Internal Photodiode Arc Sensing in Gas Insulated Switchgear

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing arc sensing technologies in gas insulated switchgear (GIS) are costly and require extensive post-processing, as they rely on ultra-high frequency sensors installed outside the GIS, which are not optimal for timely and efficient arc detection.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method utilizing a photodiode-based optical signal receiving unit installed within the GIS to detect arcs, converting optical signals into voltage signals, amplifying, and adjusting offsets, with a circuit breaker controller outputting interrupt signals based on signal duration or repetition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a UHF sensor is used to sense arcs in GIS, then arc detection capability is achieved, but the system becomes costly and requires extensive post-processing calculations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearc detection capabilityVSAvoidpost-processing calculations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the UHF electromagnetic sensing system with an optical sensing system using a photodiode. This substitution eliminates the need for complex signal processing in the frequency domain, as optical signals can be directly converted to voltage signals through the photodiode, significantly reducing post-processing complexity while maintaining arc detection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a photodiode as an intermediary device that converts optical signals from arcs directly into voltage signals. This intermediary enables straightforward signal processing without the need for complex frequency domain translations required by UHF sensors, thereby reducing computational burden

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a UHF sensor is installed outside the GIS to detect arcs, then arc sensing is possible, but the response time is delayed and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearc sensing capabilityVSAvoidresponse time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent places the photodiode inside the GIS before arc occurrence, positioned to directly detect optical signals from potential arcs. This preliminary positioning enables immediate detection of arc onset without the time delay associated with external UHF sensor detection, allowing for faster protective relay operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

By substituting external UHF sensing with internal optical sensing, the system achieves faster response times since optical signals from arcs are detected directly at the source rather than waiting for electromagnetic wave propagation to external sensors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If a UHF sensor system is implemented for arc detection, then arc monitoring is achieved, but the overall system cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearc monitoring capabilityVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a photodiode, which is a relatively inexpensive and simple semiconductor device, replacing costly UHF sensor systems. The photodiode's simplicity and low manufacturing cost make it an economically viable solution for arc detection while maintaining effective monitoring capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The substitution of complex UHF sensor systems with simple optical photodiodes dramatically reduces system cost. The photodiode-based optical sensing system eliminates the need for expensive UHF signal processing hardware and associated computational resources

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 cost-effective and efficient arc sensing within the GIS, allowing for timely intervention to prevent system damage by installing the optical signal receiving unit directly inside the GIS, reducing the need for external sensors and complex post-processing.

Implementation Method 1

an optical signal receiving unit receiving an optical signal generated due to an arc within a GIS

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9285413B2Apparatus for and method of sensing arc in gas insulated switchgear using photodiode

Publication Date: 2016.03.15 HYUNDAI ELECTRIC & ENERGY SYST CO LTD

AI summary

There is provided an apparatus for sensing an arc in a gas insulated switchgear (GIS) including: an optical signal receiving unit receiving an optical signal generated due to an arc within a GIS; and a circuit breaker controller outputting a circuit breaker interrupt signal based on the received optical signal, wherein the optical signal receiving unit is installed within the GIS. An optical signal due to an arc may be received at the maximum level, and an arc generated within a GIS may be simply sensed at low costs.