Warning device and method for protecting persons

Abstract

The invention relates to a warning device (1) and to an associated method for protecting persons (2) in the vicinity of electrical facilities (3) which have at least one or more current-carrying and / or energized components (4). The warning device (1) warns of the presence of a dangerous situation by outputting a warning notification (AL) and can be worn by a person (2) to be protected, ideally on a helmet, item of clothing or on the body (e.g. wrist). According to the invention, in order to further improve and increase the safety of a person (2) wearing a warning device (1) of this type, the warning device (1) at least has: an E-field sensor unit (6) for detecting an electric field (E) in the form of E-field measurement data, which surrounds the at least one current-carrying and / or energized component (4); a detector unit (7) for detecting partial discharge activities (PD) occurring in the at least one component (4) of the electrical facility (3), in the form of partial discharge data (TE); an evaluation unit (8) for evaluating the E-field measurement data detected by the E-field sensor unit (7) and the partial discharge data (TE) detected by the detector unit (7); and an alarm unit (9) for outputting the at least one warning notification (AL) if the evaluation unit (8) determines an existing dangerous situation for the person (2) to be protected on the basis of an evaluation of the E-field measurement data and / or the partial discharge data (TE).

Description

[0001] Warning device and procedure for the protection of persons

[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of safety equipment, in particular to the area of ​​personal protection in the vicinity of electrical installations. Specifically, the present invention relates to a warning device for the protection of persons in the vicinity of electrical installations that have at least one or more current-carrying and / or live components. The warning device warns of the presence of a hazardous situation by issuing a warning message and can be attached to a person to be protected, ideally worn by that person. The invention also relates to an associated method for the protection of persons in the vicinity of electrical installations who are wearing the warning device.

[0003] State of the art

[0004] Electrical power supply systems are widespread. They serve to transmit energy over long distances, such as high- and medium-voltage power grids or sections thereof, to convert voltage, such as in substations, transformer stations, etc., and to distribute energy to consumers, such as powering buildings, machinery, or industrial plants. Typically, a number of different electrical systems are used in power supply, which usually employ numerous 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., all of which carry current or are under voltage, particularly in the medium- or high-voltage range.These electrical systems, with their numerous components, require regular inspection, maintenance, and repair, and possibly expansion. These tasks are carried out by qualified personnel – sometimes even while the electrical systems or the power supply system are in operation.

[0005] This entails an inherent danger to such individuals, as unintentional proximity to live and / or energized components of an electrical system, or unintentional contact with such components, can result in a life-threatening electric shock or at least the risk of serious injury. Furthermore, the vicinity of an electrical system typically contains other individuals who, in the event of incorrect behavior or a fault in the electrical system, may also be at risk, for example, of suffering an electric shock or being injured in the event of an explosion of equipment, such as a component or part of the electrical system. Such a potential hazard can, of course, exist not only in electrical systems of a power supply system, but also during work (e.g.,...commissioning, maintenance and / or repair work, rescue operations, renovation work, etc.) in the vicinity of or near other installations with live and / or energized components, such as industrial plants, production machines, etc.

[0006] Typically, safety regulations and practices are in place in sectors such as energy and industry to reduce the risk to people from electrical installations and to prevent accidents involving live and / or energized components. Furthermore, it is common practice, particularly in industrial settings, to install an emergency stop device on electrical systems to de-energize the system in the event of contact with a live and / or energized component. While this increases the safety of people working in the vicinity of live and / or energized components of electrical installations, especially against electric shock from accidental contact, at least one other person must be present to activate the emergency stop in case of a fault and, if necessary, summon help.

[0007] Another way to increase the safety of people working in or near electrical installations, especially power supply systems, and who are therefore at risk of dangerous proximity to or contact with a live component, particularly a medium- or high-voltage component, is through the use of warning devices. These warning devices can, for example, detect proximity to a live component of an electrical installation, such as a transmission line, transformer, switchgear, etc. A person can then be alerted by such a warning device through the issuance of a warning message, e.g.,Users are warned, in the form of an audible, visual, and / or vibration alarm, before they come dangerously close to this component, unintentionally touch it, or interrupt a live wire and are endangered by the resulting voltage. Such warning devices for protecting people from electrical hazards detect the electric field surrounding a live component of an electrical system, especially one operating at medium or high voltage. The strength and extent of this field are proportional to the voltage level, or, in the case of a current, the magnetic field. A warning device that, for example, monitors compliance with exposure limits for electric fields to prevent electrical accidents is ideally designed as a compact, portable warning device that can be easily carried by a person or user.The warning device can be worn when carrying out work on an electrical installation. For example, it can be designed to be attached to the wrist, work clothing, and / or a helmet, and therefore does not hinder the person's activities. Different embodiments of such warning devices are known, for example, from EP 1 296 150 A1, WO 2018 / 111474 A1, and EP 4276478 A1.

[0008] Since electrical installations, especially power supply systems, involve high voltages and energy to which the components are exposed, these components must have sufficiently robust and reliable insulation during operation. This prevents electrical breakdowns, which, in addition to damaging the individual components or the electrical installations themselves, pose a further hazard to people (e.g., maintenance personnel, operators, etc.) in or near electrical installations. Depending on the component, various insulating materials or agents are used, such as technical ceramics (e.g., steatite, porcelain for insulators of overhead lines or in power feedthroughs, etc.), plastics (e.g., cross-linked polyethylene in high-voltage cables, etc.), and oils (e.g., transformer oil in circuit breakers, power transformers, oil-filled cables, etc.).) or other materials with extremely low electrical conductivity.

[0009] Insulation in electrical components, especially in high- and medium-voltage components of a power supply system, is typically subjected to significant stress over time due to electric fields. This can lead to premature aging and / or damage to the insulation (e.g., cracks in solid insulation, blisters in liquid insulation, etc.). Insulation failure can result in high earth fault currents, causing extensive damage to the components and posing a serious risk to personnel. However, insulation failures—for example, those caused by aging of the insulating material or by improper installation—can be preceded by partial discharges.

