CA2312187A1 - Method and apparatus for monitoring an electrical apparatus - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for monitoring an electrical apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2312187A1 CA2312187A1 CA002312187A CA2312187A CA2312187A1 CA 2312187 A1 CA2312187 A1 CA 2312187A1 CA 002312187 A CA002312187 A CA 002312187A CA 2312187 A CA2312187 A CA 2312187A CA 2312187 A1 CA2312187 A1 CA 2312187A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- processor
- electrical apparatus
- electrical
- measurements
- sensors
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
- G01R22/00—Arrangements for measuring time integral of electric power or current, e.g. electricity meters
- G01R22/06—Arrangements for measuring time integral of electric power or current, e.g. electricity meters by electronic methods
- G01R22/061—Details of electronic electricity meters
- G01R22/066—Arrangements for avoiding or indicating fraudulent use
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01D—MEASURING NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR A SPECIFIC VARIABLE; ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEASURING TWO OR MORE VARIABLES NOT COVERED IN A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS; TARIFF METERING APPARATUS; MEASURING OR TESTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01D9/00—Recording measured values
- G01D9/005—Solid-state data loggers
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Power Engineering (AREA)
- Testing And Monitoring For Control Systems (AREA)
Abstract
A method and apparatus for monitoring an electrical appliance, includes a tamper proof processor and several sensors adapted for connection to an electrical apparatus, the processor being programmed to receive data from the sensors, and then record in electronic memory the operating history of the electrical apparatus
Description
Title: Method And Apparatus For Monitoring An Electrical Apparatus Backsround of the Invention:
Every electrical power apparatus which is, manufactured, sold, and serviced today is generally covered by a one to two year warranty period. This is a relatively short time period, when compared to the expected life span of 20 to 30 years. The reasoning in keeping this warranty period short is that the manufacturer has no control over the operation of the installed electrical apparatus, as once the apparatus is sold, the operation and maintenance becomes the responsibility of the purchaser.
If it were possible to monitor and record the operation of the electrical apparatus then it would be possible for the manufacturer or service provider to greatly increase the warranty period, conditional upon the equipment being operated in its intended manner or within its design limits.
Summary of the Invention:
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for monitoring an electrical apparatus.
According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus for monitoring an electrical apparatus, which includes a tamper proof processor and several sensors adapted for connection to an electrical apparatus. The processor is programmed to receive data from the sensors, and then record in electronic memory the operating history of the electrical apparatus.
Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use of the apparatus, as described above, memory space is limited and the apparatus may have to operate for years prior to being required. Even more beneficial results may, therefore, be obtained when the processor has stored in memory a set of operating parameters for the electrical apparatus. The processor compares incoming data from the sensors to the set of operating parameters and records in electronic memory only that data which is outside of the set of operating parameters With the capability of monitoring the operating history of electrical power apparatus, an apparatus manufacturer or an apparatus service shop, can offer greatly extended conditional warranties on new or reconditioned apparatus. These warranties could be in excess of five years, whereas the normal warranty period is currently one to two years. This would offer a great economical advantage to those who would implement this device. The expected market for this type of device would be apparatus in the voltage range of 400 volts to 25,000 volts.
This invention fulfills the practical requirements of the above discussion. A
programmable electronic device, along with its software, is used to monitor and record the operating history of the many types of electrical power apparatus. These apparatus can be, but not limited to;
transformers, switchgears, alternating current motors and direct current motors.
To be practical and readily useable this device is capable of being totally self contained within the existing enclosure of the electrical apparatus to which it is connected.
The device is installed into the enclosure at the time of the apparatus' manufacture or service. The device requires no separate power supply but draws its operating energy from the electrical apparatus to which it is connected.
Descriution of Drawings:
Figure 1 shows in a block diagram form an overview of the monitoring device and the manner in which it is connected to the electrical apparatus.
Figure 2 shows in a block diagram form the internal functions of the monitoring device.
Figure 3 shows the electrical circuitry of the current measuring connection to the electrical apparatus.
Figure 4 shows the electrical circuitry of the voltage transient measuring connection to the electrical apparatus.
Figure 5 shows the electrical circuitry of the power supply connection to the electrical apparatus.
