Switchgear Infrared Monitoring for Human Presence Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current safety systems for medium or high voltage switchgear lack reliable continuous monitoring for human presence and movement, primarily due to the high cost of infrared cameras and the unstructured environment, which poses a risk for occupational safety.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating infrared sensor means with image processing and pattern recognition capabilities to detect moving objects within the switchgear compartment, distinguishing between human presence, switchgear components, and loose parts, and initiating alarms or shutdowns as necessary to prevent accidents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If infrared cameras are used for continuous monitoring of human presence in switchgear, then detection reliability is improved, but system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the human presence detection function with the existing thermal monitoring function by using the same infrared sensor means for both purposes. The sensor system already installed for temperature monitoring is additionally utilized to detect human presence and movement, eliminating the need for separate detection hardware and reducing overall system cost while maintaining detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The infrared sensor means are designed to perform multiple functions: thermal monitoring of switchgear components and detection of human presence and movement. This multi-functional approach allows a single system to serve both maintenance monitoring and safety detection purposes, reducing the need for additional expensive equipment.
2Reliability
If infrared sensor means are installed for continuous monitoring, then safety monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation of movement patterns and human presence detection is integrated into the existing control system's image processing capabilities. The system uses the same image processing and pattern recognition means that already exist for thermal analysis, combining safety monitoring with maintenance monitoring functions in a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically evaluates captured images to detect human presence and movement patterns without requiring additional external monitoring systems. The existing image processing means perform self-service by analyzing the infrared data for both thermal anomalies and safety-critical human presence, reducing the need for additional complex monitoring infrastructure.
3Measurement precision
If image processing and pattern recognition means operate in time modus for moving object detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but processing requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures a series of images over time and stores them before evaluation. This preliminary capture and storage of image data allows the pattern recognition means to analyze movement patterns retrospectively, improving detection accuracy by examining temporal changes without requiring real-time processing of every frame, thus reducing instantaneous processing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The image capture and evaluation operate in periodic cycles rather than continuous real-time processing. The system captures images at defined time intervals and evaluates them in sequence, allowing the pattern recognition means to detect movement patterns through periodic analysis. This approach maintains detection accuracy while reducing continuous processing demands on the 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 the reliability of human action detection, providing an additional safety layer without significant additional hardware costs, as it utilizes existing sensor systems for temperature monitoring, enabling early warning and prevention of accidents through software enhancements.
Implementation Method 1
The system is provided with infrared sensor means inside the operation compartment of the switchgear by which image processing and pattern recognition means are operated
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a safety system for medium or high voltage switchgear, with the use of infrared detecting or infrared imaging means, wherein in the switchgear or in an inner compartment are at least arranged switching and disconnecting means, busbars and bushings, and infrared sensor means, according to the preamble of claims 1. In order to enhance the reliability of detection of human action radius in a switchgear, the invention is, that the infrared sensor means are operated in such, that image processing and pattern recognition means are operated in time modus, so that moving objects are detectable as in actual moving action, and that they are furthermore identifiable by automatic electronic comparison with image comparison data.