Optical Fiber Winding for Transformer Fault Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Faults within power transformers are difficult to detect in a timely manner due to limited detection range of point sensors, which can lead to significant failures and potential explosions, especially caused by temperature variations and physical stress.

Innovation Solution

An optical sensing system is implemented by mounting an optical fiber sensing component to a coil former and winding it within a transformer coil, using Brillouin Optical Time-Domain Analysis (BOTDA) to detect operating conditions by analyzing reflected optical data signals, allowing for more extensive coverage and accurate fault detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If point sensors are installed throughout the power system to detect operating conditions, then the detection coverage is improved, but the device complexity and installation cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection coverageVSAvoidnumber of sensors required

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical fiber sensing component is divided into multiple sensing sections along its length, with each section capable of independently detecting local operating conditions. This segmentation allows the single fiber to cover a large area while maintaining manageable complexity, as each segment processes information locally rather than requiring a centralized array of discrete sensors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The optical fiber sensing component serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the sensing element and the signal transmission medium, and can detect multiple parameters (temperature, strain, vibration) along its entire length. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensors for each parameter and location, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive detection coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If point sensors are used to detect faults, then the detection precision at specific locations is improved, but the ability to detect faults outside the detection range deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection precision at specific locationVSAvoiddetection range

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing capability transitions from zero-dimensional point measurements to one-dimensional distributed measurements along the fiber length. This dimensional change allows the system to maintain high measurement precision at any specific location while simultaneously providing continuous coverage across the entire detection range, as the fiber can be routed to cover all critical areas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Area of stationary object

If multiple point sensors are installed to cover the entire transformer, then the fault detection coverage is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefault detection coverageVSAvoidassembly difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple sensing functions that would traditionally require separate discrete sensors are merged into a single optical fiber component. This unified structure simplifies manufacturing and assembly, as the fiber can be installed in one continuous operation rather than requiring precise installation of multiple individual sensors at various locations within the transformer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical fiber sensing component is prepared and configured before transformer assembly, with sensing sections pre-positioned along the fiber length. This preliminary preparation allows for easier integration during transformer manufacturing, as the fiber can be routed through and around coil formers during the winding process rather than requiring post-assembly installation of multiple sensors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 optical sensing system enhances the detection range and accuracy of faults within transformers, enabling timely and precise monitoring of temperature and strain changes, thus preventing significant failures and explosions.

Implementation Method 1

transmitting a version of the input optical signal to the sensing component, wherein the input optical signal is defined with a carrier frequency at a Brillouin value characterized for the sensing component; receiving a plurality of reflected optical data signals from the sensing component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBrillouin scattering: Brillouin Scattering

Data Source

PatentUS11175351B2Optical sensing methods and systems for power applications, and the construction thereof

Publication Date: 2021.11.16 HYPERION SENSORS INC

AI summary

Optical sensing methods and systems for power applications, and the construction thereof, are described herein. An example method of constructing a winding assembly includes mounting a sensing component to a coil former, and winding a coil onto the coil former so that the sensing component is positioned within the coil. A system and method for detecting operating conditions within a transformer using the described winding assemblies are described.