Pollution monitoring sensor system for high power electricity devices

Abstract

A pollution monitoring sensor system for monitoring the contamination of a high-power electricity device for protecting the high power electricity device against overheating and electrical short circuits. Furthermore, an upgrade kit to upgrade such high- power electricity device is described. Additionally, a use of a pollution monitoring sensor system or an upgrade kit is described. Furthermore, a method for monitoring the contamination of such high-power electricity device is described. Additionally, a computer program product, tangibly embodied in a machine-readable storage medium, including instructions operable to cause a computing entity to execute such method is described. Furthermore, to a storage device for providing an inventive computer program product is described.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Pollution monitoring sensor system for high power electricity devices

[0003] The present invention refers to a pollution monitoring sensor system for monitoring the contamination of a high-power electricity device for protecting the high-power electricity device against overheating and electrical short circuits . Furthermore , the present invention refers to an upgrade kit to upgrade such high-power electricity device . Additionally, the present invention refers to an use of an inventive pollution monitoring sensor system or an inventive upgrade kit . Furthermore , the present invention refers to a method for monitoring the contamination of such high-power electricity device . Additionally, the present invention refers to a computer program product , tangibly embodied in a machine-readable storage medium, including instructions operable to cause a computing entity to execute such method . Furthermore , the present invention refers to a storage device for providing an inventive computer program product .

[0004] High power electricity devices , including dry-type medium voltage trans formers , dry-type high voltage trans formers , oil-type medium voltage trans formers , oil-type high voltage trans formers , and bushings for high voltage applications are crucial parts in electrical power systems . Wherein such devices are responsible for trans forming electrical energy from one voltage level to another for ef ficient transmission and distribution .

[0005] Dry-type medium voltage trans formers are commonly used in industrial and commercial settings to step down high voltage electricity to lower voltage levels suitable for use in machinery and equipment . These trans formers are designed to operate in a wide range of applications , such as manufacturing facilities , commercial buildings , and infrastructure proj ects . Dry-type high voltage trans formers , on the other hand, are utili zed in various applications , including power distribution, renewable energy systems , and industrial processes , where the need for high voltage trans formation is essential .

[0006] Oil-type medium voltage trans formers are commonly used in a variety of settings where dependable and ef ficient power distribution is crucial . These trans formers are often found in utility substations , helping to step down high voltage electricity from power plants to levels suitable for residential , commercial , or industrial use . They are also prevalent in industrial plants , where their ef ficiency and capacity to handle large electrical loads are essential for heavy industry operations . Commercial complexes such as shopping centers , of fice buildings , and hotels rely on these trans formers for managing medium voltage power needs . Additionally, oil-type trans formers play a signi ficant role in renewable energy proj ects like wind farms and solar power plants , either stepping up generated power to transmission voltages or stepping it down for local distribution . The mining industry and railway systems also utili ze these trans formers due to their robustness and reliability, ensuring steady and dependable power for heavy machinery and trains . Despite their ef fectiveness , oil-type trans formers require careful handling and maintenance due to the oil they contain, which can pose environmental risks and fire hazards if not managed properly .

[0007] Oil-type high voltage trans formers , often found in power substations , play a vital role in stepping up or stepping down voltage levels for long-distance transmission and distribution of electrical power . These trans formers are critical components in the power grid infrastructure , ensuring the ef ficient and reliable trans fer of electricity across long distances . Additionally, bushings for high voltage applications are essential components that provide electrical insulation and support for high voltage connections in electrical equipment , contributing to the safe and reliable operation of high voltage systems . These high-power electricity devices are fundamental for the reliable and ef ficient operation of electrical power systems . However, based on contamination over time the risk arises of , for example , overheating, and electrical short circuits . To address such problems , they are typically cleaned on a regular schedule . However, unplanned changes occur more and more often . Even climate change resulting in longer dry periods resulting in fields drying out and setting free far more dust during speci fic times renders respective experience values less and less reliable . Also , constructional work not communicated to a company tasked with servicing such devices easily results in unexpected problems . Arising damages not only result in unplanned downtimes , but also damages reducing the li fetime of such high-power electricity device .

[0008] This and further problems are solved by the products and methods as disclosed hereafter and in the claims . Further beneficial embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims and the further description and figures . These benefits can be used to adapt the corresponding solution to speci fic needs or to solve additional problems .

[0009] According to one aspect the present invention refers to a pollution monitoring sensor system for monitoring the contamination of a high power electricity device being selected from the group consisting of dry-type medium voltage trans formers , dry-type high voltage trans formers , oil-type medium voltage trans formers , oil-type high voltage trans formers and bushings for high voltage applications for protecting the high power electricity device against overheating and electrical short circuits , wherein the pollution monitoring sensor system contains a casing, a processing unit , a solid waste sensor and a conductivity sensor, wherein the solid waste sensor is an optical sensor, wherein the conductivity sensor is a conductivity sensor utili zing AC frequency measurement . Such pollution monitoring sensor system allows to surprisingly establish an ef fective monitoring solution to keep track of the contamination of a high-power electrical device . Herein, it becomes possible to easily provide a huge number of respective pollution monitoring sensor systems within a short time frame enabling to establish a respective monitoring and providing the corresponding protection within an especially short time interval . Enabled by reducing the required components to the very speci fic sensors strictly required to provide a reliable assessment . Additionally, cutting down the required processing power allowing to provide a respective monitoring with simply processing units being far more easily available . Overall providing a highly optimi zed solution to address this speci fic need . Enabling such highly reliable monitoring that requires a broad applicability and especially reliability to be considered as valid solution in the respective technical areas .

