System and method for monitoring load use on a power transformer

Abstract

The present invention relates to systems and methods that are capable of monitoring temperature variations over time over an area of a power transformer to measure load usage, thereby preventing any damage to the power transformer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to systems and methods for monitoring load usage on power transformers. More specifically, this invention relates to systems and methods for preventing damage to power transformers. Background Technology

[0002] Transformers are crucial for the distribution and transmission of electrical energy, and have undergone significant development since their invention in the late 19th century. Originally conceived as static devices for voltage transformation in alternating current (AC) systems, transformers have experienced substantial advancements to meet the ever-growing demands of modern power networks. The development of transformers can be divided into several key phases, each marked by innovations aimed at improving efficiency, reliability, and safety.

[0003] The origins of transformers can be traced back to the pioneering work of Michael Faraday and others in the early 19th century on electromagnetic induction. Faraday's discoveries laid the foundation for the development of transformers by demonstrating the principle that a changing magnetic field induces a voltage in a coil. Building on Faraday's discoveries, William Stanley designed the first practical transformer in 1886, enabling long-distance transmission of alternating current by increasing voltage to reduce losses. Throughout the early 20th century, transformer technology steadily progressed, driven by the booming power industry. Innovations such as the introduction of core materials with higher permeability and improved insulation materials contributed to increased efficiency and reliability. The development of oil-immersed transformers in the 1920s further improved cooling and insulation, allowing for higher rated power and longer service life. The mid-20th century witnessed significant advancements in transformer design and manufacturing technology. The introduction of controlled cooling methods, such as oil-forced air cooling and oil-forced water cooling, enabled transformers to handle higher loads while maintaining optimal operating temperatures. Furthermore, the emergence of solid-state electronics in the latter half of the century facilitated the integration of monitoring and protection systems with transformer design, thereby improving operational safety and reliability.

[0004] In recent decades, the development of transformers has been driven by advancements in materials science, computational modeling, and digital technologies. The emergence of amorphous and nanocrystalline core materials has enabled transformers to achieve reduced losses and improved energy efficiency. Furthermore, the integration of sensors, communication protocols, and advanced analytics has enabled real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, minimizing downtime and optimizing asset performance. Despite these advances, transformers still face some inherent drawbacks, specifically related to overload and unauthorized connections. Overload occurs when a transformer is subjected to excessive electrical loads exceeding its rated capacity, leading to overheating and potential failure. Unauthorized connections, such as unauthorized laps or tampering with transformer wiring, pose safety hazards and can compromise the integrity of the electrical system. Many existing solutions for addressing overload and unauthorized connections rely on reactive measures such as overcurrent protection devices and periodic inspections. While these measures are effective to some extent, they lack dynamism and proactive intervention capabilities. External protection devices can be easily bypassed to prevent unauthorized connections from triggering overcurrent protection devices. Gradual overload of a transformer does not necessarily lead to the blowing of a medium-voltage fuse, thus preventing transformer failure due to overload.

[0005] CN111584216B discloses a transformer temperature monitoring and early warning system, including multiple oil temperature and infrared temperature sensors, a controller with storage / timing / calculation and open-circuit protection modules, and threshold-based alarm and power-off actions (e.g., issuing an alarm when the temperature rises and cutting off the power when the temperature exceeds 95°C), while also having display / remote communication and black box recording; however, CN111584216B does not disclose the following features: (A) performing a closing action to close the circuit based on the determination that the calculated temperature data is lower than a predetermined lower threshold; and (B) performing a disconnecting action to disconnect the circuit based on the calculation that the temperature data exceeds a predetermined upper threshold and a predetermined time threshold has been exceeded by a time condition.

