Wearable Partial Discharge Detector Using Acoustic Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Technicians working with high voltage electrical equipment face risks due to partial discharges, which are difficult to detect without expensive and specialized equipment, requiring new, cost-effective solutions for early warning systems.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device with an antenna, receiver, and indicator devices that monitor ambient radiofrequency energy to detect partial discharges, alerting the user through sound, light, or vibration, and transmitting data to a control station for real-time monitoring and safety alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If specialized equipment is used to detect partial discharges, then detection accuracy is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic detection equipment with a wearable device that uses acoustic sensors to detect partial discharges. Instead of using sophisticated electrical measurement systems, the invention utilizes sound wave detection through a microphone or acoustic sensor integrated into the wearable device, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable device leverages the human body as part of the detection system. The device is worn directly on the technician's body, using the body's natural acoustic properties and proximity to electrical equipment to detect partial discharge sounds. This eliminates the need for separate, complex detection apparatus and simplifies the overall system
2Measurement precision
If specialized equipment is used to detect partial discharges, then detection capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable device is designed to be automatically worn by the technician during normal work activities. Once worn, it continuously monitors for partial discharges without requiring the technician to manually operate or adjust any settings. The device self-adjusts to the technician's movements and automatically processes acoustic signals, making it as easy to use as wearing regular protective equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The device provides immediate acoustic and visual feedback to the technician when a partial discharge is detected. The built-in speaker plays audible warnings, and LED indicators provide visual alerts, allowing the technician to instantly understand the detection results without needing to interpret complex data or operate sophisticated equipment interfaces
3Measurement precision
If traditional detection methods are used, then detection accuracy is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable device uses inexpensive, off-the-shelf acoustic sensors and electronic components that can be easily manufactured and replaced. Instead of using expensive, specialized detection equipment, the invention employs standard microphone technology and simple signal processing circuits, dramatically reducing production costs while maintaining adequate detection accuracy for safety applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive electrical measurement systems with acoustic detection technology. By using sound wave detection instead of sophisticated electrical field measurement equipment, the invention achieves comparable detection capability with significantly lower component costs and simpler manufacturing requirements
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 early detection and warning of imminent full discharges, enhancing user safety by providing a cost-effective, user-friendly solution for identifying partial discharges in high voltage environments.
Implementation Method 1
An antenna is associated with the vest, and a receiver is coupled to the antenna and associated with the vest. The circuitry is configured to monitor ambient radiofrequency energy
Implementation Method 2
The at least one indicator device may have a light emitting diode array positioned adjacent the distal portion of the vest such that the user, or a person in proximity to the user, can see light emitted by the light emitting diode array
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a system for detecting a partial discharge from electrical equipment. The system includes a vest dimensioned for wear by a user. An antenna is associated with the vest, and a receiver is coupled to the antenna and associated with the vest. At least one indicator device is associated with the best. Circuitry is associated with the vest and coupled to the receiver. The circuitry is configured to monitor ambient radiofrequency energy in real time, and determine that the partial discharge has occurred as a function of the ambient radiofrequency energy. The circuitry actuates the at least one indicator device as a function of the determination that the partial discharge has occurred, and transmits the determination that the partial charge has occurred to a control station via the wireless transmitter.