[0010] Surprisingly, it was noted that additionally benefits are obtained besides the ef fective monitoring of the long-term usage . During downtime of such high-power electrical devices they, for example , cool down . Inviting water to condense increasing the conductivity on the surface of a respective high power electrical device . Resulting in a signi ficantly increased risk of such devices to suf fer from, for example , an electrical short circuit when activating such high-power electrical device again . Resulting in the inventive pollution monitoring sensor systems to be surprisingly beneficial also to ensure the safety of field operators being near such unit during such time .

[0011] The term "dry-type high voltage trans former" as used herein refers to electrical devices designed to trans form electrical energy from one voltage level to another without the use of insulating oil . These trans formers are utili zed in electrical power systems to facilitate the transmission, distribution, and utili zation of electrical power at elevated voltage levels . They are constructed with speciali zed insulation materials and winding configurations to ensure reliable performance and electrical isolation at high voltage levels . The absence of insulating oil in high voltage dry trans formers of fers advantages such as reduced fire risk, enhanced environmental compatibility, and lower maintenance requirements compared to traditional oil- filled trans formers . Such types of trans formers are commonly employed in a wide range of industrial , commercial , and utility applications , including power distribution networks , renewable energy systems , manufacturing facilities , and infrastructure pro j ects .

[0012] The term "high voltage" as used herein refers to a voltage of more than 52 kV .

[0013] The term "dry-type medium voltage trans former" as used herein refers to electrical devices designed to step down high voltage electricity to lower voltage levels suitable for use in various industrial , commercial , and infrastructure applications . These trans formers operate without the use of insulating oil , making them suitable for environments where safety, minimal maintenance , and environmental considerations are key factors . Medium voltage dry-type trans formers are commonly used in applications such as manufacturing facilities , commercial buildings , infrastructure proj ects , and renewable energy systems .

[0014] They are responsible for trans forming electrical energy at medium voltage levels , typically ranging from a few kilovolts to tens of kilovolts , to lower voltage levels suitable for powering machinery, equipment , and electrical systems .

[0015] The term "medium voltage" as used herein refers to a voltage from I kV to 52 kV .

[0016] The term "oil-type medium voltage trans former" as used herein refers to electrical devices designed to step up or step-down voltage levels for the ef ficient transmission and distribution of electrical power at medium voltage levels . Utili zing oil as a coolant and insulator . These trans formers are encased in a robust tank filled with insulating oil , which helps in cooling and preventing electrical arcing and fires . Commonly used in utility substations , oil-type trans formers are typically utili zed to step down a higher voltage , for example , from power plants to levels suitable for use in residential , commercial , or industrial settings . They are also integral to the infrastructure of industrial plants , commercial complexes , renewable energy proj ects , mining operations , and railway systems . Their reliability and capacity to handle signi ficant electrical loads make them indispensable in settings that require consistent and ef ficient power distribution . However, they must be managed carefully due to the potential environmental and safety hazards posed by the oil .

[0017] The term "Oil-type high voltage trans former" as used herein refers to electrical devices designed to step up or step-down voltage levels for the ef ficient transmission and distribution of electrical power at high voltage levels .

[0018] These trans formers utili ze insulating oil as a dielectric and coolant to ensure reliable performance and electrical insulation at elevated voltage levels , typically ranging from hundreds of kilovolts to several megavolts . Oil-type high voltage trans formers are commonly found in power substations , electrical utility networks , and industrial applications where the need for high voltage trans formation is essential . They play a vital role in facilitating the long-distance transmission and distribution of electrical power, as well as in industrial processes requiring high voltage electrical energy .

[0019] The term "bushings for high voltage applications" as used herein refers to electrical components designed to provide electrical insulation and support for high voltage connections in electrical equipment and systems . These bushings play a crucial role in facilitating the safe and reliable operation of high voltage electrical systems by ensuring ef fective insulation and connection integrity at elevated voltage levels , typically ranging from hundreds of kilovolts to several megavolts . High voltage bushings are commonly used in power trans formers , circuit breakers , switchgear, and other high voltage electrical equipment where the need for electrical insulation and connection reliability is paramount . They are constructed with high-quality insulating materials , such as porcelain or composite materials , and are designed to withstand the electrical and mechanical stresses associated with high voltage operation .

[0020] According to one aspect the present invention refers to an upgrade kit to upgrade a high power electricity device being selected from the group consisting of dry-type medium voltage trans formers , dry-type high voltage trans formers , oil-type medium voltage trans formers , oil-type high voltage trans formers and bushings for high voltage applications , wherein the upgrade kit contains an inventive pollution monitoring sensor system and a communication device , wherein the communication device is adapted to receive data from the solid waste sensor and / or data from the conductivity sensor and / or an output of the pollution monitoring sensor system, wherein the output relates to the determined contamination of high power electricity device .

[0021] The inclusion of a communication device within the upgrade kit further ampli fies its benefits by facilitating seamless data transmission and reception from the pollution monitoring sensor system . Such already prepared kits allow an even more simpli fied introduction of the invention as described herein in the market . Directly enabling real-time monitoring and analysis of contamination levels , empowering maintenance personnel and operators with valuable insights into the condition of the high-power electricity devices . According to one aspect the present invention refers to an use of an inventive pollution monitoring sensor system or an inventive upgrade kit , wherein the pollution monitoring sensor system or upgrade kit to upgrade or service a high power electricity device being selected from the group consisting of dry-type medium voltage trans formers , dry-type high voltage trans formers , oil-type medium voltage trans formers , oil-type high voltage trans formers and bushings for high voltage applications .

[0022] According to one aspect the present invention refers to a method for monitoring the contamination of high power electricity device being selected from the group consisting of dry-type medium voltage trans formers , dry-type high voltage trans formers , oil-type medium voltage trans formers , oil-type high voltage trans formers and bushings for high voltage applications to protect against overheating and electrical short circuits , comprising utili zing a pollution monitoring sensor system for the high power electricity device , wherein the pollution monitoring sensor system contains a solid waste sensor and a conductivity sensor, wherein the solid waste sensor is an optical sensor, wherein the solid waste sensor detects solid waste depositing on the surface of the high power electricity device and creates solid waste data, wherein the conductivity sensor is a conductivity sensor utili zing AC frequency measurement , wherein the conductivity sensor measures the conductivity of the surface of the casing and creates conductivity data, wherein the solid waste data and the conductivity data are utili zed to determine a contamination of the high power electricity device .

