Modular Sensor System for Optical Fiber Grating Sensors in Power Distribution Panels

Abstract

The modular sensor system for installing a fiber optic grating sensor in a switchboard according to the present invention is characterized by introducing a modular structure to simplify the installation of the fiber optic grating sensor and facilitate maintenance, and by reducing wiring complexity to maximize the performance of the fiber optic sensor, thereby increasing the overall reliability of the sensor system within the switchboard and improving real-time monitoring performance by minimizing interference or signal loss between sensors.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a modular sensor system for installing a fiber optic grating sensor in a switchboard, and more specifically, to a modular sensor system for installing a fiber optic grating sensor in a switchboard that enables efficient installation of a fiber optic grating (FBG, Fiber Bragg Grating) sensor in a switchboard by configuring the fiber optic grating sensor in a modular form to facilitate installation and maintenance. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, switchgear is a critical piece of power equipment responsible for power distribution and protection, requiring continuous monitoring of its status to ensure a stable power supply. Since core internal components can undergo physical changes such as temperature rise, vibration, and deformation over time, potentially leading to equipment deterioration and failure, the introduction of technology capable of accurately detecting and monitoring these physical variables in real time is essential.

[0003] Consequently, electronic sensors such as resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) or thermocouples have conventionally been used to measure temperature; however, these sensors are susceptible to signal distortion and require maintenance and replacement after prolonged use. Furthermore, the complex wiring of these sensors results in significant costs and time for installation and maintenance, and these limitations pose a major problem, particularly in environments such as power distribution panels where multiple sensors are installed simultaneously.

[0004] To address the aforementioned issues, fiber optic grating (FBG) sensors are attracting attention as a next-generation sensor technology capable of overcoming the limitations of electronic sensors. Because these sensors are based on optical measurements, they are resistant to electromagnetic interference (EMI), offer excellent durability, and provide a long lifespan. Furthermore, FBG sensors possess strengths in multifunctionality as they can simultaneously measure various physical variables such as temperature, strain, and pressure. Most importantly, since multiple sensors can be arranged using a single optical fiber, it is possible to connect multiple sensors without complex wiring. Thanks to these characteristics, FBG sensors are being utilized in various fields, including the power industry, aerospace, and construction.

[0005] However, there are several issues when applying fiber optic grating sensors to switchgear. First, since switchgear consists of multiple pieces of equipment and the physical condition of each piece of equipment must be monitored independently, it is important to accurately place sensors in different locations. Second, after various sensors are installed, maintenance and upgrades must be easy, and complex wiring and connection work must be minimized.

[0006] Accordingly, conventional fiber optic grating sensor installation methods have the problem of failing to sufficiently meet these requirements. Specifically, wiring work is difficult during sensor installation due to the complex internal structure of the switchgear, and replacing or upgrading sensors is difficult during maintenance after installation. Additionally, there is a problem with stable mounting of the sensors due to the lack of separate fixing devices to position them in appropriate locations.

[0007] Due to the aforementioned issues, the commercialization of fiber optic grating sensors in switchgear remains in the early stages, and there is a growing need for efficient installation and maintenance methods to maximize their performance.

[0008] In the prior art, U.S. Patent Publication No. 07512291 proposes a multi-channel fiber Bragg grating (FBG) detection system and its manufacture, wherein the multi-channel fiber Bragg grating sensor inspection device is composed of an integrated optical sensor microchip and a signal processing IC electronic device in a sealed 2 cm × 5 cm SFF single optical package, has an integrated structure of light source and sensor detection, and implements a wavelength detection device using a 100 GHz (0.8 nm) 40-channel Flat Athermal AWG.

[0009] In addition, U.S. Patent No. 09268098 describes a structure in which one of at least three consecutive output ports is selected across the dynamic range (Δλdyn, B) of an FBG, such that the Bragg wavelength (λB) of the FBG in the AWG port falls within the spectral range (Δλn, Δλn+1, Δλn+2), and due to the filter structure, precise wavelength measurement is possible depending on the number of detectors in the output port, making it difficult to reduce the cost.