Figure 6 shows the electrical circuitry of the secondary inputs to the monitoring device, which can be any combination of a; temperature sensor, contamination sensor, and vibration sensor.
Detailed Descriution of the Invention:
This invention is a programmable electronic device installed within the enclosure of the electrical power apparatus to which it is connected. The device takes analogue signals from sensors located in and on the connected apparatus. Figure 1 shows the electrical apparatus enclosure 10 and the monitor 22 within this enclosure. The inputs which are required from the mains 12, are; the current inputs 14, the transient voltage inputs 16, and the power supply input 18. The secondary inputs which are required are; the temperature inputs 24, the contamination input 26, and the vibration inputs 28. The apparatus monitor has one communication link 20 which is used to upload the apparatus' historical data or down load software, to or from a PC or other suitable computer.
Figure 2 shows in block diagram form the flow of information through the apparatus monitor 10.
The current inputs 12, the transient voltage inputs 14, and the vibration inputs 16, are fed into the input circuitry 24 which filters and conditions the signal before it is passed on to the "digital to analogue" converter 28. The contamination input 18 and the temperature input 20 are controlled by circuit block 26 which sends a test signal out to the remote sensor and reads the result. This result is then filtered and conditioned and again passed on to the "digital to analogue" converter 28. After converting the analogue data to digital data the converter passes this information to the central processing unit (CPU) 30. The CPU takes this incoming digital data and using the software instructions stored in memory block 34, processes the data, and then stores that data which represents the operating conditions of the electrical apparatus, in memory block 32. The operational energy input 22 for the monitor will be supplied by the apparatus to which the monitor is connected and will be described later in this section.
Since the monitor's operating instructions are contained in a software program, the flexibility exists for the apparatus monitor to be used on many different types of electric apparatus with only having to make software changes. The software program will contain all the setpoints and threshold values required to monitor a specific electrical apparatus. The CPU
will compare the incoming data to these setpoints and threshold values and any data which exceeds these software values will be stored in the non-volatile electronic memory. This data will now wait in memory until such time as it is recalled for analysis. The software will also be capable of setting up a communication link 36 between the CPU and a PC or other suitable computer.
This link will allow the uploading of recorded historical data and the downloading of software changes from and to the apparatus monitor. This link will only be in existence during the downloading and the uploading operations.
The method of sensing the electrical current in the mains of the electrical apparatus as shown in Figure 3 consists of the following. The apparatus monitor 16 within the apparatus enclosure 10 is connected to a current transformer 14 in each phase of the alternating current mains 12, or if the mains are direct current, the current transformer is substituted for a Hall Effect sensor.
The method of sensing the voltage transient on the mains of the electrical apparatus as shown in Figure 4 consists of the following. The apparatus monitor 16 within the apparatus enclosure 10, is connected to a capacitive voltage divider network 14 in each phase of the mains. The capacitors are sized to allow a reasonable electrical response to the expected voltage transients .
which are impinging onto the particular electrical apparatus.
The method of supplying operating power to the apparatus monitor as shown in Figure 5 consists of the following. The apparatus monitor 16 which is within the apparatus enclosure 10 is connected to a saturated current transformer 14 which is installed on the alternating current mains 12, and its output is fed into the apparatus monitor. If the mains are direct current the current transformer will be substituted for a direct conductive connection 18 to the mains.
The method of sensing the secondary inputs, which are; temperature, contamination and vibration, are as follows. As shown in Figure 6 no connection to the mains is required. The apparatus monitor 16 within the apparatus enclosure 10 is connected to the three types of inputs.
The first input being the temperature sensor which is a resistive temperature detector (RTD) 14.
The second input is a contamination sensor which is a creep gap sensor 18 which begins to electrically conduct when contaminated with conductive material, such as;
water, carbon, oil, grease and soil. The third input is the signal from a vibration transducer 20.
The vibration transducers could be of the displacement, velocity or acceleration, type. Of the secondary input sensors there can be any number of each; temperature, contamination and vibration, sensor.
The desired location for the installation of all the sensors is within the enclosure of the electrical apparatus but if required they may be located near or on the electrical apparatus enclosure. All of the sensors are connected via copper conductors back to the monitor.