[0023] According to one aspect the present invention refers to a computer program product , tangibly embodied in a machine- readable storage medium, including instructions operable to cause a computing entity to execute an inventive method . According to one aspect the present invention refers to a storage device for providing an inventive computer program product , wherein the device stores the computer program product and / or provides the computer program product for further use .

[0024] To simpli fy understanding of the presented invention it is referred to the detailed description hereafter and the figures attached as well as their description . Herein, the figures are to be understood being not limiting the scope of the present invention as they merely disclosing preferred embodiments explaining the invention further .

[0025] Fig . 1 shows an example of an inventive pollution monitoring sensor system .

[0026] Fig . 2 shows an exemplarily graph containing sensor data of the solid waste sensor and multiple states of contamination .

[0027] Fig . 3 shows an exemplarily graph containing sensor data of the solid waste sensor and multiple states of contamination .

[0028] Preferably, the embodiments hereafter contain, unless speci fied otherwise , at least one processor and / or data storage unit to implement the inventive method .

[0029] Unless speci fied otherwise terms like "calculate" , "process" , "determine" , "generate" , "configure" , "reconstruct" and comparable terms refer to actions and / or processes and / or steps modi fying data and / or creating data and / or converting data, wherein the data are presented as physical variables or are available as such .

[0030] The term "data storage" or comparable terms as used herein, for example , refer to a temporary data storage like RAM (Random Access Memory) or long-term data storage like hard drives or data storage units like CDs , DVDs , USB sticks and the like . Such data storage can additionally include or be connected to a processing unit to allow a processing of the data stored on the data storage .

[0031] According to one aspect the presented invention refers to a pollution monitoring sensor system as described above .

[0032] According to further embodiments the processing unit is adapted to process data received from the solid waste sensor and the conductivity sensor to determine a contamination of the high-power electricity device . The processing unit ' s adaptation to process data received from the solid waste sensor and the conductivity sensor enables a comprehensive and sophisticated analysis of contamination levels within the high-power electricity device . By including this functionality already in the single pollution monitoring sensor system it allows to signi ficantly simpli fy the installation as stand-alone solutions become possible avoiding the necessity to connect existing or even provide new data networks to transmit the data from the sensors .

[0033] According to further embodiments the high-power electricity device is a dry-type medium voltage trans former or a dry-type high voltage trans former . It was noted that such application fields seem to benefit signi ficantly from the invention solution as described herein . Simultaneously, the benefits like being able to provide such simple solution easily rolled out on an extensive scale would be especially interesting for such applications .

[0034] According to further embodiments the solid waste sensor is adapted to generate solid waste data, wherein the conductivity sensor is adapted to generate conductivity data, wherein the processing unit is adapted to execute an evaluation process of the solid waste data and the conductivity data to determine a contamination of high power electricity device , wherein the pollution monitoring sensor system is adapted to create an output based on the evaluation process , wherein the output relates to the determined contamination of high power electricity device . Providing actionable insights into the contamination levels of high-power electricity devices directly at the source . This capability, for example , of fers the benefit of proactive contamination management , empowering maintenance personnel and operators with valuable information to make informed decisions , prioriti ze maintenance actions , and safeguard the safety, reliability, and longevity of the electrical equipment .

[0035] Such output can be , for example , an evaluation of the severity level of the contamination . Being a quanti fied assessment of the contamination severity, categori zing the level of contamination as minimal , moderate , or severe . This information can guide maintenance actions and intervention strategies based on the urgency and extent of contamination . Like indicated by the signal lights in the figures . However, it is also possible to include more complex outputs like a contamination trend analysis . Herein, a trend analysis of contamination levels over time , highlighting patterns of increasing or decreasing contamination would be provided . This data can inform predictive maintenance schedules and long-term equipment management strategies . Also , it can include maintenance recommendations to include speci fic maintenance recommendations based on the evaluation process , such as cleaning procedures , insulation inspections , or targeted interventions to address identi fied contamination issues . Additionally, or alternatively, it could include an operational impact assessment outlining the potential operational impact of the determined contamination, providing insights into potential risks to equipment performance , ef ficiency, and safety . Also , such output can contain a predictive maintenance alert triggering predictive maintenance alerts or noti fications based on the evaluation process , signaling the need for proactive maintenance actions to mitigate contamination-related risks before they escalate . Furthermore , such output could contain some contamination mapping including visual or graphical representations of contamination distribution within the high power electricity device , aiding in the visuali zation and locali zation of contamination hotspots for targeted remediation . Such output can also contain some historical data comparison comparing current contamination levels with historical data, of fering insights into the progression of contamination and facilitating informed decision-making based on historical trends . To keep the requirements for the hardware of the pollution monitoring sensor system low it is , however, preferred to restrict the output of the pollution monitoring sensor system to the easier evaluations like the status of the contamination like some signal light like , for example , no risk, little risk and risk . Utili zing the data from the two sensors as speci fied allows to create such output utili zing a very little amount of processing power enabling a roll out of such solution in a huge scale easily . In such case other examples of the output outlined above are created, for example , in a cloud utili zing data received from the pollution monitoring sensor system .