[0010] In addition, Korean registered patent No. 10-0785046 proposes a structure capable of controlling the wavelength change of an optical fiber grating by symmetrically changing the chirp ratio of two chirp optical fiber gratings at a constant interval, but it is a structure in which it is difficult to ensure the reliability of the wavelength filter due to the distortion effect of the optical fiber grating's spectrum when pressure such as bending is applied without applying the same strain to the optical fiber grating.

[0011] In addition, Korean Registered Patent No. 10-1900743 presents a method in which the reflection wavelength of an optical fiber grating is varied according to the pressure applied to the grating by differential screw rotation by embedding the optical fiber grating in a structure; this structure is suitable for manufacturing passive optical fiber wavelength filters, as the precision of wavelength tunability is determined by the precision of the screw thread. Prior art literature

[0012] U.S. Patent Publication No. 07512291 (Publication Date: March 31, 2009) U.S. Patent Publication No. 09268098 (Publication Date: February 23, 2016) Korean Registered Patent No. 10-0785046 (Registration Date: December 5, 2007) Korean Registered Patent No. 10-1900743 (Publication Date: September 14, 2018) The problem to be solved

[0013] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a modular sensor system for installing fiber optic grating sensors in switchgear, which simplifies the installation and facilitates maintenance of fiber optic grating sensors by introducing a modular structure, maximizes the performance of fiber optic sensors by reducing wiring complexity, thereby increasing the overall reliability of the sensor system within the switchgear, and improves real-time monitoring performance by minimizing interference or signal loss between sensors. means of solving the problem

[0014] The modular sensor system for installing a fiber optic grating sensor in a switchboard according to the present invention, for solving the above-mentioned purpose, comprises: a sensor module that is installed at a specific location on a switchboard selected from one or more of the various equipment such as circuit breakers, transformers, and cable connection parts, and capable of detecting various physical variables such as temperature, vibration, and deformation at once; a fiber optic wiring that allows the sensor module to be connected without complex wiring work by being configured in a plug-and-play manner; a monitoring system unit connected to the fiber optic wiring that monitors data collected in real time by immediately detecting changes occurring within the switchboard through the sensor module; and a maintenance system unit that transmits the data collected through the monitoring system unit to an operation server, analyzes the status of the switchboard in real time, transmits a warning signal to a user or manager in the event of an abnormality, and enables the timing of maintenance to be identified in advance.

[0015] Accordingly, the sensor module comprises an optical fiber ferrule that fixes and aligns optical fiber wiring to ensure that optical signals are transmitted accurately, an optical fiber connector male and an optical fiber connector female located at the rear end of the optical fiber ferrule and coupled to form mutual physical and optical connections, and an optical fiber Bragg grating (FBG) embedded packaging that includes an optical fiber Bragg grating sensor inside the optical fiber connector male and the optical fiber connector female and is configured to detect changes in optical signals in real time.

[0016] Here, the sensor module is configured to be fixed by selecting one of the fixing means, such as a fixed clamp, a magnetic clamp, and a screw-fixed mounting bracket, so that it can be easily attached to equipment within the switchboard.

[0017] Meanwhile, the monitoring system unit is composed of a certificate repository that connects to a security certificate server to securely manage signed certificates and cryptographic keys for said certificates in order to ensure security reliability, and a security function unit that performs the functions of said certificate repository through an embedded Linux operating system (OS).

[0018] In addition, the above security function unit includes an immutable ROM program execution unit that supports secure booting to ensure secure booting, and can check the integrity of the integrity check (hash) value of the executable program installed by the customer, and is configured to refuse the execution of the altered program and automatically restore the program to its factory default state when a hacker maliciously alters the program.

