Optoelectronic Diagnostic Module for HV Gas-Insulated Systems

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current diagnostic systems for electrical high-voltage and medium-voltage systems struggle to detect both partial discharges and arcs effectively due to interference and limited sensitivity, often requiring complex setups and failing to predict faults until they lead to serious network failures.

Innovation Solution

A diagnostic module that operates in two modes, amplifying and evaluating light signals from partial discharges and arcs differently, using optoelectrical converters and amplifiers with adjustable voltages and signal paths to provide continuous monitoring and quick detection of maintenance needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If electromagnetic signals are measured to detect partial discharges, then detection capability is provided, but measurement sensitivity is limited by electromagnetic interference and interpretation is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an optical intermediary (light signal detection) to detect partial discharges, converting the detection from electromagnetic domain to optical domain. This intermediary approach allows detection without direct electromagnetic signal measurement, thereby avoiding electromagnetic interference while maintaining detection sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If optical detection is used to detect partial discharges, then high sensitivity is achieved, but the system cannot simultaneously detect arcs with different spectral components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoiddetection coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the optical detection into multiple wavelength channels, with different photodetectors tuned to detect specific spectral ranges. This allows simultaneous detection of partial discharges (UV range) and arcs (IR range) by dividing the detection task across multiple specialized sensors, achieving both high sensitivity and broad detection coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The optical detection system is designed with multi-functionality to detect both partial discharges and arcs simultaneously. By incorporating multiple photodetectors with different spectral responses and using a unified control unit, the system achieves universal detection capability for different types of electrical discharges without requiring separate specialized systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If monitoring is carried out at longer intervals, then system complexity is reduced, but faults cannot be detected in good time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidfault prediction capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous monitoring of partial discharges and arcs through the optical detection system. The control unit continuously processes light signals from multiple photodetectors, enabling real-time fault detection without requiring periodic interruptions. This continuous operation maintains high reliability while the integrated design keeps system complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful 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

Enables rapid and effective detection of both partial discharges and arcs within gas-insulated systems, reducing the risk of network failures by providing timely maintenance insights and improving fault prediction.

Implementation Method 1

at least one optoelectrical converter and amplifier unit (9, 9a, 9b) for optical detection of a light signal (LS) generated by electrical discharge phenomena

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

optoelectrical converter and amplifier unit (9, 9a, 9b) for optical detection of a light signal (LS) generated by electrical discharge phenomena

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal amplification: Magnetic Amplifier

Data Source

PatentEP3185382B1System for diagnosing the operational state of a high voltage and medium voltage installation
Publication Date: 2019.09.04 FRANZ VOGL ELECTRONICS
  • EP3185382B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3185382B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3185382B1 patent drawingFigure 3a

AI summary

The present invention relates to a system for diagnosing the technical operating state of an electrical high-voltage and medium-voltage system (2) which has at least one current-carrying inner conductor (4) in at least one gas-tight interior (2.1) of a housing (3), in which a diagnostic module (7) with at least one optoelectronic converter and amplifier unit (9) is provided for optical detection of a light signal (LS) generated by electrical discharge phenomena in the gas-tight interior of the housing.The essential aspect of the system according to the invention for diagnosing the technical operating state of an electrical high-voltage and medium-voltage system is that the diagnostic module (7) is designed for optical detection of partial discharges in a first operating mode and for optical detection of arcs in a second operating mode, wherein the light signal generated by the electrical discharge phenomena is amplified differently depending on the respective operating mode and evaluated differently by means of the at least one evaluation unit integrated in the diagnostic module for diagnosing the technical operating state.