System, information processing device, and method for monitoring abnormalities in transformers

Abstract

To provide a system 100 that reliably detects oil leakage 21 and monitors abnormalities in a transformer 2.SOLUTION: A system 100 monitoring abnormalities in a transformer 2 includes an odor sensor 5, a movable imaging apparatus 6 that images a transformer 2, and an information processing device 1 that includes: an odor data reception unit 101 that receives odor information from the odor sensor 5; an odor information analysis unit 102 that analyzes the odor information on the basis of a predetermined odor abnormality condition and the odor information; an imaging apparatus control unit 103 that instructs the imaging apparatus 6 to move and to image on the basis of the analysis result of the odor information analysis unit 102; an image reception unit 104 that receives an image captured on the basis of the imaging instruction; an image analysis unit 105 that analyzes the cause of the odor information on the basis of the received image; and a monitoring result reporting unit 106 that outputs monitoring result.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1B

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system, an information processing device, and a method for monitoring abnormalities in a transformer.

Background Art

[0002] In distribution transformers, equipment with a double-wall structure consisting of the transformer main body tank wall and a soundproof wall surrounding it is widely used to obtain a soundproof effect.

[0003] During inspections of distribution transformers, oil leakage is checked. Regarding abnormalities in oil leakage inside the soundproof wall room of the transformer, it is difficult to visually inspect due to the narrowness of the soundproof wall room. Therefore, a technique for detecting oil leakage by image processing has been proposed. For example, there is Patent Document 1 that describes this type of technique.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In Patent Document 1, oil leakage is detected by comparing a detected image with a normal-time image. However, the leaking oil is transparent, and water droplets adhering due to condensation may be misrecognized as oil leakage. Therefore, visual inspection by humans becomes ineffective. And in order to eliminate the possibility of misrecognition, it is necessary to perform image capturing and image processing several times, resulting in the problem that it is impossible to quickly respond to urgent oil leakage.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a system that can reliably detect oil leakage and monitor abnormalities in a transformer.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] (1) The system for monitoring abnormalities in transformers includes an odor sensor, a movable imaging device for imaging the transformer, an odor data receiving unit for receiving odor information from the odor sensor, an odor information analysis unit for analyzing odor information based on predetermined odor abnormality conditions and odor information, an imaging device control unit for issuing movement and imaging instructions to the imaging device based on the analysis results of the odor information analysis unit, an image receiving unit for receiving images captured based on the imaging instructions, an image analysis unit for analyzing the cause of the odor information based on the received images, and an information processing device for outputting monitoring results.

[0008] According to the invention of (1), a system is provided that can reliably detect oil leaks and monitor abnormalities in transformers.

[0009] (2) In the system for monitoring abnormalities in the transformer described in (1), the image analysis unit analyzes the image based on the difference between the received image and an image of a normal state that has been stored in advance.

[0010] According to invention (2), the extent of the oil leak, the thickness of the oil leak, and the volume of the oil leak can be derived from the area where the difference in the image occurs. This makes it possible to accurately determine the oil leak.

[0011] (3) The system that monitors abnormalities in the transformers described in (1) or (2) shall verify that oil leakage from the transformer is the cause of the odor information.

[0012] According to invention (3), an oil leak can be reliably detected by examining the odor emitted by the oil.

[0013] (4) The imaging device of the system that monitors any one of the transformers from (1) to (3) has a light.

[0014] According to the invention of (4), the imaging device has a light, which makes it possible to detect oil leaks in the soundproof enclosure room in darkness, particularly from the transformer body and piping, or from between the soundproof enclosure and the transformer body tank wall.

[0015] (5) The imaging device of the system that monitors any one of the transformers from (1) to (4) has a spectral function.

[0016] According to invention (5), the spectroscopic function distinguishes between oil and water, allowing for more reliable detection of oil leaks.