[0019] Here, the monitoring system is further equipped with a communication module compatible with a communication protocol to enable control transmission and reception between the communication terminals of a user or an administrator, and is configured to be linked with an app of a user or administrator communication terminal capable of bidirectional communication to transmit the control transmission and reception signals to the user or administrator and to transmit the control transmission and reception signals requested by the user or administrator to a separate operating server. Effects of the invention

[0020] The present invention introduces a modular multi-functional fiber optic grating (FBG) sensor and allows the sensor module to be easily connected to the fiber optic wiring in a plug-and-play manner, enabling rapid installation without complex wiring work. Furthermore, by integrating a multi-functional sensor capable of simultaneously detecting temperature, vibration, and deformation into a single module, it saves installation space and reduces costs. Additionally, by resolving interference issues caused by the use of multiple sensors, it enhances equipment reliability and enables more efficient management of equipment status through real-time monitoring. Overall, compared to conventional technology, it significantly improves ease of installation and maintenance, simplifies wiring, and enhances the efficiency of equipment monitoring. Ultimately, this results in improved stability and operational efficiency of the switchgear, thereby maximizing reliability in system operation. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0021] FIG. 1 is an example diagram of an operational configuration to explain a modular sensor system for installing a switchboard of a fiber optic grating sensor according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is an example diagram of an external configuration for showing a sensor module implemented according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is an example diagram of a configuration that implements a plug-and-play method by applying the structure of a sensor module according to the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention.

[0023] The present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0024] To clearly explain the present invention, parts unrelated to the explanation have been omitted, and the same reference numerals are used for identical or similar components throughout the specification.

[0025] Referring to the attached drawings, the modular sensor system for installing the fiber optic grating sensor of the present invention in a switchboard is largely composed of a sensor module (10), fiber optic wiring (20), a monitoring system unit (30), and a maintenance system unit (40).

[0026] Accordingly, the sensor module (10) is selected from one or more of the various equipment such as circuit breakers, transformers, and cable connection parts, and is installed at a specific location on the switchboard, and can detect various physical variables such as temperature, vibration, and deformation at once, and the optical fiber wiring (20) can be easily connected to the sensor module (10) without complex wiring work, since the sensor module (10) is made in a plug-and-play manner.

[0027] Here, the sensor module (10) includes a multifunctional fiber optic grating (FBG) sensor capable of detecting various physical variables such as temperature, vibration, and deformation, and since this multifunctional fiber optic grating (FBG) sensor is installed in various equipment of the switchgear (e.g., circuit breakers, transformers, cable connections, etc.), it is possible to measure multiple physical states at once, thereby reducing the hassle of installing individual sensors and saving installation space.

[0028] That is, the sensor module (10) plays an important role in fixing and precisely aligning the optical fiber wiring (20) by means of the optical fiber ferrule (11) so that the optical signal can be transmitted accurately.

[0029] The optical fiber connector male (12) and optical fiber connector female (13), located at the rear end of the optical fiber ferrule (11), are joined to form a mutual physical and optical connection.

[0030] In addition, the grating (FBG) embedded packaging (14) contains a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor inside the fiber connector male (12) and fiber connector female (13), so that changes in optical signals can be detected in real time. This is intended to increase the reliability of signal transmission in the fiber-based sensor system as a whole, while also providing precise sensing capabilities even in complex environments.

[0031] The sensor module (10) configured as described above is configured to be easily attached to equipment within a power distribution board by selecting and fixing one of the fixing means (not shown), such as a fixing clamp, a magnetic clamp, and a screw-fixed mounting bracket. This fixing means can provide stability when installing the sensor module (10) and, in particular, can fix the sensor module (10) in an accurate position, thereby enabling the accurate collection of reliable data at the location to be detected or measured through the sensor module (10).

[0032] Accordingly, since the sensor module (10) is installed in the core equipment of the switchgear (e.g., circuit breaker, transformer, cable connection part, etc.), it must be placed in an optimal location to monitor necessary physical variables according to the condition of each piece of equipment, and since it is stably fixed by the fixing means, the installation process can be simplified for the worker, and flexibility regarding the placement of the sensor module (10) can be provided.

[0033] Figure 3 of the attached drawings is an example diagram of a configuration in which a plug-and-play method is implemented by applying the structure of a sensor module (10) according to the present invention. The sensor module (10) is made in a plug-and-play manner, so it can be easily connected to a fiber optic wiring (20) without complex wiring work. The user can operate the entire sensor system by simply connecting the fiber optic wiring (20) after fixing and installing the sensor module (10) to each piece of equipment in the power distribution board using a fixing means. The plug-and-play method can not only significantly reduce the installation time of the sensor module (10) but also significantly reduce the complexity of the fiber optic wiring.

