Partial Discharge Monitoring via Internal-External Gas Sensor Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring partial discharges in medium- and high-voltage electrical equipment are unreliable in distinguishing between external and internal causes, leading to inaccurate detection and increased safety risks, as they are influenced by environmental factors and do not effectively determine the root cause of partial discharges.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising dual sets of sensors, one inside and one outside the electrical cubicle, including gaseous element sensors, temperature, and humidity sensors, which compares concentrations to differentiate between external and internal factors causing partial discharges, allowing for real-time monitoring and adjustment of environmental conditions to mitigate risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gaseous element sensors are used to monitor partial discharges, then detection capability is provided, but measurement precision deteriorates due to environmental factors affecting sensor readings
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is segmented into multiple independent sensor units distributed at different locations (inside and outside the electrical cubicle). This segmentation allows each sensor to monitor specific zones and enables differentiation between internal equipment issues and external environmental factors, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing unit acts as an intermediary that receives data from multiple sensors and environmental sensors, then processes and compares this information to determine the actual cause of partial discharges. This intermediary processing layer filters out environmental noise and identifies true equipment-related partial discharge events, resolving the precision issue.
2Device complexity
If environmental factors are not considered, then monitoring system complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to false detections
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is designed with multi-functionality by integrating both gaseous element sensors and environmental sensors (temperature, humidity) into a unified processing unit. This universal approach allows the system to simultaneously monitor partial discharges, environmental conditions, and their interactions, improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where environmental sensor data is continuously fed back to the processing unit to adjust and refine partial discharge detection. This feedback loop allows the system to compensate for environmental variations, maintaining high reliability while managing complexity through intelligent data processing.
3Device complexity
If single sensor placement is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to distinguish internal vs external causes
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor monitoring coverage is segmented into distinct zones: inside the electrical cubicle and outside the cubicle. This spatial segmentation enables the system to differentiate between partial discharges originating from internal equipment and those from external environmental sources, significantly improving cause identification accuracy without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a spatial dimension to monitoring by placing sensors at different locations (inside and outside the cubicle). This dimensional approach creates a three-dimensional monitoring framework that enables precise differentiation between internal and external causes of partial discharges, resolving the measurement precision issue.
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 approach enables reliable detection of partial discharges, identifies their internal or external causes, and ensures continuous, real-time monitoring, thereby enhancing equipment safety and reducing health hazards for personnel by distinguishing between external environmental influences and internal equipment issues.
Implementation Method 1
A partial discharge is a localized electrical discharge which partially shorts an insulating material separating conductive materials, under the effect of a high voltage
Implementation Method 2
at least one temperature sensor and/or humidity sensor arranged inside the electrical installation
Data Source
AI summary
Method for monitoring for partial discharges in an electrical installation comprising at least one electrical cubicle, the electrical cubicle comprising at least one item of medium-voltage or high-voltage electrical equipment.