Fiber Optic Temperature Sensor in Medium Voltage Plug
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of medium and high voltage plugs in offshore wind energy systems is challenging due to potential incorrect connections, leading to plug faults and extended downtimes, as existing technologies struggle to detect and locate faults in a timely manner.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a fiber optic cable as a temperature sensor within the plug's housing to monitor and detect temperature changes, allowing for real-time fault detection and identification of faulty plug modules, thereby enabling early replacement without shutting down the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fault detection methods are used, then fault detection is possible, but the search for the cause and location of the fault is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by integrating temperature sensors into the plug modules during manufacturing, enabling continuous temperature monitoring before faults develop. This allows early detection of abnormal heating that precedes actual failures, providing advance warning and eliminating the need for complex post-fault investigation. The temperature data is continuously collected and analyzed to identify developing issues before they cause system failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual fault detection and diagnosis methods with automated temperature-based sensing and analysis systems. Instead of physically inspecting connections or using complex electrical testing equipment to locate faults, the system uses temperature sensors to automatically detect and identify problematic areas through thermal patterns, significantly reducing the time and complexity of fault location.
2Ease of manufacture
If electrical plugs are installed without monitoring, then installation is simpler, but incorrect installation can lead to damage and failure during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring temperature at multiple points within the plug assembly and using this data to assess installation quality and connection integrity. The system provides real-time feedback on whether connections are proper by detecting abnormal temperature patterns that indicate poor contacts or incorrect installation, allowing immediate correction without waiting for failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature monitoring system performs preliminary verification of installation quality before faults develop. By continuously measuring temperatures during and after installation, the system can identify and alert operators to installation errors such as improper tightening or incorrect connections before they lead to operational failures, ensuring reliable installation without adding complex mechanical verification steps.
3Reliability
If the system is shut down to replace faulty plugs, then fault elimination is ensured, but downtime increases and costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting temperature anomalies that indicate developing faults before they cause complete failure. This early warning allows operators to plan maintenance during scheduled downtime rather than experiencing unexpected failures, and enables proactive replacement of components before they fail, maintaining system availability while ensuring reliable fault elimination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional approach of shutting down systems to diagnose and eliminate faults with continuous temperature-based monitoring and analysis. The system can identify faulty components and their locations through thermal patterns, enabling targeted maintenance and reducing the scope and duration of required shutdowns, thereby maintaining higher productivity while ensuring effective fault elimination.
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 timely detection and prevention of plug faults, reducing downtime and costs by allowing for immediate replacement of faulty plugs, even in offshore wind energy systems, through continuous and spatially resolved temperature monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
at least one fiber optic cable arranged in the housing as a temperature sensor of a temperature measuring arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are embodiments of an electrical plug, in particular a medium voltage plug or a high voltage plug, for a power cable including at least one housing configured to receive at least one electrical plug module. The plug includes at least one fiber optic cable arranged in the housing as a temperature sensor of a temperature measuring arrangement.