Partial Discharge Monitoring via Defined Charge Pulse Injection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current partial discharge monitoring systems in high voltage power distribution networks face challenges such as the need for offline measurements that require elements to be out of service, leading to high costs and limited analysis capabilities, and online methods that risk additional stress on distribution elements due to higher voltages. Additionally, existing systems struggle with accurate synchronization and calibration of measuring instruments, often requiring additional costly components like GPS and optical fiber cables.

Innovation Solution

A monitoring system that includes a device for generating and injecting defined charge pulses, allowing for online and offline monitoring of partial discharges without requiring elements to be out of service, with synchronization and calibration capabilities that align measuring instruments and prevent pulse injection during background noise phases, using a capacitive coupling and synchronization circuit integrated in a high voltage facility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If offline measurement method is used, then measurement precision is improved, but distribution element must be out of service leading to loss of time and productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepartial discharge measurement precisionVSAvoiddistribution element outage time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary calibration by injecting defined charge pulses into the measurement circuit before actual partial discharge measurements. This calibration establishes the relationship between injected pulses and measured signals, enabling accurate online measurements without requiring the distribution element to be out of service. The calibration data is stored and used during operational monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If online measurement method is used, then productivity is improved by continuous monitoring, but distribution element is exposed to additional stress from high voltages

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous monitoring capabilityVSAvoidadditional stress on distribution element
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses an intermediary calibration pulse injection mechanism that couples to the measurement circuit through a coupling capacitor. This intermediary approach allows calibration and measurement without directly applying high voltages to the distribution element. The defined charge pulses are injected into the measurement circuit rather than the distribution element itself, eliminating additional stress while enabling continuous online monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If additional synchronization components like GPS and optical fiber cables are used, then synchronization precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization precisionVSAvoidsynchronization system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves self-synchronization by using the distribution element's own voltage waveform as the reference. The synchronization circuit detects zero-crossings of the voltage waveform and uses these to trigger and timestamp measurements. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external GPS or optical fiber synchronization systems, reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining precision synchronized to the actual operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Device complexity

If calibration is performed without defined charge pulse injection, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration system complexityVSAvoidpartial discharge quantification precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an intermediary calibration mechanism that injects defined charge pulses through a coupling capacitor into the measurement circuit. This intermediary approach adds minimal complexity while significantly improving measurement precision. The coupling capacitor isolates the pulse injection mechanism from the high voltage distribution element, keeping the system simple while enabling accurate calibration and quantification of partial discharge magnitudes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 continuous, accurate monitoring of partial discharges, differentiating between insulation faults and other sources, locating discharges, and optimizing maintenance to prevent failures and economic losses, while minimizing exposure to additional stress and reducing the need for costly synchronization components.

Implementation Method 1

The device for generating and injecting defined charge pulses comprises a capacitive coupling

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

a synchronization circuit which tracks the voltage of the distribution network

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSynchronization:

Data Source

PatentEP2725367B1Method and device for monitoring partial discharges
Publication Date: 2020.04.15 ORMAZABAL CORPORATE TECHNOLOGY AIE
  • EP2725367B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2725367B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2725367B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The method for monitoring partial discharges in distribution elements (4) in voltage, online or offline, of a high voltage power distribution network (2) elements (4), provided with distribution elements (4), is carried out by means of at least one measuring equipment (13, 14) and at least one device for producing and injecting defined charge pulses (1), such that in a first the tracking of the voltage of the distribution network (2) step is carried out and in a second step, by means of the production and injection of a defined charge pulse and synchronized with the voltage of the network (2), the measurements of the partial discharges are quantified through the measuring equipments (13, 14) regardless of the configuration or topology of the distribution network (2). At the same time several measuring equipments (13, 14) can be synchronized. By means of this monitoring method it is allowed carrying out remotely both the monitoring of the distribution network (2) and the management of its facilities (3, 3' 3").