0068] Furthermore, it is clear that the relevant methods for monitoring switchgear include:

[0069] - A first infrared image of the switching device is acquired by an infrared camera, wherein the total number of pixels in the first infrared image is equal to a first number;

[0070] - The processing unit determines the pixel in the first infrared image that has the highest temperature in the first infrared image;

[0071] - The processing unit determines a temperature interval of the first infrared image using a second number less than the first number, the temperature interval being equal to the difference between the maximum temperature in the first infrared image and a threshold temperature in the first infrared image, wherein the utilization includes the processing unit determining the threshold temperature in the first infrared image as a pixel temperature in the first infrared image, such that the number of pixels in the first infrared image having a temperature between the threshold temperature in the first infrared image and the maximum temperature in the first infrared image most closely matches the second number;

[0072] - The processing unit determines that a hot spot exists in the switching device, wherein the determination of the hot spot existence includes utilizing the temperature interval of the first infrared image; and

[0073] - When a hot spot is identified in the switching device, the output unit outputs an indication of the fault in the switching device.

[0074] In one example, the second number is determined based on an infrared image captured by an infrared camera or equivalent infrared camera of the switching device or equivalent switching device, such that the second number is the number of pixels in the infrared image that have the highest temperature value and cover the part of the switching device that needs to be monitored (e.g., a phase or a portion of a phase).

[0075] In one example, the second number is a fixed number.

[0076] In one example, the second number is the predetermined number.

[0077] In one example, the second number is determined based on one or more calibrated infrared images of the switching device or similar switching device.

[0078] In one example, determining the presence of a hotspot involves using the maximum temperature in a first infrared image.

[0079] In one example, determining the presence of a hotspot includes determining that the temperature interval of the first infrared image is greater than a threshold temperature interval value.

[0080] In one example, the threshold temperature interval value was determined as a function of the maximum temperature in the first infrared image.

[0081] In one example, the method includes:

[0082] - After acquiring a first infrared image of the switching device, the infrared camera acquires a second infrared image of the switching device, wherein the total number of pixels in the second infrared image is equal to the first number.

[0083] - The processing unit determines the pixel in the second infrared image that has the highest temperature in the second infrared image.

[0084] - The processing unit uses the second number to determine the temperature interval of the second infrared image, the temperature interval being equal to the difference between the maximum temperature in the second infrared image and the threshold temperature in the second infrared image, wherein the use includes the processing unit determining the threshold temperature in the second infrared image as the pixel temperature in the second infrared image, so that the number of pixels in the second infrared image having a temperature between the threshold temperature and the maximum temperature in the second infrared image most closely matches the second number, and

[0085] - Based on the fact that the temperature interval of the second infrared image is greater than the temperature interval of the first infrared image, the processing unit determines that there is a hot spot in the switching device.

[0086] In one example, the method includes a processing unit determining the presence of a hot spot in the switching device based on the fact that the temperature interval of the second infrared image is larger than the temperature interval of the first infrared image by a set amount.

[0087] In one example, the settings are 0.5℃, 1℃, 1.5℃, ..., 3℃.

[0088] In one example, the setpoint is determined as a function of the maximum temperature.

[0089] In one example, the method includes:

[0090] - After acquiring the first infrared image of the switching device, the infrared camera acquires multiple infrared images of the switching device, wherein the total number of pixels in each of the multiple infrared images is equal to the first number.

[0091] - The processing unit determines the pixel with the highest temperature in each of the plurality of infrared images.

[0092] - The processing unit uses the second number to determine a temperature interval for each of the plurality of infrared images, the temperature interval being equal to the difference between the maximum temperature in each of the plurality of infrared images and a threshold temperature in each of the plurality of infrared images, wherein the utilization includes the processing unit determining the threshold temperature in each of the plurality of infrared images as the pixel temperature in each of the plurality of infrared images, such that the number of pixels in each of the plurality of infrared images having a temperature between the threshold temperature in each of the plurality of infrared images and the maximum temperature in each of the plurality of infrared images most closely matches the second number, and

[0093] - The processing unit determines the presence of hot spots in the switching device based on the rate of change between the temperature intervals of the first infrared image and the adjacent temperature intervals of the plurality of infrared images.

[0094] In one example, identifying hotspots involves using machine learning algorithms.

[0095] In one example, the machine learning algorithm is a trained neural network.

[0096] In one example, the method includes acquiring a visible image of the switching device by a visible camera, and having a processing unit overlay the location of the maximum temperature in the infrared image onto the corresponding location in the visible image.

[0097] In one example, the method includes having a processing unit overlay the locations of pixels in an infrared image having temperatures between a threshold temperature and a maximum temperature onto corresponding locations in a visible image.

[0098] Referring again to the accompanying drawings, a system and method for monitoring switching equipment will be described in further detail with reference to specific embodiments.

[0099] It should be noted that the new systems and methods for monitoring switching equipment are based on a new algorithm called the inverse pixel counting algorithm.

[0100] Infrared thermal imaging (IRT) images are essentially matrices or grayscale images of temperature values. Figure 1 An example is shown in the image. The image illustrates the phase of a medium-voltage switchgear that is heating up due to the current flowing through it. The same applies to high-voltage and low-voltage switchgear.

