Partial Discharge Localization Using Antenna and Microphone Arrays
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for detecting partial discharges in electrical components, particularly in stators, are limited in their ability to accurately localize the discharge and determine its voltage limit, often failing to identify flaws before they lead to breakdowns in motor vehicle drives.
Innovation Solution
A test device equipped with antennas and microphones that capture electromagnetic and acoustic waves caused by partial discharges, using a control unit to apply voltage signals and determine the location of the discharge by analyzing wave intensity and field strength, allowing for precise localization and identification of potential flaws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If previous partial discharge measuring systems are used, then phase localization is possible, but precise location determination at the electrical component is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from phase-based localization (1D electrical domain) to spatial localization using multiple antennas arranged in three-dimensional space around the electrical component. By measuring electromagnetic wave intensity at multiple spatial positions and calculating radial distances, the system achieves precise 3D location determination of partial discharges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic wave intensity measurements as an intermediary parameter between the partial discharge event and its location. Multiple antennas capture the electromagnetic waves emitted by partial discharges, and the intensity data serves as a mediator to calculate radial distances and determine the precise spatial position of the discharge.
2Measurement precision
If multiple antennas and microphones are added for precise localization, then location accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement task into two independent segments: electromagnetic wave detection using multiple antennas for location determination, and acoustic wave detection using microphones for complementary information. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized independently while working together to achieve high-precision localization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional test device that simultaneously performs electromagnetic field measurement, acoustic measurement, and location calculation. The control unit integrates data from both antennas and microphones to provide comprehensive partial discharge detection and precise spatial localization in a single system.
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 the precise localization and identification of partial discharges in electrical components, preventing potential failures by determining the discharge location and voltage limit, thereby ensuring the reliability of electrical drives.
Implementation Method 1
one or more antennas (10) for capturing an electromagnetic wave (22), which is caused by a partial discharge (40) in the electrical component (18)
Implementation Method 2
multiple microphones (12), which are formed to capture acoustic sound waves (24) caused by the partial discharge (40)
Data Source
AI summary
A test device to localize a partial discharge in or at an electrical component may include at least one antenna to capture an electromagnetic wave caused by a partial discharge in the electrical component. The test device includes multiple microphones arranged in an environment around the electrical component. The microphones capture sound waves caused by the partial discharge. It is examined if an intensity of the electromagnetic wave exceeds a first limit value and/or the intensity of the sound wave captured by one of the multiple microphones exceeds a second limit value. Depending on the captured sound wave and/or the electromagnetic wave and on the examination relating to the first and/or second limit value, a location of the partial discharge can be determined.