[0017] (6) The information processing device for monitoring abnormalities in transformers includes: odor data receiving means for receiving odor information from an odor sensor; odor information analysis means for analyzing odor information based on predetermined odor abnormality conditions and odor information; imaging device control means for issuing movement instructions and imaging instructions to the imaging device based on the analysis results of the odor information analysis unit; image receiving means for receiving images captured based on the imaging instructions; and image analysis means for analyzing the cause of the odor information based on the received images.

[0018] According to the invention of (6), an information processing device is provided that can reliably detect oil leaks and monitor abnormalities in transformers.

[0019] (7) A method for monitoring abnormalities in a transformer includes: an odor data reception step for receiving odor information from an odor sensor; an odor information analysis step for analyzing odor information based on predetermined odor abnormality conditions and odor information; an imaging device control step for issuing movement and imaging instructions to the imaging device based on the analysis results of the odor information analysis unit; an image reception step for receiving images captured based on the imaging instructions; and an image analysis step for analyzing the cause of the odor information based on the received images.

[0020] According to the invention of (7), a method is provided for reliably detecting oil leaks and monitoring abnormalities in transformers. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0021] [Figure 1A] It is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of a transformer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1B] It is a schematic diagram showing the overall outline of a system for monitoring abnormalities in a transformer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a schematic diagram showing the hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a plan view showing a form in which a system for monitoring abnormalities in a transformer according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted on the transformer. [Figure 5] It is a front view showing a form in which a system for monitoring abnormalities in a transformer according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted on the transformer. [Figure 6] It is a side view showing a form in which a system for monitoring abnormalities in a transformer according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted on the transformer. [Figure 7] It is a rear view showing a form in which a system for monitoring abnormalities in a transformer according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted on the transformer. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart showing the processing in a system for monitoring abnormalities in a transformer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Hereinafter, a system <100> for monitoring abnormalities in a transformer <2> according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each figure, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components.

[0023] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of a transformer <2> according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram showing a configuration in which a system <100> for monitoring abnormalities in the transformer <2> monitors oil leakage <21> in a soundproof enclosure room <3>.

[0024] In transformer 2, oil leakage 21 from equipment inside the soundproof enclosure 3 is a problem. As shown in Figure 1B, the system 100 that monitors abnormalities in transformer 2 includes an information processing device 1, an odor sensor 5, a first imaging device 6a, a second imaging device 6b, a first rail 7a, a second rail 7b, a first wireless transceiver 8a on the first imaging device 6a, a second wireless transceiver 8b on the second imaging device 6b, a wireless transceiver 8c on the odor sensor 5, and a wireless transceiver 8d on the information processing device 1. Note that the imaging devices 6a-6b, rails 7a-7b, and wireless transceivers 8a-8d have the same function, so they may be collectively referred to as imaging device 6, rail 7, and wireless transceiver 8.

[0025] The odor sensor 5 is a sensor that detects ambient odors. The imaging device 6 takes images according to the instructions of the information processing device 1. Multiple odor sensors 5 may be configured. The imaging device 6 moves along the rail 7 according to the instructions of the information processing device 1.

[0026] When the odor sensor 5 detects an abnormality, the information processing device 1 moves the imaging device 6 to the area where the odor sensor 5 detected the odor and takes images of the inside of the soundproof enclosure room 3. In particular, if multiple odor sensors 5 are set up, the imaging device 6 is moved to the area where a specific odor sensor 5 detected an odor. Based on the captured images, the information processing device 1 verifies the presence and extent of oil leakage 21.

[0027] The odor sensor 5 and imaging device 6 are preferably installed in the area between the double soundproof walls, which will be described later, although this is not shown in Figure 1. This is because the area between the double soundproof walls is narrow, making it difficult for monitoring personnel to visit frequently. The odor sensor 5 detects the leakage 21 of insulating oil.