[0101] By applying a threshold to the image, it can be divided into two regions: regions with temperatures above the threshold (t) and regions with temperatures below t. Figure 2The middle image shows an IRT image from another switchgear compartment, where the maximum temperature is approximately 50°C. The middle image shows the result with a 42°C threshold applied. All pixels are either hotter than or the same temperature as pixels marked as white; any other pixels are marked black. In the image on the right, a 35°C threshold was used. Lower thresholds will include more pixels. Therefore, Figure 2 This actually demonstrates the effect of applying a threshold.

[0102] exist Figure 2 In the example, there is a relatively clear distinction between the object on the left (the phase heated by Joule heating) and the background in the IRT image. A threshold of approximately 42°C (about 8K lower than the maximum temperature) coarsely reproduces the phase while removing the background (see the middle image). In this example, the number of pixels above the threshold is 373 when the phase is fully visible. (This value is called the pixel count.) The lower threshold on the right has a higher pixel count: 768.

[0103] Used to obtain Figure 2 The threshold of the "appropriate" intermediate image can be used to calculate the temperature difference in the phase region. In this embodiment, the temperature in the phase ranges from 42°C to almost 50°C, so the temperature interval is 8K.

[0104] When the same threshold is applied to images with hotspots but roughly the same maximum temperature ( Figure 3 (Left) For images with the same maximum temperature and the same threshold level, the pixel count will be lower. This is because a larger temperature interval is needed to include all phases, since, by definition, hotspots have higher temperatures than other phases. In other words, as hotspot peaks begin to appear in the temperature spectrum, the maximum temperature becomes more separated from the temperatures of the rest of the switching device, causing the number of pixels within a fixed threshold of the maximum value to decrease as the hotspot temperature increases. If the pixel count is low for the same maximum temperature and the same temperature interval, a hotspot is present.

[0105] However, it has been recognized that for the new system, there is no need to define a temperature interval. Therefore, in the new inverse pixel counting algorithm, there is no definition of a temperature interval or a pixel count. Instead, in the inverse pixel counting algorithm, a fixed pixel count is defined, and the required interval size is determined. (The following is an example of a different algorithm.) Figure 3 Same hotspot image Figure 4 In this image, a threshold has been chosen so that the pixel count is as close as possible to the value that fully represents all three phases. The image looks similar to... Figure 2 The middle image in the image, Figure 2 A health image is shown.

[0106] However, the main difference lies in the slightly larger temperature interval (9K vs. 8K). As the hotspot intensity increases, the required interval also increases. Figure 5 The temperature rises to 21K. Therefore, the size of the interval can be used to classify defective and healthy cases. If the temperature interval at a fixed pixel count is low, the phase temperature is uniform. If the interval is high, hot spots exist.

[0107] like Figure 6 As shown, the inverse pixel counting algorithm can be used to distinguish between faults and healthy conditions. A simple algorithm would use a line to separate healthy and faulty conditions at temperatures above 45°C, where each interval above the line would be classified as faulty and anything below would be classified as healthy. Figure 6 As can be seen, in one case of increasing maximum temperature, above approximately 45°C, the temperature interval diverges upwards, indicating the presence of hotspots in the typically monotonic increase of health-controlled switching devices. More complex algorithms can apply different rules at different temperatures. The interval size can also be used as one of several machine learning features, including, for example, the maximum image temperature, as well as the derivative of the maximum temperature and the derivative of the temperature interval.

[0108] In another exemplary embodiment, a computer program or computer program element is provided, characterized in that it is configured to perform method steps of the method according to one of the foregoing embodiments on a suitable processor or system.

[0109] Therefore, computer program elements can be stored on a computer unit, which may also be part of the embodiments. The computing unit can be configured to execute or cause the execution of the steps of the described methods. Furthermore, it can be configured as a component operating the described system. The computing unit can be configured to automatically operate and / or execute user commands. The computer program can be loaded into the working memory of the data processor. Therefore, the data processor can be equipped to execute the methods according to one of the foregoing embodiments.

[0110] This exemplary embodiment of the invention includes a computer program that uses the invention from the outset and a computer program that converts an existing program into a program that uses the invention through updates.

[0111] Furthermore, the computer program unit is capable of providing all the necessary steps to implement the exemplary embodiments of the method described above.

[0112] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a computer-readable medium, such as a CD-ROM, a USB stick, etc., is provided, wherein the computer-readable medium has a computer program unit stored thereon, the computer program unit being described in the preceding portion.

[0113] Computer programs may be stored and / or distributed on suitable media, such as optical storage media or solid-state media provided with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunications systems.

