Determination device and determination method

Abstract

To properly determine vacuum deterioration of a vacuum valve.SOLUTION: A determination device (1) for determining vacuum deterioration of a vacuum valve (60) contained in a storage container (50) filled with an insulating gas includes an acquisition unit (11) that acquires the detection results of an electromagnetic wave sensor (3) that detects electromagnetic waves within the storage container (50) including the vacuum valve (60) and the detection results of a pressure sensor (4) that detects the pressure within the storage container (50), and a determination unit (12) that determines vacuum deterioration of the vacuum valve (60) on the basis of the period from when the electromagnetic waves are detected to when they disappear, and the difference between the time when the electromagnetic waves are detected and the time when a pressure change is detected within the storage container (50).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a determination device for determining vacuum deterioration of a vacuum valve.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a vacuum valve in which a pair of contacts capable of contacting and separating from each other is provided inside a vacuum container. The vacuum valve is installed, for example, in a vacuum circuit breaker provided in a power cutoff facility to cut off an electric circuit. In such a vacuum valve, when the degree of vacuum inside the vacuum container decreases, the insulation performance, that is, the cutoff performance decreases. There is a need for a technique for detecting vacuum leakage of the vacuum valve so that the vacuum valve is not used for cutting off an electric circuit in a state where the cutoff performance has decreased.

[0003] Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 disclose a technique for determining vacuum leakage by detecting electromagnetic waves generated by partial discharge when there is vacuum leakage of a vacuum valve inside a high-pressure container in which the vacuum valve is housed. Patent Document 3 also discloses a technique for detecting vacuum leakage of a vacuum valve based on a pressure drop inside a high-pressure container in which the vacuum valve is housed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the technologies disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, when external noise of the same type as the electromagnetic wave generated by partial discharge occurs near the high-pressure vessel during vacuum leakage of the vacuum valve, there is a problem that this external noise may be detected and the vacuum leakage may be erroneously determined.

[0006] In addition, the pressure drop in the high-pressure vessel in which the vacuum valve is housed can also occur due to gas leakage from the high-pressure vessel itself. In that case, in the technology disclosed in Patent Document 3, there is a problem that the gas leakage from the high-pressure vessel itself may be erroneously determined as the vacuum leakage of the vacuum valve.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to appropriately determine the vacuum deterioration of a vacuum valve.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, a determination device according to one aspect of the present invention is a determination device that determines the vacuum deterioration of a vacuum valve housed in a housing container filled with an insulating gas inside, and includes an acquisition unit that acquires a detection result of an electromagnetic wave sensor that detects an electromagnetic wave in the housing container including inside the vacuum valve, and a detection result of a pressure sensor that detects the pressure in the housing container, and a determination unit that determines the vacuum deterioration of the vacuum valve based on a period from when the electromagnetic wave is detected until it disappears, and a difference between the time when the electromagnetic wave is detected and the time when a pressure change in the housing container is detected.

[0009] A determination method according to one aspect of the present invention is a determination method for vacuum deterioration of a vacuum valve housed in a housing container filled with an insulating gas inside, and includes an acquisition step of acquiring a detection result of an electromagnetic wave sensor that detects an electromagnetic wave in the housing container including inside the vacuum valve, and a detection result of a pressure sensor that detects the pressure in the housing container, and a determination step of determining the vacuum deterioration of the vacuum valve based on a period from when the electromagnetic wave is detected until it disappears, and a difference between the time when the electromagnetic wave is detected and the time when a pressure change in the housing container is detected.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to appropriately determine the vacuum deterioration of a vacuum valve.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] 〔Embodiment〕 Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. However, the following description is an example of the determination device 1 and the determination method according to the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the following description and the content of the drawings.

[0013] (Outline of the Determination System) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a main configuration of a determination system 1000 including a determination device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the determination device 1. The determination system 1000 is a system for detecting the vacuum deterioration of the vacuum valve 60 of the circuit breaker 5.

[0014] Conventionally, vacuum deterioration has been determined based on the detection of electromagnetic waves caused by partial discharge (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as partial discharge) that occurs when there is a vacuum leak in the vacuum valve 60. However, when external noise of the same type as the electromagnetic waves caused by partial discharge occurs near the containment vessel 50, there is a possibility that this external noise will be detected and a vacuum leak will be erroneously determined. External noise is, for example, overhead line corona in a bushing-connected GIS (Gas Insulated Switchgears), and electromagnetic waves being of the same type means, for example, that the frequency band of the waveform data of the electromagnetic waves is the same and the electromagnetic waves are generated in synchronization with the commercial frequency.

