System and method for monitoring partial discharge activity

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (SYS) and to an associated method for monitoring partial discharge activity in an electrical power supply system that has a number of electrical installations (AN1, AN2), each having at least one high-voltage or medium-voltage component (HV1, HV2). Partial discharges can occur in the high-voltage or medium-voltage components (HV1, HV2) during operation. For this purpose, the system (SYS) has at least one mobile detection unit (DE) for detecting partial discharge activities occurring in the power supply system in the form of partial discharge data (TE, TE1, TE2) in a detection step (S101) and a position determination unit (PB), which is configured and arranged to determine position data (POS, POS1, POS2) of the at least one mobile detection unit (DE) in each case for the partial discharge data (TE, TE1, TE2) detected by the at least one mobile detection unit (DE) in a determination step (S102). Furthermore, a central computer unit (RE) is provided, to which the partial discharge data (TE, TE1, TE2) and the position data (POS, POS1, POS2) are transmitted in a transmission step (S103). The computer unit (RE) is configured to collect the partial discharge data (TE, TE1, TE2) detected by the at least one mobile detection unit (DE) and the position data (POS, POS1, POS2) determined by the position determination unit (PB) of the at least one mobile detection unit (DE) in a collection step (S104) and to evaluate same in an evaluation step (S105) in such a way that at least positions in the power supply system with partial discharge activities and an associated strength of these partial discharge activities are determined from the collected partial discharge data (TE, TE1, TE2) and the position data (POS, POS1, POS2) determined for them.

Description

[0001] System and method for monitoring partial discharge activity

[0002] The present invention relates to a system for monitoring partial discharge activity in an electrical power supply system, wherein the power supply system comprises a number of electrical installations, each with at least one high- or medium-voltage component in which partial discharges can occur during operation. The invention further relates to an associated method for monitoring partial discharge activity in an electrical power supply system.

[0003] State of the art

[0004] Electrical power supply systems for high and medium voltages are widespread. The need to transmit energy over long distances, perform voltage conversion, or distribute energy to consumers requires complex power supply systems with a number of electrical installations (e.g., substations, transformer stations, etc.) that typically employ numerous high- and medium-voltage components for converting electrical energy, such as power transformers or switchgear, and / or for distributing electrical energy, such as transmission lines (e.g., cables and / or overhead lines), high-voltage cable terminations, etc.

[0005] However, such electrical power supply systems involve high voltages and high energies, to which the high- and medium-voltage components in the electrical installations are exposed. Electrical components in the high- and medium-voltage range must therefore have sufficiently robust and reliable insulation during operation within the electrical power supply system to prevent electrical breakdowns, which can damage the respective components or the electrical installations of the power supply system and endanger personnel (e.g., maintenance personnel, operators, etc.). Insulating materials or agents with extremely low and thus negligible electrical conductivity are used for insulation to limit the flow of electric current to live parts. Depending on the component, technical ceramics (e.g., ceramics) are used as insulating materials or agents.Steatite, porcelain for insulators of overhead lines or in power feedthroughs, etc.), plastics (e.g. cross-linked polyethylene in high-voltage cables, etc.), oils (e.g. transformer oil in circuit breakers, power transformers, oil-filled cables, etc.) or other materials with extremely low electrical conductivity are used.

[0006] Insulation in high- and medium-voltage components of a power supply system is typically subjected to significant stress over time due to the electric fields present. This can lead to premature aging of the insulation and / or damage to the insulation (e.g., cracks in solid insulation, blisters in liquid insulation, etc.). This can, for example, cause high earth fault currents, which can lead to extensive damage to the high- and medium-voltage components and pose a serious risk to power supply system personnel. However, insulation failures—for example, those caused by aging of the insulating material or by incorrect installation—can be preceded by partial discharges.

[0007] A partial discharge (or PD for short), also known as a pre-discharge and a term from high-voltage engineering, describes an electrical discharge that only affects a portion of the insulation of an electrical component or system and does not immediately lead to a complete breakdown. Partial discharges occur in areas with high electric field strength, for example, where the electric field is highly inhomogeneous in the insulation of high- and medium-voltage components or along air gaps. They can occur, for instance, at interfaces between insulating materials (e.g., in poorly executed electrical connections) or at points with defects or inhomogeneities in the insulation (e.g., gas bubbles in liquid insulating materials, cracks in solid insulating materials, etc.).) to areas with high electric field strength, resulting in a local exceedance of the breakdown field strength typical of insulating materials, which leads to partial discharges.

[0008] Partial discharges are localized or limited to a small area and do not encompass the entire insulation distance. They typically occur at very short intervals, often in the nano- to microsecond range. Furthermore, the term partial discharge (PD) encompasses several partial discharge effects. A distinction can be made between external partial discharges or corona discharges, internal partial discharges or so-called cavitation, and surface discharges. External partial discharges are discharges that occur at the surfaces of exposed metal electrodes—e.g., sharp edges or pointed objects where the electric field strength is increased—extending into the open air space, and are common in high-voltage overhead power lines. Internal partial discharges are generally defined as all discharges within solid, liquid, or gaseous insulating materials that are not visible externally. These partial discharges occur, for example, in...Surface discharges occur where inhomogeneities in the insulating material are exposed to strong field influences, such as gas bubbles in an insulating fluid (e.g., oil, etc.) or impurities in a solid insulating material (e.g., inclusions in casting resin). The insulating properties at the point of inhomogeneity (e.g., the gas bubbles or the inclusion) are impaired by the locally reduced dielectric strength, which manifests as partial discharges. These surface discharges occur along the surface of an insulating material or at the boundary layer of an insulating material running parallel to the electric field (e.g., in cases of heavy contamination).

