Magnetostrictive Resonator Sensor for Non-Invasive Fault Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for monitoring the state of electrical conductors and associated systems are invasive, expensive, and struggle with detecting faults in large or distributed power systems, particularly in aging systems prone to degradation, surges, and transient conditions.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive system utilizing a magnetostrictive resonator sensor and signal detector to measure frequency profiles from electrical conductors, allowing for the determination of asset health and fault detection through magnetostriction effects, enabling the identification of faults such as ground faults and harmonic imbalances without being part of the electrical circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional monitoring equipment is used to detect faults in electrical systems, then fault detection capability is improved, but the equipment becomes part of the electrical circuit causing additional power quality issues and higher costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses magnetic field coupling as an intermediary mechanism to transfer fault information from the electrical conductor to the sensor without direct electrical contact. The magnetostrictive sensor detects changes in the magnetic field generated by the conductor, enabling fault detection while maintaining electrical isolation and avoiding power quality issues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct electrical/mechanical contact with magnetic field-based sensing. By using magnetostrictive materials that respond to magnetic field changes, the system achieves fault detection through magnetic coupling rather than electrical connection, eliminating the harmful effects of invasive equipment on power quality
2Measurement precision
If invasive monitoring equipment is installed in electrical circuits, then measurement accuracy is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field serves as an intermediary that carries fault information from the conductor to the sensor. This approach maintains measurement precision by detecting actual conductor conditions while simplifying the overall system architecture through non-invasive sensing and electrical isolation
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetostrictive sensor creates a magnetic field copy or representation of the conductor's electrical state. By detecting changes in this magnetic field copy rather than directly measuring electrical parameters, the system achieves accurate fault detection with simpler, more isolated hardware
3Object-affected harmful factors
If non-invasive magnetostrictive sensing is used, then power quality is maintained, but the sensor must be positioned in close proximity to the conductor reducing flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic magnetic field coupling that can adapt to varying distances between sensor and conductor. By using AC magnetic fields and magnetostrictive resonance, the system maintains effective sensing over a range of distances rather than requiring fixed close proximity, providing installation flexibility while preserving power quality
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
This approach allows for accurate, cost-effective monitoring of electrical conductor states and fault detection, including imminent failures, without physically touching the conductors, thereby enhancing power quality assessment and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor assembly is arranged and disposed to provide the magnetostrictive resonator sensor in sufficiently close proximity to the electrical conductor to permit a magnetostriction effect between the electrical conductor and the magnetostrictive resonator sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for determining the state of one or both of an electrical conductor or an associated system utilizing a non-invasive sensor and a magnetostrictive response from the current of the electrical conductor. The method includes providing a sensor assembly including a magnetostrictive resonator sensor and a signal detector. A state of one or both of the electrical conductor or the associated system is determined with the fault detector in response to a first frequency profile and a second frequency profile obtained with the magnetostrictive resonator sensor. A fault monitoring system utilizing a magnetostrictive resonator sensor is also disclosed.