[0006] US2491338A discloses a protection device for electrical equipment such as transformers, which employs a vacuum switch with a thermally actuated mechanism (an expandable bellows with a heater) to interrupt fault current and respond to prolonged overload, providing repetitive automatic disconnection and reclosing with fast-acting operation and thermal hysteresis; however, US2491338A does not disclose the following features: (A) performing a closing action to close the circuit based on a determination that the calculated temperature data is below a predetermined lower threshold; and (B) performing a disconnecting action to disconnect the circuit based on a determination that the calculated temperature data exceeds a predetermined upper threshold and a predetermined time threshold has been exceeded by a time condition.

[0007] In light of the above, it is clear that a dynamic and proactive solution is needed to mitigate risks and ensure the integrity of the power grid by protecting power transformers at risk of damage in real time. Summary of the Invention

[0008] <Purpose of the Invention> Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a system and method that can monitor load usage on a power transformer and thereby prevent any damage to the power transformer.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, a system is provided for monitoring temperature and thereby preventing damage to a power transformer including circuitry, the system comprising: - A control unit, including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory is capable of storing a predetermined threshold and a set of instructions that can be executed by the processor to allow multiple calculations to be performed; - A thermal sensor, communicatively connected to the memory of the control unit, wherein the thermal sensor is positioned over an area of ​​the power transformer to derive a temperature signal measured over time as the temperature in the area of ​​the transformer changes, and wherein the thermal sensor is communicatively connected to an electrical device to convert the temperature signal measured over time into temperature data stored in the memory; and - An actuator, communicatively connected to the memory and processor of the control unit, is configured to perform a closing action when a calculation is performed and the resulting temperature data is below a lower predetermined threshold, and to perform a opening action when a calculation is performed and the resulting temperature data is above an upper predetermined threshold, wherein the actuator is electrically connected to a circuit to close the circuit when performing the closing action and to open the circuit when performing the opening action.

[0010] Temperature data may include one or more temperature readings and one or more time readings. Time readings may include time of day and date values. The memory may be selected from a group consisting of non-transitory storage media, temporary storage media, or combinations thereof.

[0011] The actuator can perform a disconnection action when a first condition and a second condition are met. The first condition is met when the processor performs a calculation and the result is that the temperature reading exceeds a predetermined upper limit threshold, and the second condition is met when the processor performs a calculation and the result is that the time reading exceeds a predetermined time threshold.

[0012] The time reading can be the elapsed time value calculated by a countdown module stored in memory. The countdown module can be configured to start and calculate the elapsed time value when the temperature reading exceeds a predetermined upper limit threshold. When the elapsed time value exceeds the predetermined time threshold, a disconnection action can be performed.

[0013] The upper limit predetermined threshold, lower limit predetermined threshold, and predetermined time threshold can be adjusted according to the configuration of each power transformer and the environmental conditions under which each power transformer operates.

[0014] The upper limit of the preset threshold can be between 80 degrees Celsius and 100 degrees Celsius. The lower limit of the preset threshold can be between 40 degrees Celsius and 60 degrees Celsius. The preset time threshold can be between 10 minutes and 20 minutes.

[0015] This area can be the oil level of a power transformer. The system may also include an oil monitoring device capable of receiving samples of oil, samples of gases produced by the oil, or samples comprising a combination of oil and gases produced by the oil, wherein the oil monitoring device is capable of analyzing the sample to derive concentration and ratio values ​​of one or more compounds in the sample. The oil monitoring device may be a dissolved gas analysis (DGA) device. A disconnection action can be performed when the concentration value exceeds a predetermined concentration threshold stored in memory and the ratio value exceeds a predetermined ratio threshold stored in memory.

[0016] The system may include a transmission device for transmitting temperature data and exporting action data when one or more actions are performed. The transmission device may include, but is not limited to, Bluetooth, radio waves, microwaves, fiber optic cables, local area networks (LANs), and / or wide area networks (WANs).

[0017] Temperature and motion data can be transmitted to an external device, which includes: a graphical user interface for visualizing the data; an input device for feeding commands to the graphical user interface; and an analysis module stored on the external device, which includes multiple analysis tools that allow data analysis. The data can be analyzed to derive information about the state of the power transformer.

