Switchgear IR Monitoring for Hidden Overheating Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current infrared (IR) monitoring systems for switchgear are limited in their ability to detect overheating issues, as they can only directly measure objects within their field of vision and often miss hotspots hidden beneath insulation or in densely packed compartments.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates an infrared camera and a processing unit within the switchgear compartments, allowing for the acquisition and analysis of temperature data from both directly and indirectly imaged objects, including air temperatures, using finned structures and heat pipes to access hidden areas and adjacent compartments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If infrared camera directly measures objects within field of vision, then temperature detection is possible, but only 10-30% of IR image can be used and hotspots hidden below covers cannot be observed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes thermal conduction to transfer temperature information from hidden objects to visible surfaces. By measuring the temperature of visible surfaces that are thermally coupled to hidden components, the system extends monitoring capability into areas that are not directly visible to the infrared camera, effectively adding a thermal conduction dimension to the optical line of sight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate objects (visible surfaces, walls, covers) that act as thermal mediators between the hidden hotspots and the infrared camera. These intermediaries conduct heat from the hidden components to their visible surfaces, allowing the camera to indirectly detect temperatures of components that would otherwise be completely obscured.
2Measurement precision
If infrared camera directly images objects, then temperature data can be acquired, but shadow regions within switchgear cannot be monitored due to visual obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from direct optical line-of-sight measurement to indirect thermal conduction-based measurement. By exploiting the thermal field dimension rather than relying solely on the optical dimension, the system can monitor components in shadow regions through their thermal coupling with visible surfaces, bypassing the limitation of visual obstacles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct optical measurement mechanism with a thermal conduction-based indirect measurement mechanism. Instead of requiring direct visual access to the target object, the system uses the thermal conduction property of materials to transfer temperature information from obscured components to visible measurement points.
3Ease of manufacture
If infrared camera monitors only visible surfaces, then measurement is straightforward, but comprehensive temperature monitoring of all components is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces visible surfaces as intermediate measurement points that are thermally coupled to hidden components. These intermediaries maintain thermal equilibrium with the hidden components, allowing straightforward infrared measurement of the visible surface while reliably indicating the temperature of the obscured component, thus preserving both measurement simplicity and detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a thermal copy of the hidden component's temperature on a visible surface. The visible surface acts as a thermal replica that mirrors the temperature of the obscured component through conduction, allowing the infrared camera to measure the copy instead of the original, maintaining measurement ease while achieving comprehensive monitoring.
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
This approach enables the monitoring of up to 70-90% of the IR image, providing comprehensive temperature data that complements direct measurements, thereby improving the detection of overheating problems in switchgear compartments.
Implementation Method 1
The infrared camera is configured to acquire image data of at least part of a first object within the switchgear, and the infrared camera is configured to determine temperature data for the at least part of the first object
Implementation Method 2
The first object is a heat pipe or thermosyphon or copper conductor
Implementation Method 3
The first object is a heat pipe or thermosyphon or copper conductor
Implementation Method 4
The first object comprises a finned structure attached to the wall of the compartment of the at least one compartment
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a low or medium or high voltage switchgear (10), comprising: - at least one compartment (20, 30); - an infrared camera (40); and - a processing unit (50); wherein the at least one compartment comprises a first compartment (20); wherein the infrared camera is located in the first compartment; wherein the infrared camera is configured to acquire image data of at least part of a first object (60, 70) within the switchgear, and wherein the infrared camera is configured to determine temperature data for the at least part of the first object; wherein the infrared camera is configured to provide the temperature data for the at least part of the first object to the processing unit; and wherein the processing unit is configured to determine that there is an overheating problem for a second object (80) within the switchgear, and wherein the determination that there is an overheating problem for the second object comprises utilization of the temperature data for the at least part of the first object.