[0015] Therefore, in the determination system 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is determined whether the detected electromagnetic wave is an electromagnetic wave caused by partial discharge or an electromagnetic wave caused by external noise based on the length of the period from when the electromagnetic wave is detected until it disappears.

[0016] Also, in the determination system 1000, even if the detected electromagnetic wave is an electromagnetic wave whose period from when it is detected until it disappears is of the same length as an electromagnetic wave caused by partial discharge, it is determined whether the detected electromagnetic wave is an electromagnetic wave caused by partial discharge or an electromagnetic wave caused by external noise based on the difference between the time when the electromagnetic wave is detected and the time when a pressure change in the containment vessel 50 is detected.

[0017] Thereby, the determination system 1000 can appropriately determine whether the detected electromagnetic wave is a false detection due to external noise regardless of the length of the period from when the electromagnetic wave is detected until it disappears. As a result, the determination system 1000 can appropriately determine the vacuum deterioration of the vacuum valve.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the determination system 1000 includes a detection device 100 and a circuit breaker 5. The determination system 1000 can determine vacuum deterioration whether the contacts of the vacuum valve 60 are in an open state or a closed state.

[0019] (Schematic configuration of the circuit breaker) The disconnector 5 includes a housing container 50, a first circuit 51, a second circuit 52, and a vacuum valve 60. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram, and part of the illustration of the second circuit 52 is omitted. The disconnector 5 is used, for example, to cut off the circuit in the power cutoff facility. The disconnector 5 is, for example, a vacuum circuit breaker (VCB).

[0020] The housing container 50 is a sealed tank that houses the vacuum valve 60 described later. The housing container 50 is filled with an insulating gas. The insulating gas is, for example, sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) or dry air. The pressure of the insulating gas in the housing container 50 is greater than atmospheric pressure, thereby improving the insulation inside the housing container 50 including the vacuum valve 60. The pressure in the housing container 50 is, for example, 0.5 MPa or more and 0.6 MPa or less.

[0021] The first circuit 51 is one (the upper side in FIG. 1) of the circuits in the power cutoff facility. The second circuit 52 is the other (the right side in FIG. 1) of the circuits in the power cutoff facility. The first circuit 51 and the second circuit 52 penetrate the housing container 50 and are introduced from the outside of the housing container 50 into the inside of the housing container 50.

[0022] The first circuit 51 penetrates the housing container 50 while maintaining the airtightness of the housing container 50. In FIG. 1, the illustration of the first circuit 51 outside the housing container 50 is omitted. Similarly, the second circuit 52 penetrates the housing container 50 while maintaining the airtightness of the housing container 50.

[0023] The vacuum valve 60 cuts off the circuit composed of the first circuit 51 and the second circuit 52. The vacuum valve 60 includes a vacuum container 61 and a pair of contacts (not shown). The vacuum container 61 is maintained at a predetermined degree of vacuum and houses a pair of contacts respectively connected to the first circuit 51 and the second circuit 52. The pair of contacts is configured such that the connection and disconnection of the contacts (the opening and closing operation of the vacuum valve 60) are performed by the operation of an operation unit (not shown).

[0024] Here, as long as the vacuum vessel 61 maintains a vacuum state, the arc generated between the pair of contacts during the opening operation of the vacuum valve 60 diffuses and is extinguished. That is, if the vacuum vessel 61 is in a vacuum state, the vacuum valve 60 enables the interruption of the electric circuit.

[0025] On the other hand, when the degree of vacuum inside the vacuum vessel 61 decreases, the insulation performance of the vacuum valve 60, that is, the interruption performance, deteriorates. In order to detect such vacuum deterioration inside the vacuum vessel 61, the determination system 1000 according to the present embodiment is provided with a determination device 1 for detecting a decrease in the degree of vacuum of the vacuum vessel 61.

[0026] Here, regarding each of the closed state and the open state of the contacts, the phenomenon that occurs in the circuit breaker 5 when vacuum deterioration (vacuum leakage) occurs in the vacuum valve 60 will be described below.

[0027] (Closed state) When vacuum leakage occurs in the vacuum valve 60 housed in the housing container 50 filled with high-pressure gas, the inside of the vacuum vessel 61 is replaced with the insulating gas of the housing container 50. During the replacement process, partial discharge occurs between the contacts and a shield (not shown) disposed around the contacts of the vacuum vessel 61 inside the vacuum vessel 61. When the replacement of the insulating gas inside the vacuum vessel 61 is completed and the pressure inside the vacuum vessel 61 becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure, the partial discharge disappears. Also, since a part of the insulating gas housed in the housing container 50 has flowed into the vacuum vessel 61, the pressure inside the housing container 50 decreases from the initial pressure, which is the pressure before vacuum deterioration occurs.

