Wireless Sensor Transmission Through Transformer Tank Seals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods face challenges in transmitting sensor data from inside a liquid-filled transformer to the outside without causing leakage or exposing electrical potentials, as traditional methods involve cables passing through the tank, which can lead to leakage and electrical hazards.
Innovation Solution
A wireless sensor arrangement using a radio transmitter within the transformer tank that employs a carrier frequency between 100 kHz to 1 MHz to transmit data through a liquid-tight seal, eliminating the need for cables and preventing electrical potential exposure, with the seal being either within a bushing or between the tank and a metal cap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a cable is used to transmit sensor data from inside the transformer tank to the outside, then data transmission is achieved, but the risk of leakage and electrical potential exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable transmission system with a wireless radio frequency transmission system. The sensor arrangement includes a radio transmitter that wirelessly transmits sensor readings from inside the transformer tank to the outside, eliminating the need for physical cable penetrations through the tank wall and thereby maintaining tank seal integrity while achieving data transmission.
2Loss of information
If a cable passes through the tank wall, then data transmission is enabled, but electrical potential exposure from high to low potential occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the electrical cable-based data transmission with a wireless radio frequency transmission system. The radio transmitter operates at a frequency between 100 kHz to 1 MHz and transmits sensor readings wirelessly through the tank wall without requiring electrical connection, thereby eliminating the harmful effect of electrical potential exposure from high to low potential.
3Reliability
If the transformer tank is made liquid-tight to prevent leakage, then reliability is improved, but wireless transmission of data becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the property that radio frequency waves can penetrate through liquid and solid materials. The radio transmitter transmits sensor readings through the liquid-tight seal and tank wall by selecting an appropriate frequency range (100 kHz to 1 MHz) that can penetrate the transformer oil and metal tank wall, thereby enabling wireless data transmission while maintaining the liquid-tight seal.
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 secure, leak-proof transmission of sensor readings from high to low electrical potential, avoiding the risks associated with cables and maintaining the integrity of the transformer's insulating liquid, while allowing for continuous monitoring of transformer conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a radio transmitter for wirelessly transmitting sensor readings to the outside of the transformer through an opening in the tank... configured for transmitting the sensor readings using a carrier frequency within the range of from 100 kHz to 1 MHz
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~4
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a transformer system (10) comprising a power transformer (1) comprising a metal tank (2) filled with an electrically insulating liquid (3), and a wireless sensor arrangement (11) submerged in the insulating liquid within the tank. The sensor arrangement comprises a radio transmitter (12) for wirelessly transmitting sensor readings to the outside of the transformer through an opening (4a and/or 4b) in the tank, said opening being provided with a liquid-tight seal comprising a solid insulator for preventing leakage from the tank of the insulating liquid.