[0009] Partial discharges are therefore usually an indication of weaknesses in the insulation of the respective high- and medium-voltage components in one of the electrical installations of a power supply system and can lead to serious damage in the long term, such as the degradation of the insulating material and ultimately to a complete electrical breakdown. Therefore, partial discharge testing has proven valuable, as the measurement and / or analysis of occurring partial discharges allows for the assessment of the insulation condition and, above all, the early detection of critical defects in the insulation system of high- and medium-voltage components, such as cables, power transformers, switchgear, high-voltage cable terminations, and other critical electrical components of a power supply system.Partial discharge activities occurring in the respective high- and medium-voltage components can be detected and measured using various techniques, such as: acoustic measurement methods: acoustic signals (e.g., sound waves, ultrasound waves) generated by partial discharges in a high-voltage device are recorded and evaluated. To detect the partial discharge activities and locate their source, the electrical equipment under test is scanned with a directional microphone, for example. optical measurement methods: since partial discharges emit light, especially UV radiation, in addition to noise, these measurement methods use appropriate sensors or special cameras to directly measure the light emitted by the partial discharges on-site at the electrical system under test.Partial discharges are detected at the component under test, if necessary filtered to block daylight, and then analyzed to identify partial discharges in electrical equipment and to locate their source. Electrical and electromagnetic measurement methods are used: the electrical and electromagnetic pulses caused by partial discharges are detected and measured using a suitable sensor unit. Examples of electrical and electromagnetic measurement methods include conventional partial discharge coupling and field coupling. For example, in conventional partial discharge coupling, according to the IEC 60270 standard (High-voltage test techniques - Partial discharge measurement), the electrical partial discharge pulses are coupled out at one end of an electrical cable via a measuring impedance.The measuring impedance converts a pulsed charging current caused by a local insulation failure in the component under test into a charge-equivalent voltage signal in a coupling capacitor connected in parallel to the component under test. This voltage signal can then be used to determine and locate the partial discharge activity. This conventional partial discharge coupling method offers particularly good measurement sensitivity if environmental interference (e.g., mobile phone signals, radar signals, corona discharges, etc.) can be suppressed. Since the measurement is complex, field coupling is often used as an alternative to detect and locate partial discharges. Suitable field sensors, which often operate above 1 MHz, detect the electric and magnetic field components generated by partial discharge pulses and convert them into measurable voltage signals, which can then be evaluated. Furthermore, to detect the electrical or...Capacitive sensors, inductive sensors, or directional coupling sensors can also be used to detect the magnetic field components of TE pulses. Furthermore, it is possible to subject TE-induced electrical pulses to signal propagation time analysis in power cables. Other measurement methods analyze TE-induced electromagnetic waves, especially radio waves, using, for example, UHF sensor units or UHF antennas for detection.

[0010] High- and medium-voltage power supply systems typically comprise a large number of geographically distributed facilities (e.g., substations, distribution nodes, transformer stations, etc.) with various high- and medium-voltage components (e.g., transformers, switchgear, etc.) as well as a multitude of transmission lines (e.g., cables and / or overhead lines). To ensure the reliability and safety of these high- and medium-voltage components of the power supply system, regular monitoring of partial discharge activity in all facilities would be advantageous. However, this is very time-consuming and involves significant personnel and / or cost expenditure. While partial discharge activity can be measured very precisely in individual components (e.g., cable sections or transformers), this is usually only done on an ad-hoc basis, such as during the commissioning of high-voltage cables.For example, measurements of partial discharge activity are rarely carried out on electrical components in the medium voltage range.

[0011] Under certain circumstances, very loud noises may be perceived by experienced personnel if partial discharge activity is particularly intense. Ozone may also be formed, which can be detected due to its characteristic odor, but this too occurs, if at all, only very late. As a result, corrective repairs, if possible at all, may only be carried out very late, and component failures may be difficult or impossible to prevent. This can lead to costly repairs and associated downtime of high- and medium-voltage components or parts of the power supply system.

[0012] To ensure reliable operation and safety of high and medium voltage components used in an electrical power supply system, it would therefore be desirable to be able to continuously monitor the electrical systems of a power supply network for partial discharge activities without great effort, in order to identify critical defects in high and medium voltage components at an early stage based on the detected partial discharge activities.

[0013] Description of the invention

[0014] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a system and a method for monitoring partial discharge activities, with which a power supply system and in particular electrical systems of the power supply system, which have various high and medium voltage components, can be checked regularly and without great effort for partial discharge activities in a simple way and changes in occurring partial discharge activities can be easily and quickly detected.

[0015] This problem is solved by a system for monitoring partial discharge activities in a power supply system and an associated method according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0016] According to the invention, the problem is solved by a system for monitoring partial discharge activities of the type specified above, wherein the system comprises at least: at least one mobile detector unit for detecting partial discharge activities occurring in the power supply system in the form of partial discharge data; a position determination unit which is set up and arranged to determine position data of the at least one mobile detector unit in relation to the partial discharge data detected by the at least one mobile detector unit;and a central computing unit, which is configured to collect and evaluate the partial discharge data recorded by the at least one mobile detector unit and the position data of the at least one mobile detector unit determined by the positioning unit in such a way that, from the collected partial discharge data and the position data determined in each case, at least positions in the power supply system with partial discharge activities and an associated intensity of these partial discharge activities are determined.

[0017] The main aspect of the solution proposed according to the invention is that the system allows for the simple and regular monitoring of partial discharge activity in a power supply system, sections of a power supply system, individual or multiple electrical installations, and / or individual high- and medium-voltage components of electrical installations. Furthermore, by collecting the recorded partial discharge data and the corresponding position data on a central computer unit, partial discharge activity, and in particular its changes, can be detected easily and quickly at an early stage. This allows, for example, the timely detection of impending component failures and the timely initiation of corrective measures.