[0028] (Open state) When vacuum leakage occurs in the vacuum valve 60 housed in the housing container 50 filled with high-pressure gas, the inside of the vacuum vessel 61 is replaced with the insulating gas of the housing container 50. During the replacement process, partial discharge occurs between the contacts and the shield or between the contacts inside the vacuum vessel 61. When the replacement of the insulating gas inside the vacuum vessel 61 is completed and the pressure inside the vacuum vessel 61 becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure, the partial discharge disappears. Also, as in the closed state, the pressure inside the housing container 50 decreases from the initial pressure.

[0029] Furthermore, when the contact is in the open state, when the partial discharge disappears, an arc discharge occurs between the contacts due to dielectric breakdown in the vacuum vessel 61. As a result, the insulating gas in the storage vessel 50 is heated, and the pressure in the storage vessel 50 rises above the initial pressure.

[0030] (Schematic configuration of the detection device) The detection device 100 includes a determination device 1, a coaxial cable 2a, an electromagnetic wave sensor 3, a multi-core cable 2b, and a pressure sensor 4. The determination device 1 is connected by the electromagnetic wave sensor 3 and the coaxial cable 2a. Further, the determination device 1 is connected by a pressure sensor 4 attached outside the storage vessel 50 and the multi-core cable 2b via a gas pipe (not shown). The electromagnetic wave sensor 3 is provided inside the storage vessel 50 while ensuring insulation from the vacuum valve 60. The determination device 1 determines the vacuum deterioration of the vacuum valve 60 using the information detected by each sensor.

[0031] The electromagnetic wave sensor 3 detects electromagnetic waves in the storage vessel 50 including inside the vacuum valve 60. As described above, when a vacuum leak occurs in the vacuum vessel 61, in the process of insulating gas flowing from the outside of the vacuum vessel 61, that is, from the storage vessel 50 into the vacuum vessel 61, partial discharge occurs in the vacuum vessel 61. The partial discharge is accompanied by a partial discharge signal including electromagnetic waves. Therefore, by detecting the electromagnetic waves in the storage vessel 50 with the electromagnetic wave sensor 3, the electromagnetic waves due to the partial discharge caused by vacuum deterioration can be detected. Also, the electromagnetic wave sensor 3 detects electromagnetic waves due to external noise generated other than vacuum deterioration as long as they are electromagnetic waves in the storage vessel 50 including inside the vacuum valve 60.

[0032] The pressure sensor 4 detects the pressure in the storage vessel 50. Note that the installation positions of the respective sensors are not limited to the illustrated example.

[0033] (Configuration of the determination device) The determination device 1 determines the vacuum deterioration of the vacuum valve 60 housed in the housing container 50 filled with an insulating gas inside. As shown in FIG. 2, the determination device 1 includes a control unit 10 and a storage unit 20. The storage unit 20 stores various programs executed by the determination device 1 and data used by the programs.

[0034] The control unit 10 comprehensively controls each part of the determination device 1. The functions of the control unit 10 are realized by the CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing the programs stored in the storage unit 20. The control unit 10 includes an acquisition unit 11 and a determination unit 12.

[0035] The acquisition unit 11 acquires the detection results of the electromagnetic wave sensor 3 and the pressure sensor 4. That is, the acquisition unit 11 acquires the output signals output by each sensor. The acquisition unit 11 generates a processed signal obtained by performing a predetermined process on the output signal. The acquisition unit 11 outputs the processed signal to the determination unit 12.

[0036] The determination unit 12 determines the vacuum deterioration of the vacuum valve 60 based on the period from when the electromagnetic wave considered to be due to partial discharge is detected by the electromagnetic wave sensor 3 until it disappears, and the difference between the time when the electromagnetic wave is detected and the time when the pressure change in the housing container 50 is detected. Hereinafter, the "period from when the electromagnetic wave considered to be due to partial discharge is detected until it disappears" may be described as the "disappearance period".

[0037] First, the determination unit 12 determines whether the electromagnetic wave sensor 3 has detected an electromagnetic wave considered to be due to partial discharge. When the electromagnetic wave sensor 3 detects an electromagnetic wave having a frequency band of the electromagnetic wave caused by partial discharge and generated in synchronization with the commercial frequency, the determination unit 12 determines that the electromagnetic wave sensor 3 has detected an electromagnetic wave considered to be due to partial discharge.

[0038] When the determination unit 12 detects an electromagnetic wave that is considered to be due to partial discharge by the electromagnetic wave sensor 3, it calculates the extinction period of the electromagnetic wave. For example, for the processed signal obtained by the acquisition unit 11 performing a predetermined process on the waveform data of the electromagnetic wave considered to be due to partial discharge detected by the electromagnetic wave sensor 3, when the intensity in a predetermined frequency band of the electromagnetic wave considered to be due to partial discharge becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, the determination unit 12 determines that the detection of the electromagnetic wave considered to be due to partial discharge by the electromagnetic wave sensor 3 has started.