[0114] However, computer programs can also be provided via networks like the World Wide Web and downloaded from such networks to the working memory of a data processor. According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a medium is provided for making computer program elements available for download, these computer program elements being arranged to perform a method according to one of the foregoing embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. A system for monitoring switchgear, the system comprising: - Infrared camera; - Processing unit; as well as - Output unit; The infrared camera is configured to acquire a first infrared image of the switching device, wherein the total number of pixels in the first infrared image is equal to a first number; The processing unit is configured to determine the pixel in the first infrared image that has the highest temperature in the first infrared image; The processing unit is configured to determine a temperature interval of the first infrared image using a second number less than the first number, the temperature interval being equal to the difference between the maximum temperature in the first infrared image and a threshold temperature in the first infrared image; The processing unit is configured to determine the threshold temperature in the first infrared image as the pixel temperature in the first infrared image, such that the number of pixels in the first infrared image having a temperature between the threshold temperature in the first infrared image and the maximum temperature in the first infrared image most closely matches the second number. The processing unit is configured to determine the presence of a hot spot in the switching device, wherein the determination of the presence of the hot spot includes utilizing the temperature interval of the first infrared image; and The output unit is configured to output an indication of a fault in the switching device when a hot spot has been identified in the switching device.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the second number is a fixed number.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the second number is a predetermined number.

4. The system according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the second number is determined based on one or more calibrated infrared images of the switching device or similar switching device.

5. The system according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein determining the existence of the hotspot comprises: The maximum temperature is obtained using the first infrared image.

6. The system according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein determining the existence of the hotspot comprises: It is determined that the temperature interval of the first infrared image is greater than a threshold temperature interval value.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the threshold temperature interval value is determined as a function of the maximum temperature in the first infrared image.

8. The system according to any one of claims 1-3 and 7, wherein the infrared camera is configured to acquire a second infrared image of the switching device after acquiring a first infrared image of the switching device, wherein the total number of pixels in the second infrared image is equal to the first number, wherein the processing unit is configured to determine pixels in the second infrared image having a maximum temperature in the second infrared image, wherein the processing unit is configured to determine a temperature interval in the second infrared image using the second number, the temperature interval being equal to the difference between the maximum temperature in the second infrared image and a threshold temperature in the second infrared image, wherein the processing unit is configured to determine the threshold temperature in the second infrared image as the pixel temperature in the second infrared image such that the number of pixels in the second infrared image having a temperature between the threshold temperature in the second infrared image and the maximum temperature in the second infrared image most closely matches the second number, wherein the processing unit is configured to determine that the hot spot exists in the switching device based on the temperature interval of the second infrared image being greater than the temperature interval of the first infrared image.

9. The system according to any one of claims 1-3 and 7, wherein the infrared camera is configured to acquire a plurality of infrared images of the switching device after acquiring a first infrared image of the switching device, wherein the total number of pixels in each of the plurality of infrared images is equal to the first number, wherein the processing unit is configured to determine the pixel having the maximum temperature of each of the plurality of infrared images in each of the plurality of infrared images, wherein the processing unit is configured to determine a temperature interval of each of the plurality of infrared images using the second number, the temperature interval being equal to the maximum temperature of each of the plurality of infrared images and the pixel having the maximum temperature of each of the plurality of infrared images in each of the plurality of infrared images. The difference between threshold temperatures of each infrared image, wherein the processing unit is configured to determine the threshold temperature of each of the plurality of infrared images as the pixel temperature of each of the plurality of infrared images, such that the number of pixels in each of the plurality of infrared images having a temperature between the threshold temperature of each of the plurality of infrared images and the maximum temperature of each of the plurality of infrared images most closely matches the second number, wherein the processing unit is configured to determine the presence of the hot spot in the switching device based on the rate of change between the temperature interval of the first infrared image and adjacent temperature intervals of the temperature intervals of the plurality of infrared images.

10. The system according to any one of claims 1-3 and 7, wherein determining the existence of the hotspot includes utilizing a machine learning algorithm.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the machine learning algorithm is a trained neural network.

12. The system according to any one of claims 1-3, 7 and 11, wherein the system includes a visible camera configured to acquire a visible image of the switching device, and wherein the processing unit is configured to superimpose the location of the maximum temperature in the infrared image onto a corresponding location in the visible image.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the processing unit is configured to superimpose the positions of pixels in the infrared image having a temperature between a threshold temperature and the maximum temperature onto corresponding positions in the visible image.

14. A switching device comprising the system according to any one of claims 1-13.

15. A method for monitoring switching equipment, the method comprising: A first infrared image of the switching device is acquired by an infrared camera, wherein the total number of pixels in the first infrared image is equal to a first number; The processing unit determines the pixel in the first infrared image that has the highest temperature in the first infrared image; The processing unit determines a temperature interval of the first infrared image using a second number less than the first number, the temperature interval being equal to the difference between the maximum temperature in the first infrared image and a threshold temperature in the first infrared image, wherein the utilization includes the processing unit determining the threshold temperature in the first infrared image as a pixel temperature in the first infrared image, so that the number of pixels in the first infrared image having a temperature between the threshold temperature in the first infrared image and the maximum temperature in the first infrared image most closely matches the second number; The processing unit determines that a hot spot exists in the switching device, wherein determining the existence of the hot spot includes utilizing the temperature interval of the first infrared image; and When a hot spot is identified in the switching device, the output unit outputs an indication of the fault in the switching device.

16. A computer program element for controlling a system according to any one of claims 1-14, said computer program element being configured, when executed by a processor, to perform the method according to claim 15.

Images