[0028] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the information processing device 1. As shown in Figure 2, the information processing device 1 comprises a control unit 10, an input / output unit 16, a communication means 17, and a storage unit 18. The control unit 10 includes a processor 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a bus 14, and an input / output interface 15. The information processing device 1 may be a general-purpose personal computer capable of performing various functions by installing various programs, or it may be a computer embedded in dedicated hardware.

[0029] The processor 11 performs various calculations and processes. The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU (central processing unit), MPU (micro processing unit), SoC (system on a chip), DSP (digital signal processor), GPU (graphics processing unit), ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), PLD (programmable logic device), or FPGA (field-programmable gate array). Alternatively, the processor 11 is a combination of several of these. Furthermore, the processor 11 may be a combination of these with hardware accelerators, etc.

[0030] The processor 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 are interconnected via a bus 14. The processor 11 performs various processes according to the program recorded in ROM 12 or the program loaded into RAM 13. Part or all of the program may be incorporated into the circuitry of the processor 11.

[0031] Bus 14 is also connected to input / output interface 15. An input / output unit 16, a communication means 17, and a storage unit 18 are connected to the input / output interface 15.

[0032] The input / output unit 16 is electrically connected to the input / output interface 15 by wire or wireless connection. The input / output unit 16 consists of, for example, an input unit such as a keyboard and mouse, and an output unit such as a display for displaying captured images and a speaker for amplifying sound. The input / output unit 16 may also have an integrated configuration of display and input functions, such as a touch panel.

[0033] The communication means 17 is a device for the processor 11 to communicate with other devices, such as the odor sensor 5, imaging device 6, and rail drive unit according to the embodiment of the present invention, as well as with other devices via a network such as the Internet (not shown). The storage unit 18 is a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD) that stores odor evaluation results, image evaluation results, etc.

[0034] The hardware configuration shown in Figure 2 is merely an example and is not limited to this configuration. In addition to being composed of various processing units such as single processors, multiprocessors, and multicore processors, a combination of these various processing units and processing circuits such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) and FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) may be adopted to realize a functional configuration as a processor. The information processing device 1 does not have a storage unit 18, but rather a configuration in which a storage unit 18 is provided separately may be adopted.

[0035] Furthermore, it is also preferable that the information processing device 1 be remotely controlled via the Internet by a device not shown in Figure 1, based on, for example, a communication means 17. Alternatively, it is also preferable that the information processing device 1 controls the odor sensor 5 and the imaging device 6 via the Internet using a wireless transceiver 8. In this case, the operation of the system for monitoring abnormalities in the transformer, as described below, can be done, for example, from a remote office. For example, the position of the imaging device 6 can be freely moved from a remote office while checking the image from the imaging device 6.

[0036] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the information processing device 1 has a functional configuration consisting of an odor data receiving unit 101, an odor information analysis unit 102, an imaging device control unit 103, an image receiving unit 104, an image analysis unit 105, and a monitoring result reporting unit 106, all of which are realized by the processor 11 shown in Figure 2.

[0037] Referring to Figures 1, 2, 4 through 8, the functions of each functional part in Figure 3 will be explained. The odor data receiving unit 101 receives odor information from the odor sensor 5 via the wireless transceiver 8 based on the communication means 17.

[0038] The odor information analysis unit 102 determines and outputs the level of the amount of oil leaked 21 inside the soundproof enclosure based on the numerical value detected by the odor sensor 5. Inside the soundproof enclosure room 3, although it may not amount to oil leaking 21, machine oil is used in rotating parts, sliding parts, etc., and the odor sensor 5 detects an odor even under normal conditions. The storage unit 18 stores in advance the intensity of the odor corresponding to the amount of oil leaked 21, as well as the numerical data of the odor sensor 5 under normal conditions. The odor information analysis unit 102 compares the numerical data from the detected odor sensor 5 with the numerical data from the odor sensor 5 under normal conditions, and determines and outputs the level of the amount of oil leaked 21 based on the relationship. Based on the level of the amount of oil leaked 21, the odor information analysis unit 102 outputs the degree of abnormality or the possibility of a problem occurring.

