Wireless Current Sensors for Non-Invasive Transformer Temperature Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for monitoring internal transformer properties are invasive, requiring power disruption and affecting electricity supply, especially when installing current transformers on operating transformers.

Innovation Solution

A system incorporating wireless current sensors that detect current data and use thermal models to determine transformer temperatures without power disruption, allowing for non-invasive monitoring of internal transformer conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If invasive methods are used to monitor internal transformer properties, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to power disruption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinternal transformer temperature measurementVSAvoidelectricity supply continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses current transformers as intermediary devices that can be installed on external conductors to indirectly measure internal transformer conditions. These current transformers detect current flow in the conductors connected to the transformer, which correlates with internal temperature, allowing non-invasive monitoring without disrupting power supply to the transformer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct physical intrusion into the transformer (mechanical/electrical connection inside the transformer) with external electromagnetic sensing. By using current transformers that detect electromagnetic fields from conductor current, the system substitutes invasive mechanical installation with non-invasive electromagnetic measurement, maintaining both measurement precision and continuous power supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If invasive monitoring devices are installed on operating transformers, then reliability is improved through continuous monitoring, but ease of operation deteriorates due to installation complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransformer operation monitoringVSAvoidinstallation process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The current transformers serve as intermediary devices that can be externally attached to conductors without requiring opening the transformer or disrupting its operation. This intermediary approach allows reliable monitoring to be installed on operating transformers through simple external attachment rather than complex internal installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The monitoring system is segmented into separate external components (current transformers on conductors) rather than requiring integrated internal installation. This segmentation allows the monitoring devices to be independently installed on external conductors, simplifying the installation process while maintaining reliable monitoring capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 continuous, non-invasive monitoring of transformer temperatures and conditions, preventing damage and extending transformer lifespan by providing real-time data without interrupting power supply.

Implementation Method 1

a wireless current sensor that detects current data associated with current conducting via the conductor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

determine one or more temperature measurements associated with the transformer based on the current data

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS11506546B2Systems and methods for measuring internal transformer temperatures

Publication Date: 2022.11.22 SCHWEITZER ENGINEERING LABORATORIES INC

AI summary

A system may include a transformer that may convert a first voltage to a second voltage, such that the second voltage is output via a conductor. The system may also include a wireless current sensor that may detect current data associated with current conducting via the conductor and a processor. The processor may receive the current data, determine one or more temperature measurements associated with the transformer based on the current data, and send a signal to a component in response to the one or more temperature measurements exceeding one or more respective threshold values.