Capacitive Sensor for Partial Discharge Detection via Optical Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical systems lack effective methods for detecting partial discharge events, which can indicate insulation degradation and potential failures, especially in high-voltage components, due to the difficulty in sensing localized electrical discharges without causing interference or requiring expensive data acquisition devices.

Innovation Solution

A capacitive sensor system is retrofitted into electrical systems, utilizing existing electrical conductors to sense partial discharge events and convert electrical signals into optical signals for processing, allowing for detection of these events without disrupting the system and using less expensive equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional sensing methods are used to detect partial discharge events, then detection capability is limited, but system cost increases due to expensive data acquisition devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an optical intermediary (light-emitting component) that converts electrical sensor signals into optical signals. This intermediary enables the use of lower-cost optical detection equipment instead of expensive high-frequency electrical data acquisition devices, thereby reducing system cost while maintaining detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional electrical signal processing system with an optical signal processing system. By converting electrical sensor signals into optical signals that can be processed at lower frequencies, the system substitutes expensive high-frequency electrical data acquisition equipment with more affordable optical detection equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If high-frequency electrical signals are processed directly, then partial discharge events can be detected, but equipment cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidequipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes an optical signal processing system for the traditional high-frequency electrical signal processing system. The optical domain allows for simpler, lower-frequency processing equipment while maintaining the ability to detect partial discharge events accurately, thereby reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the frequency parameter of the signal processing system. By converting high-frequency electrical signals into lower-frequency optical signals, the system can use simpler processing equipment operating at lower frequencies, thus reducing complexity while preserving detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If capacitive sensing is implemented using existing conductors, then retrofitting becomes feasible, but signal conversion complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretrofitting capabilityVSAvoidsignal conversion complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an optical intermediary (light-emitting component) to bridge the electrical sensor output and the optical detection system. This intermediary simplifies the conversion process by providing a direct electrical-to-optical transduction mechanism, making the overall signal conversion less complex while enabling retrofitting with existing conductors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 capacitive sensor system effectively detects partial discharge events, providing early warning of insulation degradation and potential failures, while reducing the need for costly data acquisition devices by converting high-frequency signals into lower-frequency optical signals for analysis.

Implementation Method 1

a capacitive sensor configured to capacitively sense a partial discharge event of a component of the electrical system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

The electrical sensor signal is converted to a non-electrical signal, e.g., an optical signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectro-optic conversion: Electro-Optic Effects

Data Source

PatentUS11486919B2Partial discharge sensor

Publication Date: 2022.11.01 XEROX CORP

AI summary

An approach to detecting partial discharge events involves retrofitting an electrical system to include a capacitive sensor configured to capacitively sense partial discharge events of a component of the electrical system. The capacitive sensor has a first electrical conductor that forms a first terminal of the capacitive sensor, a second electrical conductor that forms a second terminal of the capacitive sensor, and a dielectric that separates the first electrical conductor and the second electrical conductor. The capacitive sensor generates an electrical sensor signal at an output of the capacitive sensor in response to the partial discharge event. The electrical sensor signal is converted to an optical signal and the optical signal is processed to detect an occurrence of the partial discharge event.