The connections between the apparatus monitor and all peripheral sensors and devices are of the tamper proof type. Access to any portion of the monitoring system is made tamper proof and only those personnel which are authorized will be allowed access.
The apparatus monitor will have an internal clock which can operate from internal battery backup. This timekeeping will be used to time stamp the recorded data.
Every electrical power apparatus which is, manufactured, sold, and serviced today is generally covered by a one to two year warranty period. This is a relatively short time period, when compared to the expected life span of 20 to 30 years. The reasoning in keeping this warranty period short is that the manufacturer has no control over the operation of the installed electrical apparatus, as once the apparatus is sold, the operation and maintenance becomes the responsibility of the purchaser.
If it were possible to monitor and record the operation of the electrical apparatus then it would be possible for the manufacturer or service provider to greatly increase the warranty period, conditional upon the equipment being operated in its intended manner or within its design limits.
Summary of the Invention:
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for monitoring an electrical apparatus.
According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus for monitoring an electrical apparatus, which includes a tamper proof processor and several sensors adapted for connection to an electrical apparatus. The processor is programmed to receive data from the sensors, and then record in electronic memory the operating history of the electrical apparatus.
Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use of the apparatus, as described above, memory space is limited and the apparatus may have to operate for years prior to being required. Even more beneficial results may, therefore, be obtained when the processor has stored in memory a set of operating parameters for the electrical apparatus. The processor compares incoming data from the sensors to the set of operating parameters and records in electronic memory only that data which is outside of the set of operating parameters With the capability of monitoring the operating history of electrical power apparatus, an apparatus manufacturer or an apparatus service shop, can offer greatly extended conditional warranties on new or reconditioned apparatus. These warranties could be in excess of five years, whereas the normal warranty period is currently one to two years. This would offer a great economical advantage to those who would implement this device. The expected market for this type of device would be apparatus in the voltage range of 400 volts to 25,000 volts.
This invention fulfills the practical requirements of the above discussion. A
programmable electronic device, along with its software, is used to monitor and record the operating history of the many types of electrical power apparatus. These apparatus can be, but not limited to;
transformers, switchgears, alternating current motors and direct current motors.
To be practical and readily useable this device is capable of being totally self contained within the existing enclosure of the electrical apparatus to which it is connected.
The device is installed into the enclosure at the time of the apparatus' manufacture or service. The device requires no separate power supply but draws its operating energy from the electrical apparatus to which it is connected.
Descriution of Drawings:
Figure 1 shows in a block diagram form an overview of the monitoring device and the manner in which it is connected to the electrical apparatus.
Figure 2 shows in a block diagram form the internal functions of the monitoring device.
Figure 3 shows the electrical circuitry of the current measuring connection to the electrical apparatus.
Figure 4 shows the electrical circuitry of the voltage transient measuring connection to the electrical apparatus.
Figure 5 shows the electrical circuitry of the power supply connection to the electrical apparatus.
Figure 6 shows the electrical circuitry of the secondary inputs to the monitoring device, which can be any combination of a; temperature sensor, contamination sensor, and vibration sensor.
Detailed Descriution of the Invention:
This invention is a programmable electronic device installed within the enclosure of the electrical power apparatus to which it is connected. The device takes analogue signals from sensors located in and on the connected apparatus. Figure 1 shows the electrical apparatus enclosure 10 and the monitor 22 within this enclosure. The inputs which are required from the mains 12, are; the current inputs 14, the transient voltage inputs 16, and the power supply input 18. The secondary inputs which are required are; the temperature inputs 24, the contamination input 26, and the vibration inputs 28. The apparatus monitor has one communication link 20 which is used to upload the apparatus' historical data or down load software, to or from a PC or other suitable computer.
Figure 2 shows in block diagram form the flow of information through the apparatus monitor 10.
The current inputs 12, the transient voltage inputs 14, and the vibration inputs 16, are fed into the input circuitry 24 which filters and conditions the signal before it is passed on to the "digital to analogue" converter 28. The contamination input 18 and the temperature input 20 are controlled by circuit block 26 which sends a test signal out to the remote sensor and reads the result. This result is then filtered and conditioned and again passed on to the "digital to analogue" converter 28. After converting the analogue data to digital data the converter passes this information to the central processing unit (CPU) 30. The CPU takes this incoming digital data and using the software instructions stored in memory block 34, processes the data, and then stores that data which represents the operating conditions of the electrical apparatus, in memory block 32. The operational energy input 22 for the monitor will be supplied by the apparatus to which the monitor is connected and will be described later in this section.
