Fluid-Filled Tubular Probe for Remote Electric Arc Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric arc detection techniques based on current and voltage measurements are inadequate for detecting arcs over long distances in complex electrical systems, particularly along cables, and existing acoustic detection devices are unsuitable for remote detection and localization.
Innovation Solution
A tubular probe filled with a fluid and equipped with vulnerable zones that degrade upon arc formation, allowing acoustic waves to propagate through the probe to a distant acoustic sensor, enabling remote detection and localization of electric arcs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If acoustic detection devices are placed close to the electrical terminals or modules to detect electric arcs, then detection reliability is improved, but the device cannot detect arcs over long distances or along electric cables of several metres or tens of metres
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tubular probe filled with fluid as an intermediary medium to transmit acoustic waves from distant electric arcs to the detection device. The probe acts as a conduit that bridges the gap between the arc location and the sensor, enabling remote detection while maintaining signal integrity through the fluid-filled acoustic waveguide structure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from direct spatial proximity detection to remote detection by creating an acoustic wave transmission path through the fluid-filled probe. This dimensional approach allows the detection system to 'reach' distant arcs along cables by propagating acoustic energy through the probe's interior space rather than requiring physical closeness
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If current and voltage measurement techniques are used for arc detection, then detection capability is provided, but the wiring complexity increases due to too many cables and uncertainty about routing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the acoustic detection capability from the complex electrical measurement system. By using a separate tubular probe that acoustically couples to the cable or equipment, the system eliminates the need for intricate wiring and electrical connections, simplifying the overall detection architecture while maintaining arc detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the electrical measurement system (current and voltage sensors requiring complex wiring) with an acoustic detection system. The tubular probe with fluid-filled interior space uses acoustic wave propagation to detect arcs, substituting mechanical/acoustic fields for electrical measurement fields and thereby reducing wiring complexity
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 remote detection and precise localization of electric arcs along cables by propagating acoustic waves through a tubular probe, overcoming the limitations of existing detection methods.
Implementation Method 1
The interior space, or lumen, is filled with a fluid and acoustically isolated from external noise by the wall. The probe comprises, at the periphery of its interior space, on its wall, at least one vulnerable zone suitable for degrading under the effect of the electric arc, revealing a passage to the interior space for an acoustic wave generated by the electric arc.
Implementation Method 2
at least one vulnerable zone suitable for degrading under the effect of the electric arc, revealing a passage to the interior space for an acoustic wave generated by the electric arc
Data Source
AI summary
A device for acoustic detection of an electric arc, including a tubular probe suitable for being arranged next to a piece of electrical equipment on which an electric arc is likely to form. An interior space, circumscribed by a wall of the probe, extends along the length of the probe. This interior space is filled with a fluid and acoustically isolated from external noise by the wall. The probe includes, at the periphery of its interior space, on its wall, at least one vulnerable zone suitable for degrading under the effect of the electric arc, revealing a passage to the interior space for an acoustic wave generated by the electric arc. The device further includes at least one acoustic sensor suitable for detecting the acoustic wave that travelled through the passage and propagated in the interior space of the probe.