Cable Joint With Integrated Space Charge Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power cable systems lack an efficient and integrated method for detecting space charges in insulating materials, which can lead to insulation breakdown due to non-uniform electric field distribution, especially in high voltage applications, requiring separate measurement setups and access to high voltage pulses.

Innovation Solution

A cable junction with an integrated space charge measurement module, including multiple electrodes, a piezoelectric sensor, mechanical vibration damping, and an acoustic delay line, allowing for in-situ measurement of space charges using the PEA technique, enabling quick diagnosis of insulation quality without compromising cable operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If separate measurement setups are used for detecting space charges, then measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity and operational disruption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace charge detection capabilityVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the space charge measurement module directly into the cable junction structure. The measurement electrodes, piezoelectric sensor, and associated components are combined with the junction's electrical connection elements, creating a unified structure that performs both electrical connection and space charge measurement functions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cable junction is designed to serve multiple functions: electrical connection between cable sections and space charge measurement. The measurement module utilizes the existing electrical structure of the junction, allowing the same physical location to serve both power transmission and diagnostic purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If separate measurement setups are used for detecting space charges, then measurement capability is achieved, but cable operation is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace charge detection capabilityVSAvoidcable operation continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement module is integrated into the cable junction structure, allowing simultaneous electrical connection and space charge measurement without requiring separate access to the cable or disruption of normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If access to high voltage pulses is required for measurement, then PEA technique can be applied, but measurement accessibility and simplicity are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace charge measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cable junction incorporates the measurement module with integrated high voltage pulse application capability, allowing the PEA technique to be performed through the existing junction structure without requiring external access to the cable or complex external measurement equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables simple, efficient, and rapid assessment of insulation health by measuring space charges within the cable, preventing breakdowns and ensuring reliable operation of high voltage and direct current cables.

Implementation Method 1

These acoustic pressure waves can be detected by a piezoelectric type transducer, a pressure transducer or pressure sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

The measuring module comprises an acoustic delay line. This allows the PEA signal to be temporally separated from the parasitic vibrations caused by the electrical pulse

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic wave propagation: Sound

Implementation Method 3

The measuring module further comprises at least one mechanical vibration damping element. This helps eliminate parasitic vibrations that disrupt the space charge signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical vibration damping: Damping

Implementation Method 4

It involves applying an external electric field pulse to the sample, which results in a mechanical pulse from the charges contained in a dielectric material. The external electric field induces a disturbing force on the charges, causing a slight and rapid oscillation of these charges

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPulsed electro-acoustic effect: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentEP3644468B1Cable joint with integrated space charging detector
Publication Date: 2024.01.17 NEXANS SA
  • EP3644468B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3644468B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

This power cable junction (10) includes an end portion of a power cable that comprises an electrically insulating material (122). The junction (10) includes a predetermined region containing a space charge measurement module of the insulating material (122).