[0018] It is advantageous if the central computing unit is also configured to generate a graphical representation of the detected partial discharge activities and their corresponding intensity. Based on this graphical representation, for example, in the form of a map, detected partial discharge activities can be displayed very easily and clearly for power supply network personnel, indicating in which sections, systems, or components of the power supply network partial discharge activities are occurring. Ideally, the graphical representation uses colors to symbolize the corresponding intensity or partial discharge level of each activity. This allows, for example, locations in the power supply network with an imminent risk from partial discharge activities to be quickly identified, and personnel on site to be warned accordingly.

[0019] It is further advantageous if the at least one mobile detector unit and the positioning unit form a single unit, wherein the positioning unit is arranged at least in close proximity to the detector unit, and in particular may be integrated into the detector unit or arranged in a mobile communication device, especially a mobile phone or smartphone. Due to the close proximity between the detector unit and the positioning unit, an association between these two units is established, and the positioning unit can determine the position data of the detector unit relatively accurately, thereby also enabling the relatively accurate determination of a location where partial discharge activities occur in a power supply network.

[0020] Ideally, at least one mobile detector unit is designed as a user-portable device. This allows energy supplier personnel who regularly work within the electrical installations of the energy supply system or service area to be easily and conveniently equipped with a detector unit. This enables personnel to detect partial discharge activity almost incidentally. Alternatively or additionally, the detector unit can be mounted on a mobile robotic unit. This allows, for example, the monitoring of areas within the energy supply network that are not frequently accessed by personnel. Ideally, the robotic unit should include at least a positioning unit, allowing the robotic unit to easily determine the respective position in addition to the partial discharge data.

[0021] Ideally, a data connection via a wireless or wired communication network is provided for the transmission of the partial discharge data recorded by the at least one mobile detector unit and the position data determined by the positioning unit to the central computer unit.

[0022] A preferred embodiment of the system provides for a local storage unit in which the partial discharge data recorded by the at least one mobile detector unit and the corresponding position data determined by the positioning unit can be temporarily stored before and / or for transmission to the central computing unit. Ideally, the local storage unit can be used, for example, when no mobile communication or data connection to the central computing unit exists, to immediately transmit the recorded partial discharge data and the associated position data to the computing unit. Furthermore, this data can be temporarily stored in the local storage unit when, for example, a mobile communication connection should not be established for safety reasons.

[0023] Furthermore, it is advantageous if at least one mobile detector unit is equipped to detect electromagnetic waves caused by partial discharge activities, particularly electromagnetic waves in the medium or high frequency range, or ultrasonic waves caused by partial discharge activities. The electromagnetic waves caused by the partial discharge activities can then be easily converted into electrical signals, and the level of the partial discharge activities can be determined.

[0024] Furthermore, the aforementioned problem is also solved by a method for monitoring partial discharge activities in an electrical power supply system, wherein partial discharge activities occurring in the power supply system are recorded by at least one mobile detector unit in the form of partial discharge data, and wherein position data of the at least one mobile detector unit are determined for each of the recorded partial discharge data by a position determination unit, which is arranged at least in the local vicinity of the at least one detector unit.The recorded partial discharge data, along with the corresponding position data from at least one mobile detector unit, are then transmitted to a central computing unit and collected by the central computing unit. The central computing unit then evaluates the recorded partial discharge data and the corresponding position data in such a way that, from the collected partial discharge data and the corresponding position data, at least positions in the energy supply system with partial discharge activities and an associated strength of these partial discharge activities are determined.

[0025] The method according to the invention allows - as with the system according to the invention - a power supply system, parts of a power supply system, individual or several electrical installations and / or individual high and medium voltage components of electrical installations to be regularly checked for partial discharge activities very easily.

[0026] It is advantageous if the central computing unit creates a graphical representation of the determined partial discharge activities and the associated strength of these partial discharge activities, from which partial discharge activities in the power supply network can be quickly seen.

[0027] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the recorded partial discharge data, along with the corresponding position data from at least one mobile detector unit, are transmitted to the central computer unit via a data connection in a wireless or wired communication network. The data can then be easily collected and quickly made available for analysis on the central computer unit.

[0028] Ideally, the recorded partial discharge data, along with the corresponding position data of at least one mobile detector unit, can be temporarily stored in a local storage unit before and / or for transmission to the central computer unit, for example, if no mobile communication connection is available for data transmission or if it has interference that prevents complete data transmission or should not be used for safety reasons.

[0029] A preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention provides that the partial discharge activities determined from the recorded partial discharge data are compared with limit values ​​that are specified for individual electrical installations and / or sections of the power supply system and / or for the entire power supply system, and that an alarm is triggered if one of the specified limit values ​​is exceeded. This allows, for example, necessary corrective repairs of medium- or high-voltage components to be detected early and / or impending failures or hazardous situations to be prevented in a timely manner, or personnel to be warned in a timely manner. Ideally, the alarm can be issued as a visual and / or audible alarm or sent in the form of a message (e.g., to personnel on site).

[0030] It is also advantageous to compare partial discharge data recorded by the computer unit with previously recorded partial discharge data using the corresponding position data. Ideally, partial discharge data recorded at different times or at regular intervals for a given position can be compared to identify changes and trends in partial discharge activity. For this purpose, both the partial discharge data during recording and the position data during determination can be time-stamped. Using the time recorded with the partial discharge data, time series of partial discharge data can be created, which, for example, illustrate the development of partial discharge activity at a specific position (e.g.,a medium- or high-voltage component, in an electrical installation and / or in a section of the power supply network) and can be displayed, for example, in the graphical representation using color.

