Capacitive Winding Voltage Sensing for Transformer Transient Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Transformers face challenges in reliably predicting and mitigating transient phenomena such as overvoltages, which can lead to degradation and failure, making it difficult to predict and prevent damage or failure, increasing operating costs and reducing reliability and safety.

Innovation Solution

A system with a voltage sensor configured for capacitive coupling to monitor voltages in transformer windings, using artificial intelligence and machine learning to detect transient phenomena, generate warning signals, and transmit data wirelessly or via hard connections to enable proactive countermeasures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional transformer operation without advanced monitoring is used, then device complexity is low, but reliability deteriorates due to inability to predict transient phenomena

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransformer reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary monitoring and detection of transient phenomena before they cause damage. Sensors continuously monitor voltage, current, and temperature parameters, and the AI model predicts potential failures in advance, allowing preventive maintenance actions to be taken before actual damage occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback through sensors that monitor transformer parameters and feed data to the AI model. The model processes this feedback in real-time, adjusts predictions, and provides continuous assessment of transformer health status, enabling dynamic response to changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If advanced monitoring and AI prediction systems are implemented, then reliability improves through early detection, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransformer reliabilityVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transformer system performs self-diagnosis and self-monitoring through integrated sensors and AI analysis. The system automatically detects anomalies, predicts failures, and generates maintenance alerts without requiring external monitoring equipment or manual inspection, making the complexity inherent to the transformer itself rather than adding separate monitoring infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of time

If continuous monitoring and AI analysis are used, then loss of time is reduced through early warning, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse timeVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs periodic sampling of transformer parameters rather than continuous monitoring. Sensors take measurements at predetermined intervals, and the AI model analyzes these periodic data points to detect trends and predict failures, reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective monitoring capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 predicts and mitigates transient phenomena, reducing the risk of transformer damage or failure, improving reliability and safety while minimizing operating costs by allowing for timely interventions.

Implementation Method 1

at least one voltage sensor configured and arranged to sense a voltage from the at least one second winding by capacitive coupling

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

A transformer generally achieves such a voltage conversion by employing at least one primary winding and at least one secondary winding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4276860A1System comprising a transformer
Publication Date: 2023.11.15 HITACHI ENERGY LTD
  • EP4276860A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4276860A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4276860A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a system (10) comprising a transformer (12) which comprises at least one first winding (18) wound around at least one core (14) and at least one second (19) winding wound around the at least one first winding (18). The system (10) further comprises at least one voltage sensor (34) configured and arranged to sense a voltage through the at least one second winding (19) by capacitive coupling.