[0039] When the odor information analysis unit 102 outputs a possibility of a problem occurring, the imaging device control unit 103 controls the imaging device 6 to photograph the location where the problem may have occurred. For example, a ball shaft is installed on the rail 7, and the adapter on which the imaging device 6 is mounted moves along the rail 7 by the rotation of the ball shaft. The imaging device 6 moves along the rail 7 according to a command from the imaging device control unit 103, i.e., a movement instruction. Furthermore, according to a command from the imaging device control unit 103, i.e., an imaging instruction, the imaging device 6 photographs the location where the oil leak 21 may have occurred, utilizing functions such as pan and zoom.

[0040] The imaging device control unit 103 pre-activates the imaging device 6 and causes the imaging device 6 to capture images of normal conditions. Normal conditions refer to a state where there is no oil leakage 21 at all, or a state where oil leakage 21 is present but at an acceptable level. For example, with the transformer 2 stopped, a monitor visually inspects it and confirms that there are no problems with oil leakage 21, i.e., that it is in a normal state, and images are taken while the transformer remains stopped. The image receiving unit 104 receives these normal condition images and stores them in the storage unit 18.

[0041] The image analysis unit 105 analyzes the location and amount of the oil leak 21 based on the image received by the image reception unit 104. The image analysis unit 105 compares and verifies the image taken because it is suspected that an oil leak 21 has occurred with an image taken under normal conditions. Specifically, the range and thickness of the oil leak 21 are derived from the difference between the image taken under normal conditions and the image taken under normal conditions, i.e., the analysis result, and the amount of the oil leak 21 is determined.

[0042] When judging solely from image data, it is difficult to distinguish between condensation and oil leakage 21 because both water and oil are transparent. However, in the system 100 for monitoring abnormalities in transformer 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the system is based on the odor information analysis unit 102's determination that there is a possibility of oil leakage 21. In this case, the liquid that the image analysis unit 105 has determined to be present is likely oil, not water. As a result, oil leakage 21 can be reliably detected, and the possibility of misidentifying water droplets due to condensation as oil leakage 21 is reduced.

[0043] Depending on the amount of oil leaked 21, if it is an emergency, the monitoring result reporting unit 106 outputs an alarm to the monitoring location. The information processing device 1 creates an abnormality detection result report document, which is automatically output to the office from the input / output unit 16.

[0044] The imaging device 6 preferably has a spotlight illumination function and a fluorescent agent spraying function. Spotlight illumination enables the acquisition of clearer images, improving the accuracy of oil leak detection 21. However, with spotlight illumination alone, although the light from the spotlight is reflected from the surface of the oil leak 21, almost none of it returns towards the imaging device 6. By spraying a fluorescent agent, the fluorescent agent adhering to the surface of the leaked oil fluoresces when illuminated by the spotlight. Since the fluorescent light is directed towards the spotlight side, i.e., towards the imaging device 6, the imaging device 6 captures the fluorescent light, making it easier to pinpoint the surface location of the oil leak 21.

[0045] The imaging device 6 preferably has a spectral function. For example, it is preferable to use a hyperspectral camera as the imaging device 6 having a spectral function. A hyperspectral camera detects subtle differences in the transmission spectra of water and machine oil. For example, if imaging is performed using only the yellow color characteristic of machine oil, the range in which machine oil is present can be identified from the difference in the image for yellow. The image analysis unit 105 can then distinguish and determine whether the detected liquid is due to condensation or oil leakage 21.

[0046] Figure 4 is a top view of a transformer 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a front view of the transformer 2 as seen from the left of Figure 4. Figure 6 is a side view of the transformer 2 as seen from below Figure 4. Figure 7 is a rear view of the transformer 2 as seen from the right of Figure 4.