[0031] Brief description of the characters

[0032] The present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 3b, which show exemplary, schematic, and non-limiting advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0033] Fig. 1 shows a system according to the invention for monitoring partial discharge activities in a power supply system.

[0034] Fig. 2 shows a process for monitoring partial discharge activities in a power supply system.

[0035] Figs. 3a and 3b show an application of the system and method according to the invention for monitoring partial discharge activities in a power supply system.

[0036] Implementation of the invention

[0037] Figure 1 shows an exemplary and schematic representation of a system SYS according to the invention for monitoring partial discharge activity in a power supply system. This system comprises a more or less large number of electrical installations AN1, AN2 with various electrical components HV1, HV2 in the high and / or medium voltage range, such as power transformers, switchgear, high-voltage cable terminations, cable runs, etc. The electrical installations AN1, AN2 with the various electrical components HV1, HV2 are shown in Figures 3a and 3b, which illustrate an application of the system SYS and the associated method in a power supply system. Partial discharges can be caused by the electrical components HV1, HV2 in an electrical installation AN1, AN2 due to aging and / or weaknesses in the insulation of the respective components HV1, HV2.

[0038] The SYS system includes at least one mobile detector unit DE for detecting partial discharge activities in the power supply system or in one of the electrical installations AN1, AN2. The mobile detector unit DE is configured to detect partial discharge activities caused by electrical components HV1, HV2 in the respective electrical installation AN1, AN2 or the power supply system. This means that the at least one mobile detector unit DE can, for example, detect partial discharge activities of electrical components HV1, HV2 in the power supply system in the form of partial discharge data TE. In particular, the mobile detector unit DE can be configured to detect electromagnetic waves, for example in the medium-wave to UHF range, preferably in a range from 100 MHz to several GHz, or sound waves, especially ultrasonic waves, wherein the electromagnetic waves or the sound waves are measured in 2000 MHz or 2000 GHz.Ultrasound waves are caused by partial discharge activities. From the detected partial discharge activities, the mobile detector unit (DE) can derive partial discharge levels (TE levels) and record them as partial discharge data (TE). For this purpose, the mobile detector unit (DE) has a corresponding sensor unit, such as a UHF antenna or sensor, or an acoustic sensor (e.g., an ultrasonic microphone). With the appropriate sensor unit, electromagnetic waves caused by partial discharges, especially electromagnetic waves in the UHF range, or sound or ultrasonic waves caused by partial discharge activities can be detected.

[0039] The mobile detector unit DE can also be designed as a user-portable device, allowing, for example, energy supplier personnel who regularly work in the electrical installations AN1 and AN2 of the energy supply system or within the energy supplier's service area to be equipped with such a mobile detector unit DE. Alternatively, the mobile detector unit DE can be mounted on a mobile robotic unit. With the mobile robotic unit, the detector unit DE can be used, for example, to monitor partial discharge activity in electrical installations AN1 and AN2 that personnel cannot access frequently enough. Furthermore, the robotic unit can be equipped with more precise sensors for position determination.

[0040] Furthermore, it is possible for the mobile detector unit DE to be installed in an electrical system AN1, AN2 for only a limited period of monitoring the partial discharge activities there. After the monitoring is complete, the mobile detector unit DE can be removed from the mobile robot unit or from the system AN1, AN2 and used in other electrical systems AN1, AN2 of the power supply system. Thus, with one mobile detector unit DE of the SYS system, the partial discharge activities of different electrical components HV1, HV2 in different electrical systems AN1, AN2 of the power supply system can be detected and monitored – as will be explained in more detail below with reference to Figures 3a and 3b.

[0041] Furthermore, the SYS system includes at least one positioning unit PB, which is configured and arranged to determine the position of the at least one mobile detector unit DE in the form of position data POS, based on the partial discharge data TE recorded by the at least one mobile detector unit DE. The at least one positioning unit PB can be arranged at least in the immediate vicinity of the mobile detector unit DE whose position is to be determined based on its partial discharge data TE. This means that the positioning unit PB is arranged in such a way that it can determine the position of the mobile detector unit.At least due to the local proximity between the at least one mobile detector unit DE and the at least one position determination unit PB of the system SYS, the position determination unit PB of the mobile detector unit DE is assigned for position determination, as indicated by the dash-dotted outline in Figure 1.

[0042] To determine the position of the mobile detector unit DE in the form of position data POS, the positioning unit PB can use a positioning system such as GPS (Global Positioning System) or IPS (Indoor Positioning System). IPS can be used, for example, if GPS is not usable due to the design of the electrical installation (e.g., underground installation). Alternatively, the positioning unit PB can also use other methods for position determination, such as Bluetooth beacons or known Wi-Fi nodes installed in installations AN1 and AN2. Bluetooth beacons are small radio transmitters that are installed, for example, in electrical installations AN1 and AN2 and emit Bluetooth signals. The signal strength of these signals can be used, for example, to determine the position within the respective installations AN1 and AN2.It is also possible to determine the position of the mobile detector unit DE using image recognition. The mobile detector unit DE and the positioning unit PB can, for example, be implemented as separate units. The mobile detector unit DE could be a portable device, while the positioning unit PB is integrated into a mobile communication device (e.g., mobile phone, smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc.). Both devices—that is, the mobile detector unit DE and the mobile communication device with the integrated positioning unit PB—could be carried by a single user, for example, when working within one of the electrical installations or in the area of ​​the power supply system.Due to this local proximity between the mobile detector unit DE and the mobile communication device, the position determination unit PB integrated in the mobile communication device is virtually assigned to the mobile detector unit DE and can determine the respective positions or position data POS of the mobile detector unit DE during movement in the energy supply system.

