Self-Diagnostic Gas Density Relay for Online SF6 Relay Health Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gas density monitoring systems for SF6 electrical equipment in high-voltage and medium-voltage electrical equipment require regular manual maintenance, which is resource-intensive and disrupts the efficiency and safety of power grid operations.

Innovation Solution

A self-diagnostic gas density relay with integrated sensors and an intelligent control unit that performs online self-inspection, allowing for real-time monitoring and maintenance only when issues are detected, reducing the need for routine checks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If gas density relay is used to detect gas leakage, then detection capability is provided, but device complexity increases due to multiple components (sensor, processor, relay module, power supply)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas leakage detection capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the gas detection function and relay control function into a single integrated device. The gas density relay incorporates both the sensor for detecting gas leakage and the relay module for controlling gas shut-off valves, merging multiple components into one unified device that performs both detection and control functions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The gas density relay is designed as a multi-functional device that can detect different types of gas leaks (natural gas, liquefied gas, city gas) and control different types of gas shut-off valves (electric, solenoid, pneumatic). This universal design allows a single device to serve multiple purposes across different gas systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If self-diagnostic function is added to detect sensor failures, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor failure detection capabilityVSAvoiddevice function complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gas density relay performs self-diagnosis by automatically monitoring its own sensor components. The device includes a self-diagnostic function that detects sensor failures and generates alarm signals without requiring external monitoring systems. This self-service approach allows the device to monitor its own health status and maintain reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The self-diagnostic function continuously monitors the sensor output signals and compares them against expected ranges. When abnormal conditions are detected indicating sensor failure, the system provides feedback through alarm signals to indicate the need for maintenance or replacement, creating a closed-loop monitoring system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of time

If automatic alarm signal transmission is implemented, then response time to gas leakage is reduced, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas leakage response timeVSAvoidenergy consumption for alarm transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The alarm signal transmission is triggered periodically or event-driven rather than continuously. The system transmits alarm signals automatically when gas leakage is detected or when self-diagnosis identifies sensor failures, rather than maintaining continuous active transmission. This reduces energy consumption while maintaining rapid response capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual alarm notification methods with automatic electronic alarm signal transmission. The system automatically sends alarm signals to designated devices or systems when gas leakage is detected, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing response time while optimizing energy usage through event-driven transmission.

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

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

Enhances operational efficiency by minimizing maintenance requirements and ensuring the safe and reliable operation of SF6 electrical equipment, thereby reducing operational costs and ensuring the integrity of the power grid.

Implementation Method 1

gas concentration sensor that detects the concentration of leaked gas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical sensing:

Implementation Method 2

gas concentration sensor that detects the concentration of leaked gas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSemiconductor gas sensing:

Implementation Method 3

relay module that opens or closes gas shut-off valves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentEP4145483B1Self-diagnostic gas density relay and use method thereof
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 SHANGHAI ROYE ELECTRICAL CO LTD
  • EP4145483B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4145483B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4145483B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The present application provides a self-diagnostic gas density relay and a use method thereof, the gas density relay includes a gas density relay body, a gas density detection sensor, at least one diagnostic sensor, and an intelligent control unit; where the diagnostic sensor is configured to acquire deformation quantities of components that generate deformations, and/or positions or displacement quantities of components that generate displacements when the pressure changes, or the temperature changes, or the gas density changes in the gas density relay body; and the intelligent control unit is respectively connected with the gas density detection sensor and the diagnostic sensor, receives data acquired by the gas density detection sensor and/or the diagnostic sensor, and diagnoses a current working state of the gas density relay body. The present application is used for monitoring a gas density of the gas-insulated or arc-extinguished electrical equipment, and at the same time, on-line self-inspection for the gas density relay is completed, so that efficiency is increased, no maintenance is realized, operation and maintenance costs are greatly reduced, and safe operation of a power grid is guaranteed.