Time-Domain RFID Partial Discharge Tagging for Electric Assets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting partial discharge in electrical assets face challenges such as high background noise interference, complex implementation, and difficulty in accurately localizing the PD source, especially in environments with multiple assets, and current RFID technologies are costly and require wide bandwidths.
Innovation Solution
A device with a time-domain based RFID tag and a sensing coil is used to detect partial discharge, generating a unique ID code and pulsed signal for each asset, allowing accurate localization and identification through backscattered signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If RF receiving antennas are placed several meters away from the electrical asset for far-field PD detection, then the implementation is non-intrusive and easier, but multiple antennas are necessary for source localization and the detection accuracy is limited by EM wave propagation paths and background noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an RFID tag as an intermediary device mounted on the electrical asset that carries a unique ID code. This tag reflects modulated EM waves back to the reader, enabling precise asset identification without requiring complex multi-antenna arrays for localization. The intermediary tag simplifies the system while improving measurement precision through direct asset tagging.
2Reliability
If RFID tags with silicon chips are used for asset identification, then the identification capability is reliable, but the fabrication cost is higher limiting widespread use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs chipless RFID tags made from inexpensive materials such as conductive ink or metal patterns on flexible substrates. These tags lack silicon chips but provide sufficient identification reliability for asset tracking. The reduced fabrication cost enables widespread deployment across multiple electrical assets, making the system economically viable for large-scale implementation.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If wide bandwidth is used for RFID detection, then the detection capability is improved, but the design cost of the reader is higher
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes time-domain reflectometry (TDR) principles to detect partial discharge events by analyzing reflections in the time domain rather than requiring wide bandwidth frequency domain analysis. This parameter change from frequency-domain to time-domain detection maintains detection capability while significantly reducing reader design complexity and cost.
4Reliability
If multiple sensors are deployed to detect PD in multiple electrical assets, then the detection coverage is improved, but it becomes extremely challenging and at times impossible to identify the correct electrical asset the PD signal is from
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection system by assigning a unique RFID tag to each electrical asset. Each tag contains a distinct ID code that is read by the RFID reader alongside PD detection data. This segmentation enables the system to maintain comprehensive detection coverage across multiple assets while precisely identifying which specific asset is experiencing partial discharge through the unique ID codes.
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 solution provides reliable, cost-effective, and scalable PD detection and identification, improving signal-to-noise ratio and enabling prompt corrective actions for electrical assets.
Implementation Method 1
RF emission sensor detects the PD by capturing and analyzing the electromagnetic (EM) wave associated with the PD
Implementation Method 2
The device may be configured to generate, upon interrogation by an external interrogator, a backscattered signal including the ID code and the pulsed signal
Data Source
AI summary
According to embodiments of the present invention, a device releasably couplable to an electric asset is provided. The device includes a sensor configured to detect partial discharge from the electric asset and generate a pulsed signal representative of a presence or absence of the detected partial discharge; and a time-domain based RFID tag electrically coupled to the sensor. The time domain-based RFID tag is configured to provide an ID code uniquely representative of a location of the device when coupled to the electric asset. The device is configured to generate, upon interrogation by an external interrogator, a backscattered signal including the ID code and the pulsed signal. The generated backscattered signal is to be read by an external reader. According to further embodiments, a method for obtaining identification of at least one electric asset and information on partial discharge experienced by the at least one electric asset is also provided.