[0039] The predetermined threshold value is determined by, for example, the electromagnetic wave intensity of partial discharge generated by vacuum leakage and the sensitivity of the electromagnetic wave sensor 3. When the electromagnetic wave sensor 3 detects an electromagnetic wave that is considered to be due to partial discharge, the determination unit 12 acquires the time information at which the detection of the electromagnetic wave started as the detection start time.

[0040] In addition, the determination unit 12 determines whether or not the detected electromagnetic wave considered to be due to partial discharge has disappeared. For example, when the intensity in a predetermined frequency band of the electromagnetic wave considered to be due to partial discharge detected by the electromagnetic wave sensor 3 becomes smaller than the predetermined threshold value, the determination unit 12 determines that the electromagnetic wave considered to be due to partial discharge has disappeared. When detecting the disappearance of the electromagnetic wave considered to be due to partial discharge, the determination unit 12 acquires the time information at which the electromagnetic wave disappeared as the detection end time.

[0041] When the electromagnetic wave sensor 3 detects an electromagnetic wave that is considered to be due to partial discharge, if the electromagnetic wave continues to be detected after exceeding a first predetermined time from the start of detection of the electromagnetic wave, the determination unit 12 determines that the vacuum valve has not deteriorated in vacuum.

[0042] The detection duration of partial discharge due to vacuum leakage is, for example, about 1 second. On the other hand, the detection duration of external noise electromagnetic waves often becomes longer than the detection duration of electromagnetic waves caused by partial discharge due to vacuum leakage. Therefore, by appropriately setting the first predetermined time, when electromagnetic waves considered to be due to partial discharge continue to be detected beyond the first predetermined time from the start of detection, it can be determined that the detected electromagnetic waves considered to be due to partial discharge are not the electromagnetic waves generated by partial discharge. The first predetermined time is set based on, for example, the duration of partial discharge.

[0043] When the electromagnetic waves considered to be due to partial discharge disappear within the first predetermined time from the start of detection of the electromagnetic waves, and in the following cases (1) or (2), the determination unit 12 determines that the vacuum valve 60 is vacuum deteriorated. (1) A pressure drop in which the pressure inside the storage container 50 drops below the first predetermined value is detected within the second predetermined time from the start of detection of the electromagnetic waves. (2) A pressure drop in which the pressure inside the storage container 50 drops below the first predetermined value is detected within the second predetermined time before the start of detection of the electromagnetic waves.

[0044] When the vacuum valve 60 deteriorates in vacuum, the pressure inside the storage container 50 drops. Therefore, by detecting the above (1) or (2), the determination unit 12 can determine whether or not the electromagnetic waves considered to be due to partial discharge that disappeared within the first predetermined time from the start of detection are electromagnetic waves caused by partial discharge due to vacuum leakage.

[0045] Here, the first predetermined value is determined based on, for example, the sensitivity of the pressure sensor 4, the volume of the vacuum valve 60, the volume of the storage container 50 in which the vacuum valve 60 is housed, etc. Also, the second predetermined time is determined based on, for example, the volume of the vacuum valve 60, the volume of the storage container 50, the time for pressure transmission (the length of the gas pipe of the pressure sensor 4), etc.

[0046] Note that, instead of the start of detection of electromagnetic waves regarded as being due to partial discharge as the reference, the end of detection of the electromagnetic waves may be the reference. That is, (1) and (2) above may be the content that (1) a pressure drop in which the pressure in the storage container 50 drops below a first predetermined value is detected within a second predetermined time from the end of detection of the electromagnetic waves, and (2) the pressure drop is detected within a second predetermined time before the end of detection of the electromagnetic waves.

[0047] When the electromagnetic waves regarded as being due to partial discharge disappear within a first predetermined time from the start of detection of the electromagnetic waves, and in the following cases (3) or (4), the determination unit 12 determines that the vacuum valve 60 has deteriorated in vacuum. (3) A pressure increase in which the pressure in the storage container 50 rises above a second predetermined value is detected within a third predetermined time from the start of detection of the electromagnetic waves. (4) A pressure increase in which the pressure in the storage container 50 rises above a second predetermined value is detected within a third predetermined time before the start of detection of the electromagnetic waves.

[0048] When the vacuum valve 60 deteriorates in vacuum and an arc occurs in the vacuum valve 60, the pressure in the storage container 50 rises. Therefore, by detecting (3) or (4) above, the determination unit 12 can determine whether the electromagnetic waves, in which the period from detection to disappearance is within the first predetermined time, are electromagnetic waves caused by partial discharge due to vacuum leakage.

