Switchgear Abnormal Electrical Connection Detection via Normalized Temperature Rise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting abnormal electrical connections in switchgear main circuits are inaccurate due to varying current levels, which affect temperature measurements, leading to potential misjudgments, especially when currents are lower than rated or when connectors are loose.
Innovation Solution
A detecting method that calculates a weighted average temperature of multiple electrical connectors, normalizes these values, and compares them to threshold values based on standard resistance values and tolerances, allowing for accurate determination of abnormal connections regardless of current levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If temperature measurement is used to detect abnormal electrical connection, then detection capability is provided, but measurement precision deteriorates due to current variations affecting temperature readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the temperature detection parameter into a normalized temperature rise rate parameter. By calculating the rate of temperature change rather than using absolute temperature values, the system eliminates the influence of current variations on measurement accuracy. This parameter transformation allows consistent detection thresholds to be applied across different current levels, resolving the contradiction between detection capability and measurement precision.
2Device complexity
If fixed threshold values are used for temperature detection, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to account for current variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptation by continuously calculating the temperature rise rate and comparing it against a fixed threshold. The system dynamically adjusts the detection criterion based on real-time temperature changes rather than relying on static temperature thresholds. This dynamic approach maintains simple device architecture while achieving high measurement precision across varying current conditions.
3Reliability
If temperature sensors are used to monitor electrical connectors, then detection capability is improved, but false positive rates increase due to temperature variations under different current loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from absolute temperature to temperature rise rate. This transformation allows the system to distinguish between normal temperature increases due to current variations and abnormal temperature increases due to poor electrical connections. By focusing on the rate of change rather than the absolute value, the system achieves high detection capability while minimizing false positives across different current loads.
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 method enables precise identification of abnormal electrical connections with high convenience, safety, and reliability, reducing misjudgments and ensuring consistent results across different currents and connector states.
Implementation Method 1
by measuring the temperature of a contact in the main circuit of switchgear using a temperature sensor
Implementation Method 2
the resistance value of electrical joint areas (e.g. contacts) in the main circuit of switchgear may increase due to mechanical shock, abrasion and manufacturing defects, which can make the temperature of the contacts increase
Data Source
AI summary
Resistance values for a first time for respective areas of a plurality of electrical connections are generated. Respective normalized resistance values are generated from the resistance values. Respective temperature rise values for a second time for respective ones of the areas of the electrical connections are generated. An average temperature value is generated from the temperature rise values. Respective normalized temperature rise values for the generated temperature rise values are generated based on the average temperature values. An abnormal condition of at least one of the connections is detected responsive to the normalized temperature rise values and the normalized resistance values.