Acoustic and Electrical Sensor Fusion for Partial Discharge Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for detecting partial discharges in electrical machines are susceptible to electromagnetic noise, leading to false positives and negatives, and fail to accurately locate fatigue cracks, which can cause progressive deterioration of insulating materials and eventual electrical breakdown.
Innovation Solution
A combined acoustic emission and partial discharge monitoring system using fiber optic sensors that can detect both acoustic emissions and electrical signals, providing location-specific data and immune to electromagnetic interference, allowing for real-time, in-situ detection and characterization of fatigue cracking and partial discharge events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electrical detection equipment is used to detect partial discharges, then detection capability is provided, but electromagnetic noise causes false positives and false negatives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces acoustic emission sensors as an intermediary detection method that converts electrical partial discharge events into acoustic signals. This mediator approach allows detection of PD events without direct electrical contact, thereby avoiding electromagnetic noise interference while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional electrical detection systems with acoustic emission detection. By substituting the electrical measurement mechanism with an acoustic one, the system eliminates susceptibility to electromagnetic noise while preserving the ability to detect partial discharge events through the acoustic signals they generate.
2Reliability
If conventional PD measurement systems are used, then partial discharge detection is possible, but the equipment must be taken off-line requiring time and additional equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic emission monitoring system enables the electrical equipment to be monitored while remaining in service. The system detects PD events during normal operation without requiring shutdown or external testing equipment, allowing the equipment to serve its function continuously while being monitored.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous monitoring capability that operates throughout the equipment's service life. The acoustic emission sensors continuously detect PD events during normal operation, eliminating the need for periodic offline testing and ensuring uninterrupted detection of insulation degradation.
3Loss of information
If conventional PD detection systems are used, then PD events can be detected, but location of PD events and fatigue cracks cannot be accurately determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring task into two complementary detection systems: acoustic emission sensors for locating fatigue cracks and PD events, and electrical sensors for characterizing PD events. This segmentation allows each system to specialize in its strength while providing comprehensive monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines acoustic emission detection and electrical PD detection into an integrated monitoring system. The acoustic sensors provide precise location information for both fatigue cracks and PD events, while electrical sensors provide detailed PD characterization, creating a comprehensive monitoring solution that overcomes the limitations of either system alone.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively reduces false detections, accurately locates and characterizes partial discharge events, enabling early prediction of potential failures and preventing damage by detecting issues before significant deterioration occurs.
Implementation Method 1
An acoustic emission (AE) is a transient elastic wave within a material, typically the result of a rapid release of localized stress energy, such as when a material undergoes an irreversible change in its structure. Fatigue cracking events generate acoustic emissions.
Implementation Method 2
A partial discharge is a localized dielectric breakdown of an electrical insulation system that does not bridge the space between two conductors. A partial discharge generates high frequency transient current pulses that persist for a time period in the range of nanoseconds up to a microsecond.
Implementation Method 3
A combined acoustic emission and partial discharge monitoring system using fiber optic sensors that can detect both acoustic emissions and electrical signals, providing location-specific data and immune to electromagnetic interference
Data Source
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AI summary
A monitoring system (10) includes an acoustic emission monitoring system (18) including acoustic emission sensors (16), a partial discharge monitoring system (22) including partial discharge sensors (20) and synchronized with the acoustic emission monitoring system (18), and a computer (12) receiving acoustic emission data from the acoustic emission sensors (16) and electrical data from the partial discharge sensors (20). The computer (12) is configured to classify a first statistical event as a fatigue cracking event by pattern recognition of the acoustic emission data and determine a first location and a first damage condition resulting from the fatigue cracking event, classify a second statistical event as a partial discharge event by pattern recognition of the acoustic emission data or the electrical data, and fuse the acoustic emission data and the electrical data for the second statistical event and determine a second location and a second damage condition resulting from the partial discharge event. Methods of monitoring are also disclosed.