[0034] Accordingly, the connection between the sensor module (10) and the optical fiber wiring (20) is formed in an optimal path so that the sensor module (10) can smoothly transmit a signal. In this process, the sensor module (10) minimizes the length of the optical fiber wiring (20), thereby reducing optical loss and simultaneously improving the quality of the transmitted signal. Furthermore, since the sensor module (10) and the optical fiber wiring (20) are connected in a plug-and-play manner, installation can be performed without complex wiring work.

[0035] In addition, the layout of the connection between the sensor modules (10) installed inside the switchboard is optimized to minimize the optical fiber wiring (20) path, and the optical fiber wiring (20) path is made short and concise, thereby reducing the complexity of the optical fiber wiring (20) and reducing signal loss of the optical fiber, so as to maintain the accuracy of the overall sensor signal, and this optimized layout can be flexibly adjusted to the size and structure of the switchboard.

[0036] Meanwhile, the monitoring system unit (30) is connected to the optical fiber wiring (20) and can monitor the collected data in real time by immediately detecting changes occurring within the switchboard through the sensor module (10). The maintenance system unit (40) transmits the data collected through the monitoring system unit (30) to an operation server (not shown), analyzes the status of the switchboard in real time, and if there is an abnormality, transmits a warning signal to the user or manager, thereby allowing the timing of maintenance to be determined in advance.

[0037] Accordingly, the sensor module (10) can be easily maintained and upgraded even after installation, and when a problem occurs or performance improvement is needed, the existing sensor module (10) connected in a plug-and-play manner can be quickly disconnected and a new sensor module (10) installed and connected, thereby simplifying maintenance work and reducing maintenance costs while minimizing downtime of the overall system.

[0038] In addition, since the sensor module (10) is connected to the monitoring system unit (30) in real time, it can immediately detect changes occurring within the power distribution panel. Data collected through the sensor module (10) is transmitted to an operation server to analyze the status of the power distribution panel in real time and transmit a warning signal. Through this, accidents can be prevented in advance, and maintenance timing can be determined in advance.

[0039] The characteristics of the fiber optic grating sensor included in the sensor module (10) are resistant to electromagnetic interference (EMI), provide excellent durability even in high temperatures and extreme environments, maintain stable performance even in the high-voltage environment of the switchgear, and have minimal performance degradation even after long-term use, thereby enabling reliable monitoring of various physical variables occurring within the switchgear.

[0040] In particular, the path of the optical fiber wiring (20) connecting the sensor modules (10) is made up of a minimum path, which can reduce optical loss, and if the length of the optical fiber wiring (20) is shortened, signal loss is reduced, which can increase the accuracy of the sensor signal, thereby allowing the status of the equipment to be monitored more precisely and at the same time, the reliability of the overall system can be improved.

[0041] In addition, since the sensor module (10) according to the present invention includes a multifunctional fiber optic grating sensor capable of simultaneously detecting temperature, vibration, and deformation, these various physical variables can be integrated and detected or measured within a single sensor module (10), thereby saving overall installation space and costs while minimizing interference between sensors.

[0042] In an embodiment according to the present invention, when the sensor module (10) is installed in a circuit breaker within a switchboard, the circuit breaker is equipment that processes high voltage, and damage to the equipment may occur due to deterioration and vibration. To prevent and monitor this, a multi-functional fiber optic grating sensor is first included in a single sensor module (10) capable of detecting the temperature, vibration, and deformation of the circuit breaker in real time, and data detected and measured through this sensor is collected. The sensor module (10) used at this time is made in a plug-and-play manner, so it can be easily installed without complex wiring work.

[0043] That is, a sensor module (10) is installed in a part of the circuit breaker where deterioration is a concern (mainly a contact part or a part where high current flow is concentrated), and the sensor module (10) is stably fixed to the circuit breaker using a fixing means such as a magnetic clamp or a screw-fixed bracket, and among the fixing means, the magnetic clamp allows for easy maintenance after installation, and the screw-fixed bracket provides long-term stability.

