Electrical Equipment Fault Detection and Disconnection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Self-protected transformers in electricity distribution networks face challenges in effectively detecting and responding to faults, particularly when fault currents are low, leading to potential explosions due to incomplete disconnection and increased risk from complex mechanical couplings between fault detection and disconnection systems.

Innovation Solution

The integration of an electromechanical coupling between the fault detection and disconnection systems, utilizing sensors for dielectric liquid parameter monitoring and fuses for fault elimination, ensures reliable and swift disconnection of electrical equipment upon fault detection, using a series circuit with a tripping device and relay contacts to actuate a disconnection element, such as a switch disconnector, to prevent equipment damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex mechanical couplings are used between fault detection and disconnection systems, then the disconnection reliability is improved, but the risk of mechanical failure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisconnection reliabilityVSAvoidmechanical coupling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical couplings with electromagnetic fields for signal transmission between the fault detection system and disconnection system. Sensors detect faults and transmit signals electromagnetically to trigger disconnection, eliminating mechanical linkages and reducing mechanical failure risks while maintaining disconnection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If complete disconnection is ensured upon fault detection, then equipment safety is improved, but the response time may be delayed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment safetyVSAvoidfault response speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary protective measures by continuously monitoring dielectric liquid parameters (temperature, pressure, level) and maintaining the system in a ready-to-disconnect state. When faults are detected, the pre-positioned disconnection mechanisms can act immediately, ensuring both complete disconnection and rapid response.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If sensors monitor dielectric liquid parameters continuously, then fault detection accuracy is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs sensors that monitor specific critical parameters (temperature, pressure, level) of the dielectric liquid at key locations within the transformer. This targeted monitoring approach achieves adequate fault detection accuracy without implementing complex comprehensive monitoring systems, balancing detection precision with system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 configuration enhances the reliability and speed of fault response, preventing equipment damage and ensuring safety by ensuring complete disconnection upon fault detection, even for low-intensity faults, and reducing the risk of mechanical failure in the coupling mechanism.

Implementation Method 1

at least one sensor that is sensitive to variations in at least one parameter, e.g. the pressure, temperature or level of the dielectric liquid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure detection:

Implementation Method 2

at least one sensor that is sensitive to variations in at least one parameter, e.g. the pressure, temperature or level of the dielectric liquid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature detection:

Implementation Method 3

at least one sensor that is sensitive to variations in at least one parameter, e.g. the pressure, temperature or level of the dielectric liquid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLevel detection:

Implementation Method 4

the fault elimination system comprises at least one fuse, whilst the disconnection system comprises a switch or switch disconnector, so that if there is an event indicating the detection of a variation in at least one parameter of the dielectric liquid or if a high current passes through the fuse

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFusing:

Data Source

PatentEP2075807B1Electrical equipment for distribution network with fault detection, disconnection and elimination system
Publication Date: 2014.09.17 CONSTRA DE TRANSFORMADORES DE DISTRIBUCION COTRADIS S L U
  • EP2075807B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2075807B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2075807B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to electrical equipment for electricity distribution networks, e.g. a multiphase self-protected transformer, with the special feature that said electrical equipment comprises a fault detection system, a fault disconnection system and a fault elimination system, the fault detection system and the fault disconnection system being linked electromechanically. The fault detection system comprises at least one sensor that is sensitive to variations in at least one parameter of the dielectric liquid contained in the tank of the electrical equipment; the fault elimination system comprises at least one fuse and the fault disconnection system comprises a switch disconnector, so that in the case of an event indicating a fault, the fault elimination system and/or the fault disconnection system disconnects the electrical equipment.