Intelligent gas collecting box of transformer

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of transformer intelligent gas collection box, belong to transformer protection technical field, it includes box body and control module, box body is equipped with gas collection cavity and is communicated with the gas intake of the gas relay of the transformer to be monitored by first gas duct, and first gas duct is equipped with gas intake solenoid valve;Gas detection unit is used to detect the gas component in gas collection cavity and output first signal;Control module is connected with gas relay, control module is electrically connected with gas intake solenoid valve, control module is electrically connected with gas detection unit, for receiving first signal and judging whether first signal is the combustible gas generated after the fault of the transformer to be monitored, and when judging is combustible gas, control the transformer to be monitored trip.The application solves the problem that transformer trips due to gas misjudgment, automatically completes the collection of gas and the detection analysis of gas component, provides accurate trip protection for transformer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of transformer protection technology, and in particular to a smart gas collection box for transformers. Background Technology

[0002] A gas relay is a protective device used in transformers. It is installed in the conduit between the transformer's oil conservator and tank. When an internal transformer fault causes oil decomposition, producing gas or causing oil flow surge, the gas relay's contacts actuate, connecting a designated control circuit and promptly issuing an alarm signal (for light gas) or activating protective components to automatically disconnect the transformer (for heavy gas). Traditionally, after a "light gas" alarm, professionals must go to the site to manually take samples of gas and oil from the relay under live voltage and send them back to the laboratory for chromatographic analysis to determine the nature of the fault. This process is time-consuming, inefficient, and poses safety risks.

[0003] To improve power supply reliability, current regulations require tripping even for "light gas" triggering. However, the gas sources within relays are complex; besides gas generated during faults, air may also be introduced due to poor sealing. If a "light gas" triggering trips solely due to air ingress, it will cause unnecessary unplanned outages. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a device that can rapidly and automatically analyze the gas composition (especially hydrogen content) of the relay on-site after a "light gas" triggering, providing direct evidence for determining whether tripping is necessary and preventing false tripping. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of this invention is to solve the problem of transformer tripping caused by gas misjudgment, automatically complete the gas collection and gas composition detection and analysis, and provide accurate tripping protection for the transformer.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a transformer intelligent gas collection box, comprising a box body and a control module, wherein the box body is provided with... The gas collection chamber is connected to the gas intake port of the gas relay of the transformer to be monitored through the first gas guide pipe, and the first gas guide pipe is equipped with a gas intake solenoid valve. A gas detection unit is used to detect the gas separation in the gas collection chamber and output a first signal; The control module is communicatively connected to the gas relay and is used to receive the action signal of the gas relay. The control module is electrically connected to the gas intake solenoid valve and is used to receive the action signal to control the gas intake solenoid valve to open. The control module is electrically connected to the gas detection unit and is used to receive the first signal and determine whether the first signal is a combustible gas generated after the failure of the transformer under monitoring, and control the transformer under monitoring to trip when it is determined to be a combustible gas.

[0006] Preferably, the box body is provided with a waste oil chamber, which is connected to the bottom of the gas collection chamber through an oil guide pipe. The oil guide pipe is provided with an oil discharge solenoid valve. The control module is electrically connected to the control module and is used to control the opening of the gas intake solenoid valve and the opening of the oil discharge solenoid valve at the same time.

[0007] Preferably, the gas collecting chamber is provided with a first liquid level sensor for detecting the oil level in the gas collecting chamber and outputting a second signal. The control module is electrically connected to the first liquid level sensor for receiving the second signal and determining whether the second signal is an abnormal signal, and outputting a first alarm signal when an abnormality is determined.

[0008] Preferably, the gas collecting chamber is provided with a first float, which is connected to the first liquid level sensor. The first liquid level sensor is used to detect the rising and falling position of the first float and output a third signal. The control module receives the third signal and determines whether the gas collecting chamber has reached the gas intake or exhaust volume. When it is determined that the gas intake volume has been reached, the control module controls the gas intake solenoid valve or exhaust solenoid valve to close.