[0018] Information about the status of a power transformer can include whether it is energized, de-energized, or requires maintenance. Information indicating that a power transformer requires maintenance can be generated or caused by conditions selected from a group consisting of thermal sensor malfunctions, failure of actuators to perform closing actions, failure to receive data from oil monitoring devices, and combinations thereof.

[0019] The set of instructions can be one or more algorithms. These algorithms can be selected from a group consisting of machine learning algorithms, artificial intelligence algorithms, deep learning algorithms, heuristic algorithms, and combinations thereof. The system can include a model that can be trained by one or more algorithms that compare data with benchmark data stored in memory to derive an output dataset containing predictive information about when power transformers will require maintenance.

[0020] The thermal sensor can be selected from a group consisting of a resistance temperature detector (RTD), a temperature sensor, a thermocouple, and combinations thereof. The thermal sensor can be a PT100 temperature sensor. The system may also include one or more additional thermal sensors located at one or more areas of the power transformer to derive temperature signals measured over time. Multiple temperature signals generated from thermal sensors located at different areas can be fed to an electrical device capable of performing calculations to derive more accurate temperature data from the multiple temperature signals.

[0021] The system may also include one or more photoelectric sensors communicatively coupled to the control unit, wherein the photoelectric sensors are located within the power transformer. When light is detected in the power transformer, the photoelectric sensors can output photoelectric data. When the photoelectric data exceeds a predetermined threshold, the actuator can perform a disconnection action. The photoelectric sensor may be a light sensor or photodetector selected from the group consisting of photodiodes, phototransistors, photoresistors (LDRs), and combinations thereof.

[0022] The electrical device can be an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for converting temperature signals into discrete temperature data, or an operational amplifier used in conjunction with an analog comparator for converting temperature signals into discrete temperature data.

[0023] The actuator can be a contactor used to establish or disconnect an electrical connection in a circuit. The actuator can be selected from solid-state relays, circuit breakers with closing coils, circuit breakers with trip coils, circuit breakers with automatic spring rewinding function, or combinations thereof.

[0024] The control unit may also include a graphical user interface for displaying temperature data derived from a temperature signal measured over time. The control unit may also include an input device communicatively coupled to the graphical user interface, allowing the user to provide input commands to access and / or modify the temperature data.

[0025] The control unit may also include an input device that is communicatively connected to a graphical user interface, allowing the user to provide input commands.

[0026] The system may also include a tamper-proof enclosure to prevent unauthorized access to the system and its components.

[0027] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for preventing damage to a power transformer is provided, the method comprising: (i) A control unit including a processor and a memory is communicatively connected to a power transformer, wherein the memory is capable of storing a predetermined threshold and a set of instructions that can be executed by the processor to allow multiple calculations to be performed; (ii) A thermal sensor is provided, which is communicatively connected to the memory of the control unit, wherein the thermal sensor is located in a region of the power transformer for deriving a temperature signal measured over time when the temperature in that region of the transformer changes, and wherein the thermal sensor is communicatively connected to an electrical device for converting the temperature signal measured over time into temperature data stored in the memory; and wherein the temperature data includes temperature measurements and time measurements. (iii) The actuator is communicatively coupled to the memory and processor of the control unit, wherein the actuator is electrically connected to the circuit to close the circuit when performing a closing action and to open the circuit when performing a closing action; (iv) When the temperature data exceeds the upper limit predetermined threshold, a countdown module stored in the memory may be used to perform a timer action, wherein the countdown module allows the calculation of the elapsed time value; (v) Optionally, a closing action may be performed when the processor performs calculations and the resulting temperature data is below a predetermined lower threshold; and (vi) When the processor performs calculations and the result is that the temperature data is higher than the upper limit predetermined threshold and the elapsed time value exceeds the predetermined time threshold stored in memory, a disconnection action may be optionally performed.