[0043] Alternatively, the mobile detector unit DE and the position determination unit PB can also form a single unit. That is, the position determination unit PB is integrated into the mobile detector unit DE. The mobile detector unit DE can be designed as a portable device, which, for example, is carried by a user, mounted on a mobile robot unit, or temporarily installed in an electrical system AN1, AN2. The mobile detector unit DE records the partial discharge activities in the form of partial discharge data TE, while the integrated position determination unit PB determines the respective position of the mobile detector unit DE as position data POS in relation to the recorded partial discharge data TE.

[0044] Furthermore, the SYS system includes a central computing unit RE, which can preferably be located in a stationary position, e.g. at a central point in the power supply system.

[0045] The central computing unit RE is configured to collect and evaluate the partial discharge data TE recorded by the at least one mobile detector unit DE and the corresponding position data POS determined by the positioning unit PB for the at least one mobile detector unit DE. This allows the unit to determine, from the collected partial discharge data TE and position data POS, at least the locations of partial discharge activities within the power supply system and the corresponding intensity of these activities. The recorded partial discharge data TE and the corresponding position data POS are linked in such a way that, in addition to the partial discharge activities themselves, the respective location of each partial discharge activity within the power supply system can be determined or derived from the position data determined by the at least one detector unit DE for the recorded partial discharge data TE.

[0046] For collection and evaluation, data from at least one mobile detector unit are used.

[0047] The partial discharge data (TE) recorded by the DE (Detective Unit DE) and the corresponding position data (POS) determined by the PB (Positioning Unit) of the mobile detector unit DE are transmitted to the central computer unit RE. This data transmission can occur directly via a data connection. If the mobile detector unit DE and the positioning unit PB form a single unit, the mobile detector unit DE can, for example, establish a data connection to the central computer unit RE via a wireless communication network (e.g., radio network, mobile network, etc.) and handle the data transmission. If the positioning unit PB is integrated into a mobile communication device (e.g., mobile phone, smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc.), the data transmission can be carried out using a wireless communication network (e.g., radio network, mobile network, etc.).Once integrated, the mobile communication device can establish a mobile data connection to the central computing unit RE and handle the data transmission. For example, the mobile detector unit DE can establish a connection to the corresponding mobile communication device, in which the corresponding position determination unit PB is integrated, and transmit the recorded partial discharge data TE to the mobile communication device for data transmission.

[0048] Alternatively or additionally, a local storage unit can be provided in which the recorded partial discharge data (TE) and the corresponding position data (POS) are temporarily stored. This temporary storage in the local unit can occur, for example, if no mobile data connection can be established to the central computer unit due to a missing or unavailable wireless communication link, or if a connection should not be established for security reasons. The local storage unit can, for example, be included by the mobile detector unit (DE) if the position determination unit (PB) is integrated into the mobile detector unit (DE). This applies if the position determination unit (PB) is located in a mobile communication device (e.g., mobile phone, smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc.).If the mobile detector unit DE is arranged in a fixed configuration and transmits the detected partial discharge data TE to the mobile communication device, a storage unit of the mobile communication device can also be used as a local storage unit for temporarily storing the data TE and POS. To transfer the data TE and POS to the central computing unit RE, either the mobile detector unit DE or the mobile communication device can be connected to the central computing unit RE via a wired or wireless communication link at a later time. The data TE and POS temporarily stored in the local storage unit can then be read and transferred to the local computing unit RE.

[0049] Furthermore, the central computing unit (RE) can be configured to create a map from the partial discharge activities, which are derived from the collected partial discharge data (TE) using the corresponding position data (POS). In other words, the central computing unit (RE) maps the recorded partial discharge data (TE) onto a graphical representation or map of the energy supply system, using the position data (POS). The determined partial discharge activities can be graphically represented in the map of the energy supply system, for example, using colors that symbolize the respective intensity of the partial discharge activity at that location. The map can be displayed on an output unit (AE), such as a display or screen of the central computing unit (RE), or made available to energy supplier personnel via a web browser.

[0050] Figure 1 shows, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, only one exemplary mobile detector unit DE and one exemplary position determination unit PB of the SYS system. In practice, the SYS system comprises a multitude of mobile detector units DE and one position determination unit PB, each located at least in close proximity to the respective mobile detector unit DE. These multiple mobile detector units DE and position determination units PB then transmit the partial discharge data TE and the position data POS they have determined to the central computer unit RE for collection and evaluation.

[0051] Figure 2 shows an exemplary and schematic representation of the procedure for monitoring partial discharge activities in a power supply system using the system SYS. In a detection step 101, at least one mobile detector unit DE of the system SYS, which is moved within the power supply system, detects partial discharge activities in electrical installations AN1, AN2 or in electrical components HV1, HV2 of the electrical installations AN1, AN2 in the form of partial discharge data TE. The mobile detector unit DE is, for example, a portable device moved by a user within a specific area or sub-area of ​​the power supply system, or it is, for example, mounted on a mobile robot unit that moves within a specific area of ​​the power supply system.

[0052] Approximately in parallel with the acquisition step 101, in an investigation step 102 a position determination unit PB of the system SYS, which is arranged at least in the local vicinity of the at least one mobile detector unit DE, determines a position of the at least one detector unit DE in the form of position data POS to the partial discharge data TE recorded by the at least one detector unit DE.

