Fiber Optic Sensor for Transformer Fluid Level and Impact Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transformer systems are unable to detect ballistic impacts and effectively measure dielectric fluid levels, leading to potential damage and fluid loss.
Innovation Solution
A transformer system incorporating a fiber optic sensor, such as a fiber Bragg grating or Fabry-Perot cavity sensor, is submerged in the dielectric fluid within the transformer tank, providing real-time pressure and level measurements, and a controller determines the occurrence of ballistic impacts by analyzing pressure changes, allowing for immediate notification and prevention of fluid loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional pressure sensors are used in transformer systems, then pressure measurement is possible, but the system cannot detect ballistic impacts and measure dielectric fluid levels accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber optic sensor system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it measures dielectric fluid levels, detects ballistic impacts through pressure changes, and provides real-time monitoring. The single sensor system integrates these functions by detecting both static fluid level positions and dynamic pressure waves from impacts, eliminating the need for separate detection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical pressure sensors with fiber optic sensors that use optical principles instead of mechanical components. The fiber optic sensor detects pressure changes from ballistic impacts and fluid level positions through optical property changes, providing immunity to electromagnetic interference and enabling detection capabilities that mechanical sensors cannot achieve.
2Reliability
If no sensing system is installed, then the transformer system operates simply, but it cannot detect ballistic impacts or measure fluid levels, leading to potential damage and fluid loss
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber optic sensor system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it measures dielectric fluid levels, detects ballistic impacts through pressure changes, and provides real-time monitoring. The single sensor system integrates these functions by detecting both static fluid level positions and dynamic pressure waves from impacts, eliminating the need for separate detection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber optic sensor acts as an intermediary element that translates physical parameters (pressure changes from ballistic impacts, fluid level positions) into optical signals that can be processed by the control system. This intermediary conversion enables the detection and prevention capabilities while maintaining system integration.
3Productivity
If real-time monitoring is implemented, then ballistic impacts and fluid level changes can be detected, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously receives real-time signals from the fiber optic sensor, compares current measurements with threshold values, and triggers alerts when ballistic impacts or abnormal fluid level changes are detected. This feedback mechanism enables immediate detection and response to threats while maintaining automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber optic sensor system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it measures dielectric fluid levels, detects ballistic impacts through pressure changes, and provides real-time monitoring. The single sensor system integrates these functions by detecting both static fluid level positions and dynamic pressure waves from impacts, eliminating the need for separate detection systems.
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
The system effectively detects ballistic impacts and measures dielectric fluid levels, preventing damage and fluid loss by transmitting alerts and ensuring timely intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a fiber optic sensor... disposed in the dielectric fluid and operative to provide an output that varies with a level of the dielectric fluid, wherein the controller is operative to determine the level of the dielectric fluid based on the output of the fiber optic sensor
Implementation Method 2
provide an output that varies with a level of the dielectric fluid, wherein the controller is operative to determine the level of the dielectric fluid based on the output of the fiber optic sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A transformer system includes a transformer and a transformer tank. The transformer tank houses the transformer in a bath of a dielectric fluid. The transformer system also includes a controller, and a fiber optic sensor communicatively coupled to the controller. The fiber optic sensor is disposed in the dielectric fluid and operative to provide an output that varies with the level of the dielectric fluid. The controller is operative to determine the level of the dielectric fluid based on the output of the fiber optic sensor.