[0049] Here, the second predetermined value is determined based on the sensitivity of the pressure sensor 4, the volume of the vacuum valve 60, the volume of the storage container 50 in which the vacuum valve 60 is housed, and the like. The third predetermined time is determined based on the volume of the vacuum valve 60, the volume of the storage container 50, the time for pressure transmission (the length of the gas pipe of the pressure sensor 4), and the like. The third predetermined time may be longer than the second predetermined time. Thereby, it is possible to suitably determine the vacuum deterioration of the vacuum valve 60 in accordance with the pressure change along the time series.

[0050] Note that, instead of the start time of detecting the electromagnetic wave regarded as being caused by partial discharge as a reference, the end time of detecting the electromagnetic wave may be used as the reference in the above (3) and (4). That is, the above (3) and (4) may be: (3) the pressure increase in the storage container 50 that the pressure rises to a second predetermined value or more is detected within a third predetermined time from the end time of detecting the electromagnetic wave; (4) the above pressure increase is detected within a third predetermined time before the end time of detecting the electromagnetic wave.

[0051] In addition, the determination unit 12 may perform the determination in the above (3) and (4) for the electromagnetic wave that the period from when the electromagnetic wave regarded as being caused by partial discharge is detected until it disappears is within a first predetermined time and no pressure drop is detected before and after the detection. The determination unit 12 may perform the determination of vacuum deterioration based on either one of the pressure drop and the pressure increase.

[0052] The determination device 1 may include an alarm unit (not shown) that notifies the outside that vacuum deterioration of the vacuum valve 60 has occurred based on the determination result of the determination unit 12. The alarm unit may output an interlock signal indicating that vacuum deterioration of the vacuum valve 60 has occurred, and may prohibit the switching operation or cutoff operation of the circuit by the vacuum valve 60 in which vacuum deterioration has occurred.

[0053] (Example of the operation of the determination device) FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation flow of the determination system 1000. First, the acquisition unit 11 acquires the detection results of each sensor (step S1, acquisition step).

[0054] The determination unit 12 determines whether or not it has detected an electromagnetic wave regarded as being caused by partial discharge that has a frequency band of the electromagnetic wave caused by partial discharge and is generated in synchronization with the commercial frequency (step S2).

[0055] When the electromagnetic wave sensor 3 does not detect an electromagnetic wave considered to be due to partial discharge (NO in step S2), it waits until the electromagnetic wave is acquired (returns to step S2). When the electromagnetic wave sensor 3 detects an electromagnetic wave considered to be due to partial discharge (YES in step S2), the determination unit 12 determines whether or not the electromagnetic wave has disappeared within a first predetermined time (step S3, determination step).

[0056] When the electromagnetic wave considered to be due to partial discharge has not disappeared within the first predetermined time (NO in step S3), that is, when the electromagnetic wave is continuously detected beyond the first predetermined time from the start of detection of the electromagnetic wave, the determination unit 12 determines that the vacuum valve 60 has not deteriorated (step S7, determination step), and ends the process.

[0057] When the electromagnetic wave considered to be due to partial discharge has disappeared within the first predetermined time (YES in step S3), the determination unit 12 determines whether (1) a pressure drop in which the pressure in the storage container 50 drops below a first predetermined value is detected within a second predetermined time from the start of detection of the electromagnetic wave, or (2) the above pressure drop is detected within the second predetermined time before the start of detection of the electromagnetic wave (step S4, determination step).

[0058] When the electromagnetic wave disappears within the first predetermined time from the start of detection of the electromagnetic wave considered to be due to partial discharge, and (1) a pressure drop in which the pressure in the storage container 50 drops below a first predetermined value is detected within a second predetermined time from the start of detection of the electromagnetic wave, or (2) the above pressure drop is detected within the second predetermined time before the start of detection of the electromagnetic wave (YES in step S4), the determination unit 12 determines that the vacuum valve 60 has deteriorated (step S6, determination step), and ends the process.

[0059] In step S4, when (1) a pressure drop in which the pressure inside the storage container 50 drops below a first predetermined value is not detected within a second predetermined time from the start of detection of electromagnetic waves regarded as being due to partial discharge, and (2) the above pressure drop is not detected within the second predetermined time before the start of detection of the electromagnetic waves (NO in step S4), the determination unit 12 performs the process of step S5. That is, the determination unit 12 determines whether (3) a pressure increase in which the pressure inside the storage container 50 rises to a second predetermined value or more is detected within a third predetermined time from the start of detection of electromagnetic waves regarded as being due to partial discharge, or (4) the above pressure increase is detected within the third predetermined time before the start of detection of the electromagnetic waves (step S5, determination step).