[0036] According to further embodiments the pollution monitoring sensor system contains a data storage , wherein the solid waste sensor is adapted to generate solid waste data, wherein the conductivity sensor is adapted to generate conductivity data, wherein the data storage contains processing data, wherein the processing unit is adapted to execute an evaluation process of the solid waste data and the conductivity data utili zing the processing data to determine a contamination of high power electricity device , wherein the pollution monitoring sensor system is adapted to create an output based on the evaluation process , wherein the output relates to the determined contamination of high power electricity device , wherein the data storage is adapted to enable a replacement of the processing data to change the evaluation process . Providing the benefit of adaptability and flexibility in contamination monitoring for high power electricity devices . By incorporating a data storage that contains processing data and enabling the replacement of this data, the pollution monitoring sensor system allows for dynamic adj ustments to the evaluation process . This capability empowers operators to fine-tune the contamination assessment methodology based on evolving requirements , emerging insights , or changing operational conditions , thereby enhancing the system ' s responsiveness and ef fectiveness in managing contamination risks .

[0037] According to further embodiments the solid waste sensor contains a glass element , preferably a hardened glass element , being part of the casing, wherein the optical sensor is located in the inside the casing of the pollution monitoring sensor system and wherein the solid waste sensor is oriented to the outside looking through the glass element . Such design ensures the protection of the optical sensor located inside the casing while allowing it to ef fectively monitor solid waste outside the sensor . The use of a glass element , for example , enhances the sensor ' s durability and longevity, making it well-suited for demanding environmental conditions and contributing to the overall reliability of the pollution monitoring sensor system . Such hardened glass can be any typical hardened glass known to the skilled person . For example , in typical application cases it is beneficial to utili ze a hardened glass that was subj ect to ion exchange during its manufacturing, wherein sodium ions are replaced by potassium ions . Such hardened glass is known in the art , for example , as gorilla glass .

[0038] According to further embodiments the solid waste sensor is adapted to generate solid waste data, wherein the conductivity sensor is adapted to generate conductivity data, wherein the pollution monitoring sensor system is adapted to process the solid waste data and the conductivity data in real-time and to provide an evaluation of the contamination of high power electricity device in real-time . By processing solid waste data and conductivity data in real-time , the pollution monitoring sensor system of fers immediate evaluation of contamination levels . This capability enables swi ft detection and response to contamination events , enhancing operational safety, ef ficiency, and proactive maintenance practices for high power electricity devices . Surprisingly, it was noted that the inventive pollution monitoring sensor system allows to reali ze such real-time solution with commonly available means enabling to roll out such solution in this speci fic field taking into account the huge number of pollution monitoring sensor system that would be required and the resources being available . The term "real-time" as used herein has the common meaning known to the skilled person for such application . Especially, realtime refers to a system or process that provides or processes information immediately as it occurs , without any noticeable delay . For example , such delay should be less than 5 minutes , more preferred less than 2 minutes .

[0039] According to further embodiments the solid waste sensor and the conductivity sensor are located on the same side of the pollution monitoring sensor system . By locating the solid waste sensor and the conductivity sensor on the same side of the pollution monitoring sensor system, for example , it simpli fies installation and maintenance , potentially reducing costs and complexity associated with sensor positioning . This design also facilitates ef ficient data collection and synchroni zation, contributing to the overall ef fectiveness of real-time contamination monitoring for high power electricity devices .

[0040] According to further embodiments the pollution monitoring sensor system according to any of the preceding claims is encapsulated in a casing, wherein the casing has a si ze providing a longest side being selected from height , length and depth of the pollution monitoring sensor system being at most 10 cm, wherein a sum of the height , length and depth are at most 25cm, wherein protruding elements like fixation parts or interf ace / connectors are not included . By encapsulating the system in a casing with speci fic si ze limitations , it ensures a compact footprint , making it easier to integrate into various environments and installations . Especially, it was noted that the points of safe fixation of such pollution monitoring sensor system are typically limited . To avoid damaging some integral part of the respective high power electricity device it is surprisingly beneficial for such very speci fic application to cut down the si ze of the pollution monitoring sensor system below the speci fied si ze to further simpli fy the task of attaching it to the respective high power electricity device under real li fe conditions .

[0041] According to further embodiments the pollution monitoring sensor system according to any of the preceding claims is encapsulated in a casing, wherein the casing has a si ze providing a shortest side being selected from height , length and depth of the pollution monitoring sensor system being at least 2cm, wherein a sum of the height , length and depth are at least 12cm . By keeping the speci fied minimum si ze it is possible to provide pollution monitoring sensor systems being able to be reliably managed and operated safely on the long term . Trying to shrink the si ze too much was found to be typically becoming detrimental as the manufacturing requirements increased often resulting in a lack of long-term reliability and the benefit obtained herewith was not compensating for the additional ef fort required like more intensive checks of the products and the like .

[0042] According to further embodiments the pollution monitoring sensor system contains at least one signal element , wherein the at least one signal element indicates a monitoring of the pollution monitoring sensor system and / or an alarm of the pollution monitoring sensor system relating to the contamination of high-power electricity device . By incorporating at least one signal element , such as an LED, the system can ef fectively indicate its monitoring status and raise alarms related to contamination of high-power electricity devices . This approach enables a simple and intuitive visual indication making the product very interesting for real li fe application cases in this speci fic technical field . Herein, it is possible to utili ze a single signal element for both indications like indicating that the monitoring of the pollution monitoring sensor system is active by a continuous lighting of an LED and an alarm by repeatedly flashing such LED . Further simpli fying the overall structure enabling to easily mass produce and implement such solution . Also , it was noted that this provides surprising beneficial additional ef fects . Like being able to check the state of such pollution monitoring sensor system from afar . In case multiple signal elements are used a defect of such signal element indicating the active monitoring might be compensated by an alarm indication of a second signal element . Resulting overall in an incorrect evaluation unless a respective expert tasked with checking their status takes a closer look .