[0010] A partial discharge (PD), also known as a pre-discharge, is a term from high-voltage engineering. It describes an electrical discharge that affects only 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 electrical components or along air gaps. This can happen, for instance, at interfaces between insulating materials (e.g., 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, leading to a local exceedance of the breakdown field strength typical for insulating materials, resulting in partial discharges. Partial discharges are usually localized or limited to a small area of ​​the insulation gap and occur at very short intervals (e.g., in the nano- to microsecond range). Partial discharges can be categorized as external partial discharges or corona discharges, internal partial discharges or so-called cavitation and surface or sliding discharges. External partial discharges are discharges that occur on the surfaces of free metal electrodes—e.g., sharp edges or pointed objects where the field strength is increased—extending into the free air space. 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,Partial 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 itself as partial discharges. 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).

[0011] Partial discharges are therefore usually an indication of weaknesses in the insulation of a component of an electrical system. These weaknesses can lead to serious damage in the long term – from, for example, degradation of the insulating material to, ultimately, a complete breakdown. Besides the risk of unintentional dangerous proximity to or contact with live and / or current-carrying components of an electrical system, weaknesses in the insulation pose a further hazard to personnel performing, for example, commissioning, maintenance, or other work on components of an electrical system.

[0012] While it is possible to detect and measure partial discharges using various techniques, these include acoustic measurement methods, which analyze acoustic signals (e.g., sound waves, ultrasound waves) generated by partial discharges; optical measurement methods, which analyze light emitted by partial discharges, particularly UV radiation; and electrical or electromagnetic measurement methods, which analyze the electrical or electromagnetic pulses caused by partial discharges. This allows for the assessment of the insulation condition of components in electrical systems, especially in power supply applications (e.g., cables, power transformers, switchgear, high-voltage cable terminations, etc.), through testing, enabling the early detection of defects. Devices such as the UltraTEV™ Plus are available for such testing. 2the company EA Technology Limited, which can detect ultrasound signals, etc., or as described in WO 2019 / 234412 A2, with which partial discharges can be detected and / or localized.

[0013] These devices are typically used only for inspections and checks of electrical systems and their components for partial discharge activity. They are therefore designed, for example, as systems built for measuring and analyzing partial discharge activity in electrical systems, or as handheld devices that a user holds in their hand or guides along the components being tested during inspection. Individuals performing commissioning, maintenance, repairs, or other tasks on components of an electrical system can only use these devices to a limited extent, if at all, to detect partial discharges. Measurements or detections with these systems generally require specialized knowledge.

[0014] To further improve the safety of persons who perform commissioning, maintenance and / or repair work or other activities in or near electrical installations, especially power supply systems, or who are present there, it would therefore be desirable to have a warning device and an associated procedure that can detect not only the proximity to a live and / or energized component of an electrical installation, but also partial discharge activities in components of the electrical installation, and whereby the warning device could be worn very easily and lightly by a person, ideally without specialist knowledge, during the respective activity in the vicinity of the electrical installation.

[0015] Description of the invention

[0016] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a warning device for the protection of persons and an associated method with which the safety of persons in the area of ​​an electrical installation is further improved and increased in a simple manner.

[0017] This problem is solved by a warning device and an associated method according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are described in the dependent claims.According to the invention, the problem is solved by a warning device of the type specified above, wherein the warning device comprises at least: an E-field sensor unit for detecting an electric field in the form of E-field measurement data, which surrounds the at least one current-carrying and / or energized component; a detector unit for detecting partial discharge activities occurring in the at least one component of the electrical system in the form of partial discharge data; an evaluation unit for evaluating the E-field measurement data detected by the E-field sensor unit and the partial discharge data detected by the detector unit; and an alarm unit for issuing the at least one warning message to the person to be protected when the evaluation unit detects an existing hazardous situation for the person to be protected based on an evaluation of the E-field measurement data and / or the partial discharge data.

[0018] The main aspect of the warning device according to the invention is that, through a combination of an electric field sensor unit for detecting an electric field and a detector unit for detecting partial discharge activity, the safety of persons carrying the warning device in the vicinity of electrical installations, particularly installations with high and / or medium-voltage components, is improved and increased in a simple and efficient manner. The warning device according to the invention allows the person to be easily warned of the presence of a live and / or energized component of an electrical installation, thereby significantly reducing the risk of accidents and even life-threatening injuries.The detector unit integrated into the warning device allows for the detection of partial discharge activities, in addition to detecting electric fields surrounding live and / or energized components. This detection can also include documenting partial discharge activities within these components. In the event of critical partial discharge activities, which could, for example, lead to insulation failures or even an explosion of components or component parts, a person wearing the warning device can ideally be alerted to leave the danger zone and, if necessary, initiate appropriate measures.

[0019] Above all, it is advantageous if the evaluation unit is configured to compare the electric field measurement data acquired by the electric field sensor unit with at least one predefined threshold for the electric field and / or the partial discharge data acquired by the detector unit with at least one predefined threshold for partial discharge activity. If the electric field measurement data acquired by the electric field sensor unit and / or the partial discharge activity data acquired by the detector unit exceed at least one predefined threshold for the electric field, the unit should then detect an existing hazardous situation for the person to be protected. By specifying appropriate thresholds for the electric field or partial discharge activity, the warning device can very easily and efficiently detect a hazardous situation – such as…dangerous proximity to a live and / or energized component, risk of unintentional contact with a live and / or energized component, critical partial discharge activities indicating an impending insulation failure, etc. - are detected and a corresponding warning message is issued.

