Separable Connector Temperature Sensing for Remote HV Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for temperature diagnostics of separable insulated connectors in medium-high voltage electrical systems pose safety risks to utility personnel due to the need for physical proximity and direct measurement, which is dangerous at high voltages and currents.
Innovation Solution
A temperature sensor assembly that can be retrofitted to separable insulated connectors, using Bluetooth Low Energy signals for remote temperature monitoring, enabling safe and efficient data transmission without altering the connector's functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical proximity and direct measurement methods are used for temperature diagnostics, then measurement precision is improved, but safety of utility personnel deteriorates due to high voltage and current exposure risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary temperature sensor assembly that couples to the separable insulated connector through a test point. This intermediary device allows temperature measurement without requiring utility personnel to be in direct physical proximity to the high voltage equipment, thereby maintaining measurement precision while eliminating safety risks associated with direct contact methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/direct contact measurement methods with wireless communication technology. The temperature sensor assembly communicates temperature data wirelessly to remote devices, substituting the need for physical proximity and direct mechanical measurement, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and personnel safety
2Object-affected harmful factors
If remote temperature monitoring is implemented, then safety of utility personnel is improved, but device complexity increases due to addition of communication circuitry and sensor assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the temperature monitoring function into a separate, modular sensor assembly that can be independently attached to the separable insulated connector. This segmentation allows the monitoring system to be added without redesigning the entire electrical equipment, thus managing complexity while achieving remote safety monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensor assembly is designed to couple with existing test points on separable insulated connectors, making it a universal solution that can be applied to various electrical equipment without requiring equipment-specific customization. This universality reduces overall system complexity while enabling widespread safety monitoring
3Extent of automation
If temperature sensor assembly is retrofitted to separable insulated connector, then remote diagnostics capability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase for the coupling mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the existing electrical parameters and physical interfaces (test points) already present on separable insulated connectors. By changing the approach from direct measurement to sensor coupling at these existing interfaces, the patent achieves remote diagnostics without requiring high-precision manufacturing modifications to the original equipment
Data Source
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AI summary
A temperature sensor assembly for remotely diagnosing a temperature of a separable insulated connector in a medium-high voltage electrical distribution system is provided. The temperature sensor assembly includes a temperature sensor configured to couple with a test point of a separable insulated connector in an electrical distribution system and configured to detect a temperature of the separable insulated connector. The temperature sensor assembly further includes a communication circuitry electrically coupled with the temperature sensor and configured to transmit the detected temperature to a remote device.