[0043] According to further embodiments the pollution monitoring sensor system contains at least two signal elements , wherein the at least two signal elements contain a status signal element and an alarm signal element , wherein the status signal element indicates a monitoring of the pollution monitoring sensor system, wherein the alarm signal element indicates an alarm of the pollution monitoring sensor system relating to the contamination of high power electricity device . By incorporating at least two signal elements , including a status signal element and an alarm signal element , the system can ef fectively di f ferentiate between monitoring status and alarms related to contamination of high-power electricity devices . This enables clear and distinct visual or auditory indications for di f ferent system states , improving user understanding and responsiveness to critical alerts , ultimately contributing to heightened safety and operational awareness .

[0044] According to further embodiments the pollution monitoring sensor system contains an interface to send data . The primary obj ective can already be accomplished by an inventive pollution monitoring sensor system operating alone . However, it was noted that , for example , the data acquired by such pollution monitoring sensor system allows to gain far more insight into the current state of such high-power electricity device . And providing an interface allowing that the respective data is transmitted, for example , to a cloud to make further use of it , is very beneficial for typical application cases . Also , providing an interface enabling the pollution monitoring sensor system to receive data, for example , to adapt processing data stored on a data storage contained in the pollution monitoring sensor system is surprisingly beneficial , as the potential to further increase the monitoring of the pollution monitoring sensor system by means of such updates is typically surprisingly beneficial .

[0045] According to further embodiments the pollution monitoring sensor system contains an internal power source , wherein the internal power source preferably is a battery . By incorporating an internal power source , such as a battery, the system can operate independently without relying on external power, of fering flexibility in deployment and ensuring continuous monitoring even in locations where access to power sources may be limited . This design feature enhances the system ' s adaptability and reliability, making it suitable for a wide range of applications and environments . Typically, it is preferred that the pollution monitoring sensor system is adapted to run without external power sources for at least one month . According to further embodiments the pollution monitoring sensor system contains a wireless interface . Examples of such wireless interface are interfaces operating with Bluetooth and / or WLAN . By incorporating a wireless interface , such as Bluetooth or WLAN, the system can communicate and transmit data without the need for physical connections , enabling seamless integration with other devices and systems . This feature facilitates convenient installation and data trans fer, allowing for ef ficient monitoring and management of pollution levels in various environments . Additionally, the wireless interface enhances the system ' s adaptability and scalability, making it well-suited for diverse applications and settings in this speci fic technical area . Typically, it is preferred that such solution is combined with an embodiment utili zing a battery being integrated in the pollution monitoring sensor system . For many application cases it is typically preferred that the pollution monitoring sensor system is adapted to run without external power sources for at least one month .

[0046] According to further embodiments the pollution monitoring sensor system contains at least one fixation part , preferably at least two fixation parts . By including at least one , and preferably at least two , fixation parts , the system can be securely mounted or fixed in place , ensuring that it remains stable and properly positioned for accurate and reliable monitoring of pollution levels . This design feature enhances the system ' s durability and ef fectiveness , making it suitable for deployment in various environmental conditions while minimi zing the risk of displacement or damage .

[0047] According to further embodiments the pollution monitoring sensor system contains at least one fixation part , preferably at least two fixation parts wherein the fixation part is adapted to attach the pollution monitoring sensor system to the high power electricity device , wherein the fixation part is adapted to be attached by an interaction taking place on the front side of the pollution monitoring sensor system . By incorporating at least one , and preferably at least two , fixation parts that can be attached via interactions on the front side of the system, the installation process is simpli fied and streamlined . This design feature ensures a reliable and straightforward method for af fixing the sensor system to the electricity device , facilitating ef ficient deployment and maintenance while minimi zing the risk of detachment or misalignment . The term " front side" of the pollution monitoring sensor system refers to the side of pollution monitoring sensor system being opposite the side the pollution monitoring sensor system contacts the high-power electricity device . Such fixation part can be , for example , a screw providing its screw head on the front side .

[0048] According to further embodiments the pollution monitoring sensor system contains at least one fixation part , preferably at least two fixation parts , and at least one fixation element , wherein the fixation part is adapted to attach the pollution monitoring sensor system to the high power electricity device , wherein the fixation element is adapted to attach the pollution monitoring sensor system to a surface of high power electricity device without fixing the pollution monitoring sensor system to a speci fic position on the surface , wherein the fixation part is adapted to be attached by an interaction taking place on the front side of the pollution monitoring sensor system fixing the pollution monitoring sensor system to a speci fic position on the surface of high power electricity device . By incorporating at least one , and preferably at least two , fixation parts and at least one fixation element , the system provides multiple methods for secure attachment without restricting it to a speci fic position on the device ' s surface . This design feature allows for flexible and customi zable installation, accommodating various mounting preferences and surface configurations . For example , the fixation element can be a magnet and the fixation part can a protrusion extending from the casing including a hole allowing to fix the pollution monitoring sensor system with a screw to a given position .

[0049] According to a further aspect the present invention refers to an upgrade kit to upgrade a high power electricity device being selected from the group consisting of dry-type medium voltage trans formers , dry-type high voltage trans formers , oil-type medium voltage trans formers , oil-type high voltage trans formers and bushings for high voltage applications , wherein the upgrade kit contains an inventive pollution monitoring sensor system and a communication device , wherein the communication device is adapted to receive data from the solid waste sensor and / or data from the conductivity sensor and / or an output of the pollution monitoring sensor system, wherein the output relates to the determined contamination of high power electricity device .

[0050] According to a further aspect the present invention refers to a use of an inventive pollution monitoring sensor system or an inventive upgrade kit , wherein the pollution monitoring sensor system or upgrade kit to upgrade or service a high power electricity device being selected from the group consisting of dry-type medium voltage trans formers , dry-type high voltage trans formers , oil-type medium voltage trans formers , oil-type high voltage trans formers and bushings for high voltage applications .