[0009] Preferably, an exhaust pipe is provided between the gas collecting chamber and the waste oil chamber, the exhaust pipe is equipped with an exhaust solenoid valve, and the waste oil chamber is equipped with an exhaust port.

[0010] Preferably, the box body is provided with a detection chamber, the gas detection unit is disposed in the detection chamber, and a second gas guide pipe is provided between the gas inlet of the gas detection unit and the gas collection chamber.

[0011] Preferably, a third gas guide pipe is provided between the gas outlet of the hydrogen sensor and the gas collection chamber, and the third gas guide pipe is equipped with the gas pump.

[0012] Preferably, the gas detection unit includes a semiconductor sensor, the second gas guide tube is equipped with a first detection solenoid valve, and the third gas guide tube is equipped with a second detection solenoid valve.

[0013] Preferably, a second liquid level sensor is provided in the waste oil chamber to detect the oil level in the waste oil chamber and output a fourth signal. The control module is electrically connected to the second liquid level sensor to receive the fourth signal and determine whether the fourth signal is an abnormal signal, and outputs a second alarm signal when an abnormality is determined.

[0014] Preferably, the waste oil chamber is equipped with a leak detection sensor to detect the leak status of the waste oil chamber and output a fifth signal. The control module is electrically connected to the leak detection sensor to receive the fifth signal and output a third alarm signal.

[0015] Compared to existing technologies, the advantages of this invention are as follows: It automatically detects and analyzes the gas to be detected within the gas relay, significantly improving fault response speed compared to the time required for traditional manual on-site detection and analysis, while also reducing labor costs and safety risks. Compared to manual analysis, it can more accurately and effectively analyze fault-induced gas generation and air intrusion, providing crucial decision-making basis for whether the transformer should trip, reducing the risk of false shutdowns caused by non-faults, and thus improving the reliability of power grid supply. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention; The labels in the diagram are explained as follows: Gas collecting chamber-1; First gas guide pipe-2; Gas relay-3; Gas detection unit-4; Second gas guide pipe-5; Control module-6; First float-7; Gas intake solenoid valve-8; Exhaust pipe-9; Exhaust solenoid valve-10; Third gas guide pipe-11; Air pump-12; First detection solenoid valve-13; Second detection solenoid valve-14; Waste oil chamber-15; Oil guide pipe-16; Oil discharge solenoid valve-17; Exhaust port-18; Second float-19; Electrical control chamber-20; Detection chamber-21. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the following description of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings is merely illustrative and not restrictive.

[0018] Where possible, the various embodiments described below can be rearranged to form other embodiments not shown in the following description; the various technical features described below can also be rearranged to form other embodiments not shown in the following description.

[0019] The gas relay, also known as a gas relay, is a component that uses the hot oil and gas flow generated during a transformer fault to activate the relay. It is a protective element for the transformer. The gas relay is installed in the conduit between the oil conservator and the oil tank of the transformer. If a discharge fault occurs inside an oil-filled transformer, the discharge arc causes the transformer oil to decompose, producing a variety of characteristic gases such as methane, acetylene, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, ethylene, and ethane. The type or severity of the fault inside the transformer can be determined by the concentration or proportion of these core characteristic gases.

[0020] Please see Figure 1To address the problem of transformer tripping due to air malfunction, this embodiment provides an intelligent air collection box for transformers, including a box body and a control module 6. The box body is provided with an electrical control chamber 20, an air collection chamber 1, a waste oil chamber 15, and a detection chamber 21. The air collection chamber 1 is located above the waste oil chamber 15, the electrical control chamber 20 is located above the air collection chamber 1, and the detection chamber 21 is located to the side of the air collection chamber 1, the waste oil chamber 15, and the electrical control chamber 20.