[0020] Advantageously, the detector unit for detecting partial discharge activities is designed to detect the electromagnetic waves caused by partial discharge activities, particularly electromagnetic waves in the medium-wave or ultra-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.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the warning device, the device further comprises an acceleration sensor that detects the acceleration, preferably in three-dimensional space, of the person wearing the warning device in the form of acceleration data. The evaluation unit is configured to determine the person's state of motion from the detected acceleration data in order to recognize an emergency situation and, in the event of such a detection, to trigger at least one configured safety action. By integrating an acceleration sensor into the warning device, an emergency situation of the person wearing the warning device—that is, a situation in which there is a risk to the person's health (e.g., accident, medical emergency)—can be easily detected, and appropriate assistance can be initiated.

[0022] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the alarm unit is configured to issue the warning message as a visual alarm and / or audible alarm and / or vibration alarm, and / or to send the warning message in the form of a message, in particular a text message, an email, a data telegram, or a voice call. This allows the person wearing the warning device to be warned very easily of an existing hazardous situation (e.g., dangerous proximity to a live and / or energized component, risk of unintentional contact with a live and / or energized component, critical partial discharge activity indicating an impending insulation failure, etc.) by, for example, activating the visual alarm (e.g., LED), the audible alarm (e.g., warning tone), or the vibration alarm.On the other hand, by sending out a warning message, it is very easy to inform and / or warn other people in case of danger (e.g. critical partial discharge activities in a component of an electrical system, etc.) and / or to organize help.

[0023] In a suitably designed warning device, it is intended that the warning device be portable by the person being protected, with the housing of the warning device being designed such that it can be attached to a helmet or clothing, or worn on the wrist. This allows the person being protected to wear the warning device very easily without being hindered, for example, when working in the vicinity or area of ​​the electrical installation.

[0024] In further developing the warning device, it can also be advantageous if the warning device can be coupled with a position determination unit, wherein the position determination unit is arranged at least in the local vicinity of the warning device, and wherein the position determination unit is configured to determine a position of the warning device in the form of position data and to transmit the position data to the evaluation unit for further processing, in particular for an assignment to the partial discharge data recorded by the detector unit.

[0025] Alternatively, it can also be advantageous if the warning device has a position determination unit, which is, for example, located in the housing of the warning device. The position determination unit can also be configured to determine the position of the warning device in the form of position data and to transmit the position data to the evaluation unit for further processing, in particular for assignment to the partial discharge data recorded by the detector unit.

[0026] Due to the close proximity and thus the correlation between the positioning unit and the warning device, or through the integration of the positioning unit, the positioning unit can easily determine the position of the warning device with relative accuracy. This also allows for the simple determination of the location of partial discharge activities detected by the detector unit of the warning device, for example, in a power supply network. The detected partial discharge data can be linked with the position data, enabling the warning device according to the invention to easily detect and monitor partial discharge activities in addition to providing personal protection.

[0027] Furthermore, the position data of the warning device determined by the positioning unit can also be used to, for example, locate a person wearing the warning device more quickly in an emergency situation.

[0028] Ideally, the warning device has a local storage unit in which at least the partial discharge data detected by the detector unit and the corresponding position data determined by the positioning unit can be temporarily stored. The local storage unit can ideally be used when, for example, no communication or data connection to a central computer unit exists or can be established to immediately transmit the detected partial discharge data and the associated position data to the computer 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.Furthermore, the local storage unit can ideally be used to store predefined threshold values ​​for the electric field and / or for partial discharge activities, which can be used in the evaluation unit to detect existing hazardous situations, and configured safety actions (e.g., safety bodies to be informed, etc.) for emergency situations detected by the warning device.

[0029] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the warning device has a communication interface via which a communication connection for data transmission to a central computer unit and / or for communication with a security authority can be established via a wireless and / or wired communication network.

[0030] Furthermore, the problem is solved by a method for protecting persons who are in or near electrical installations with at least one live and / or energized component. These persons to be protected wear a warning device, ideally on a helmet, a piece of clothing, or a wrist, which warns them of a hazardous situation by issuing at least one warning message. For this purpose, an E-field sensor unit of the warning device detects the electric field surrounding the at least one live and / or energized component in the form of E-field measurement data, and a detector unit of the warning device detects partial discharge activities occurring in the at least one component of the electrical installation in the form of partial discharge data.The electric field measurement data acquired by the electric field sensor unit and the partial discharge data acquired by the detector unit are evaluated by an evaluation unit of the warning device. This evaluation then triggers an alarm unit, which issues at least one warning message to the person to be protected if the evaluation unit detects a hazardous situation for the person to be protected based on an analysis of the electric field measurement data and / or the partial discharge data. The method according to the invention allows a person to be protected, who does not need to possess any specialized knowledge, from hazardous situations in the vicinity of electrical installations, such as dangerous proximity to a live and / or energized component, the risk of unintentional contact with a live and / or energized component, critical partial discharge activity indicating an impending insulation failure, etc., can be protected very easily.

[0031] It is advantageous if the evaluation unit compares the electric field measurement data acquired by the electric field sensor unit with at least one predefined threshold for the electric field and / or the partial discharge data acquired by the detector unit with at least one predefined threshold for partial discharge activity. The evaluation unit of the warning device can then very easily detect a hazardous situation for the person to be protected if the at least one predefined threshold for the electric field is exceeded by the electric field measurement data acquired by the electric field sensor unit and / or the at least one predefined threshold for partial discharge activity is exceeded by the partial discharge data acquired by the detector unit. Ideally, for example,Several threshold values ​​can be specified for the electric field and / or partial discharge activities in order to, for example, assess the danger of the respective hazardous situation to the person and, if necessary, issue appropriate warning messages.

[0032] Furthermore, it can ideally be provided that an acceleration sensor in the warning device detects the acceleration, preferably in three-dimensional space, of the person wearing the warning device in the form of acceleration data, and that the evaluation unit determines the person's state of motion from the detected acceleration data in order to recognize an emergency situation. In the event of a detected emergency situation, the evaluation unit can trigger at least one configured safety action.