[0047] Transformer 2 includes bushings 203, conservators 204, dial oil level gauges 205, on-load tap switching mechanism 206, pressure relief device 207, electric control box 208, heat sinks 209, etc. Transformer 2 has a soundproof enclosure 3, which includes a soundproof enclosure 201 and a transformer body tank wall 202. The soundproof enclosure 201 and the transformer body tank wall 202 constitute a double soundproof wall.

[0048] In the examples shown in Figures 4 and 5, the odor sensor 5 is installed on the central ceiling of the soundproof enclosure room 3. A first rail 7a is installed on one upper side of the soundproof enclosure room 3, and the first imaging device 6a moves along it. A second rail 7b is installed on the other side of the soundproof enclosure room 3 opposite the upper side, and the second imaging device 6b moves along it. In particular, the first rail 7a and the second rail 7b are installed in the space between the soundproof enclosure 201 and the transformer body tank wall 202.

[0049] (Second Embodiment) In the system 100 for monitoring abnormalities in transformer 2 described so far, there were only two imaging devices 6. In the system 100a for monitoring abnormalities in transformer 2 according to the second embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7, more imaging devices 6 and rails 7 are provided. An odor sensor 5 is installed on the central ceiling of the soundproof enclosure room 3. A first rail 7a is installed on one upper side of the soundproof enclosure room 3, and the first imaging device 6a moves along it. A second rail 7b is installed on the other upper side of the soundproof enclosure room 3, and the second imaging device 6b moves along it. Furthermore, a third rail 7c is installed on one lower side of the soundproof enclosure room 3, and the third imaging device 6c moves along it. A fourth rail 7d is installed on the other lower side of the soundproof enclosure room 3, and the fourth imaging device 6d moves along it. In particular, the first rail 7a, the second rail 7b, the third rail 7c, and the fourth rail 7d are provided in the space between the soundproof enclosure 201 and the transformer body tank wall 202.

[0050] (Method for monitoring transformer malfunctions) Figure 8 illustrates the processing flow in systems 100 to 100a for monitoring abnormalities in the transformer 2 according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention. The following description is applicable to both systems 100 to 100a of the first and second embodiments. When processing starts (step: start), the odor data receiving unit 101 acquires odor data detected by the odor sensor 5 in a normal state from the storage unit 18 as a normal odor information acquisition process (step S11). Next, the image receiving unit 104 acquires images of the equipment 4 in the soundproof enclosure room 3 in a normal state from the storage unit 18 as a normal image information acquisition process (step S12). It is preferable that the images taken in this normal state are taken in advance of flange joints, rotating parts, etc., in the equipment 4 where oil leakage is a concern.

[0051] The odor data receiving unit 101 waits for a predetermined time as part of a predetermined time waiting process (step S13), and then, as part of the odor data receiving process, acquires odor information from the odor sensor 5 (step S14). The odor information analysis unit 102 compares the odor data obtained from the odor sensor 5 with the odor data detected by the odor sensor 5 under normal conditions as part of the odor information analysis process (step S15). If there is no abnormality in the odor (step S16: No), the process returns to step S13. If there is an abnormality in the odor, the imaging device control unit 103 moves the imaging device 6 to the location where the odor abnormality is occurring as part of the imaging device movement process (step S17).

[0052] The image reception unit 104, as part of the image reception process, instructs the imaging device 6 to take an image and receives the captured image (step S18). The image analysis unit 105 analyzes the abnormality of the oil leak 21 based on the difference between the image received by the image reception unit 104 and the image of the normal state received in step S12. If there is no abnormality in the oil leak 21 (step S19: No), the process returns to step S13. If there is an abnormality in the oil leak 21 (step S19: Yes), the process proceeds to step S20. The monitoring result reporting unit 106, as part of the alarm issuance process, issues an alarm regarding the abnormality of the oil leak 21 (step S20). The alarm includes, for example, an alarm siren and an alarm report.

[0053] The above explanation focused on oil leakage as a potential abnormality in transformer 2. Besides oil leakage, other abnormalities such as electrical leakage and fire can also be detected by the odor sensor 5 and imaging device 6.

