Switchgear Thermal Fault Monitoring via Infrared Pixel Ranking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated systems struggle to accurately identify hot spots in switchgear from infrared imagery without continuous human oversight, necessitating a more efficient and automated method for monitoring electrical resistance changes.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an infrared camera, processing unit, and output unit to analyze infrared images by determining a temperature interval based on a sorted pixel count, identifying hot spots through temperature differences, and outputting fault indications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an automated system is used to determine hot spots from infrared imagery, then continuous monitoring capability is achieved, but the ability to accurately determine whether a hot spot exists deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies feedback by using the determined temperature interval to validate whether identified hot spots are genuine. The processing unit compares the temperature difference between the hottest pixel and surrounding pixels against the calculated interval, creating a self-validating automated detection system that maintains both automation and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter approach by shifting from absolute temperature thresholds to relative temperature intervals. By calculating intervals based on the distribution of pixel temperatures and using this dynamic parameter to confirm hot spots, the system achieves accurate automated detection without relying on fixed temperature values that may vary with environmental conditions.
2Measurement precision
If all pixels in the infrared image are analyzed to determine temperature intervals, then measurement precision is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the pixel analysis process by sorting pixels according to their temperature values and analyzing them in ordered groups. This segmentation allows the processing unit to efficiently determine temperature intervals by focusing on relevant pixel groups rather than processing all pixels equally, reducing overall processing time while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies preliminary action by sorting pixels by temperature before performing the interval calculation. This preliminary organization of data enables subsequent processing to be performed more efficiently, as the sorted arrangement allows for faster identification of temperature distributions and interval determination without requiring exhaustive analysis of all pixels.
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 automated and efficient detection of hot spots in switchgear, reducing the need for continuous human monitoring and minimizing false alarms.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared camera is configured to acquire a first infrared image of the switchgear
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a system for monitoring a switchgear. The system comprises: - an infrared camera; - a processing unit; and - an output unit. The infrared camera is configured to acquire a first infrared image of the switchgear, and a total number of pixels in the first infrared image is equal to a first number. The processing unit is configured to determine a pixel in the first infrared image with a maximum temperature in the first infrared image. The processing unit is configured to utilize a second number of pixels less than the first number of pixels to determine a temperature interval for the first infrared image equal to a difference between the maximum temperature in the first infrared image and a threshold temperature in the first infrared image. The processing unit is configured to sort the pixels in the infrared image in descending order of temperature from the maximum temperature and determine the threshold temperature in the first infrared image as a temperature of a pixel in the first infrared image that is the pixel placed a set number in the sorted order of pixels in the descending order of temperature from the maximum temperature, and the set number is equal to the second number of pixels. The processing unit is configured to determine that a hot spot exists in the switchgear. The determination that the hot spot exists comprises utilization of the temperature interval for the first infrared image. The output unit is configured to output an indication of a fault in the switchgear when the determination has been made that a hot spot exists in the switchgear.