[0051] According to a further aspect the present invention refers to a method for monitoring the contamination of high power electricity device being selected from the group consisting of dry-type medium voltage trans formers , dry-type high voltage trans formers , oil-type medium voltage trans formers , oil-type high voltage trans formers and bushings for high voltage applications to protect against overheating and electrical short circuits , comprising utili zing a pollution monitoring sensor system for the high power electricity device , wherein the pollution monitoring sensor system contains a solid waste sensor and a conductivity sensor, wherein the solid waste sensor is an optical sensor, wherein the solid waste sensor detects solid waste depositing on the surface of the high power electricity device and creates solid waste data, wherein the conductivity sensor is a conductivity sensor utili zing AC frequency measurement , wherein the conductivity sensor measures the conductivity of the surface of the casing and creates conductivity data, wherein the solid waste data and the conductivity data are utili zed to determine a contamination of the high power electricity device .

[0052] According to further embodiments the pollution monitoring sensor system is mounted on the top of the high-power electricity device , wherein the front of the pollution monitoring sensor system containing the solid waste sensor and a conductivity sensor are directed upwards . It should be expected that the contamination on the side of such high-power electricity device would be more important as the distance to the ground is less and a respective part of the device would be more important with regard to electrical short circuiting . However, it was noted that placing it on the top provides a surprisingly even improved monitoring possibility . It is assumed that the apparently far higher contamination originating from depositing dirt from the air and water originating from, for example , condensing on the ceiling of a facility result in a signi ficantly higher risk than originally expected . Thus , such placement is surprisingly beneficial .

[0053] According to further embodiments the pollution monitoring sensor system contains an interface , wherein the method contains the step of creating data regarding the contamination of the high power electricity device to a database utili zing the pollution monitoring sensor system, wherein the method contains the step of utili zing the interface to send data regarding the contamination of the to a database . Typically, it is preferred that the database is a cloud server . In many application cases the interface is connected to an loT box being utili zed to connect the database and the pollution monitoring sensor system .

[0054] According to further embodiments the method contains the step of creating data regarding the contamination of the high- power electricity device to a database utili zing the pollution monitoring sensor system, wherein the data is utili zed to generate cleaning recommendations . Providing such cleaning recommendations , for example , enables proactive and targeted maintenance actions to mitigate contamination and ensure the optimal performance and longevity of the equipment . By leveraging the collected data to inform cleaning strategies , the method supports ef ficient and ef fective maintenance practices , ultimately contributing to the reliability and safety of the high-power electricity devices .

[0055] According to further embodiments the method contains providing remote access to the database to retrieve the cleaning recommendations . By enabling such access the availability of the respective recommendation is signi ficantly simpli fied for this speci fic technical field . As the experts being able to provide such recommendation are typically di f ferent from the owner operating such high-power electricity device this signi ficantly improves maintenance guidance , supporting timely and informed decision-making regarding cleaning procedures for high power electricity devices . By facilitating remote retrieval of cleaning recommendations , the method enhances accessibility and responsiveness in addressing contamination issues , ultimately contributing to the ef fective maintenance and operational integrity of the equipment .

[0056] According to further embodiments the pollution monitoring sensor system contains at least one signaling element , wherein the method contains indicating a cleaning recommendation utili zing the at least one signaling element . This feature provides a direct and immediate means of alerting users to the need for cleaning actions , enhancing the responsiveness and ef ficiency of maintenance ef forts for high power electricity devices . By utili zing signaling elements to convey cleaning recommendations , the method supports proactive and timely intervention, contributing to the preservation of equipment integrity and operational reliability .

[0057] According to further embodiments the method contains the step of retrieving a request to determine the current state of the contamination of the high power electricity device , wherein the method contains the step of the pollution monitoring sensor system generating an output containing data whether the high power electricity device can be turned of f without the risk of an electrical short circuit .

[0058] According to further embodiments the high-power electricity device is a dry-type medium voltage trans former or dry-type high voltage trans former .

[0059] According to a further aspect the presented invention refers to a computer program product , tangibly embodied in a machine-readable storage medium, including instructions operable to cause a computing entity to execute an inventive method .

[0060] According to a further aspect the presented invention refers to a storage device for providing an inventive computer program product , wherein the device stores the computer program product and / or provides the computer program product for further use .

[0061] The following detailed description of the figure uses the figure to discuss illustrative embodiments , which are not to be construed as restrictive , along with the features and further advantages thereof .

[0062] Figure 1 shows an example of an inventive pollution monitoring sensor system 1 being able to be utili zed for monitoring the contamination of a high power electricity device being selected from the group consisting of dry-type medium voltage trans formers , dry-type high voltage trans formers , oil-type medium voltage trans formers , oil-type high voltage trans formers and bushings for high voltage applications . Herein, the pollution monitoring sensor system 1 provides a reliable tool for protecting the high-power electricity device against overheating and electrical short circuits of such devices .

[0063] The pollution monitoring sensor system 1 contains a casing 2 consisting of an upper part and a lower part of the casing 2 . Said upper part and lower part are attached to each other by means of four fastening elements 10 being screws . Herein, the casing 2 has a height of 3cm, a length of 12cm and a width of 5cm . Not included in these lengths are the protruding elements being in this case the two fixation parts 6 and the interface 9 . Said two fixation parts 6 each contain a hole 7 to attach the pollution monitoring sensor system 1 to the high-power electricity device . Said interface 9 provides connections to send data from the pollution monitoring sensor system 1 and optionally receive power from an external power supply . However, the pollution monitoring sensor system 1 also contains an internal battery being able to support the operation of the pollution monitoring sensor system 1 for at least 30 days without receiving any external power . As the battery is located in the inside of the casing 2 said battery is not visible in figure 1 . Furthermore , the pollution monitoring sensor system 1 contains a solid waste sensor 3 being an optical sensor . The solid waste sensor 3 is generates solid waste data during its use . It is located inside the casing 2 below a hardened glass element 5 being part of the casing 2 . Looking through the hardened glass element 5 to the outside the optical sensor is able to detect contamination on the surface of the casing 2 being deposited on this glass element 5 .

