Transformer Oil Conservator Defect Detection With External Edge Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring transformer oil conservators are prone to failure and cause additional issues due to internal sensors, and they fail to effectively detect defects such as capsule damage, breathing circuit blockage, moisture impurities, and false oil levels, which can lead to transformer damage and shutdown.
Innovation Solution
A defect monitoring apparatus using edge computing with sensors for airflow, temperature, and microwave-based oil level measurement, combined with a cloud platform for real-time defect detection and alarm notification, allowing non-contact monitoring and remote evaluation of transformer oil conservators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are installed inside the capsule to monitor capsule damage, then defect detection capability is improved, but sensor failure and additional problems for the capsule occur during long-term operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensor from the capsule interior and relocates it to the exterior of the oil conservator. The sensor is now positioned on the outer surface to detect capsule integrity issues without being subjected to the harsh internal environment, thereby maintaining detection capability while eliminating sensor failure risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection mechanism where the sensor detects changes in the external environment (such as pressure waves or acoustic signals) that indicate capsule damage, rather than directly monitoring the capsule interior. This intermediary approach allows defect detection without placing sensors in contact with the capsule.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are installed to detect various defects, then defect detection coverage is improved, but device complexity and sensor-induced failures increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal sensor system that can detect multiple types of defects (capsule damage, breathing circuit blockage, moisture impurities, false oil levels) using a single sensor or a minimal set of sensors positioned externally. This multi-functional approach maintains comprehensive defect detection coverage while minimizing the number of sensors required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes dynamic monitoring capabilities where the sensor system can adaptively detect different defect types based on changing operational conditions. The system dynamically responds to various failure modes without requiring dedicated sensors for each defect type, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If internal sensors are used for monitoring, then real-time defect detection is improved, but harmful factors from sensors to the capsule and oil quality occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensor from the oil-filled interior environment and positions it externally on the conservator housing. This extraction eliminates direct contact between the sensor and the transformer oil, preventing any potential contamination or quality degradation while maintaining real-time monitoring capabilities through external detection of pressure, acoustic, or other physical parameters.
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
The apparatus provides reliable, safe, and efficient detection of common defects in transformer oil conservators, reducing sensor-induced failures and enabling timely maintenance, thus ensuring the safe operation of power equipment.
Implementation Method 1
an airflow sensor, disposed on a breathing tube of the oil conservator, to measure a breathing airflow rate of the oil conservator
Implementation Method 2
an oil temperature sensor to measure an oil temperature of the oil conservator
Implementation Method 3
an ambient temperature sensor to measure an ambient temperature
Implementation Method 4
a microwave oil level measurement assembly to measure a height of an oil level of the oil conservator
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a defect monitoring apparatus and detection method for a transformer oil conservator based on edge computing. The monitoring apparatus includes: a sensing terminal, an edge intelligent gateway, a monitoring terminal, an oil conservator defect monitoring cloud platform, and a client terminal. The edge intelligent gateway and the monitoring terminal are both disposed in a substation. The monitoring terminal is configured to access the edge intelligent gateway. The sensing terminal includes: an airflow sensor, an oil temperature sensor, an ambient temperature sensor, and a microwave oil level measurement assembly. The sensing terminal sends detection data information to the edge intelligent gateway, and the edge intelligent gateway stores and determines a category of the detection data information. The present disclosure can recognize capsule damage, partial blockage of a breathing circuit, leakage in the breathing circuit, moisture impurities in a breathing tube, and false oil level.