[0033] A preferred embodiment of the method provides that a position determination unit, which is coupled to the warning device or which is arranged in a housing of the warning device, determines the position of the warning device in the form of position data, and that the position data is transferred to the evaluation unit for further processing, in particular for assignment to the partial discharge data recorded by the detector unit.

[0034] Brief description of the characters

[0035] The present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 3, which show exemplary, schematic, and non-limiting advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0036] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the warning device according to the invention.

[0037] Fig. 2 shows a sequence of the inventive method when using the inventive warning device in the vicinity of an electrical installation

[0038] Fig. 3 shows a sequence of the inventive method when using the inventive warning device in an emergency situation.

[0039] Implementation of the invention

[0040] The invention relates to a warning device 1 for the protection of a person 2 who performs activities (e.g., commissioning, maintenance and / or repair work, inspection activities, etc.) in the vicinity of or near an electrical installation 3, such as a power supply facility, a transformer station, a substation, or an industrial plant. The electrical installation 3 comprises at least one current-carrying and / or live component 4 (e.g., medium or high voltage), but usually several such components 4, such as power transmission lines (e.g., cables, overhead lines), high-voltage cable terminations, power transformers, switchgear, production machines, etc.

[0041] The warning device 1 can be positioned on person 2 in the vicinity of or near the electrical installation 3 to warn person 2 of potential hazards – such as dangerous proximity to a live and / or energized component 4, unintentional contact with component 4, etc. – in the area of ​​the electrical installation 3. This means that the warning device 1 is worn by person 2 in the vicinity of or near an electrical installation 3. For this purpose, the warning device 1 can, for example, have a housing 5 designed in such a way that the warning device 1 can be attached to a helmet 13 – for example, by clipping the warning device 1 to a helmet brim or by attaching the warning device 1 directly to the helmet 13. Alternatively, the warning device 1 could also be attached to an article of clothing worn by person 2 (e.g., belt, jacket, shirt, etc.) using the appropriately designed housing 5.The warning device 1 can be attached or worn on the wrist. It would also be possible to integrate the warning device 1 into the helmet 13 or into a piece of clothing, thus ensuring its use in the danger zone or in the area of ​​the electrical system 3.

[0042] Figure 1 schematically depicts an exemplary embodiment of the warning device 1. For detecting hazardous situations in the vicinity of an electrical installation 3, the warning device 1 comprises at least one electric field sensor unit 6 for detecting an electric field E surrounding the at least one current-carrying and / or energized component 4 of the electrical installation 3, and a detector unit 7 for detecting partial discharge activities PD occurring in the at least one component 4 of the electrical installation 3. Furthermore, an evaluation unit 8 and an alarm unit 9 are provided. The electric field sensor unit 6 for detecting the electric field E, the detector unit 7 for detecting partial discharge activities PD, the evaluation unit 8, and the alarm unit 9 are, for example, arranged in the housing 5 of the warning device 1.

[0043] The electric field sensor unit 6 can comprise at least one sensor, and usually several sensors, for detecting the electric field E surrounding the at least one live component 4 of the electrical system 3. Using the at least one sensor, the electric field sensor unit 3 can detect the electric field E of a current-carrying and / or live component 4 in the form of electric field measurement data and, for example, determine the strength and extent of the electric field E or detect the proximity of a person 2 to the live component 4. The at least one sensor can, for example, be a capacitive sensor, which consists, for instance, of two conductors (e.g., plates of conductive material) arranged in space, between which a voltage is measured.The E-field measurement data recorded by the E-field sensor unit 6 are then forwarded to the evaluation unit 8 for evaluation - possibly after appropriate amplification by an amplifier unit.

[0044] The detector unit 7 is configured to detect partial discharge activities (PD) in the at least one current-carrying and / or energized component 4, for example, due to aging and / or weak points in the insulation of the component 4. This means that the detector unit 7 can detect the partial discharge activities (PD) of the at least one electrical component 4 in the form of partial discharge data (TE). For this purpose, the detector unit 7 can, for example, 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, caused by the partial discharge activities (PD). A UV camera could also be used as the detector unit 7 to detect UV radiation caused by the partial discharge activities (PD).From the detected partial discharge activities (PD), the detector unit 7 can derive partial discharge levels (TE levels) and record them as partial discharge data (TE). For this purpose, the detector unit 7 has a corresponding sensor that can detect the electromagnetic waves caused by the partial discharges, especially electromagnetic waves in the UHF range, or the sound or ultrasonic waves caused by partial discharge activities (PD). A UHF antenna or sensor, an acoustic sensor (e.g., an ultrasonic microphone), or a UV camera can be used as a sensor in the detector unit 7. The partial discharge activities (PD) recorded by the detector unit 7 in the form of partial discharge data (TE) are then forwarded to the evaluation unit 8 for analysis and / or further processing.

[0045] The evaluation unit 8 is configured to evaluate the electric field measurement data forwarded by the electric field sensor unit 6 and the partial discharge data TE forwarded by the detector unit 7. Furthermore, the evaluation unit 8 is configured to control the alarm unit 9 to issue a warning message AL if, for example, a hazardous situation for person 2 is detected based on an evaluation of the electric field measurement data and / or the partial discharge data TE. For this purpose, at least one predefined threshold value for the electric field E and / or at least one predefined threshold value for partial discharge activity PD can be stored in the evaluation unit 8 or in a local storage unit (not shown in Fig. 1 for simplicity), against which the electric field measurement data and / or the partial discharge data TE are compared by the evaluation unit 8.If one of these predefined threshold values ​​is exceeded, the evaluation unit 8 detects an existing hazardous situation and can control the alarm unit 9 in such a way that the alarm unit 9 issues a corresponding warning message AL.

[0046] The evaluation unit 8 can therefore be microprocessor-based hardware running corresponding software. However, the evaluation unit 8 can also be implemented as an integrated circuit, such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Other implementations are also conceivable in principle.

