Method for monitoring an electrical installation comprises

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for monitoring electrical installations, such as power distribution systems, are inadequate as they do not allow for continuous detection of thermal anomalies, are time-consuming, and disrupt normal operating conditions when conducting inspections, potentially leading to safety issues due to delayed detection of defects.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize current sensors and temperature sensors to measure electrical currents and temperatures in real-time, using a numerical model to compute a thermal index, which detects anomalies continuously and automatically sends alerts, allowing for rapid identification of potential safety-compromising defects without the need for specialized personnel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If periodic inspection visits are conducted with infrared cameras to detect thermal defects, then safety problems can be identified, but the inspection intervals are spaced apart in time and cannot report sudden changes or failures in the very short term

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidresponse time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous monitoring of thermal parameters in electrical installations by permanently installing temperature sensors and current sensors that continuously measure and transmit data. This replaces periodic inspection visits with continuous measurement, enabling immediate detection of thermal anomalies and failures without time gaps between inspections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual inspection methods (infrared cameras used by personnel during periodic visits) with an automated electronic monitoring system comprising temperature sensors, current sensors, and a processing unit that automatically detects thermal defects without human intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If inspection visits are conducted to detect thermal defects, then defects can be identified, but the methods are lengthy and complex to implement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidimplementation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring system automatically performs detection, analysis, and alerting functions without requiring specialized personnel. The processing unit autonomously compares measured temperatures with reference values and generates alerts when anomalies are detected, eliminating the need for manual inspection by qualified staff.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a processing unit as an intermediary that automatically analyzes temperature data and current measurements, comparing them against reference values stored in memory. This intermediary system simplifies the implementation by handling all complex analysis and decision-making algorithms automatically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If the electrical cabinet is opened during inspection to access the installation, then measurements can be taken, but heat exchanges occur which are not representative of real operating conditions, complicating data interpretation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature measurement accuracyVSAvoidenvironmental interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-installs temperature sensors and current sensors directly on the electrical installation components during the manufacturing or installation phase. These sensors remain permanently positioned on conductors and connection points, eliminating the need to open the cabinet during measurement and ensuring continuous monitoring under real operating conditions without environmental interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary 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

Enables continuous, responsive monitoring of electrical installations for thermal anomalies, simplifying the detection process and improving safety by identifying defects promptly without requiring extensive manual intervention or specialized personnel.

Implementation Method 1

measuring over time electrical currents that flow through the installation and temperature values at predefined locations in the installation by means, respectively, of current sensors and temperature sensors disposed in the installation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal energy detection: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical current detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

automatically computing a numerical index representative of thermal properties of the installation, from differences between the measured temperature values and corresponding temperature values estimated by means of said model from the measured current values

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS12152941B2Method for monitoring an electrical installation comprises

Publication Date: 2024.11.26 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS

AI summary

A method for monitoring an electrical installation comprises:while the installation is in operation, measuring electrical currents that flow through the installation and temperature values at predefined locations in the installation;using a numerical model acquired beforehand, computing a numerical index representative of thermal properties of the installation, from differences between the measured temperature values and corresponding temperature values estimated by means of said model from the measured current values; anddetecting a thermal anomaly when the computed numerical index differs from a reference value.