Circuit Breaker Operating State Detection via Vibration Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for monitoring electrical equipment with switching elements, such as circuit breakers, are inadequate for continuous and reliable automatic monitoring, leading to potential equipment failure and high maintenance costs, especially in remote locations like offshore wind turbines.
Innovation Solution
A method and arrangement using fiber-optic sensors to record vibration and sound signals, which are processed through an evaluation device for analog-to-digital conversion and comparison with reference signals to determine the operating state of the equipment, enabling continuous and reliable monitoring without the need for frequent manual inspections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual inspections by maintenance personnel are performed, then the operating status and component condition can be identified in a timely manner, but substantial costs are incurred including travel time and inspection costs
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit breaker performs self-diagnostics by automatically recording and evaluating its own operating data, component characteristics, and vibration signals. This eliminates the need for external maintenance personnel to perform manual inspections, as the system monitors itself continuously and identifies potential issues autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical inspections by maintenance personnel are replaced with an automated electronic monitoring system that uses sensors, data recording, and computer-based evaluation to detect operating status and component conditions. This substitution eliminates travel time and manual labor while providing continuous monitoring capability.
2Reliability
If manual inspections are performed frequently, then equipment failures can be prevented, but substantial maintenance costs and time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the circuit breaker to self-monitor its own health status continuously, tracking component characteristics and vibration patterns without requiring external intervention. This allows for early detection of degradation trends and potential failures, preventing equipment downtime while eliminating the need for frequent scheduled maintenance visits.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system operates continuously, constantly recording and evaluating operating data rather than performing periodic discrete inspections. This continuous surveillance provides real-time awareness of equipment status, enabling immediate detection of abnormal conditions while maximizing maintenance productivity by eliminating repeated manual assessment cycles.
3Reliability
If comprehensive monitoring of all electrical equipment is implemented, then reliable operation can be ensured, but the complexity and cost of the monitoring system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is designed to evaluate multiple aspects of circuit breaker health using a unified approach. A single evaluation device assesses operating data, component characteristics, and vibration signals together, providing comprehensive monitoring coverage without requiring separate specialized systems for each parameter, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
4Measurement precision
If manual inspections are performed, then component wear and modification can be detected, but the costs of maintenance personnel travel and inspection time are substantial
Solution Approach 1:
Manual visual and physical inspections are replaced with automated sensors and computer-based evaluation systems that continuously measure component characteristics and vibration patterns. This substitution provides precise detection of component wear and modification without requiring maintenance personnel to physically access and examine each component, dramatically reducing inspection time while maintaining or improving measurement precision.
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
This approach allows for automatic and continuous monitoring of electrical equipment, reducing maintenance costs and preventing unexpected failures by providing timely alerts for necessary repairs or replacements, thus ensuring the reliability of high-voltage and low-voltage systems.
Implementation Method 1
measurement signals for an electrical device with a switching element are detected by means of a sensor device having a fiber optic sensor. The measurement signals for the electrical device comprise at least one type of measurement signal from the following group: vibration signals and sound signals.
Implementation Method 2
The measurement signals for the electrical device comprise at least one type of measurement signal from the following group: vibration signals and sound signals.
Implementation Method 3
The processing comprises an analog-to-digital conversion of the measurement signals.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining an operating state for an item of electrical equipment with a switching element. In the method, measurement signals for an item of electrical equipment with a switching element are firstly captured by means of a sensor device having a sensor. In this case, the measurement signals for the item of electrical equipment comprise at least one type of measurement signals from the following group: vibration signals and sound signals. Furthermore, the measurement signals are processed by means of an evaluation device. In this case, the processing comprises an analogue/digital conversion of the measurement signals. Furthermore, an operating state for the item of electrical equipment is determined from a group of different operating states by means of the evaluation device. For this purpose, the digital measurement signals are compared with comparison signals which are each assigned to at least one of the different operating states. An arrangement comprising an item of electrical equipment with a switching element is also provided.