[0021] The electrical control chamber 20 is equipped with a gas intake solenoid valve 8, a gas exhaust solenoid valve 10, a first detection solenoid valve 13, a second detection solenoid valve 14, and various wiring components. The control module 6 is located within the electrical control chamber 20. The gas collection chamber 1 is equipped with a first liquid level sensor and a first float 7. The waste oil chamber 15 is equipped with a drain solenoid valve 17, a second liquid level sensor, and a second float 19. The oil leakage detection sensor can be located inside or outside the waste oil chamber 15. The detection chamber 21 is equipped with a gas detection unit 4 and an air pump 12.

[0022] It should be noted that by concentrating control module 6, solenoid valves, and other oil- and moisture-sensitive electrical components in a separate, dry, and elevated space, isolated from the oil circuit, the risk of short circuits or corrosion caused by rising oil vapors is greatly reduced. Similarly, the gas detection unit 4 and air pump 12, along with other analysis-related units, are also grouped in a separate space to prevent oil mist contamination and electromagnetic interference that may arise from the oil chamber. The vertical stacking and lateral expansion structure ensures a stable and compact internal structure for the gas collection box, reducing its footprint.

[0023] The gas collecting chamber 1 is connected to the gas inlet of the gas relay 3 of the transformer under test via the first gas guide pipe 2. The gas inlet solenoid valve 8 is located on the first gas guide pipe 2 and is electrically connected to the control module 6. The upper end of the gas collecting chamber 1 is connected to the exhaust pipe 9. The exhaust solenoid valve 10 is located on the exhaust pipe 9 and is electrically connected to the control module 6. The gas inlet of the gas detection unit 4 is connected to the upper end of the gas collecting chamber 1 via the second gas guide pipe 5 and is electrically connected to the control module 6. The gas outlet of the gas detection unit 4 is connected to the upper end of the gas collecting chamber 1 via the third gas guide pipe 11. The air pump 12 is located on the third gas guide pipe 11 and is electrically connected to the control module 6.

[0024] The first detection solenoid valve 13 is located on the first air guide pipe 2, and the second detection solenoid valve 14 is located on the third air guide pipe 11, both of which are electrically connected to the control module 6. The waste oil chamber 15 is connected to the bottom of the gas collecting chamber 1 through the oil guide pipe 16, and the oil discharge solenoid valve 17 is located on the oil guide pipe 16 and is electrically connected to the control module 6. The waste oil chamber 15 is connected to the gas collecting chamber 1 through the exhaust pipe 9, and an exhaust port 18 is provided on one side of the waste oil chamber 15.

[0025] Gas detection unit 4 is electrically connected to control module 6. Gas detection unit 4 is used to detect the gas composition in gas collection chamber 1 and output a first signal. Preset combustible gas information, such as H2 content, is input into control module 6. When control module 6 receives the first signal, it determines whether the first signal is a combustible gas generated after a transformer fault. If it is not a combustible gas, no action is taken. If it is a combustible gas, the transformer is tripped via a gas relay.

[0026] The control module 6 and the gas relay 3 are always in communication connection. When the gas relay 3 inputs the preset gas detection requirements, and the gas relay 3 determines that gas detection is required, it outputs an action signal to the control module 6, such as a light gas alarm or a heavy gas action. When the control module 6 receives the action signal, it controls the gas intake solenoid valve 8 and the oil discharge solenoid valve 17 to open, thereby performing gas detection.

[0027] The first liquid level sensor is electrically connected to the control module 6. When the gas collection box is in self-test mode, the first liquid level sensor detects the oil level in the gas collection chamber 1 and outputs a second signal. Preset abnormal liquid level information is input into the control module 6. When the control module 6 receives the second signal, it determines whether the second signal falls within the range of abnormal liquid levels. If so, the control module 6 outputs a first alarm signal, providing the administrator with a reminder to inspect or maintain the gas collection chamber 1. For example, if the oil level is lower than the normal initial high-level threshold, the control module 6 issues a first alarm signal for "abnormal high liquid level"; if the oil level is higher than the normal initial liquid level threshold, the control module 6 issues a first alarm signal for "abnormal low liquid level".

