High Voltage Disconnect Switch Torque Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring high voltage disconnect switches in electrical substations are inadequate for determining if the switches operate adequately, as the position of the arm alone is insufficient to detect malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine the current position and torque of the arm of a high voltage disconnect switch, comparing the torque to pre-defined thresholds to output an abnormality signal, allowing for real-time monitoring and detection of switch malfunctions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If only the position of the arm is monitored, then the monitoring system remains simple, but the ability to detect switch malfunctions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces torque as an intermediary parameter to detect switch malfunctions. Instead of directly monitoring complex mechanical states, the system measures torque through motor current, which serves as a mediator indicating abnormal conditions such as jamming or breaks in the disconnect switch mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical monitoring of the switch arm with an electrical measurement approach. By measuring motor current to infer torque, the system substitutes complex mechanical state detection with simpler electrical measurements, maintaining detection reliability while reducing system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If torque measurement is added to position monitoring, then the detection of switch abnormalities improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the motor current measurement serve multiple functions: it controls motor operation and simultaneously provides torque information for abnormality detection. This multi-functionality allows torque measurement to be obtained without adding separate measurement devices, improving detection precision while minimizing complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the motor's own current consumption characteristics to provide torque information. The motor essentially serves itself by generating measurement data through its normal operation, eliminating the need for external torque sensors or additional measurement infrastructure.
3Loss of time
If real-time torque monitoring is implemented, then switch malfunctions can be detected earlier, but the processing requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial monitoring by focusing torque measurement only on critical phases of switch operation where abnormalities are most likely to occur. Rather than continuously analyzing all operational parameters, the system monitors torque during specific high-risk transitions, reducing processing requirements while maintaining effective detection timing.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a method for determining an abnormality during operation of a high voltage disconnect switch, the method comprising: determining a current position of an arm of the high voltage disconnect switch operatively connected to a motor, the motor being operated for driving the arm of the high voltage disconnect switch; determining a torque of the motor corresponding to the current position of the arm; comparing the torque of the motor to a torque threshold for the current position of the arm; and outputting an abnormality signal based on the comparison.