Use of fiber optic measuring systems to determine the condition of electrical circuit breakers
// Electronics and Electrotechnology // Energy Transfer // Power Engineering // Sensors and Measuring Instruments
Ref-Nr: 16707
Abstract
The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for determining the operating state of electrical equipment with a switching element. It uses a new approach for monitoring high-, medium- and low-voltage equipment in electrical power engineering. In the method, vibration signals or sound signals for electrical equipment with a switching element are recorded by means of a sensor device. The temporal movement sequences, the switching behavior, the switching times and the contact status can be derived from the vibration analysis. The necessary switching operations can be carried out during normal everyday operation. This means that no decommissioning is necessary, which eliminates the need for additional disconnections. The use of this technology drastically reduces maintenance costs and enables the status to be recorded during operation. As a result, an assessment of the circuit-breaker's condition is generated.
Fig. 1: Fiber optic microphone for recording sound emissions and vibration signals on a circuit breaker (top) and piezoelectric reference sensor (bottom).
background
Systems for the comprehensive monitoring of all types of equipment are now in use at many points in the power supply network. Nevertheless, there are numerous requirements that cannot yet be met by conventional approaches. For this reason, partners from industry and research are working on solutions. The joint project Monalisa (BMBF, 03EK3531D) focuses on monitoring based on fiber optic sensors and the research project NikMonET (BMBF, 03FH043PX5) focuses on monitoring switchgear using conventional sensors.
Motivation
It should be emphasized in particular that no comprehensive monitoring of any kind has been possible in the field of switchgear technology to date.Innovation / Solution
The circuitbreaker is fitted with sensors that can pick up vibrations and/or sound. They transmit their measurement data to a diagnostic system in which the input signals are processed in analogue form and digitized. This is followed by a second, digital processing of the measurement data and finally an evaluation by an expert system. The result is an assessment of the circuit breaker's condition.Benefits
With the aid of the invention, it is possible to automatically monitor the switching behavior of circuit breakers with the aid of fiber-optic sensors and to arrive at a status assessment. The immunity of the sensors to electromagnetic interference is advantageous, which is a prerequisite for use in the vicinity of circuit-breakers.
In the event of spontaneously occurring problems, the invention can be used to prevent a circuit-breaker having to be taken out of service for a longer period of time (e.g. because a defect leads to the destruction of the circuit-breaker) or having to be taken out of service at all (e.g. in the event of damage that allows the circuit-breaker to continue operating for a short time).
fields of application
The monitoring of high and medium-voltage equipment in electrical power engineering is seen as an area of applicationYou can close this window. You can find your search results in the previous window