[0060] If (3) a pressure increase in which the pressure inside the storage container 50 rises to a second predetermined value or more is detected within a third predetermined time from the start of detection of electromagnetic waves regarded as being due to partial discharge, or (4) the above pressure increase is detected within the third predetermined time before the start of detection of the electromagnetic waves (YES in step S5), the determination unit 12 determines that the vacuum valve 60 has deteriorated in vacuum (step S6, determination step), and ends the process.

[0061] In step S5, when (3) a pressure increase in which the pressure inside the storage container 50 rises to a second predetermined value or more is not detected within a third predetermined time from the start of detection of electromagnetic waves regarded as being due to partial discharge, and (4) the above pressure increase is not detected within the third predetermined time before the start of detection of the electromagnetic waves (NO in step S5), the determination unit 12 determines that the vacuum valve 60 has not deteriorated in vacuum (step S7, determination step), and ends the process. Note that when the contact is in a closed state and no arc occurs, the process of step S5 may be omitted.

[0062] (Flow of processing when detecting electromagnetic waves of external noise) The flow of processing when detecting electromagnetic waves of the same type as external noise caused by partial discharge will be described based on FIG. 3. When the electromagnetic wave sensor 3 detects an electromagnetic wave caused by external noise with a long duration until it disappears, since the electromagnetic wave continues to be detected beyond the first predetermined time from the start of detection of the electromagnetic wave, it becomes NO in step S3, and the determination unit 12 determines that the vacuum valve 60 has not deteriorated in vacuum (step S7), and the processing ends.

[0063] Also, when the electromagnetic wave sensor 3 detects an electromagnetic wave (electromagnetic wave considered to be caused by partial discharge) of the same type as the electromagnetic wave caused by partial discharge with a short duration until it disappears, it becomes YES in step S3, and the processing of steps S4 and S5 is performed. When the electromagnetic wave considered to be caused by partial discharge is caused by external noise, the pressure in the storage container 50 does not change, so it becomes NO in steps S4 and S5, and the determination unit 12 determines that the vacuum valve 60 has not deteriorated in vacuum (step S7), and the processing ends.

[0064] (Flow of processing when detecting electromagnetic waves caused by vacuum deterioration) The flow of processing when detecting electromagnetic waves caused by vacuum deterioration will be described based on FIG. 3. First, when detecting an electromagnetic wave caused by partial discharge due to vacuum leakage with the contact in the closed state, since the electromagnetic wave disappears within the first predetermined time, it becomes YES in step S3. And when partial discharge is occurring, since vacuum leakage is occurring in the vacuum valve 60, a pressure drop is detected, it becomes YES in step S4, and the determination unit 12 determines that the vacuum valve 60 has deteriorated in vacuum (step S6), and the processing ends.

[0065] When detecting an electromagnetic wave caused by partial discharge due to vacuum leakage with the contact in the open state, since the electromagnetic wave disappears within the first predetermined time, it becomes YES in step S3. And when partial discharge is occurring, since vacuum leakage is occurring in the vacuum valve 60, a pressure drop is detected, it becomes YES in step S4, and the determination unit 12 determines that the vacuum valve 60 has deteriorated in vacuum (step S6), and the processing ends.

[0066] Here, in step S4, for example, depending on the size of the storage container 50 with respect to the vacuum valve 60, the length of the gas pipe of the pressure sensor 4, etc., there may be a case where a pressure drop is not detected within the second predetermined time. Even in such a case, since an arc will occur if the contact is in the open state, it is possible to determine whether the vacuum valve 60 has deteriorated in vacuum by detecting a pressure increase (steps S5 and S6). Therefore, when the contact is in the open state, vacuum deterioration can be determined in steps S4 and S5, so that vacuum deterioration can be determined more reliably.

[0067] As described above, according to the determination device 1 according to the present embodiment, regardless of the length of the period from when the electromagnetic wave is detected until it disappears and the open / closed state of the contact, it is possible to appropriately determine whether the detected electromagnetic wave is a false detection due to external noise. As a result, according to the determination device 1, it is possible to appropriately determine the vacuum deterioration of the vacuum valve.

[0068] 〔Example of Realization by Software〕 The function of the determination device 1 (hereinafter referred to as the "device") is a program for causing a computer to function as the device, and can be realized by a program for causing a computer to function as each control block of the device (especially each part included in the control unit 10).

[0069] In this case, the above device includes a computer having at least one control device (for example, a processor) and at least one storage device (for example, a memory) as hardware for executing the above program. By executing the above program with this control device and storage device, each function described in the above embodiment is realized.