[0028] The gas sampling solenoid valve 8 is electrically connected to the control module 6. When the gas collection box is in detection mode, the first liquid level sensor detects the rise and fall position of the first float 7 and outputs a third signal. The control module 6 inputs a preset gas sampling range. When the control module 6 receives the third signal, it determines whether the third signal falls within the gas sampling range. If it does, the control module 6 controls the gas sampling solenoid valve 8 to close. Controlling the gas sampling solenoid valve 8 isolates the gas collection box from the gas relay 3, forming a stable, closed sample space. This is a prerequisite for obtaining a fixed volume of gas samples with clearly defined components. The closed sample space, in conjunction with the gas pump 12, forms a circulating airflow for the gas to be detected, preventing the gas pump 12 from drawing in unknown gases from the outside, which could cause the circulation path to fail and ensure the accuracy of the detection path.

[0029] The exhaust solenoid valve 10 is electrically connected to the control module 6. When the gas collection box is in the exhaust state, the first liquid level sensor is used to detect the rising and falling position of the first float 7 and output a third signal. The control module 6 inputs a preset exhaust volume range. When the control module 6 receives the third signal, it determines whether the third signal is within the exhaust volume range. If the exhaust volume range is reached, the control module 6 controls the exhaust solenoid valve 10 to close.

[0030] The gas detection unit 4 includes a semiconductor sensor. Because semiconductor sensors commonly exhibit zero-point drift, zero-point calibration is required before detecting the gas concentration in the gas collection chamber 1. This is done by drawing in high-purity air or high-purity nitrogen to calibrate the zero point of the semiconductor sensor. After calibration, the first detection solenoid valve 13 is opened to expel the high-purity air or nitrogen, and then the second detection solenoid valve 14 is opened to allow the gas to be detected to circulate. The gas to be detected circulates between the gas collection chamber 1 and the semiconductor sensor due to the air pump 12. In other specific embodiments, the semiconductor sensor can also be an infrared sensor, an electrochemical sensor, etc. Depending on the requirements of the combustible gas, the semiconductor sensor can be a hydrogen sensor, a nitric oxide sensor, etc. Among these, the hydrogen sensor not only meets the requirement of "preventing false activation" but also has a simple structure, high reliability, and low cost.

[0031] It should be noted that driving the gas to be tested to circulate in the sealed space ensures that the gas is fully mixed and uniform. For example, if the gas to be tested is hydrogen, this avoids sampling deviations caused by hydrogen accumulating at the top due to its low density. The hydrogen sensor will also quickly reach equilibrium as the gas continuously passes through, further improving the accuracy and reliability of the readings. In addition, it speeds up the rate at which gas molecules reach the sensor surface, thereby shortening the time required for the entire detection process.

[0032] When using a semiconductor sensor, if transformer oil is mixed into the gas, it will contaminate the contact surface of the semiconductor sensor after a long period of operation, resulting in inaccurate measurement values. Therefore, oil-gas separation must be performed between the gas collecting chamber 1 and the semiconductor sensor to ensure that no transformer oil is carried into the semiconductor sensor.

[0033] The second liquid level sensor is electrically connected to the control module 6. When the gas collection box is in self-test mode, the second liquid level sensor detects the liquid level in the waste oil chamber 15 and outputs a fourth signal. Preset abnormal liquid level information is input into the control module 6. When the control module 6 receives the fourth signal, it determines whether the signal falls within the range of abnormal liquid levels. If so, the control module 6 outputs a second alarm signal to remind the manager to perform maintenance. For example, when the oil level in the waste oil chamber reaches a preset high limit, the mode module 6 sends a second alarm signal indicating that the waste oil box is about to be full, reminding the manager to clean it during the next inspection.