[0047] The alarm unit 9 is configured – controlled by the evaluation unit 8 – to issue a corresponding warning message AL upon detection of a safety-relevant event. That is, if the evaluation unit 8 detects a hazardous situation for person 2 based on the electric field measurement data and / or the partial discharge data TE (e.g., dangerous proximity to the live and / or energized component 4 or a critical level of partial discharge activity PD), the alarm unit 9 issues a warning message AL for person 2, who is wearing the warning device 1. The warning message AL can be issued, for example, as a visual alarm, an audible alarm, and / or a vibration alarm. The alarm unit 9 can, for example, use a visual display unit, such as...The alarm unit 9 may include an LED or a small display that, for example, begins to flash at a frequency that can be increased as the danger to person 2 increases and decreased as the danger decreases. Furthermore, the alarm unit 9 may include an acoustic output unit, such as a loudspeaker, through which, for example, a warning tone is emitted. The volume and / or repetition frequency of this tone are changed depending on the level of danger to person 2. Additionally or alternatively, the alarm unit 9 may also include a vibration motor to emit a vibration alarm.

[0048] Furthermore, the warning device 1, in particular the alarm unit 9, can be configured to send the warning message AL in the form of a message. The message can be sent as an email, text message, or data telegram, for example, to a central computer unit 12 or to a central location 14 or security location 14. It is also conceivable that the message could be sent as a voice call, for example, to the central location or security location 14. The message can be used, for example, to summon help if the person 2 wearing the warning device 1 is in an emergency situation or is unable to leave the danger zone. The message can also be used, for example, to inform or warn other persons in the vicinity of the affected system 3 if critical partial discharge activities PD in the area of ​​the electrical system 3 are detected by the warning device 1.

[0049] To detect an emergency situation affecting person 2 wearing the warning device 1, i.e., a situation in which person 2's health is at risk (e.g., accident, medical emergency), the warning device 1 can also include an accelerometer 10. The accelerometer 10 detects the acceleration of person 2, preferably in three-dimensional space, as a state of motion, e.g., in the form of acceleration data. State of motion generally refers to the position, orientation, velocity, and / or acceleration of person 2, usually in three-dimensional space. For example, the accelerometer 10 determines the accelerations in three-dimensional space and provides, for instance, three linear acceleration values ​​for translational motion in the three spatial directions, but can also or additionally provide three rotational acceleration values ​​for rotational motion.From this, a linear acceleration of person 2 in space can be determined, but alternatively or additionally, a rotational acceleration state can also be calculated. The acceleration is usually referenced to a reference position or orientation, for example, a reference coordinate system.

[0050] An inertial measurement unit is often used to detect the state of motion (for example, of person 2). An inertial measurement unit provides three linear acceleration values ​​for translational motion and three angular velocities for the rotation rates of person 2, who is wearing the warning device 1. From these measurements, person 2's velocity in space (for example, by integrating the linear accelerations), position in space (for example, by integrating the linear accelerations twice), and orientation in space (by integrating the angular velocities) can also be determined, thus providing a complete picture of person 2's state of motion. The acceleration sensor 10 is advantageously designed as an inertial measurement unit.

[0051] The acceleration data determined by the acceleration sensor 10, which characterizes the movement state of person 2, are transmitted to the evaluation unit 8. The evaluation unit 8 is configured to evaluate the acceleration data and, based on the movement state, to detect an emergency situation of person 2 wearing the warning device 1. In the event of a detected emergency situation, the warning device 1, e.g., the evaluation unit 8, triggers at least one configured safety action. This at least one safety action can, for example, consist of the evaluation unit 8 controlling the alarm unit 9, sending a warning message AL in the form of a visual and / or audible alarm, and / or alerting a central station 14 to the emergency situation by means of a warning message AL.to signal to a security authority 14, whereby the warning message AL can be made, for example, in the form of an email, a text message, a data telegram or as a voice call to a central authority 14 or security authority 14.

[0052] Furthermore, a positioning unit 11 can be provided, which is configured and arranged to determine the position of the warning device 1 in the form of position data POS. The positioning unit 11 can, for example, be located in close proximity to the warning device 1 and, for example, be wirelessly connected to it. The positioning unit 11 can then be located, for example, in a mobile communication device (e.g., mobile phone, smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc.) carried by the person 2 carrying the warning device 1. Alternatively, the positioning unit 11 can be integrated into the warning device 1 – i.e., into the housing 5 of the warning device 1 – as indicated by a dashed outline in Figure 1. To determine the position of the warning device 1 in the form of position data POS, the positioning unit 11 can, for example, use a positioning system such as…GPS (short for Global Positioning System) or IPS (short for Indoor Positioning System) can be used. IPS can be used, for example, if GPS is not usable due to the design of electrical installation 3 (e.g., underground installation, etc.). Alternatively, the positioning unit 11 can also use other positioning methods, such as Bluetooth beacons or known Wi-Fi nodes installed in installation 3, etc. Bluetooth beacons are small radio transmitters that are installed, for example, in electrical installation 3 and emit Bluetooth signals, the signal strength of which can be used, for example, to determine the position within installation 3.

[0053] The position of the warning device 1, determined by the positioning unit 11 in the form of position data POS, can be transmitted to the evaluation unit 8 of the warning device 1 and, for example, assigned by the latter to the partial discharge data TE detected by the detector unit 7. The partial discharge data TE detected by the detector unit 7 and the corresponding position data POS of the warning device 1, determined by the positioning unit 11, are linked in such a way that, in addition to the partial discharge activities PD, a respective position of the partial discharge activities PD (e.g., in the electrical system 3 or in a power supply system to which the system 3 belongs) can also be determined or derived.

[0054] In addition, the POS position data can also be used when an emergency situation is detected, by sending the POS position data of the warning device 1, for example, in the warning message AL to a central location 14 or security location 14.