[0070] The above program may be recorded on one or more computer-readable recording media, rather than temporarily. This recording medium may or may not be provided in the above device. In the latter case, the above program may be supplied to the above device via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0071] Also, part or all of the functions of each of the above control blocks can also be realized by a logic circuit. For example, an integrated circuit in which a logic circuit functioning as each of the above control blocks is formed is also included in the scope of the present invention. In addition to this, for example, it is also possible to realize the functions of each of the above control blocks by a quantum computer.

[0072] Also, each process described in the above embodiment may be executed by AI (Artificial Intelligence). In this case, the AI may operate in the above control device, or may operate in another device (for example, an edge computer or a cloud server, etc.).

[0073] 〔Summary〕 The determination device (1) according to aspect 1 of the present invention is a determination device that determines the vacuum deterioration of a vacuum valve (60) housed in a housing container (50) filled with an insulating gas inside, and includes an electromagnetic wave sensor (3) that detects electromagnetic waves in the housing container (50) including inside the vacuum valve (60), and an acquisition unit (11) that acquires the detection result of a pressure sensor (4) that detects the pressure in the housing container (50), and a determination unit (11) that determines the vacuum deterioration of the vacuum valve (60) based on the period from when the electromagnetic wave is detected until it disappears, and the difference between the time when the electromagnetic wave is detected and the time when a pressure change in the housing container (50) is detected.

[0074] Based on the length of the period from when the electromagnetic wave is detected until it disappears, it is possible to determine whether the detected electromagnetic wave is due to partial discharge caused by vacuum deterioration of the vacuum valve or due to external noise. According to the above configuration, based on the period from when the electromagnetic wave is detected by the determination unit until it disappears, the vacuum deterioration of the vacuum valve is determined. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the detected electromagnetic wave is a false detection due to external noise, and thus it is possible to determine the vacuum deterioration of the vacuum valve.

[0075] Also, when the vacuum valve deteriorates in vacuum, a pressure change occurs in the storage container. According to the above configuration, based on the difference between the time when the electromagnetic wave is detected by the determination unit and the time when the pressure change in the storage container is detected, the vacuum deterioration of the vacuum valve is determined. Therefore, even if the detected electromagnetic wave has a length equivalent to that of an electromagnetic wave caused by partial discharge due to vacuum deterioration of the vacuum valve during the period from when it is detected until it disappears, it is possible to determine whether the detected electromagnetic wave is due to partial discharge caused by vacuum deterioration of the vacuum valve or due to external noise, and thus determine the vacuum deterioration of the vacuum valve.

[0076] As a result, regardless of the length of the period from when the electromagnetic wave is detected until it disappears, it is possible to appropriately determine whether the detected electromagnetic wave is a false detection due to external noise, and thus it is possible to appropriately determine the vacuum deterioration of the vacuum valve.

[0077] In the determination device (1) according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, in the above Embodiment 1, when the electromagnetic wave sensor (3) detects an electromagnetic wave, if the electromagnetic wave continues to be detected after exceeding a first predetermined time from the start of detection of the electromagnetic wave, the determination unit (12) may determine that the vacuum valve (60) has not deteriorated in vacuum.

[0078] According to the above configuration, by appropriately setting the first predetermined time, when an electromagnetic wave is continuously detected for a time exceeding the first predetermined time from the start of detection of the electromagnetic wave, it can be determined that the detected electromagnetic wave is not an electromagnetic wave generated by partial discharge in the vacuum valve. Therefore, the determination unit can appropriately determine whether the detected electromagnetic wave is an electromagnetic wave caused by partial discharge due to vacuum deterioration of the vacuum valve or an electromagnetic wave caused by external noise.

[0079] In the determination device (1) according to Aspect 3 of the present invention, in the above Aspect 1 or 2, the determination unit (12) determines that the electromagnetic wave disappears within the first predetermined time from the start of detection of the electromagnetic wave, and the pressure in the storage container (50) If a pressure drop below the first predetermined value is detected within the second predetermined time from the start of detection of the electromagnetic wave, or if the pressure drop is detected within the second predetermined time before the start of detection of the electromagnetic wave, the vacuum valve (60) may be determined to be vacuum deteriorated.

[0080] When the vacuum valve deteriorates in vacuum, the pressure in the storage container decreases. According to the above configuration, for an electromagnetic wave whose period from detection to disappearance is within the first predetermined time, it is determined whether (a) a pressure drop in the storage container is detected within the second predetermined time from the start of detection of the electromagnetic wave, or (b) a pressure drop in the storage container is detected within the second predetermined time before the start of detection of the electromagnetic wave. Thereby, the determination unit can determine whether the electromagnetic wave, whose period from detection to disappearance is within the first predetermined time, is an electromagnetic wave caused by partial discharge of the vacuum valve.