[0034] Control module 6 is electrically connected to the oil leak detection sensor. When the gas collection box is in self-test mode, the oil leak detection sensor monitors the oil leak status of waste oil chamber 15 in real time. If an oil leak is detected, it outputs a fifth signal. Control module 6, electrically connected to the oil leak detection sensor, receives the fifth signal and outputs a third alarm signal, providing the manager with a reminder to inspect or repair waste oil chamber 15. For example, if oil leaks into the device casing or base plate due to aging of the sealing ring or rupture of the conduit, the oil leak sensor will be immediately triggered. Control module 6 will determine this as a serious fault, not only closing the corresponding valve and stopping the process, but also sending a third alarm signal of "oil leak fault" to the manager, requiring immediate action, thereby improving operational safety. Through three different alarm signals, the manager can accurately identify the problem and immediately carry out corresponding repairs, thus improving the speed of maintenance.

[0035] The first float 7, utilizing the principle of buoyancy, can float on the oil surface within the gas collecting chamber 1. Its position rises and falls with the oil level. The movement of the first float 7 changes the state of the first liquid level sensor via a mechanical rod or magnetic coupling. The second float 19, utilizing the principle of buoyancy, can float on the oil surface within the waste oil chamber 15. Its position rises and falls with the oil level. The movement of the second float 19 changes the state of the second liquid level sensor via a mechanical rod or magnetic coupling.

[0036] It should be noted that the first and second level sensors can also perform direct detection. The use of a float for auxiliary detection improves accuracy because the viscosity of transformer oil differs from that of ordinary liquids. When selecting a float, buoyancy can be fully considered, and the problem of the float standing on the level rod during oil filling or draining can be avoided. Furthermore, it ensures a good linear relationship between the float position and the output signal throughout the entire measurement range to guarantee control accuracy. In other specific embodiments, the first and second level sensors can be capacitive level sensors, magnetostrictive level sensors, ultrasonic level sensors, etc.

[0037] This embodiment provides a smart gas collecting box for transformers, the principle of which and its specific operation process are as follows. Gas collection box self-test: The first liquid level sensor, the second liquid level sensor and the oil leakage detection sensor determine whether there is any abnormality in the operating status of the gas collection box. If any abnormality occurs, the control module 6 will output the corresponding alarm signal. If there is no abnormality, it will enter the sleep state waiting for detection. The control module 6 and the gas relay 3 of the transformer to be monitored are always in the signal connection state.

[0038] Signal activation: Once the control module 6 receives the action signal sent by the gas relay 3 of the transformer to be monitored, it enters the calibration work of the semiconductor hydrogen sensor from the dormant state.

[0039] Hydrogen sensor calibration: With the first detection solenoid valve 13 and the second detection solenoid valve 14 closed, high-purity air or nitrogen is drawn into the hydrogen sensor to calibrate its zero point. After calibration, the second detection solenoid valve 14 is opened to expel the high-purity air or nitrogen. After a certain delay, the first detection solenoid valve 13 is opened to resume gas detection.

[0040] Gas detection: Control module 6 opens gas intake solenoid valve 8 and oil discharge solenoid valve 17. The gas to be detected enters the gas collecting chamber 1 from the gas relay 3 through gas intake solenoid valve 8. The oil in the gas collecting chamber 1 enters the waste oil chamber 15 through oil discharge solenoid valve 17. The first float 7 descends with the oil level. When the gas intake in the gas collecting chamber 1 reaches the set value, control module 6 closes gas intake solenoid valve 8. The gas to be detected circulates between the hydrogen sensor and the gas collecting chamber 1 due to gas pump 12. The hydrogen sensor detects the gas collection reference value and hydrogen content data and sends them to control module 6. After the detection is completed, the hydrogen sensor and gas pump 12 are turned off. Control module 6 compares the received gas collection reference value and hydrogen content data with the preset value. If the data exceeds or falls below the preset value, an alarm is triggered and the gas relay is controlled to trip the transformer.

