Power System Insulation Parameter Determination Using Activation Energy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for measuring insulation resistance in power system components fail to accurately account for the individual characteristics of insulation properties, which change with aging status and temperature, leading to incomplete temperature correction.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that determine the activation energy of the insulation, calculate a correction factor using the Arrhenius equation, and apply it to DC voltage stimulation signals to adjust measurements for temperature, allowing for precise accounting of insulation properties and accurate parameter determination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If standard temperature correction factors are used, then temperature correction can be performed quickly, but the individual characteristics of insulation properties are not taken into account

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature correction speedVSAvoidinsulation parameter accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameters used for temperature correction from standard fixed values to activation energy values specific to each insulation material. By determining the activation energy characteristic of the specific insulation being tested and using it in the Arrhenius equation, the method achieves both speed (through direct calculation) and precision (through material-specific parameters).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary determination of activation energy values for different insulation materials and stores them for use during testing. This preliminary characterization allows subsequent temperature corrections to be performed quickly using pre-determined material-specific parameters rather than requiring real-time complex measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If material-specific activation energy is determined and used, then individual insulation characteristics are accurately accounted for, but measurement and calculation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsulation parameter accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates feedback by using the determined activation energy value to automatically calculate the appropriate correction factor through the Arrhenius equation. The system measures the actual temperature, applies the material-specific activation energy, and generates a corrected parameter value, creating a closed-loop process that improves precision without requiring complex manual interventions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex manual measurement and correction procedures with automated electronic calculation based on the Arrhenius equation. By substituting the mechanical/manual process of applying correction factors with an electronic calculation system that automatically applies material-specific activation energy values, the method achieves high precision while managing complexity through automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If temperature correction is applied without considering aging status, then correction can be performed using standard values, but the changing insulation properties with aging are not accounted for

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrection process simplicityVSAvoidmeasurement reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using activation energy values that are specific to each insulation material and its condition. Rather than applying a uniform correction factor, the method determines or selects activation energy values that reflect the local characteristics of the specific insulation being tested, including its aging status, thereby improving reliability while maintaining operational simplicity through material-specific databases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 accurate determination of dielectric parameters like insulation resistance and polarization index by shifting frequencies or times based on the correction factor, effectively addressing temperature-dependent changes and aging effects.

Implementation Method 1

calculating a correction factor by means of the Arrhenius equation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectArrhenius equation:

Implementation Method 2

stimulating the electrical insulation with a DC voltage stimulation signal; determining a response for the power system to the DC voltage stimulation signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP2986993B1Method and device for determining power system parameters
Publication Date: 2018.03.07 MEGGER
  • EP2986993B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2986993B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP2986993B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

A method for determining a dielectric parameter of an electrical insulation of a power system component comprises the following steps: determining the activation energy of the electrical insulation, determining the actual temperature (T1) of the electrical insulation and the temperature (T2) to which the measurement is to be corrected, calculating a correction factor (Axy) by means of the Arrhenius equation, stimulating the electrical insulation with a DC voltage stimulation signal; determining a response for the power system to the DC voltage stimulation signal at the actual temperature, and determining the parameter of the electrical insulation at the temperature to which the measurement is to be corrected based on the response modified by means of the correction factor. Thereby, the individual characteristics of the power system apparatus insulation is taken into account. A device for determining a dielectric parameter of an electrical insulation of a power system component is also provided.