Partial Discharge Sensor for Insulator Pollution Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diagnostic techniques for evaluating superficial pollution on medium/high voltage outdoor insulators are either destructive, not suitable for continuous monitoring, or unreliable due to environmental factors, and fail to directly assess the likelihood of electrical discharges between electrodes.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that measure partial discharges on the outer surface of insulators using a sensor and processing means to derive an indicator of superficial pollution, allowing for non-destructive, continuous monitoring and accounting for environmental factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dust collection and evaluation techniques are used to determine superficial conductivity, then pollution mapping can be obtained, but continuous monitoring is not suitable and reliability is limited due to varying climatic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical dust collection methods with electrical measurement techniques. Specifically, it uses current measurement under controlled conditions to evaluate superficial conductivity, substituting the mechanical process of dust sampling with an electrical diagnostic method that directly assesses the insulator's conductivity state without physical contact with the pollution layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct dust analysis to electrical current measurement. By measuring the dispersion current under controlled environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, pressure), the system transforms the evaluation from a mechanical/compositional analysis to an electrical property assessment, which is more reliable and can be performed continuously.
2Measurement precision
If optical measurements are taken to evaluate pollutant layer thickness, then color-based assessment is possible, but the technique is costly and thickness is not a reliable indicator of overall pollution dangerousness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical measurement methods with electrical current measurement. Instead of using optical sensors to detect pollutant layer thickness through color changes, the system measures the electrical current flowing across the insulator surface under controlled conditions, directly assessing the conductivity state which is a more reliable indicator of pollution dangerousness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement from optical parameters (color, thickness) to electrical parameters (current, conductivity). This parameter transformation provides a more direct and reliable assessment of pollution impact, as the electrical current measurement directly reflects the conductive properties of the pollution layer rather than its physical dimensions.
3Measurement precision
If superficial dispersion current is evaluated in predetermined climatic conditions, then pollution assessment is possible, but the technique cannot be applied to operating insulators and requires laboratory conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic measurement capabilities that allow the system to operate under varying environmental conditions rather than requiring static, controlled laboratory conditions. The system can measure dispersion current while the insulator is operating in real-world environments, adapting to different climatic conditions dynamically rather than requiring predetermined controlled conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the insulator system to be monitored in its own operating conditions without requiring removal from service or placement in laboratory environments. The measurement system operates self-contained on or near the insulator, allowing continuous monitoring of operating insulators in their natural operational context.
4Reliability
If specific failure voltage measurement is used to evaluate insulator performance, then flashover voltage can be determined, but the method is destructive and unusable for monitoring operating insulators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial measurement action rather than full destructive testing. Instead of measuring the complete flashover voltage which requires destructive testing, the system measures the dispersion current under controlled conditions, which is a partial electrical property measurement that provides sufficient information about pollution levels without causing damage to the insulator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces destructive electrical breakdown testing with non-destructive current measurement. Instead of applying high voltage to cause flashover and measure failure voltage, the system measures the natural dispersion current that flows across the insulator surface under controlled conditions, providing a non-destructive assessment of insulator performance.
5Ease of manufacture
If leakage current measurement is used to assess pollution, then low cost measurement is possible, but reliability is limited due to heavy influence by environmental factors like humidity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement approach by controlling environmental parameters during measurement. Instead of measuring leakage current under varying environmental conditions, the system performs measurements under controlled temperature, humidity, and pressure conditions, isolating the electrical property from environmental influences and improving measurement reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates environmental parameter monitoring and uses this feedback to compensate for or correct the measurements. By continuously monitoring environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, pressure) and comparing them against reference values, the system can adjust the leakage current measurements to eliminate environmental influences and maintain high reliability.
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 effective, non-destructive evaluation of superficial pollution levels, optimizing maintenance interventions by directly assessing the likelihood of electrical discharges and considering environmental conditions, thus improving the reliability and timeliness of maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor able to be operatively associated to the insulator to detect an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
A diagnostic method for evaluating the level of superficial pollution of an outdoor medium / high voltage insulator (1) comprises a step of measuring an activity of partial discharges on an outer surface of the insulator, to derive an indicator of the level of superficial pollution of the insulator. A diagnostic apparatus (6) for evaluating the level of superficial pollution of an outdoor medium / high voltage insulator (1) is provided with at least one sensor (7) able to be operatively associated to the insulator (1) to measure an electrical signal and it comprises means (8) for acquiring a set of data relating to partial discharges on an outer surface of the insulator (1), said acquisition means receiving at their input said electrical signal, and means for processing the acquired data, said processing providing an indicator of the level of superficial pollution of the insulator.