[0054] The above explanation mainly described the system 100 for monitoring abnormalities in transformer 2. The information processing device 1 of the system 100 for monitoring abnormalities in transformer 2 can be used independently. Furthermore, it is possible to use a method for monitoring abnormalities in transformer 2 that follows the same steps as those performed by a program that causes a computer to execute the functions of the information processing device 1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 1 Information processing device, 2 Transformer, 3 Soundproof enclosure, 4 Equipment, 5 Odor sensor, 6a First imaging device, 6b Second imaging device, 7a First rail, 7b Second rail, 8a First wireless transceiver, 8b Second wireless transceiver, 10 Control unit, 11 Processor, 12 ROM, 13 RAM, 14 Bus, 15 Input / Output interface, 16 Input / Output unit, 17 Communication unit (means), 18 Storage unit, 21 Oil leak, 100 System for monitoring transformer abnormalities, 101 Odor data receiving unit (means), 102 Odor information analysis unit (means), 103 Imaging device control unit (means), 104 Image receiving unit (means), 105 Image analysis unit (means), 106 Monitoring result reporting unit, 201 Soundproof enclosure, 202 Transformer body tank wall, 203 Bushing, 204 Conservator, 205 Dial oil level gauge, 206 On-load tap changer mechanism, 207 Pressure relief device, 208 Electric control box, 209 Heat sink

Claims

1. An odor sensor for detecting the odor of oil leakage in a transformer, A fluorescent agent is sprayed onto the oil spill, a spotlight is shone on it, and the fluorescence emitted from the surface of the oil spill is imaged, and a movable imaging device is provided. An information processing device comprising: an odor data receiving unit that receives odor information from the odor sensor; an odor information analysis unit that analyzes the odor information based on predetermined odor abnormality conditions and the odor information; an imaging device control unit that issues movement instructions and imaging instructions to the imaging device based on the analysis results of the odor information analysis unit; an image receiving unit that receives images captured based on the imaging instructions; an image analysis unit that analyzes the cause of the odor information based on the received images; and a monitoring result reporting unit that outputs monitoring results. A system for monitoring abnormalities in transformers that have [a certain characteristic].

2. The image analysis unit analyzes the image based on the difference between the received image and a previously stored image of the normal state. A system for monitoring abnormalities in a transformer as described in claim 1.

3. The cause of the aforementioned odor information will be investigated, specifically regarding oil leakage from the transformer. A system for monitoring abnormalities in a transformer according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The imaging device has a spectroscopic function. A system for monitoring abnormalities in a transformer according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. An odor data receiving means for receiving odor information from an odor sensor that detects the odor of oil leakage in a transformer, An odor information analysis means for analyzing the odor information based on predetermined odor abnormality conditions and the odor information, An imaging device control means that gives movement instructions and imaging instructions to the imaging device based on the analysis results of the odor information analysis means, An image receiving means for receiving an image captured based on the aforementioned imaging instruction, An image analysis means for analyzing the cause of the odor information based on the received image, It has, The imaging device is an information processing device that monitors abnormalities in a transformer, which sprays a fluorescent agent onto the oil leak, irradiates it with a spotlight, images the fluorescence emitted from the surface of the oil leak, and is movably mounted.

6. An odor data receiving step that receives odor information from an odor sensor that detects the odor of oil leakage in a transformer, An odor information analysis step which analyzes the odor information based on predetermined odor abnormality conditions and the odor information, An imaging device control step that gives a movement instruction and an imaging instruction to the imaging device based on the analysis results of the odor information analysis step, The steps include: spraying a fluorescent agent onto the oil spill, irradiating it with a spotlight, and imaging the fluorescence emitted from the surface of the oil spill; An image reception step that receives an image taken based on the aforementioned imaging instruction, An image analysis step for analyzing the cause of the odor information based on the received image, A method for monitoring abnormalities in a transformer having [a certain characteristic].

Images