[0055] The warning device 1 naturally also includes a communication interface, via which, for example, a data connection can be established via a wireless communication network to the central computer unit 12 and a communication connection to the central station 14 or security station 14. Ideally, the data connection to the central computer unit 12 can be used to transmit the partial discharge data TE recorded by the detector unit 7, as well as the corresponding position data POS of the warning device 1 determined by the position determination unit 11, to the central computer unit 12. The central computer unit 12 is configured, for example, to collect and evaluate the recorded partial discharge data TE and the corresponding position data POS, and, for instance, to create a map from the partial discharge activities determined from the partial discharge data TE collected by the warning device 1 using the corresponding position data POS.The data transmission of the recorded partial discharge data TE and the respective associated position data POS to the central computer unit RE can, for example, take place directly and continuously via the communication interface if the data connection to the central computer unit 12 is established via a wireless communication network (e.g., radio network, mobile network, etc.). If the position determination unit 11 is, for example, integrated into a mobile communication device (e.g., mobile phone, smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc.) worn by person 2 and wirelessly coupled to the warning device 11, then the mobile communication device can, for example, establish the mobile data connection to the central computer unit 12 and handle the data transmission.For this purpose, the warning device 1 can, for example, transmit the partial discharge data TE detected by the detector unit 7 to the mobile communication device in which the position determination unit 11 is integrated.

[0056] Furthermore, the warning device 1 has a local storage unit (not shown in Fig. 1 for simplicity). The local storage unit can, for example, temporarily store the partial discharge data TE detected by the detector unit 7 and the position data POS of the warning device 1 assigned to each partial discharge data TE, in order to later transmit this data to the central computer unit 12. Temporary storage in the local storage unit can occur, for example, if no mobile data connection can be established via the communication interface of the warning device 1 to the central computer unit 12, e.g., due to a missing or unavailable wireless communication connection, or if such a connection should not be established for safety reasons.To transmit the data TE, POS to the central computer unit 12, the warning device 1 can be connected to the central computer unit 12 at a later time via a wired or wireless communication link. The data TE, POS temporarily stored in the local storage unit of the warning device 1 can then be read out and transmitted to the local computer unit 12.

[0057] The local storage unit of the warning device 1 can also be used to store, for example, predefined threshold values ​​for the detected electric field E and / or for the detected partial discharge activities PD, which are used by the evaluation unit 8 for evaluation. Furthermore, the local storage unit can also contain data for at least one configured safety action in emergency situations – such as the safety authority 14 to be contacted, one or more telephone numbers for a warning message AL in the form of a voice call or text message, etc. The warning device 1 can also have a power supply, such as a battery, accumulator, or similar. This power supply primarily provides the evaluation unit 8 and the alarm unit 9 with the necessary energy.

[0058] Figure 2 shows a use of the warning device 1 in the vicinity of an electrical system 3 with an exemplary current-carrying and / or live component 4. The component 4 is therefore surrounded by an electric field E and partial discharge activities PD can be caused in the component 4, e.g. due to aging and / or weak points in the insulation.

[0059] The warning device 1 is worn by a person 2 who, for example, performs activities such as commissioning, maintenance and / or repair work, inspections, etc., in the vicinity of the electrical system 3 or at least one live and / or energized component 4 of the system 3, for example, on a helmet 13, on a piece of clothing, or on their wrist. The electric field E in the vicinity of the person 2 is continuously recorded by the E-field sensor unit 6 in the form of E-field measurement data, and this data is transmitted to the evaluation unit 8 of the warning device 1. The evaluation unit 8 analyzes the E-field measurement data. That is, the evaluation unit 8 compares the E-field measurement data recorded by the E-field sensor unit 6 with a predefined threshold value for the electric field E. If this threshold value is exceeded—i.e.,If person 2, wearing the warning device 1, comes dangerously close to the live and / or energized component 4, or if there is a risk that person 2 will unintentionally touch component 4, the alarm unit 9 is activated accordingly by the evaluation unit 8. The alarm unit 9 then issues a warning message AL, for example, in the form of a visual alarm, an audible alarm, and / or a vibration alarm, to warn person 2 of the danger. The visual alarm, audible alarm, and / or vibration alarm can be emitted, for example, until person 2 moves away from the dangerous proximity to the live and / or energized component 4. Alternatively, the visual alarm, audible alarm, and / or vibration alarm can be active only for a specific, predetermined period and repeated if necessary if person 2 does not move away from component 4.Furthermore, it is also conceivable that the visual and / or audible alarm and / or the vibration alarm changes its frequency, volume, or intensity depending on a determined hazard potential. This means that, for example, with increasing proximity to the live and / or energized component 4, a flashing visual alarm increases its flashing frequency, a warning tone also changes its frequency and / or volume, and / or a vibration alarm changes its intensity.

[0060] In parallel with the electric field sensor unit 6, the detector unit 7 of the warning device 1 detects partial discharge activities (PD) in electrical system 3 or in at least one electrical component 4 of the electrical system 3 in the form of partial discharge data (TE). The detected partial discharge data (TE) is also transmitted to the evaluation unit 8 and evaluated by it. For this purpose, the evaluation unit 8 compares, for example, the partial discharge data (TE) detected by the detector unit 7 (e.g., TE level) with a predefined threshold value for partial discharge activities (PD). If this threshold value is exceeded by the detected partial discharge data (TE) (e.g., TE level) – i.e., if critical partial discharge activities (PD) occur in system 3 or in component 4, posing a danger to person 2 and / or system 3 or component 4 – the evaluation unit 8 controls the alarm unit 9 accordingly.Alarm unit 9 then also issues a warning message AL, for example in the form of a visual alarm and / or audible alarm and / or vibration alarm, to warn person 2 of the danger. The visual alarm and / or audible alarm and / or vibration alarm can, for example, be issued until person 2 has left the danger zone – e.g., system 3. Alternatively, the visual alarm and / or audible alarm and / or vibration alarm can be active only for a specific, predetermined period and repeated if necessary if person 2 does not leave the danger zone. Furthermore, it is also conceivable that the visual and / or audible alarm and / or vibration alarm changes its frequency, volume, or intensity depending on a determined hazard potential, derived, for example, from the partial discharge data TE determined as TE levels.This means that, depending on the partial discharge (PD) data recorded, a flashing optical alarm changes its flashing frequency, a warning tone changes its frequency and / or volume, and / or a vibration alarm changes its intensity to indicate the respective hazard potential.

