Mobile Disconnect Switch Sensor System for Torque and Position Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Older high voltage electrical substations lack equipment for detecting anomalies in disconnect switches, making it difficult to predict wear and tear or abnormal behavior, which can lead to malfunction and damage.
Innovation Solution
A method and mobile system for measuring abnormality detection parameters, involving sensors to track the position and torque of disconnect switch arms, with a control unit to coordinate data acquisition and determine normal or abnormal behavior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If permanent monitoring equipment is installed in older substations, then anomaly detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a mobile measurement system as an intermediary tool that temporarily connects to the disconnect switch during scheduled maintenance windows. This intermediary approach enables anomaly detection without permanently installing complex monitoring equipment in older substations, resolving the contradiction between detection capability and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile system captures and stores torque and position parameter data that replicates the functionality of permanent monitoring systems. By copying the essential measurement capabilities into a portable device, the system achieves anomaly detection without requiring complex permanent installation in older substations.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If permanent monitoring equipment is installed, then continuous monitoring is achieved, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile measurement system is deployed periodically during scheduled maintenance windows to collect torque and position data. This periodic measurement approach achieves continuous monitoring capability over time without the need for expensive permanent installation, resolving the contradiction between monitoring duration and installation cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a portable, temporary measurement system that can be deployed and removed as needed, rather than investing in expensive permanent infrastructure. This disposable-like approach to monitoring achieves the necessary detection capability at lower cost for older substations.
3Measurement precision
If torque sensor is connected to rotating actuation element, then torque measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is designed to be dynamically configurable, allowing the torque sensor to be connected to different rotating actuation elements (manual or motorized) depending on the specific disconnect switch being measured. This dynamic adaptability maintains measurement precision while accommodating various operational scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adapts its measurement parameters and connection methods based on the type of actuation element being measured. By changing measurement parameters to match the specific application, the system achieves precise torque measurements while simplifying the connection process for different switch types.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a method for measuring abnormality detection parameters of a disconnect switch, comprising: releasably connecting a first sensor to the disconnect switch, the first sensor adapted to measure a first parameter related to a position of an arm of the disconnect switch, the disconnect switch comprising a rotating actuation element operatively connected to the arm for moving the arm between a closed position and an open position; releasably connecting a second sensor to the rotating actuation element, the second sensor adapted to measure a second parameter related to a torque of the rotating actuation element; moving the arm using the actuation element; measuring and storing in memory the first and second parameters while the arm is moving; and disconnecting the first and second sensors.