Partial Discharge Detection via Optical Fiber Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting partial discharges in high voltage assets are limited by their inability to accurately localize and differentiate between partial discharge and arcing events, often leading to incomplete detection and potential catastrophic failures due to the insensitivity of conventional detection systems.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a PD detector with an electrical coupler and an electrical-to-optical converter that converts electrical disturbances into light signals, communicated via a non-conducting optical fiber, allowing for precise localization and detection of partial discharges within high voltage assets using a network of PD detectors and advanced data analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional electrical detection methods are used, then the system structure is simple, but the detection precision and ability to differentiate between PD and arcing events is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional electrical detection methods with optical detection. Electrical disturbances from partial discharges are converted to optical signals via electro-optical converters, and these optical signals are transmitted through optical fibers to external detection systems. This substitution enables precise differentiation between PD and arcing events while maintaining system simplicity through the use of established optical fiber technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical fibers as intermediaries to transmit detection signals from the high voltage environment to external analysis systems. The optical fiber acts as a non-conductive bridge that carries optical signals without electrical interference, enabling high-precision detection while isolating the detection electronics from the high voltage asset.
2Reliability
If electrical conductors are used to power and signal within the HV asset, then energy supply is straightforward, but the risk of electrical interference and safety hazards increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical conductors with optical fibers for both power transmission and signal communication within the high voltage asset. Optical power is transmitted through the fiber and converted to electrical power at the detection node, while detection signals are converted to optical form for transmission outside the high voltage environment. This eliminates electrical interference and safety hazards associated with conductors in high voltage zones.
3Measurement precision
If a network of multiple PD detectors is deployed for precise localization, then the localization accuracy improves, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection system into multiple independent detector nodes distributed within the high voltage asset. Each node contains an electro-optical converter and optical transmitter, and they work together as a network. By analyzing the relative timing and characteristics of optical signals from multiple nodes, the system achieves precise three-dimensional localization of partial discharge sources while keeping each individual node relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple identical detector nodes that are simple replicas of each other, each performing the same electro-optical conversion function. This modular approach allows precise localization through signal comparison and time-of-flight analysis while avoiding the complexity of designing different types of detectors for different functions.
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
The system enables sensitive detection and localization of partial discharges, differentiating between PD and arcing events, reducing the risk of catastrophic failures by providing actionable data for targeted interventions and improving the monitoring of high voltage assets.
Implementation Method 1
The electrical-to-optical converter comprises a light emitter, and is configured to convert the electrical disturbances to a light signal
Implementation Method 2
The optical power receiver is configured to receive optical power from an external optical power source via a non-conducting optical fiber arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
A system for evaluating a high voltage asset (HV asset) comprises a PD detector disposed in the HV asset. The PD detector comprises an electrical coupler configured to couple electrical disturbances indicative of a partial discharge from a high voltage conductor of the HV asset to an electrical-to-optical converter. The electrical-to-optical converter comprises a light emitter, and is configured to convert the electrical disturbances to a light signal. An optical power receiver is disposed in the high voltage asset and coupled to the PD detector. The optical power receiver is configured to receive optical power from an external optical power source via a non-conducting optical fiber arrangement. The electrical-to-optical converter is configured to communicate the light signal indicative of the partial discharge to an electronic device external of high voltage asset via the non-conducting optical fiber arrangement.