[0053] Then, in transmission step 103, the partial discharge data TE recorded by at least one mobile detector unit DE, as well as the corresponding position data POS determined by the position determination unit PB, are transmitted to the central computer unit RE. The data transmission of the partial discharge data TE and the corresponding position data POS to the central computer unit RE can, for example, take place directly via a mobile data connection in transmission step 103. If the position determination unit PB is integrated into the mobile detector unit DE, a data connection to the central computer unit RE can be established, for example, via a wireless communication network (e.g., radio network) to transmit the TE and POS data. If the position determination unit PB is integrated into a mobile communication device (e.g., a mobile communication device), the data transmission can be carried out via a wireless communication network (e.g., a mobile communication device).If mobile phone, smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc.) are arranged, the data transmission of the data TE, POS to the central computer unit RE can be taken over by the mobile communication device, whereby, for example, the mobile detector unit DE establishes a connection to the mobile communication device in order to transmit the partial discharge data TE to the mobile communication device.

[0054] Alternatively or additionally, transmission step 103 may provide for the temporary storage of the recorded partial discharge data (TE) and the determined position data (POS) in a local storage unit, which is, for example, integrated into the mobile detector unit (DE) or available in the mobile communication device – depending on the location of the positioning unit (PB). Temporary storage of the TE and POS data in transmission step 103 may be necessary, for example, if no data connection via a mobile communication network is available or if the connection is disrupted due to the specific location of the mobile detector unit and / or the mobile communication device.The data TE and POS temporarily stored in the local storage unit can then be read from the local storage unit and transferred to the central computing unit RE at a later time, for example, as soon as a data connection via a wireless communication network can be established. In transmission step 103, the mobile detector unit DE or the mobile communication device can be connected to the central computing unit RE at a later time via a wired communication network or directly to read the data TE and POS from the local storage unit and transfer it to the central computing unit RE. This may be necessary, in particular, for security reasons or if, for example, a mobile data connection to the central computing unit RE is not possible.

[0055] The partial discharge data TE transmitted by at least one mobile detector unit DE and the corresponding position data POS determined by the positioning unit PB for the mobile detector unit DE are collected by the central computer unit RE in a collection step 104. Furthermore, at the latest in collection step 104, the central computer unit RE links the partial discharge data TE recorded by the at least one mobile detector unit DE with the position data POS determined by the positioning unit PB, so that in an evaluation step 105, the locations of the partial discharge activities in the power supply system can be determined from the collected partial discharge data TE and position data POS, in addition to the partial discharge activities and their associated intensity.The linking can be done, for example, via time information when recording the partial discharge data TE and when determining the position data POS and / or a device identifier of the mobile detector unit DE, etc.

[0056] Alternatively, the linking of the partial discharge data TE recorded by the at least one mobile detector unit DE with the respective position data POS of the mobile detector unit DE determined by the position determination unit PB can already take place during the transmission step 103 - in particular before a transmission to the central computer unit RE.

[0057] If the position determination unit PB is integrated into the mobile detector unit DE, the linking of the partial discharge data TE recorded by the mobile detector unit DE with the position data POS of the mobile detector unit DE determined by the position determination unit PB can, for example, already take place in the mobile detector unit DE before the data TE, POS are transmitted to the central computer unit RE in transmission step 103.If the positioning unit PB is integrated into a mobile communication device and the mobile detector unit DE transmits the recorded partial discharge data TE to the mobile communication device, for example, the linking of the partial discharge data TE recorded by the mobile detector unit DE with the position data POS determined by the positioning unit PB could already take place on the mobile communication device before the data TE, POS are transmitted to the central computer unit RE in transmission step 103.

[0058] In evaluation step 105, the collected partial discharge data (TE) and the position data (POS) linked to the collected partial discharge data (TE) are evaluated by the central computing unit (RE). In the simplest case, the central computing unit (RE) uses the collected data (TE, POS) to determine at which locations, such as in which electrical installations (AN1, AN2) and / or at which electrical components (HV1, HV2), partial discharge activities occur in the power supply system, and also specifies the intensity (e.g., TE level) of the partial discharge activities for these locations based on the recorded partial discharge data (TE).

[0059] Furthermore, in evaluation step 105, the central computing unit RE can determine trends or developments in partial discharge activities at specific locations (e.g., in specific electrical installations AN1, AN2 and / or at specific electrical components HV1, HV2). For this purpose, partial discharge data (TE) is evaluated and compared with the corresponding position data (POS), which were recorded at different times or at regular intervals (e.g., weeks, months, etc.) by a mobile detector unit DE of the system SYS at a specific location in the power supply system (e.g., in electrical installations AN1, AN2). In both the acquisition step 101 and the determination step 102, a time, for example in the form of a timestamp, can be assigned to the recorded partial discharge data (TE) and the determined position data (POS).The time indicates when the partial discharge data (TE) was recorded or the position data (POS) was determined and can be used to identify trends in the development of partial discharge activities when evaluating the data.

[0060] Alternatively or additionally, the central computing unit RE can verify compliance with predefined limit values ​​for partial discharge activities or their intensity in evaluation step 105. For example, limit values ​​for partial discharge activities can be defined for specific locations in the power supply system, such as for individual electrical installations AN1, AN2 and / or for individual electrical components HV1, HV2 in electrical installations AN1, AN2, and / or limit values ​​for sub-areas of the power supply system, which, for example, comprise several electrical installations AN1, AN2, and / or a limit value for an entire observation area – e.g., the entire power supply system.