[0064] Furthermore , the pollution monitoring sensor system 1 contains a conductivity sensor 4 , wherein the conductivity sensor 4 utili zes AC frequency measurement . The conductivity sensor 4 in this context generates conductivity data . The conductivity sensor 4 and solid waste sensor 3 are located on the same side of the pollution monitoring sensor system 1 .

[0065] Besides the solid waste sensor 3 two signal elements 8 are located . One status signal element 8 and one alarm signal element 8 . Status signal element 8 indicates a monitoring of the pollution monitoring sensor system 1 . In case of this exemplarily embodiment such state is indicated by a continuous lighting . The alarm signal element 8 indicates an alarm of the pollution monitoring sensor system 1 relating to the contamination of high power electricity device , wherein for this speci fic example a continuous lighting of the alarm signal element 8 indicates that no alarm is available . In case an alarm is triggered the alarm signal element 8 starts blinking .

[0066] Not visible in figure 1 is the interior of the pollution monitoring sensor system 1 including a processing unit and a data storage contained therein . The data storage contains processing data to be utili zed by the processing unit .

[0067] Herein, said processing unit is adapted to process data received from the solid waste sensor 3 and the conductivity sensor 4 to determine a contamination of the high power electricity device . In this context , the processing unit creates an output based on said evaluation process . The speci fic example as shown utili zes processing data retrieved from the data storage to evaluate the contamination . As the data storage enables a replacement of the processing data it becomes possible to adapt the evaluation process according to new insights , requirements or even changes in the local environment to reduce false positive alarm while increasing the reliability .

[0068] Figure 2 shows an exemplarily graph containing sensor data of the solid waste sensor and multiple states of contamination of the pollution monitoring sensor system as shown in figure 1 . Herein, four exemplarily conditions 21 , 22 , 23 and 24 of the pollution monitoring sensor system are shown . Herein, the shown exemplarily conditions are very generic examples to briefly elaborate on the generic principles . In fact it was noted that based not only the current values of the respective sensors , but also the change of the sensor data over time can be utili zed to improve the reliable and even automatic assessment of the contamination of the high power electricity device to not only reduce but even remove the risk of especially overheating and electrical short circuits , wherein the security margins can be decreased signi ficantly and the real condition can be easily determined .

[0069] On the left of condition 21 a starting condition is visible , wherein the glass element above the solid waste sensor is clean and the optical sensor of the solid waste sensor does not detect anything . As indicated by the signal light below such condition is green . As the figure does not contain any colors the green is not shown, but based on the location of the light this should still be easily understandable from the figure .

[0070] Condition 21 represents a minor contamination with solid waste resulting in the optical sensor already showing a limited amount of light being received from the outside of the casing . Still , the contamination is not yet enough to result in a corresponding risk when operating the high-power electricity device . In such case a yellow state of the signal light below is indicated .

[0071] Condition 22 represents a signi ficant contamination with solid waste further limiting the light reaching the optical sensor . As the surface is , however, dry as indicated by the arrow 25 indicating that the conductivity sensor simultaneously determined such dry state . Also , in such case a yellow state of the signal light below is indicated .

[0072] Condition 23 represents a very signi ficant contamination with solid waste . Although, the surface is still dry as also indicated by the arrow 25 the safe operation is already not secured anymore . The respective alarm is triggered . Depending on the response to such alarm the high-power electricity device can even automatically shut down the high power electricity device to avoid further dangers . Resulting in the signal light changing to a red state .

[0073] Condition 24 represents a signi ficant contamination with solid waste being lower that condition 22 . However, as indicated by the arrow 26 the conductivity sensor noted that the surface is wet . Thus , while the solid waste is less than condition 22 the safe operation can also not be guaranteed for such situation . Still , the evaluation solely based on the solid waste would change back to yellow .

[0074] Figure 3 shows an exemplarily graph containing sensor data of the conductivity sensor and multiple states of contamination . Comparable to figure 2 the exemplarily graph contains sensor data of the conductivity sensor and multiple states of contamination of the pollution monitoring sensor system as shown in figure 1 . Herein, the same four exemplarily conditions 21 , 22 , 23 and 24 of the pollution monitoring sensor system are shown . As indicated by arrow 25 the conditions 21 , 22 and 23 represent dry conditions . As indicated by the signal lights below the evaluation of the condition is green purely taking into account the conductivity sensor .

[0075] However, as indicated by arrow 26 the surface in this area became wet leading to a signi ficant increase of the conductivity of the surface . In such case the danger of using said high power electricity device is identi fied by the conductivity sensor already and the signal light below changes to red indicating such danger .

[0076] As visuali zed by figure 2 and 3 only one sensor alone was noted to be insuf ficient to reliably monitor the condition of such high power electricity device under a broad variety of environmental conditions . It needs to be stressed out that figures 2 and 3 merely show very generic cases to visuali ze the generic simple principle . In case the operation of the high-power electricity device takes place inside a facility it should be expected that such conductivity measurement could be neglected . However, it was noted that such understanding is not applicable in general . Even minor amounts of moisture in combination with a very signi ficant amount of solid waste can spontaneously result in an electrical short circuit . Such minor amounts of moisture can even simply be some high humidity of the respective surrounding air based on a defect ventilation that combined with a respective layer of solid waste result in the risk of short circuiting .

[0077] Based on the acquired data over time it becomes to determine signi ficantly more insight taking into account the relation of the change of the solid waste data and the conductivity data . Additionally, the data can be very beneficially combined with additional data sources like humidity sensors inside a facility and the like . Overall , the simple design already allows a very detailed insight and risk mitigation merely using a single pollution monitoring sensor system . The systematic evaluation of collected data over time or utili zing the data of a plurality of such pollution monitoring sensor system increases possible insight even more .

