Optical Sensor Structure for Conservator Bladder Leakage Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In transformer conservator tanks, it is challenging to detect moisture or bladder failures due to the sealed environment, which can contaminate the oil and confuse oil level indications, as the bladder isolates the oil from air, making it difficult to access and monitor its integrity.
Innovation Solution
An optical sensor structure with a light source, fiber optic cables, and a sensor head with perforations is placed on the bladder's air side, using light reflection to detect the presence of liquid, distinguishing between normal air and malfunctioning conditions by measuring light reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the conservator tank is sealed to isolate oil from air, then oil contamination is prevented, but detection of moisture or bladder failure becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical sensor as an intermediary detection device that can sense moisture or liquid presence through the sealed tank wall, eliminating the need to open the sealed conservator tank for detection purposes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical access methods (opening the tank) with an optical detection system that uses light transmission through the tank wall to detect liquid presence, maintaining the sealed environment while enabling detection
2Stability of the object's composition
If the bladder completely isolates oil from atmosphere, then oxidation is prevented, but verification of bladder functionality becomes inaccessible
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor acts as an intermediary that allows indirect observation of the bladder's condition by detecting liquid accumulation, enabling verification of bladder functionality without physical access to the sealed interior
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor creates an optical signal copy of the liquid presence condition, translating the physical state inside the sealed tank into detectable light transmission variations that indicate bladder performance
3Reliability
If liquid accumulates on the bladder, then contamination risk increases, but detection requires opening the sealed tank
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical opening of the tank with an optical detection system that transmits light through the tank wall, replacing the need for physical access while maintaining information about liquid presence
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor serves as an intermediary detection mechanism that bridges the sealed environment and the external detection system, allowing liquid presence information to be obtained without compromising the sealed integrity
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 solution provides a non-invasive, cost-effective method to detect liquid presence on the bladder, ensuring the integrity of the oil isolation system and preventing contamination, without interfering with the transformer's operation.
Implementation Method 1
the light reflects off the mirror and is received by the second fiber optic cable and by the light detector
Implementation Method 2
a first fiber optic cable between the light source and the first end of the body, a light detector, and a second fiber optic cable between the light detector and the first end of the body
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
Optical sensor structure senses the presence of liquid in a sealed conservator tank. The sensor structure includes a sensor head having a body with first and second opposing ends, a plurality of perforations through the body and spaced between the first and second ends, and a mirror disposed at the second end. The perforations are constructed and arranged to receive and hold fluid therein. The sensor head is constructed and arranged to rest on a surface of a bladder. The sensor structure includes a light source, a first fiber optic cable between the light source and the first end of the body, a light detector, and a second fiber optic cable between the light detector and the first end of the body. The amount of light received by the light detector is reduced when liquid, instead of air, is in at least some of the perforations in the body.