[0041] Gas venting: After the gas to be tested has been tested, in order to prepare for the next test, the control module 6 controls the oil drain solenoid valve 17 and the exhaust solenoid valve 10 to open, allowing oil to enter and exhaust to exit. The venting position is determined by the first float 7. After the venting is completed, the gas collection box enters the next cycle test mode.

[0042] Several specific embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above. However, it is understood that the above embodiments are merely exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. Any non-substantial changes and substitutions made by those skilled in the art are within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A transformer intelligent gas collection box, comprising a box body and a control module, characterized in that: The box contains The gas collection chamber is connected to the gas intake port of the gas relay of the transformer to be monitored through the first gas guide pipe, and the first gas guide pipe is equipped with a gas intake solenoid valve. A gas detection unit is used to detect the gas separation in the gas collection chamber and output a first signal; The control module is communicatively connected to the gas relay and is used to receive the action signal of the gas relay. The control module is electrically connected to the gas intake solenoid valve and is used to receive the action signal to control the gas intake solenoid valve to open. The control module is electrically connected to the gas detection unit and is used to receive the first signal and determine whether the first signal is a combustible gas generated after the failure of the transformer under monitoring, and control the transformer under monitoring to trip when it is determined to be a combustible gas.

2. The intelligent gas collection box for a transformer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The box body is provided with a waste oil chamber, which is connected to the bottom of the gas collection chamber through an oil guide pipe. The oil guide pipe is equipped with an oil discharge solenoid valve. The control module is electrically connected to the control module and is used to control the opening of the gas intake solenoid valve and the opening of the oil discharge solenoid valve at the same time.

3. The intelligent gas collection box for a transformer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The gas collecting chamber is equipped with a first liquid level sensor, which is used to detect the oil level in the gas collecting chamber and output a second signal. The control module is electrically connected to the first liquid level sensor, which is used to receive the second signal and determine whether the second signal is an abnormal signal, and output a first alarm signal when an abnormality is determined.

4. The intelligent gas collecting box for a transformer according to claim 3, characterized in that: The gas collecting chamber is equipped with a first float, which is connected to the first liquid level sensor. The first liquid level sensor is used to detect the rising and falling position of the first float and output a third signal. The control module receives the third signal and determines whether the gas collecting chamber has reached the gas intake or exhaust volume. When it is determined that the gas intake volume has been reached, the control module controls the gas intake solenoid valve or exhaust solenoid valve to close.

5. The intelligent gas collecting box for a transformer according to claim 1, characterized in that: An exhaust pipe is provided between the gas collection chamber and the waste oil chamber. The exhaust pipe is equipped with an exhaust solenoid valve, and the waste oil chamber is equipped with an exhaust port.

6. The intelligent gas collecting box for a transformer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The box body is provided with a detection chamber, the gas detection unit is located in the detection chamber, and a second gas guide pipe is provided between the gas inlet of the gas detection unit and the gas collection chamber.

7. A transformer intelligent gas collecting box according to claim 6, characterized in that: A third gas guide pipe is provided between the gas outlet of the hydrogen sensor and the gas collection chamber, and the gas pump is provided in the third gas guide pipe.

8. A transformer intelligent gas collecting box according to claim 7, characterized in that: The gas detection unit includes a semiconductor sensor, the second gas guide tube is equipped with a first detection solenoid valve, and the third gas guide tube is equipped with a second detection solenoid valve.

9. A transformer intelligent gas collecting box according to claim 2, characterized in that: The waste oil chamber is equipped with a second liquid level sensor, which is used to detect the oil level in the waste oil chamber and output a fourth signal. The control module is electrically connected to the second liquid level sensor, which is used to receive the fourth signal and determine whether the fourth signal is an abnormal signal, and output a second alarm signal when an abnormality is determined.

10. A transformer intelligent gas collecting box according to claim 2, characterized in that: The waste oil chamber is equipped with a leak detection sensor to detect the oil leakage status of the waste oil chamber and output a fifth signal. The control module is electrically connected to the leak detection sensor and is used to receive the fifth signal and output a third alarm signal.

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