Partial Discharge Measurement in Rail Vehicle Plug Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Partial discharge measurements in rail vehicles are challenging due to interference from environmental signals and superimposed PD sources, making it difficult to reliably identify and separate PD from plug connections from other signals.
Innovation Solution
A method involving time-synchronous measurement of PD at two decoupling points, comparing charge heights, and using a 2-Channel Identification and Separation Method (2CISM) with two coupling units and bandpass filters to differentiate plug connection PD from external interference, allowing for accurate identification and separation of PD sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional PD measurement methods are used in rail vehicles, then measurement sensitivity can be maintained, but reliable identification and separation of PD from plug connections becomes difficult due to interference from environmental signals and superimposed PD sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement system into two separate coupling units (first coupling unit and second coupling unit) connected to different points in the electrical system. By segmenting the measurement points and comparing the PD signals from both locations, the system can identify and separate plug connection PD from external interference sources, thereby improving measurement precision in environments with harmful interference signals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a signal processing system that acts as an intermediary between the coupling units and the analysis system. This intermediary processes the raw PD signals, compares them across different coupling points, and separates the actual plug connection PD from environmental interference, enabling accurate PD identification despite the presence of harmful factors
2Measurement precision
If multiple coupling units and signal processing systems are deployed to separate PD sources, then PD identification accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The signal processing system is designed to perform multiple functions: it processes signals from multiple coupling units, compares PD characteristics, separates different PD sources, and identifies plug connection issues. This multi-functional approach achieves high measurement precision while avoiding the need for entirely separate analysis systems for each function, thereby managing device complexity
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 reliable identification and separation of plug connection PD from interference, improving the availability of rail vehicle systems, reducing the risk of electrical breakdowns, and facilitating routine tests by enhancing measurement sensitivity and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the coupling unit contains a measuring impedance with which the high-frequency PD current is measured. Alternatively, high-frequency current transformers (HFCTs) are used to measure the PD current
Implementation Method 2
it is possible to determine the charge of a PD pulse measured with the PD acquisition unit simultaneously using three bandpass filters with different center frequencies
Implementation Method 3
In a PD measurement, very small, pulse-like currents are measured at the terminals of the device under test. These currents occur due to partial discharges in weak points
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for measuring partial discharges in electrical plug connections for the medium-voltage range, particularly in a rail vehicle, and to a test setup for performing the method, wherein a first coupling unit (CD1) is installed in an earthing conductor (9) of the plug connection and a second coupling unit (CD2) is installed in an earthing conductor (17) of the cable. Subsequently, application of voltage to the plug connection is followed by synchronous measurement of partial discharge impulses using the two coupling units (CD1, CD2) and determination of the electrical charges of the partial discharge impulses and also comparison of the measured electrical charges.