Modular Dissolved Gas Sensor for Transformer Oil Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for measuring dissolved gases in transformer insulating oil are unreliable due to human error and require extensive laboratory analysis, and existing gas sensor modules are difficult to standardize and costly to manufacture.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with a modular design that includes a body with a separator installation part and a sensor installation part, allowing for independent installation and replacement of a gas sensor and filter, which separates insulating oil from dissolved gases and connects to a transformer casing to facilitate real-time measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a gas sensor module with integral filter is used to measure dissolved gas, then the measurement function is achieved, but the device is difficult to standardize and requires separate manufacturing and verification for each purpose

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoidstandardization difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The gas sensor module is divided into separate components: the filter (120) and the gas sensor (10) are independently manufactured and then assembled together through the sensor installation part (118). This segmentation allows each component to be standardized separately while maintaining measurement reliability when assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate gas sensor modules are manufactured for different purposes, then specific measurement functions are achieved, but manufacturing costs and verification time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement function specificityVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter (120) is designed as a universal component that can be used with different types of gas sensors (10) through the standardized sensor installation part (118). This allows a single filter design to serve multiple measurement purposes by simply changing the gas sensor module, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If gas sensors are installed in discharge valves or inspection windows, then dissolved gas measurement is achieved, but the sensors cannot be easily replaced or standardized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedissolved gas measurementVSAvoidsensor replacement difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The gas sensor (10) is extracted from the discharge valve or inspection window and installed in a dedicated sensor installation part (118) on the transformer tank body. This allows the sensor to be independently accessed, removed, and replaced without affecting the discharge valve or inspection window functionality, significantly improving ease of repair and maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Measurement precision

If laboratory analysis methods are used for dissolved gas analysis, then comprehensive gas analysis is achieved, but the process requires extensive time and is susceptible to human error

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas analysis comprehensivenessVSAvoidanalysis time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The manual laboratory analysis process is replaced with an automated gas sensor (10) system that directly measures dissolved gases in real-time. The sensor electronically detects gas concentrations and transmits data automatically, eliminating human error factors and reducing analysis time from days to moments while maintaining measurement precision.

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 reliable, real-time measurement of dissolved gases with standardized gas sensors, reducing manufacturing costs and minimizing errors, while allowing for easy replacement and compatibility with various gas sensors.

Implementation Method 1

a separator installation part provided in the body and having a separator allowing a dissolved gas to pass therethrough and blocking insulating oil installed therein

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas-liquid separation: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS10145836B2Apparatus for measuring dissolved gas and oil immersed transformer having the same

Publication Date: 2018.12.04 HYUNDAI ELECTRIC & ENERGY SYST CO LTD

AI summary

An apparatus for measuring dissolved gas includes a body having an internal space, a separator installation part provided in the body and having a separator allowing a dissolved gas to pass therethrough and blocking insulating oil installed therein, and a sensor installation part provided in the body and allowing a gas sensor measuring dissolved gas separated by the separator to be installed therein, wherein the separator installation part and the sensor installation part are configured in such a manner that the separator and the gas sensor are independently installed in the body or separated from the body. According to the apparatus for measuring dissolved gas, a gas sensor may be manufactured to be standardized, and excellent compatibility with respect to various types of gas sensors may be provided.