[0028] The method may include the additional step of generating motion data when one or more of a disconnection action, a closure action, or a timer action are performed. The motion data may include data selected from groups consisting of the type of action performed, the time of day during which the action is performed, the date of the action, and combinations thereof. The method may include the step of training a model by storing one or more algorithms in memory to compare the motion data with benchmark data stored in memory, thereby deriving an output dataset containing predictive information about when power transformers require maintenance. The model may be stored on a storage medium, allowing the model to be applied to one or more datasets communicatively coupled to memory.

[0029] The term "communication connection" refers to, but is not limited to, the exchange of information, commands, electrical signals, or data between devices or platforms.

[0030] The above and other features, characteristics, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate the principles of the invention by way of example. This description is given for illustrative purposes only and does not limit the scope of the invention. The references to the drawings cited below refer to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 This is a photograph of the control unit used in this invention; Figure 2a This is a photo of a part of a 100 kVA transformer; Figure 2b This is a photograph showing the output of a contactor from a 100 kVA transformer; Figure 2c This is a photograph of the interior area of ​​the low-voltage LV compartment (Cubicle) of a 100 kVA transformer, which is the LV distribution cabinet that forms part of the transformer box design; Figure 3 This is a photograph of a temperature measuring device used to measure the oil level temperature of a power transformer. Figure 4 It is a series of graphical user interface displays showing the settings that can be viewed on the control unit; Figure 5 It is a photo of an external testing device, which includes a graphical user interface for displaying readings and settings of the control unit; Figure 6 This is the circuit diagram of the temperature controller; Figure 7 It is a temperature controller printed circuit board (PCB); and Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the internal electrical system of a self-protected transformer.

[0032] The subject matter of this disclosure will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying examples, in which representative embodiments are illustrated. However, the subject matter of this disclosure may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be exhaustive and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the embodiments to those skilled in the art. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The following is for reference. Figures 1 to 8 Non-limiting examples of preferred embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below.

[0034] refer to Figure 1 The system includes a control unit 2 comprising a processor 4 and a relay 6. The processor 4 is capable of performing multiple actions, including generating signals to actuate a contactor (not shown) connected to a circuit of the power transformer to switch the circuit on or off to control the flow of power. The relay 6 is configured as an electromechanical switching device for controlling the flow of power to the control unit 2 and various components in the power transformer.

[0035] refer to Figure 2a A power transformer 10 (100kVA) is provided, having a housing 12 for enclosing a control unit, a low-voltage bushing, a contactor, and a sensor device operating as a thermocouple (not shown). The transformer 10 also includes corrugated radiators 14 and an LV compartment 16 containing the LV bushing and control equipment (not shown). Reference Figure 2b The same power transformer 10 (100kVA) is provided, which includes an external neutral bushing 16, a neutral surge suppressor 20, a transformer box 22, a tap changer handle 24, a medium-voltage MV surge suppressor support 26, and an MV bushing 28. (Reference) Figure 2c The interior area of ​​the low-voltage compartment 16 is shown as including elements such as LV cable terminal block 30, LV circuit breaker 32, 12V power supply unit 34, 220V control contactor 36, electronic control unit (ECU) 38 and low-voltage power contactor 40.

[0036] refer to Figure 3 A power transformer 50 is provided, wherein a sensor device 52 is used to measure the temperature of the highest oil level in the power transformer 50. The sensor device 52 may be a PT100 temperature sensor. The temperature reading is transmitted to a mobile device 54, which is capable of exporting the temperature data to be transmitted to a control unit. Furthermore, the mobile device 54 is capable of changing one or more predetermined settings to be compatible with different environments or locations. Although not shown in this figure, the invention may include a photoelectric sensor positioned in the power transformer, wherein the photoelectric sensor is capable of detecting light or an electric arc, and the data signal is then immediately transmitted to the control unit to initiate a tripping action.