[0061] In addition, AL can also send a warning message in the form of a message (e.g. by email, text message or telephone call) to inform other persons or personnel in the vicinity of electrical system 3 or to warn of an impending danger in the case of very high TE levels.

[0062] In addition, the partial discharge activities PD, recorded by the detector unit 7 in the form of partial discharge data TE in system 3 or component 4, can also be assigned position data POS by the warning device 1 or the evaluation unit 8. For this purpose, the warning device 1 can be coupled with a position determination unit 11 – as shown by way of example in Fig. 2. The position determination unit 11 can, for example, be integrated into a mobile communication device (e.g., mobile phone, smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc.) carried by the person 2 wearing the warning device 1. Alternatively, the warning device 1 can have an integrated position device 12 for recording the respective position.The positioning unit 11 records the respective position of the warning device 1 in the form of position data POS, which is then assigned by the evaluation unit 8 to the partial discharge activities PD recorded by the detector unit 7 in the form of partial discharge data TE. The partial discharge data TE recorded by the detector unit 7, as well as the respective assigned position data POS of the warning device 1 determined by the positioning unit 11, can be continuously transmitted, for example, via the communication interface of the warning device 1 to the central computer unit 12 using a data connection over a wireless communication network. Alternatively, the partial discharge data TE recorded by the detector unit 7, as well as the respective assigned position data POS of the warning device 1, can also be temporarily stored in the local storage unit of the warning device 1 for later transmission to the central computer unit 12.

[0063] The central computer unit 12 can collect and evaluate partial discharge (PD) data recorded by the detector units 7, as well as the associated position data (PV), for example, from a large number of warning devices 1. In the simplest case, the collected PD and PV data are used to determine the locations where partial discharge activities occur, such as in which electrical installations 3 and / or at which electrical components 4. The unit also provides the intensity (e.g., PD level) of these partial discharge activities at these locations based on the recorded PD data. Furthermore, the central computer unit 12 can use the collected PD and PV data to determine and monitor trends or temporal developments of partial discharge activities at specific locations (e.g., in specific electrical installations 3 and / or at specific electrical components 4).Furthermore, a map can be created by the central computer unit 12 from the partial discharge activities (PD), which are determined from the partial discharge data (TE) collected by the warning devices 1 using the position data (POS). This means that the recorded partial discharge data (TE) are linked to a graphical representation or map, for example, of a power supply system, based on the position data (POS). The respective partial discharge activities (PD) are then transferred to this map and displayed, for example, using colors that symbolize the intensity or TE level of the respective partial discharge activity (PD) at a given location. The map can be displayed, for example, on an output unit such as a display or screen of the central computer unit 12.The data will be made available to the energy supplier's staff via a web browser to enable easy monitoring of partial discharge activities (PD) and to identify potential maintenance needs for components 4 at an early stage.

[0064] Figure 3 shows, by way of example and schematically, another possible use of the warning device 1. Since the warning device 1 has an acceleration sensor 10, it can also be used to detect emergency situations in which the person 2 wearing the warning device 1 is in a situation where their health is at risk. For example, the person 2 may be lying unresponsive and / or injured on the ground due to an accident, as shown in Figure 3.

[0065] In such a state of movement of person 2, the accelerometer 10 of the warning device 1 typically registers only very slight or negligible accelerations in the form of acceleration data. Even when person 2 is motionless, very slight accelerations are registered due to the measurement noise of the accelerometer 10. The evaluation unit 8 evaluates the acceleration data from the accelerometer 10 and determines the state of movement of person 2. Based on this state of movement, which is characterized by very slight accelerations, the evaluation unit 8 can detect an emergency situation and trigger at least one configured safety action. For this purpose, the evaluation unit 8 controls, for example, the alarm unit 9 in such a way that a warning message AL is sent in the form of a visual and / or audible alarm and / or the emergency situation is signaled by a warning message AL to a central station 14 or a security station 14.The warning message AL to the central location 14 or a security station 14 can be sent, for example, as an email, a text message, a data telegram, or a voice call. The position of the warning device 1, which is known via the positioning unit 11, can be included in the message to enable faster location of person 2 or to provide faster assistance to person 2.

[0066] Reference symbol list

[0067] 1 warning device

[0068] 2 Person

[0069] 3 electrical system

[0070] 4. Current-carrying and / or live component

[0071] 5 cases

[0072] 6 E-field sensor unit for detecting an electric field

[0073] 7 Detector unit for detecting partial discharge activities

[0074] 8 evaluation units

[0075] 9 Alarm unit

[0076] 10 Accelerometer

[0077] 11 Position determination unit

[0078] 12 central computing units

[0079] 13 Helmet

[0080] 14 central office or security office

[0081] E electric field

[0082] PD partial discharge activities

[0083] TE partial discharge data

[0084] POS location data

[0085] AL warning message

Claims

Patent claims 1. Warning device (1) for the protection of persons (2) in the vicinity of electrical installations (3) which have at least one current-carrying and / or live component (4), wherein the warning device (1) can be arranged on a person (2) to be protected and warns the person (2) to be protected of a hazardous situation by issuing at least one warning message (AL), and wherein the warning device (1) has at least: - an E-field sensor unit (6) for detecting an electric field (E) in the form of E-field measurement data, which surrounds at least one current-carrying and / or voltage-bearing component (4); - a detector unit (7) for detecting partial discharge activities (PD) occurring in at least one component (4) of the electrical system (3) in the form of partial discharge data (PD); - an evaluation unit (8) for evaluating the E-field measurement data acquired by the E-field sensor unit (7) and the partial discharge (PD) data acquired by the detector unit (7); and - an alarm unit (9) to issue at least one warning message (AL) when the evaluation unit (8) determines, based on an evaluation of the E-field measurement data and / or the partial discharge data (TE), that there is a hazardous situation for the person (2) to be protected.