Since the monitor's operating instructions are contained in a software program, the flexibility exists for the apparatus monitor to be used on many different types of electric apparatus with only having to make software changes. The software program will contain all the setpoints and threshold values required to monitor a specific electrical apparatus. The CPU
will compare the incoming data to these setpoints and threshold values and any data which exceeds these software values will be stored in the non-volatile electronic memory. This data will now wait in memory until such time as it is recalled for analysis. The software will also be capable of setting up a communication link 36 between the CPU and a PC or other suitable computer.
This link will allow the uploading of recorded historical data and the downloading of software changes from and to the apparatus monitor. This link will only be in existence during the downloading and the uploading operations.
The method of sensing the electrical current in the mains of the electrical apparatus as shown in Figure 3 consists of the following. The apparatus monitor 16 within the apparatus enclosure 10 is connected to a current transformer 14 in each phase of the alternating current mains 12, or if the mains are direct current, the current transformer is substituted for a Hall Effect sensor.
The method of sensing the voltage transient on the mains of the electrical apparatus as shown in Figure 4 consists of the following. The apparatus monitor 16 within the apparatus enclosure 10, is connected to a capacitive voltage divider network 14 in each phase of the mains. The capacitors are sized to allow a reasonable electrical response to the expected voltage transients .
which are impinging onto the particular electrical apparatus.
The method of supplying operating power to the apparatus monitor as shown in Figure 5 consists of the following. The apparatus monitor 16 which is within the apparatus enclosure 10 is connected to a saturated current transformer 14 which is installed on the alternating current mains 12, and its output is fed into the apparatus monitor. If the mains are direct current the current transformer will be substituted for a direct conductive connection 18 to the mains.
The method of sensing the secondary inputs, which are; temperature, contamination and vibration, are as follows. As shown in Figure 6 no connection to the mains is required. The apparatus monitor 16 within the apparatus enclosure 10 is connected to the three types of inputs.
The first input being the temperature sensor which is a resistive temperature detector (RTD) 14.
The second input is a contamination sensor which is a creep gap sensor 18 which begins to electrically conduct when contaminated with conductive material, such as;
water, carbon, oil, grease and soil. The third input is the signal from a vibration transducer 20.
The vibration transducers could be of the displacement, velocity or acceleration, type. Of the secondary input sensors there can be any number of each; temperature, contamination and vibration, sensor.
The desired location for the installation of all the sensors is within the enclosure of the electrical apparatus but if required they may be located near or on the electrical apparatus enclosure. All of the sensors are connected via copper conductors back to the monitor.
The connections between the apparatus monitor and all peripheral sensors and devices are of the tamper proof type. Access to any portion of the monitoring system is made tamper proof and only those personnel which are authorized will be allowed access.
The apparatus monitor will have an internal clock which can operate from internal battery backup. This timekeeping will be used to time stamp the recorded data.
Claims (8)
1. An apparatus for monitoring an electrical apparatus, comprising:
a tamper proof processor and several sensors adapted for connection to an electrical apparatus, the processor being programmed to receive data from the sensors, and then record in electronic memory the operating history of the electrical apparatus.
a tamper proof processor and several sensors adapted for connection to an electrical apparatus, the processor being programmed to receive data from the sensors, and then record in electronic memory the operating history of the electrical apparatus.
2. The apparatus as defined in Claim 1, wherein the processor has stored in memory a set of operating parameters for the electrical apparatus, the processor comparing incoming data from the sensors to the set of operating parameters and recording in electronic memory any data which is outside of the set of operating parameters.
3. The apparatus as defined in Claim 1, wherein the processor is physically located within the electrical apparatus.
4. The apparatus as defined in Claim 2, wherein the set of parameters includes at least one of current measurements, voltage transient measurements, temperature measurements, apparatus contamination measurements, and apparatus vibration measurements.