[0044] At this time, the sensor module (10) fixed to the circuit breaker is connected to the optical fiber wiring (20), and since the sensor module (10) is made in a plug-and-play manner, it is easily connected to the optical fiber wiring (20). Here, the optical fiber wiring (20) between the sensor modules (10) is optimized to the shortest path, thereby reducing optical loss while maintaining signal quality. Since the installed sensor module (10) is connected to the monitoring system (30), it is possible to detect the temperature and vibration status of the circuit breaker in real time and transmit a warning signal if there is an abnormality.

[0045] And, after the sensor module (10) is installed, the status of the circuit breaker is monitored in real time by an operating server, and if the temperature or vibration exceeds a threshold, a warning alarm is generated, allowing for preparation of maintenance work in advance, and during maintenance, the faulty sensor module (10) can be easily replaced, and the installation time can be shortened by connecting a new sensor module (10) in a plug-and-play manner. This installation method enables real-time monitoring of the temperature, vibration, and deformation status of the circuit breaker, and in particular, allows for the prediction of the circuit breaker's failure in advance to maintain a stable power supply.

[0046] In addition, as an embodiment according to the present invention, when the sensor module (10) is installed in a transformer within a power distribution board, the transformer is equipment that plays an important role in the power distribution board, and damage to the transformer may occur if the internal temperature rises excessively or vibration occurs. Therefore, such changes can be detected and measured in real time through a multi-functional optical fiber grating sensor included in the sensor module (10).

[0047] That is, a sensor module (10) is installed in a high-temperature area (near the coil, cooling fan) and a high-vibration area of ​​the transformer, and the sensor module (10) is stably fixed to the external structure of the transformer using a fixing means such as a magnetic clamp. Among the fixing means, the magnetic clamp is a fixing means with enhanced durability to facilitate maintenance and to respond to vibrations and high temperatures generated in the transformer. Additionally, by installing the sensor module (10) in the joints of the transformer or in areas where deterioration is a concern, efficient monitoring can be achieved.

[0048] At this time, the sensor module (10) fixed to the transformer is connected to the optical fiber wiring (20), and since the sensor module (10) is made in a plug-and-play manner, it is easily connected to the optical fiber wiring (20). Here, the optical fiber wiring (20) between the sensor modules (10) is optimized to the shortest path, thereby reducing optical loss while maintaining signal quality. Since the installed sensor module (10) is connected to the monitoring system (30), it is possible to detect the temperature and vibration status of the transformer in real time and transmit a warning signal if there is an abnormality.

[0049] And, after the sensor module (10) is installed, the status of the circuit breaker is monitored in real time by an operating server, and if the temperature or vibration exceeds a standard value, a warning alarm is immediately triggered, allowing for preparation of maintenance work in advance, and during maintenance, the faulty sensor module (10) can be easily replaced, and the installation time can be shortened by connecting a new sensor module (10) in a plug-and-play manner. This installation method enables real-time monitoring of the temperature and vibration status of the transformer, and in particular, can prevent the failure of the transformer in advance.

[0050] In addition, as an embodiment according to the present invention, when the sensor module (10) is installed in the cable connection section of a power distribution board, the cable connection section is a section where high current flows, and if the connection section deteriorates or malfunctions, it can have a significant impact on the overall performance of the power distribution board. To prevent and monitor this, a multi-functional fiber optic grating sensor is first included in a single sensor module (10) capable of detecting the temperature and deformation of the cable connection section in real time, and data detected and measured through this sensor is collected. The sensor module (10) used at this time is made in a plug-and-play manner, so it can be easily installed without complex wiring work.

[0051] That is, a sensor module (10) is installed at the cable connection point, and the sensor module (10) is stably fixed to the cable connection point using a fixing means such as a screw-fixing bracket. Since the cable connection point is a section where high temperatures may occur, the sensor module (10) is made of a material with enhanced heat resistance, and the position of the sensor module (10) can be adjusted for the long-term stability of the cable.

[0052] At this time, the sensor module (10) fixed to the cable connection part is connected to the optical fiber wiring (20), and since the sensor module (10) is made in a plug-and-play manner, it is easily connected to the optical fiber wiring (20). Here, the optical fiber wiring (20) between the sensor modules (10) is optimized to the shortest path, thereby reducing optical loss while maintaining signal quality. Since the installed sensor module (10) is connected to the monitoring system part (30), it can detect the temperature and deformation status of the cable connection part in real time and transmit a warning signal if there is an abnormality.

[0053] And, after the sensor module (10) is installed, the cable connection part is a part where overheating may occur due to increased contact resistance, so the condition of the cable connection part can be continuously checked based on sensor data, and maintenance can be performed in advance if a problem occurs, and the sensor module can be easily replaced during maintenance work and can be quickly replaced without interrupting the overall system, which allows for real-time monitoring of deterioration or deformation of the cable connection part and prevention of problems caused by abnormalities in the cable connection part.

[0054] Finally, the monitoring system unit (30) is equipped with a separate security device to ensure reliability in installation and use. This includes a security certificate (not shown) that is signed by connecting to a security certificate server (not shown) and securely manages the encryption key for the certificate. It also includes a security function unit (not shown) that performs the function of the security certificate unit through an embedded Linux operating system (OS).

[0055] Accordingly, the above security function unit includes an immutable ROM program execution unit (not shown) that supports secure booting to ensure safe secure booting, and can check the integrity of the integrity check (hash) value of the executable program installed by the customer, and when a hacker maliciously alters the program, it refuses the execution of the altered program and automatically restores the program to its factory default state.

[0056] Meanwhile, the monitoring system unit (30) is equipped with a communication module (not shown) that is compatible with a communication protocol so that control transmission and reception can be performed between a user or manager's communication terminal (not shown), and is configured to be linked with an app of a user or manager's communication terminal capable of bidirectional communication so that the control transmission and reception signal can be transmitted to the user or manager and the control transmission and reception signal requested by the user or manager can be transmitted to a separate operating server (not shown).

[0057] Here, the communication module can use the internal communication network of the PLC communication, and can also use an external communication network by selecting one or more of LTE, RF, RS-485, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth.

[0058] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it is obvious that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention.

[0059] Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be defined by the claims set forth below as well as equivalents thereof.

[0060] That is, the aforementioned embodiments should be understood as exemplary in all respects and not limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the claims set forth below rather than by the detailed description, and all modifications or variations derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and equivalent concepts thereof should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0061] 10: Sensor Module 11: Fiber optic ferrule 12 : Fiber optic connector mail 13: Fiber optic connector female 14: FBG embedded packaging 20: Fiber Optic Wiring 30: Monitoring System Section 40: Maintenance System Division

Claims

Claim 1 A modular sensor system for installing a fiber optic grating sensor in a switchboard, characterized by comprising: a sensor module that is selected from one or more of the various equipment in the switchboard, such as circuit breakers, transformers, and cable connection sections, and installed at a specific location in the switchboard, and capable of detecting various physical variables such as temperature, vibration, and deformation at once; a fiber optic wiring that allows the sensor module to be connected without complex wiring work by being made in a plug-and-play manner; a monitoring system unit connected to the fiber optic wiring, which immediately detects changes occurring within the switchboard through the sensor module and monitors the collected data in real time; and a maintenance system unit that transmits the data collected through the monitoring system unit to an operation server, analyzes the status of the switchboard in real time, transmits a warning signal to a user or manager in case of an abnormality, and enables the timing of maintenance to be identified in advance. Claim 2 A modular sensor system for installing a fiber optic grating sensor in a switchboard according to claim 1, wherein the sensor module comprises a fiber optic ferrule that fixes and aligns fiber optic wiring to ensure accurate transmission of optical signals, a fiber optic connector male and a fiber optic connector female located at the rear end of the fiber optic ferrule and coupled to form mutual physical and optical connections, and a grating (FBG) embedded packaging that includes a fiber optic Bragg grating (FBG) sensor inside the fiber optic connector male and the fiber optic connector female and is configured to detect changes in optical signals in real time. Claim 3 A modular sensor system for installing a fiber optic grating sensor in a switchboard, characterized in that, in claim 1 or 2, the sensor module is formed to be fixed by selecting one of the fixing means of a fixing clamp, a magnetic clamp, and a screw-fixed mounting bracket so as to be easily attached to equipment within the switchboard.

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