2. Warning device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the evaluation unit (8) is configured to compare the E-field measurement data acquired by the E-field sensor unit (7) with at least one predetermined threshold value for the electric field (E) and / or the partial discharge data (PD) acquired by the detector unit (7) with at least one predetermined threshold value for partial discharge activities (PD), and to determine an existing hazardous situation for the person to be protected if the E-field measurement data acquired by the E-field sensor unit (7) exceeds the at least one predetermined threshold value for the electric field (E) and / or if the partial discharge data (PD) acquired by the detector unit (7) exceeds the at least one predetermined threshold value for partial discharge activities (PD).

3. Warning device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the detector unit (7) for detecting partial discharge activities (PD) is configured to detect the electromagnetic waves caused by partial discharge activities (PD), in particular electromagnetic waves in a medium-wave or ultra-high frequency range. -23- area, or to detect ultrasonic waves caused by partial discharge (PD) activities.

4. Warning device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the warning device (1) further comprises an acceleration sensor (10) which detects an acceleration, preferably in 3-dimensional space, of the person (2) wearing the warning device (1) in the form of acceleration data, and that the evaluation unit (8) is configured to determine a movement state of the person (2) from the detected acceleration data in order to detect an emergency situation of the person (2) and, in the event of a detected emergency situation, to trigger at least one configured safety action.

5. Warning device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the alarm unit (9) is configured to output the warning message (AL) as an optical alarm and / or acoustic alarm and / or vibration alarm and / or to send the warning message (AL) in the form of a message, in particular in the form of a text message, an email, a data telegram or a voice call.

6. Warning device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the warning device (1) is designed as a device portable by a person (2) to be protected, wherein a housing (5) of the warning device (1) is designed such that the warning device (1) can be attached to a helmet (13) or to a piece of clothing or can be worn on the wrist.

7. Warning device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the warning device (1) can be coupled to a position determination unit (11), wherein the position determination unit (11) is arranged at least in the local vicinity of the warning device (1), and wherein the position determination unit (11) is configured to determine a position of the warning device (1) in the form of position data (POS) and to transmit it to the evaluation unit (8) for further processing, in particular for assignment to the partial discharge data (PD) detected by the detector unit (7).

8. Warning device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the warning device (1) has a position determination unit (11), wherein the position determination unit (11) is configured to determine a position of the warning device (1) in the form of position data (POS) and to transmit it to the evaluation unit (8) for further processing, in particular for assignment to the partial discharge data (PD) detected by the detector unit (7).

9. Warning device (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the warning device (1) has a local storage unit in which at least the partial discharge data (PD) detected by the detector unit (7) and the respective associated position data (POS) of the warning device (1) determined by the position determination unit (11) can be temporarily stored.

10. Warning device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the warning device (1) has a communication interface via which a communication connection for data transmission to a central computer unit (12) and / or for communication with a security authority (14) can be established via a wireless and / or wired communication network.

11. Method for protecting persons in the vicinity of electrical installations (3) which have at least one current-carrying and / or live component (4), wherein a warning device (1), ideally on a helmet (13), on a garment or on the wrist, is worn by a person (2) to be protected, and the warning device (1) warns the person (2) to be protected of a hazardous situation by issuing at least one warning message (AL), characterized in that an electric field (E) surrounding the at least one current-carrying and / or live component (4) is detected by an E-field sensor unit (6) of the warning device (1) in the form of E-field measurement data, and that partial discharge activities (PD) occurring in the at least one component (4) of the electrical installation (3) are detected by a detector unit (7) of the warning device (1) in the form of partial discharge data (PD).that the E-field measurement data recorded by the E-field sensor unit (7) and the partial discharge data (PD) recorded by the detector unit (7) are evaluated by an evaluation unit (8) of the warning device (1), and that an alarm unit (9) of the warning device (1) is controlled by the evaluation unit (8), and that at least one warning message (AL) is issued by the alarm unit (9) to the person to be protected (2) if the evaluation unit (8) detects an existing hazardous situation for the person to be protected (2) based on an evaluation of the E-field measurement data and / or the partial discharge data (PD).

12. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that the evaluation unit (8) compares the E-field measurement data acquired by the E-field sensor unit (7) with at least one predetermined threshold value for the electric field (E) and / or the partial discharge data (PD) acquired by the detector unit (7) with at least one predetermined threshold value for partial discharge activities (PD), and that the evaluation unit (8) detects a hazardous situation existing for the person (2) to be protected. is determined when at least one predetermined threshold value for the electric field (E) is exceeded by the E-field measurement data acquired by the E-field sensor unit (7) and / or at least one predetermined threshold value for partial discharge activities (TD) is exceeded by the partial discharge data (TE) acquired by the detector unit (7).

13. Method according to one of claims 11 to 12, characterized in that an acceleration sensor (10) of the warning device (1) detects an acceleration, preferably in 3-dimensional space, of the person (2) carrying the warning device (1) in the form of acceleration data, that the evaluation unit (8) determines a movement state of the person (2) from the detected acceleration data in order to detect an emergency situation of the person (2), and that in the event of a detected emergency situation, at least one configured safety action is triggered by the evaluation unit (8).

14. Method according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that a position determination unit (11), which is coupled to the warning device (1) or which is arranged in a housing (5) of the warning device (1), determines the position of the warning device (1) in the form of position data (POS), and that the position data (POS) are transferred to the evaluation unit (8) for further processing, in particular for assignment to the partial discharge data (PD) detected by the detector unit (7). -26-

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