[0037] refer to Figure 4The system provides multiple displays for the user interface of the control unit. The first display 62 provides a breakdown of measured values, importantly including the measurement of the current time and the temperature of the oil tank (not shown) containing the power transformer oil. The second display 64 provides a display allowing the user to adjust the time and clock. The third display 66 provides a display allowing the user to provide instructions to perform contactor tests. The fourth display 68 provides a display allowing the user to modify control unit settings. The fifth display 70 provides a display showing the trip temperature associated with the oil temperature, when the contactor is actuated to trip the circuit and the power transformer to protect it from damage. The sixth display 72 provides a display showing the reactivation temperature associated with the oil temperature, when the contactor re-engages and restores the circuit to allow electron flow. This reactivation temperature should be low enough to protect the power transformer from damage where significant cooling has occurred. The seventh display 74 provides a display showing the trip temperature associated with the oil temperature, when the contactor is actuated to disconnect the circuit and trip the power transformer to protect it from damage. The eighth display 76 provides a display showing the time in minutes that needs to elapse before a tripping action is performed. Figure 5 This is a photograph of a user interface 80 on a device connected to a control unit (not shown), wherein the user interface 80 is capable of displaying... Figure 4 The device includes various displays. It also includes multiple buttons for adjusting the transformer temperature. These buttons include buttons for raising the temperature (82), stabilizing the temperature (84), and lowering the temperature (86). Connector 58 allows connection to a control unit located on the transformer.

[0038] refer to Figure 6 The present invention provides a circuit diagram of a temperature controller comprising the following six main modules: A. The power supply is regulated to a fixed voltage point using a linear regulator (e.g., a fixed voltage regulator such as the LM7805 and an adjustable voltage regulator such as the LM317T).

[0039] B. Operational amplifier circuitry that converts the resistance change of a thermocouple into a measurable linear voltage to feed into a 5V analog-to-digital converter (“ADC”).

[0040] C. Auxiliary stable 5V output for transmission devices (such as GSM modems).

[0041] D. ATMEL processor, running embedded firmware and controlling input / output, wherein the ATMEL processor can be replaced by any similar processor (i.e., AMD, Intel, etc.).

[0042] E. Output relay, which supplies power to the contactor coil.

[0043] F. D15 port, as a D-sub connector, has a standard protocol for serial communication RS232 communication for firmware upgrades or handheld display / programming devices.

[0044] refer to Figure 7 The system provides a printed circuit board (PCB) for a temperature controller, including the following components: A. A 2-pin or 3-pin connector for external connection, wherein any other 2-pin or 3-pin connector conforming to the correct voltage specification may be used for this application.

[0045] B. Linear voltage regulator, a software application for regulating the temperature of the transformer. The set voltage can be adjusted using any form of voltage regulation, including pulse width modulation (“PWM”) or any form of switch-mode power supply.

[0046] C. The LM358 operational amplifier is used to convert the resistance of a thermocouple into a measurable voltage. Any other linear voltage conversion method or any other operational amplifier with similar functionality can be used.

[0047] D. D15 input / output connector, or any type of 15-pin connector can be used to perform a similar function.

[0048] The E. ATMEL 328P processor is used for processing the inputs / outputs required for information and control. Any other processor with at least one ADC, serial communication, and eight digital input / output ports can be used.

[0049] F. A 5-volt relay with a contactor specification of 250V, 10A. Any other type of relay that is correctly suited to the voltage and current of the main contactor coil can be used.

[0050] refer to Figure 8 An internal electrical schematic diagram of a self-protection transformer 90 is provided, which includes a 230V input 92, a 10A miniature circuit breaker (10A-MCB) 94, a 12V power supply 96, a ground 98, a microcontroller 100, a temperature sensor 102, and a three-phase contactor 104 with a coil.

[0051] advantage: The invention described above is referred to hereinafter as a self-protected transformer. Additional components are added to a typical power transformer to modify it, thereby creating a self-protected transformer. The approximate costs of these components are listed below for 100kVA and 200kVA transformers.