[0078] The present invention was only described in further detail for explanatory purposes . However, the invention is not to be understood being limited to these embodiments as they represent embodiments providing benefits to solve speci fic problems or ful filling speci fic needs . The scope of the protection should be understood to be only limited by the claims attached .

Claims

Patent claims1. A pollution monitoring sensor system (1) for monitoring the contamination of a high power electricity device being selected from the group consisting of dry-type medium voltage transformers, dry-type high voltage transformers, oil-type medium voltage transformers, oil-type high voltage transformers and bushings for high voltage applications for protecting the high power electricity device against overheating and electrical short circuits, wherein the pollution monitoring sensor system (1) contains a casing (2) , a processing unit, a solid waste sensor (3) and a conductivity sensor (4) , wherein the solid waste sensor (3) is an optical sensor, wherein the conductivity sensor (4) is a conductivity sensor (4) utilizing AC frequency measurement.

2. The pollution monitoring sensor system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit is adapted to process data received from the solid waste sensor (3) and the conductivity sensor (4) to determine a contamination of the high-power electricity device.

3. The pollution monitoring sensor system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the solid waste sensor (3) is adapted to generate solid waste data, wherein the conductivity sensor (4) is adapted to generate conductivity data, wherein the processing unit is adapted to execute an evaluation process of the solid waste data and the conductivity data to determine a contamination of high power electricity device, wherein the pollution monitoring sensor system (1) is adapted to create an output based on the evaluation process, wherein the output relates to the determined contamination of high power electricity device.

4. The pollution monitoring sensor system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the pollution monitoring sensor system (1) contains a data storage, wherein the solid waste sensor (3) is adapted to generate solid waste data, wherein the conductivity sensor (4) is adapted to generate conductivity data, wherein the data storage contains processing data, wherein the processing unit is adapted to execute an evaluation process of the solid waste data and the conductivity data utilizing the processing data to determine a contamination of high power electricity device, wherein the pollution monitoring sensor system (1) is adapted to create an output based on the evaluation process, wherein the output relates to the determined contamination of high power electricity device, wherein the data storage is adapted to enable a replacement of the processing data to change the evaluation process.

5. The pollution monitoring sensor system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the solid waste sensor (3) contains a glass element (5) , preferably a hardened glass element (5) , being part of the casing (2) , wherein the optical sensor is located in the inside the casing (2) of the pollution monitoring sensor system (1) and wherein the solid waste sensor (3) is oriented to the outside looking through the glass element (5) .

6. The pollution monitoring sensor system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pollution monitoring sensor system (1) contains at least one signal element (8) , wherein the at least one signal element ( 8) indicates a monitoring of the pollution monitoring sensor system (1) and / or an alarm of the pollution monitoring sensor system (1) relating to the contamination of high power electricity device .

7. The pollution monitoring sensor system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pollution monitoring sensor system (1) contains an interface (9) to send data.

8. The pollution monitoring sensor system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein pollution monitoring sensor system (1) contains an internal power source, wherein the internal power source preferably is a battery.

9. The pollution monitoring sensor system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pollution monitoring sensor system (1) contains at least one fixation part (6) , preferably at least two fixation parts (6) , wherein the fixation part (6) is adapted to attach the pollution monitoring sensor system (1) to the high power electricity device, wherein the fixation part (6) is adapted to be attached by an interaction taking place on the front side of the pollution monitoring sensor system (1) .

10. Upgrade kit to upgrade a high power electricity device selected from the group consisting of dry-type medium voltage transformers, dry-type high voltage transformers, oil-type medium voltage transformers, oil-type high voltage transformers and bushings for high voltage applications, wherein the upgrade kit contains a pollution monitoring sensor system (1) , according to any of claims 1 to 9 and a communication device, wherein the communication device is adapted to receive data from the solid waste sensor (3) and / or data from the conductivity sensor (4) and / or an output of the pollution monitoring sensor system (1) , wherein the output relates to the determined contamination of high power electricity device.

11. Use of a pollution monitoring sensor system (1) according to any of claims 1 to 9 or an upgrade kit according to claim 10, wherein the pollution monitoring sensor system(1) or upgrade kit to upgrade or service a high power electricity device being selected from the group consisting of dry-type medium voltage transformers, dry-type high voltage transformers, oil-type medium voltage transformers, oil-type high voltage transformers and bushings for high voltage applications.

12. Method for monitoring the contamination of high power electricity device being selected from the group consisting of dry-type medium voltage transformers, dry-type high voltage transformers, oil-type medium voltage transformers, oil-type high voltage transformers and bushings for high voltage applications to protect against overheating and electrical short circuits, comprising utilizing a pollution monitoring sensor system (1) for the high power electricity device, wherein the pollution monitoring sensor system (1) contains a solid waste sensor (3) and a conductivity sensor (4) , wherein the solid waste sensor (3) is an optical sensor, wherein the solid waste sensor (3) detects solid waste depositing on the surface of the high power electricity device and creates solid waste data, wherein the conductivity sensor (4) is a conductivity sensor (4) utilizing AC frequency measurement, wherein the conductivity sensor (4) measures the conductivity of the surface of the casing (2) and creates conductivity data, wherein the solid waste data and the conductivity data are utilized to determine a contamination of the high power electricity device.

13. The method of monitoring according to claim 12, wherein the method contains the step of retrieving a request to determine the current state of the contamination of the high power electricity device, wherein the method contains the step of the pollution monitoring sensor system (1) generating an output containing data whether the high power electricity device can be turnedof f without the risk of an electrical short circuit .14 . Method of monitoring according to any of claims 12 to13 , wherein the high-power electricity device is a dry-type medium voltage trans former or dry-type high voltage trans former .15 . Computer program product , tangibly embodied in a machine-readable storage medium, including instructions operable to cause a computing entity to execute a method according to any of claims 12 to 14 .

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