[0081] In the determination device (1) according to Aspect 4 of the present invention, in any of the above Aspects 1 to 3, the determination unit (12) determines that the electromagnetic wave disappears within the first predetermined time from the start of detection of the electromagnetic wave, and the pressure in the storage container (50) If a pressure increase above the second predetermined value is detected within the third predetermined time from the start of detection of the electromagnetic wave, or if the pressure increase is detected within the third predetermined time before the start of detection of the electromagnetic wave, the vacuum valve (60) may be determined to be vacuum deteriorated.

[0082] When the vacuum valve deteriorates in vacuum and an arc occurs in the vacuum valve, the pressure in the storage container increases. According to the above configuration, for an electromagnetic wave whose period from when it is detected until it disappears is within a first predetermined time, it is determined whether (c) a pressure increase in the storage container is detected within a third predetermined time from the start of detection of the electromagnetic wave, or (d) a pressure increase in the storage container is detected within the third predetermined time before the start of detection of the electromagnetic wave. Thereby, the determination unit can determine whether the detected electromagnetic wave is an electromagnetic wave of partial discharge of the vacuum valve in the electromagnetic wave whose period from when it is detected until it disappears is within the first predetermined time.

[0083] The determination method according to Aspect 5 of the present invention is a method for determining the vacuum deterioration of a vacuum valve (60) housed in a storage container (50) filled with an insulating gas therein, including: an acquisition step of acquiring a detection result of an electromagnetic wave sensor (3) that detects an electromagnetic wave in the storage container (50) including inside the vacuum valve (60), and a detection result of a pressure sensor (4) that detects the pressure in the storage container (50); and a determination step of determining the vacuum deterioration of the vacuum valve (60) based on the period from when the electromagnetic wave is detected until it disappears, and the difference between the time when the electromagnetic wave is detected and the time when a pressure change in the storage container (50) is detected. According to the above configuration, the same effect as in Aspect 1 is achieved.

[0084] The determination device according to each aspect of the present invention may be realized by a computer. In this case, a control program for the determination device that realizes the determination device by operating the computer as each part (software element) provided in the determination device, and a computer-readable recording medium on which it is recorded also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0085] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, by combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment, new technical features can be formed.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0086] 1 Determination device 3 Electromagnetic wave sensor 4 Pressure sensor 11 Acquisition unit 12 Determination unit 50 Containment vessel 60 Vacuum valve

Claims

1. A determination device for determining the vacuum deterioration of a vacuum valve housed in a housing container filled with an insulating gas therein, comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires a detection result of an electromagnetic wave sensor that detects an electromagnetic wave in the housing container including inside the vacuum valve, and a detection result of a pressure sensor that detects the pressure in the housing container; a determination unit that determines the vacuum deterioration of the vacuum valve based on a period from when the electromagnetic wave is detected until it disappears, and a difference between the time when the electromagnetic wave is detected and the time when a pressure change in the housing container is detected.

2. The determination device according to claim 1, wherein when the electromagnetic wave sensor detects an electromagnetic wave, if the electromagnetic wave is continuously detected for a period exceeding a first predetermined time from the start of detection of the electromagnetic wave, the determination unit determines that the vacuum valve has not deteriorated in vacuum.

3. The determination unit determines that the vacuum valve has deteriorated in vacuum if the electromagnetic wave disappears within a first predetermined time from the start of detection of the electromagnetic wave, and a pressure drop in which the pressure in the housing container drops below a first predetermined value is detected within a second predetermined time from the start of detection of the electromagnetic wave, or if the pressure drop is detected within the second predetermined time before the start of detection of the electromagnetic wave. The determination device according to claim 1.

4. The determination unit determines that the vacuum valve has deteriorated in vacuum if the electromagnetic wave disappears within a first predetermined time from the start of detection of the electromagnetic wave, and a pressure increase in which the pressure in the housing container rises to a second predetermined value or more is detected within a third predetermined time from the start of detection of the electromagnetic wave, or if the pressure increase is detected within the third predetermined time before the start of detection of the electromagnetic wave. The determination device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A method for determining the vacuum deterioration of a vacuum valve housed in a housing container filled with an insulating gas therein, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring a detection result of an electromagnetic wave sensor that detects an electromagnetic wave in the housing container including inside the vacuum valve, and a detection result of a pressure sensor that detects the pressure in the housing container; a determination step of determining the vacuum deterioration of the vacuum valve based on a period from when the electromagnetic wave is detected until it disappears, and a difference between the time when the electromagnetic wave is detected and the time when a pressure change in the housing container is detected.

Images