[0052] Cost analysis: 100 kVA transformer 200kVA transformer: As can be clearly seen from the table above, self-protected transformers are approximately 30% to 40% more expensive than conventional transformers without any control technology or tamper-proof enclosures. It should be noted that the cost decreases significantly as the transformer size increases, since the equipment used is essentially the same as that listed in the table. Importantly, the additional costs quickly become negligible in the long run compared to the costs of non-technical losses, the operational costs of manually resetting circuit breakers due to overload, and the replacement costs due to equipment damage. Therefore, it is clear that the present invention provides an alternative solution, an automated solution that allows power transformers to be normalized before being restored to operation by detecting faults in real time and performing necessary actions, thereby extending the transformer's service life while minimizing the additional costs of manual inspection and maintenance.

Claims

1. A system for monitoring temperature to prevent damage to a power transformer (10) including circuitry, the system comprising: - Control unit (2), including memory and processor (4), wherein the memory is capable of storing a predetermined threshold and storing a set of instructions executed by the processor (4) to allow multiple calculations to be performed; - A thermal sensor (52), communicatively connected to the memory of the control unit (2), wherein the thermal sensor (52) is positioned over a region of the power transformer (10) to derive a time-varying temperature signal as the temperature in the region of the transformer (10) changes, and wherein the thermal sensor (52) is communicatively connected to an electrical device to convert the time-varying temperature signal into temperature data stored in the memory; and - An actuator (40), communicatively connected to the memory and the processor (4) of the control unit (2), is configured to perform a closing action when a calculation is performed and the result is that the temperature data is below a lower predetermined threshold and to perform a opening action when a calculation is performed and the result is that the temperature data is above an upper predetermined threshold, wherein the actuator (40) is electrically connected to the circuit to close the circuit when performing the closing action and to open the circuit when performing the opening action.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The temperature data includes temperature readings and time readings.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein, The actuator (40) is capable of performing the disconnection action when a first condition and a second condition are met, wherein the first condition is met when the processor (4) performs a calculation and the result is that the temperature reading value exceeds the upper limit predetermined threshold, and the second condition is met when the processor (4) performs a calculation and the result is that the time reading value exceeds a predetermined time threshold.

4. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The upper limit predetermined threshold, the lower limit predetermined threshold, and the predetermined time threshold can be adjusted according to the configuration of each of the power transformers (10) and the environmental conditions under which each of the power transformers operates.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein, The upper limit predetermined threshold is between 80 degrees Celsius and 100 degrees Celsius, the lower limit predetermined threshold is between 40 degrees Celsius and 60 degrees Celsius, and the predetermined time threshold is between 10 minutes and 20 minutes.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The area refers to the location of the oil level in the power transformer.

7. The system of claim 1 further includes an oil monitoring device capable of receiving a sample of oil, a sample of gas generated from the oil, or a sample comprising a combination of the oil and the gas generated from the oil, wherein, The oil monitoring device can analyze a sample to derive the concentration and ratio values ​​of one or more compounds in the sample.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein, The disconnection action is performed when the concentration value exceeds a predetermined concentration threshold stored in the memory and the ratio value exceeds a predetermined ratio threshold stored in the memory.

9. The system of claim 1 further includes a transmission device for transmitting the temperature data and action data derived when one or more closing actions or one or more opening actions are performed.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein, The temperature data and the motion data can be transmitted to an external device (80), which includes: a graphical user interface (80) for visualizing the data; an input device for feeding instructions to the graphical user interface (80); and an analysis module stored on the external device (80), which includes multiple analysis tools that allow data analysis of the data.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein, The data is analyzed to derive information about the state of the power transformer (10).

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein, The information regarding the status of the power transformer (10) includes information about whether the power transformer (10) is energized, de-energized, or requires maintenance.

13. The system according to any one of claims, wherein, The information indicating that the power transformer (10) needs maintenance is generated by a group of conditions selected from the following: a fault in the thermal sensor (52), failure of the actuator (40) to perform a closing action, failure to receive data from the oil monitoring device, and combinations thereof.

14. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The thermal sensor (52) is selected from the group consisting of resistance temperature detectors (RTDs), temperature sensors, thermocouples, and combinations thereof.

15. The system of claim 1 further includes one or more additional thermal sensors located on one or more areas of the power transformer (10) for deriving multiple temperature signals measured over time.

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein, The generated multiple temperature signals are fed to the electrical device, which is capable of performing calculations to derive more accurate temperature data from the multiple temperature signals.

17. The system of claim 1, further comprising one or more photoelectric sensors communicatively connected to the control unit (2), wherein, The photoelectric sensor is located inside the power transformer (10).

18. The system according to claim 17, wherein, When light is detected in the area of ​​the power transformer (10), the one or more photoelectric sensors are able to export photoelectric data, and wherein when the photoelectric data is higher than a predetermined threshold, the actuator (40) performs a disconnection action.

19. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The electrical device is an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) or an operational amplifier.

20. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The actuator (40) is a contactor used to establish or disconnect the electrical connection in the circuit.

21. The system according to claim 20, wherein, The contactor is selected from a group consisting of a solid-state relay, a circuit breaker with a closing coil, a circuit breaker with a tripping coil, a circuit breaker with an automatic spring rewinding function, or a combination thereof.

22. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit (2) also includes a graphical user interface (80) for displaying the temperature data derived from a temperature signal measured over time.

23. The system according to claim 22, wherein, The control unit (2) also includes an input device communicatively connected to the graphical user interface (80) that allows the user to provide input commands.

24. The system of claim 1 further includes a tamper-proof shell (12) for preventing unauthorized access to the system.

25. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The memory is selected from the group consisting of non-transitory storage media, temporary storage media, and combinations thereof.

26. A method for preventing damage to a power transformer (10) including circuitry, the method comprising the steps of: (i) A control unit (2) including a processor and a memory (4) is communicatively connected to a power transformer (10), wherein the memory is capable of storing a predetermined threshold and a set of instructions that can be executed by the processor (4) to allow multiple calculations to be performed; (ii) A thermal sensor (52) is provided, the thermal sensor being communicatively connected to the memory of the control unit (2), wherein the thermal sensor (52) is positioned in a region of the power transformer (10) to derive a temperature signal measured over time as the temperature in the region of the transformer (10) changes, and wherein the thermal sensor (52) is communicatively connected to an electrical device to convert the temperature signal measured over time into temperature data stored in the memory; and wherein the temperature data includes a temperature measurement value and a time measurement value; (iii) The actuator (40) is communicatively connected to the memory and the processor (4) of the control unit (2), wherein the actuator (40) is electrically connected to the circuit to close the circuit when performing a closing action and to open the circuit when performing a closing action; (iv) When the temperature data exceeds the upper limit predetermined threshold, a countdown module stored in the memory is used to execute a timer action, wherein the countdown module allows the calculation of the elapsed time value; (v) When the processor (4) performs a calculation and the result is that the temperature data is below a predetermined lower threshold, the closing action is performed; and (vi) When the processor (4) performs a calculation and the result is that the temperature data is higher than the upper limit predetermined threshold and the elapsed time value exceeds the predetermined time threshold stored in the memory, a disconnection action may be performed.

27. The method of claim 26, further comprising the step of generating motion data when one or more disconnection actions, closure actions, or timer actions are performed.

28. The method according to claim 27, wherein, The action data includes the type of action selected to be performed, the time of day during which the action is performed, the date on which the action is performed, and information in groups consisting of combinations thereof.

29. The method according to claim 27 or claim 28, further comprising the step of: The model is trained by storing one or more algorithms on the memory to compare the action data with benchmark data stored on the memory, so as to derive an output dataset with predictive information about when the power transformer (10) needs maintenance.

30. The method of claim 29, further comprising the step of: The model is stored on a storage medium to allow it to be applied to one or more datasets communicatively coupled to the storage medium.

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