[0061] If one of these limit values ​​is exceeded by the partial discharge (PD) activities determined using the recorded PD data, an alarm can be triggered, for example, in evaluation step 105. It is also possible to trigger an alarm if a concerning trend is detected, such as a consistent increase in the measured PD value over days, weeks, or months. The alarm triggered by exceeding one of the predefined limit values ​​or by detecting concerning trends can be issued as an audible and / or visual alarm. Alternatively or additionally, the alarm can also be sent as a message, for example, via email, text message, or telephone call, to inform personnel in an affected electrical installation AN1 or AN2, or to warn of an impending danger in the case of very high PD levels.Furthermore, exceeding a limit value can also trigger a corresponding corrective repair in the affected component HV1, HV2, in the affected system AN1, AN12, in the affected area, etc., and / or safety measures for personnel can be taken. Additionally, in a display step 106, the central computer unit RE can create a map from the partial discharge activities, which were determined from the collected partial discharge data TE using the position data POS. In display step 106, the recorded partial discharge data TE are linked to a graphical representation or map of the energy supply system using the position data POS, and the respective partial discharge activities are displayed on the map. The determined partial discharge activities can, for example,Using colors that symbolize, for example, the corresponding intensity or TE level of the respective partial discharge activity at a given location, the energy supply system's graphical representation or map can be visually depicted. It is also possible to display a map highlighting particularly pronounced trends. In display step 106, the map can be output to an output unit (AE), such as a display or screen on the central computer unit, or made available to energy supplier personnel via a web browser. This visual representation makes, for example, the electrical components HV1 and HV2, the electrical installations AN1 and AN2, and / or the areas with high partial discharge activity within the energy supply system visible.Furthermore, the map can also display and show temporal changes in partial discharge activities and / or partial discharge activities for which the specified limits will soon be exceeded or have already been exceeded.

[0062] Figures 3a and 3b show an exemplary and schematic application of the SYS system for monitoring partial discharge activity in an electrical power supply system. Figures 3a and 3b depict an exemplary power supply system or a section thereof. For simplicity, the exemplary power supply system or section comprises two electrical installations AN1 and AN2, such as transformer stations, cable routes, substations, load distribution systems, etc. Each of the two electrical installations AN1 and AN2 has at least one high-voltage and / or medium-voltage component HV1 and HV2 (e.g., power transformer, switchgear, cable, etc.) in which partial discharges can occur.

[0063] To detect and monitor partial discharges, a mobile detector unit DE of the SYS system and a position determination unit PB of the SYS system, located at least in close proximity to the mobile detector unit DE, are moved within the power supply system or a section thereof. The mobile detector unit DE and the position determination unit PB can – as exemplified in Figure 3a – first be moved together into a first electrical installation AN1 to, for example, detect partial discharge activities of the first electrical component HV1 located in the first electrical installation AN1 in the form of initial partial discharge data TE1 in a detection step 101, and then, in a determination step 102, determine the respective position of the mobile detector unit DE within the first electrical installation AN1 in the form of initial position data POS1.The recorded partial discharge data TE1 and the determined position data POS1 can ideally be assigned a time (e.g., the time of recording or determination in the form of a timestamp). The recorded initial partial discharge data TE1 and the corresponding initial position data POS1 can be immediately transmitted directly to the central computing unit RE via transmission step 103, for example, using a mobile data connection, to be linked and collected for evaluation. Alternatively, the recorded initial partial discharge data TE1 and the determined initial position data POS1 could also be temporarily stored in the mobile detector unit DE or the mobile communication device, depending on where the positioning unit PB is located, and linked there.The transmission of the first partial discharge data TE1 and the first position data POS1 to the central computer unit RE can then only take place at a later time in transmission step 103, for example while the mobile detector unit DE and the position determination unit PB are moved from the first system AN1 to the second system AN2 or after completion of the check for partial discharge activities.

[0064] Then, the mobile detector unit DE and the position determination unit PB – as exemplified in Figure 3b – are moved together into the second system AN2 to, for example, detect partial discharge activities of the second electrical component HV2 arranged in the second electrical system AN2 in the form of second partial discharge data TE2 in a further acquisition step 101, and to determine the respective position of the mobile detector unit DE in the second electrical system AN2 in the form of second position data POS2 in a further determination step 102. Ideally, the detected partial discharge data TE2 and the determined position data POS2 can again be assigned a time (e.g., the time of detection or determination in the form of a timestamp). The detected second partial discharge data TE2 and the corresponding second position data POS2 can also be immediately transferred directly, e.g., by means of transfer step 103.The data are transmitted via a mobile data connection to the central computing unit RE, where they are linked and collected for evaluation. Alternatively, the second partial discharge data TE2 and the second position data POS2 can be temporarily stored, linked if necessary, and transmitted to the central computing unit RE at a later time using transmission step 103. In the central computing unit RE, the first partial discharge data TE1 and the first position data POS1 from the first electrical system AN1, as well as the second partial discharge data TE2 and the second position data POS2 from the second electrical system AN2, are collected in collection step 104 and evaluated in evaluation step 105. Based on the collected data TE1, POS1, TE2, and POS2, the central computing unit RE can determine at which positions of the energy supply system, or...The system can determine whether partial discharge activities occur in the sub-area and what their intensity is. For example, it can be determined whether partial discharge activities are caused in the first and / or second system AN1, AN2 by, for example, the respective electrical components HV1, HV2, and what their intensity is. Furthermore, limit values ​​can be defined for the first system AN1 and / or the second system AN2 and / or for the entire power supply system or sub-area. These limit values ​​are then used to compare the partial discharge activities and their intensity, as determined based on the data TE1, POS1, TE2, POS2. If the respective predefined limit value is exceeded, an alarm can be triggered for the corresponding system AN1, AN2, the entire power supply system, or the entire sub-area.