5. A method for monitoring an electrical apparatus, comprising the steps of:
attaching to the electrical apparatus a tamper proof processor;
connecting to the electrical apparatus several sensors which are in data communication with the processor;
recording in memory of the processor data received from the sensors regarding the operating history of the electrical apparatus.
attaching to the electrical apparatus a tamper proof processor;
connecting to the electrical apparatus several sensors which are in data communication with the processor;
recording in memory of the processor data received from the sensors regarding the operating history of the electrical apparatus.
6. The method as defined in Claim 5, the processor having stored in memory a set of operating parameters for the electrical apparatus, the processor comparing incoming data from the sensors to the set of operating parameters stored in memory and recording in electronic memory any data which is outside of the set of operating parameters.
7. The method as defined in Claim 1, the processor being connected to and physically located within the electrical apparatus and drawing its operating power from the electrical apparatus.
8. The method as defined in Claim 6, the set of parameters including at least one of current measurements, voltage transient measurements, temperature measurements, apparatus contamination measurements, and apparatus vibration measurement.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002312187A CA2312187A1 (en) | 2000-06-22 | 2000-06-22 | Method and apparatus for monitoring an electrical apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002312187A CA2312187A1 (en) | 2000-06-22 | 2000-06-22 | Method and apparatus for monitoring an electrical apparatus |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2312187A1 true CA2312187A1 (en) | 2001-12-22 |
Family
ID=4166550
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002312187A Abandoned CA2312187A1 (en) | 2000-06-22 | 2000-06-22 | Method and apparatus for monitoring an electrical apparatus |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2312187A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP1849133A2 (en) * | 2005-02-14 | 2007-10-31 | Accenture Global Services GmbH | Embedded warranty management |
-
2000
- 2000-06-22 CA CA002312187A patent/CA2312187A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP1849133A2 (en) * | 2005-02-14 | 2007-10-31 | Accenture Global Services GmbH | Embedded warranty management |
| EP1849133A4 (en) * | 2005-02-14 | 2010-06-09 | Accenture Global Services Gmbh | Embedded warranty management |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| AU2009260382B2 (en) | Systems and methods for predicting maintenance of intelligent electronic devices | |
| US5495384A (en) | Apparatus and method for detecting a fault in a distributed line network | |
| US7209804B2 (en) | System and method for providing remote monitoring of voltage power transmission and distribution devices | |
| US5270658A (en) | Means and method for testing and monitoring a circuit breaker panel assembly | |
| US4757263A (en) | Insulation power factor alarm monitor | |
| US6356191B1 (en) | Error compensation for a process fluid temperature transmitter | |
| US4419619A (en) | Microprocessor controlled voltage regulating transformer | |
| US6401054B1 (en) | Method of statistical analysis in an intelligent electronic device | |
| KR100622986B1 (en) | Multi Function Data Gathering Device of Automatic Meter Reading System | |
| EP3058633B1 (en) | Monitoring device and surge arrester system | |
| DE60225246T2 (en) | MONITORING SYSTEM | |
| WO1999010854A1 (en) | Battery capacity monitoring system | |
| US6611208B1 (en) | Integrated field monitoring and communications system | |
| Lloyd et al. | Continuous on-line partial discharge monitoring of generator stator windings | |
| JP2009153252A (en) | Demand monitoring system | |
| WO2008003917A1 (en) | Apparatus for testing wiring | |
| CA2312187A1 (en) | Method and apparatus for monitoring an electrical apparatus | |
| KR100449118B1 (en) | Method and apparatus for diagnosing bearing insulation impedance of a rotating electrical apparatus | |
| CN204495460U (en) | Transformer mechanical vibration wave spectrum on-line monitoring system | |
| WO2001048498A1 (en) | ELECTRICAL FLASHOVER MONITOR-E FOM?x+¿ | |
| RU2256993C2 (en) | Diagnostics and protection controller | |
| CN203132581U (en) | Medium-voltage cable terminal on-line monitoring and fault early warning system device | |
| JPS6343979B2 (en) | ||
| SE519259C2 (en) | Methods and systems for monitoring an electricity distribution center, and use of the system | |
| Rautiainen et al. | A Low-Cost Measurement and Data-Collection System for Electric Motor Condition Monitoring |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |