Partial Discharge Detection in Stator Windings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional methods fail to effectively and efficiently detect partial discharge throughout all windings of a stator in electrical motors, often missing flaws in insulation that can lead to unwanted partial discharge.

Innovation Solution

A system and method using a high voltage AC sinewave input signal applied to the stator, with high pass filters and an antenna to sense and filter resulting load signals, processing these signals to indicate partial discharge, allowing for comprehensive detection across all or selected windings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If traditional testing techniques are used, then the testing process is simple, but the detection coverage is limited to only the first few windings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection coverage areaVSAvoidtesting system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stator winding is divided into multiple segments (first winding, second winding, third winding, etc.) that can be tested independently or collectively. The testing system can selectively apply high voltage to specific winding segments while monitoring for partial discharge, enabling comprehensive coverage of all windings rather than just the first few.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The testing system is designed to universally test any winding in the stator by applying high voltage AC sinewave signals and monitoring for partial discharge. The same testing apparatus can evaluate multiple windings sequentially or simultaneously, making the system versatile for detecting insulation flaws throughout the entire stator assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If high voltage AC sinewave testing is applied to all windings, then detection accuracy improves, but testing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepartial discharge detection accuracyVSAvoidtesting duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The testing system applies high voltage AC sinewave signals periodically to different winding segments in a systematic sequence. By cycling through windings methodically and monitoring for partial discharge during each cycle, the system achieves comprehensive detection without requiring continuous high-voltage application to all windings simultaneously, thus balancing accuracy with testing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If specialized expensive equipment is used, then detection capability improves, but device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepartial discharge detection capabilityVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The testing system employs commercially available, relatively inexpensive components such as high voltage AC power supplies, signal generators, and standard electrical measurement equipment rather than requiring specialized expensive partial discharge detection apparatus. This approach achieves effective partial discharge detection while keeping the system cost-effective and accessible for manufacturing environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 thorough detection of partial discharge in stator windings, identifying flaws in insulation and ensuring reliable electrical performance by using commercially available devices and continuous AC sinewave testing.

Implementation Method 1

filtering the first resulting load signal to form a first high frequency signal indicating any partial discharge voltage occurring in the stator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency filtering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 2

sensing a second resulting load signal occurring in the stator with a second device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11675012B2Detection of partial discharge

Publication Date: 2023.06.13 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

Methods and systems for detecting partial discharge in a stator for an electric motor are provided. An exemplary method includes applying a high voltage AC sinewave input signal to the stator and energizing at least one winding therein. The method includes sensing a first resulting load signal occurring in the stator with a first device and filtering the first resulting load signal to form a first high frequency signal indicating any partial discharge (PD) voltage occurring in the stator. The method also includes sensing a second resulting load signal occurring in the stator with a second device and filtering the second resulting load signal to form a second high frequency signal indicating any partial discharge voltage occurring in the stator. Further, the method includes processing the first and second high frequency signals to form a processed signal indicating whether partial discharge occurred.