[0065] Additionally, in display step 106, the central computing unit RE can create a map for the energy supply system or the sub-area of ​​the energy supply system based on the collected and evaluated data TE1, POS1, TE2, POS2. This map shows the partial discharge activities and their respective intensity in the first system AN1 and in the second system AN2, or in the energy supply system or sub-area. This map can be displayed, for example, on the output unit AE and thus shown to the personnel of the energy supply system. If the method according to the invention is carried out, for example, at time intervals or regular intervals in the energy supply system or in the sub-area of ​​the energy supply system, then, for example, the following can be determined:By comparing current recorded partial discharge data TE1, TE2 with previously recorded partial discharge data TE1, TE2 in relation to the respective position data POS1, POS2, increasing partial discharge activities and / or changes in the partial discharge activities in the electrical systems AN1, AN2 can be identified.

Claims

Patent claims 1. System (SYS) for monitoring partial discharge activity in an electrical power supply system, wherein the power supply system comprises a number of electrical installations (AN1 , AN2) each with at least one high- or medium-voltage electrical component (HV1 , HV2) in which partial discharges may occur during operation, characterized in that the system (SYS) comprises at least: - at least one mobile detector unit (DE) for recording partial discharge activities occurring in the power supply system in the form of partial discharge data (TE, TE1 , TE2); - a position determination unit (PB) which is set up and arranged to determine position data (POS, POS1, POS2) of the at least one mobile detector unit (DE) in relation to the partial discharge data (TE, TE1, TE2) recorded by the at least one mobile detector unit (DE); and - a central computing unit (RE) which is set up to collect and evaluate the partial discharge data (TE, TE1 , TE2) recorded by the at least one mobile detector unit (DE) and the position data (POS, POS1 , POS2) determined by the position determination unit (PB) of the at least one mobile detector unit (DE) in such a way that at least positions in the energy supply system with partial discharge activities and an associated strength of these partial discharge activities are determined from the collected partial discharge data (TE, TE1 , TE2) and the position data determined for them (POS, POS1 , POS2).

2. System (SYS) according to claim 1, characterized in that the central computing unit (RE) is further configured to create a graphical representation of the determined partial discharge activities and the associated strength of these partial discharge activities.

3. System (SYS) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one mobile detector unit (DE) and the position determination unit (PB) form a unit, wherein the position determination unit (PB) is arranged at least in the local vicinity of the detector unit (DE), in particular integrated into the detector unit (DE) or may be arranged in a mobile communication device, in particular in a mobile phone or smartphone.

4. System (SYS) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that for the transmission of the partial discharge data (TE, TE1 , TE2) detected by the at least one mobile detector unit (DE) and the position data (POS, POS1 , POS2) determined by the position determination unit (PB) to the central computer unit (RE) a Data connection is provided via a wireless or wired communication network.

5. System (SYS) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a local storage unit is provided in which the partial discharge data (TE, TE1 , TE2) detected by the at least one mobile detector unit (DE) and the position data (POS, POS1 , POS2) determined by the position determination unit (PB) of the at least one mobile detector unit (DE) can be temporarily stored before and / or for transmission to the central computer unit (RE).

6. System (SYS) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the at least one mobile detector unit (DE) is configured to detect electromagnetic waves caused by partial discharge activities, in particular electromagnetic waves in a medium-wave or ultra-high frequency range, or ultrasonic waves caused by partial discharge activities.

7. System (SYS) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the at least one mobile detector unit (DE) is designed as a user-portable device and / or can be arranged on a movable robot unit.

8. Method for monitoring partial discharge activities in an electrical power supply system, wherein the power supply system comprises a number of electrical installations (AN1, AN2) each with at least one high- or medium-voltage electrical component (HV1, HV2) in which partial discharges may occur during operation, characterized in that partial discharge activities occurring in the power supply system are recorded by at least one mobile detector unit (DE) in the form of partial discharge data (TE, TE1, TE2) (101), that position data (POS, POS1, POS2) of the at least one mobile detector unit (DE) are determined by a position determination unit (PB), which is arranged at least in the local vicinity of the at least one detector unit (DE), for each of the recorded partial discharge data (TE, TE1, TE2) (102), that the recorded partial discharge data (TE, TE1, TE2) are compared with the respective position data (POS, POS1,POS2) of at least one mobile detector unit (DE) are transmitted to a central computer unit (RE) (103), and that the recorded partial discharge data (TE, TE1, TE2) are collected by the central computer unit (RE) together with the respective position data (POS, POS1, POS2) of the at least one mobile detector unit (DE) (104) and then evaluated (105) in such a way that at least positions in the energy supply system can be determined from the collected partial discharge data (TE, TE1, TE2) and the respective position data (POS, POS1, POS2) Partial discharge activities and their associated strength are determined.

9. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that the central computing unit (RE) creates a graphical representation of the determined partial discharge activities and the associated strength of these partial discharge activities (106).

10. Method according to one of claims 8 to 9, characterized in that the recorded partial discharge data (TE, TE1 , TE2) together with the respective position data (POS, POS1 , POS2) of the at least one mobile detector unit (DE) are transmitted to the central computer unit (RE) via a data connection in a wireless or wired communication network (103).

11. Method according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the recorded partial discharge data (TE, TE1 , TE2) together with the respective position data (POS, POS1 , POS2) of the at least one mobile detector unit (DE) are temporarily stored in a local storage unit before and / or for transmission to the central computing unit (RE) (103).

12. Method according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the partial discharge activities determined from the recorded partial discharge data (TE, TE1 , TE2) are compared with limit values ​​(105) which are specified for individual electrical installations (AN1 , AN2) and / or part of the power supply system and / or for the entire power supply system, and that an alarm is issued when one of the specified limit values ​​is exceeded.

13. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that the alarm is issued as an optical and / or acoustic alarm or is sent in the form of a message (105).

14. Method according to one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that partial discharge data (TE, TE1 , TE2) recorded by the computer unit (RE) are compared with previously recorded partial discharge data (TE, TE1 , TE2) using the respective position data (POS, POS1 , POS2) determined for this purpose.

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