WO2023010456A1

WO2023010456A1 - Temperature sensing device and switchgear

Info

Publication number: WO2023010456A1
Application number: PCT/CN2021/111014
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yanguo CHEN; Congwen LU; Chunfa CHEN; Guoming CHUAI; Junqiang CHEN
Original assignee: Abb Schweiz Ag
Priority date: 2021-08-05
Filing date: 2021-08-05
Publication date: 2023-02-09
Also published as: CN117413163A

Abstract

It relates to a temperature sensing device and a switchgear. The temperature sensing device comprises: at least one sensor module (1) comprising a temperature sensor (12) and a wire (15), the temperature sensor (12) being configured to measure a temperature of a current carrying conductor and transmit the measured temperature via the wire (15), wherein a first end of the wire (15) is connected to the temperature sensor (12) and a second end of the wire (15) is provided with a first connector (150); and an electronic module (3) configured to receive the measured temperature from the at least one sensor module (1) and comprising a second connector (31) capable of being connected to the first connector (150). Due to the use of the first and second connectors (150,31), the sensor module (1) and the electronic module (3) can be assembled or disassembled in a simple way.

Description

TEMPERATURE SENSING DEVICE AND SWITCHGEAR

FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of electrical power distribution equipment, and more particularly, to a temperature sensing device and a switchgear.

BACKGROUND

Connectors are provided in a switchgear to connect electrical conductors. If mechanical junctions at the connectors become loose, a resistance at the connectors will increase. The increased resistance will cause a temperature rise, potentially creating an operational failure or safety hazard. Monitoring of the temperature rise in the electrical conductors would be beneficial in preventive maintenance of the performance of switchgear. Traditionally, a temperature intelligent electronic device (TIED) integrated with a sensor may be positioned to measure the temperature of the electrical conductors. Since the sensor and the TIED are formed as an integrated assembly, each electrical conductor needs one assembly. This increases the cost for monitoring the temperature rise of all the electrical conductors. In addition, if one element, either the TIED or the sensor, breaks down, the whole assembly needs to be replaced. This increases the maintenance cost.

Therefore, there is a need in the art for an improved temperature sensing device that is cost efficient and suitable for various application scenarios.

SUMMARY

In view of the foregoing problems, example embodiments of the present disclosure propose a temperature sensing device that has low cost and is suitable for various application scenarios due to a modular design.

In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a temperature sensing device is provided. The temperature sensing device comprises: at least one sensor module comprising a temperature sensor and a wire, the temperature sensor being configured to measure a temperature of a current carrying conductor and transmit the measured temperature via the wire, wherein a first end of the wire is connected to the temperature sensor and a second end of the wire is provided with a first connector; and an electronic module configured to receive the measured temperature from the at least one sensor module and comprising a second connector capable of being connected to the first connector.

With these embodiments, the sensor module and the electronic module are separated and can be connected together via the first and second connectors. This can reduce the maintenance cost of the temperature sensing device because either of the sensor module and the electronic module can be replaced individually. Due to the use of the first and second connectors, the sensor module and the electronic module can be assembled or disassembled in a simple way. In addition, one or more sensor modules can be connected to the electronic module so that the temperature sensing device is suitable for various application scenarios.

In some embodiments, the first connector is a male connector and the second connector is a female connector; or the first connector is a female connector and the second connector is a male connector. With these embodiments, each of the sensor module and the electronic module can be manufactured independently and can be connected together via the first and second connectors. In this way, the temperature sensing device is suitable for various application scenarios by increasing or decreasing the number of the sensor module.

In some embodiments, the at least one sensor module comprises first and second sensor modules; the first connectors of the first and second sensor modules are connected to the second connector via a connection assembly comprising a first tee joint; and the first tee joint comprises: a first port electrically connected to the second connector via a first wire; a second port electrically connected to the first connector of the first sensor module; and a third port electrically connected to the first connector of the second sensor module. With these embodiments, , the temperature sensing device have two sensor modules connected to the electronic module, such that the temperature sensing device is suitable to measure temperature of two current carrying conductors.

In some embodiments, the connection assembly further comprises a first two-way connector having an end electrically connected to the first connector of the second sensor module and another end electrically connected to the third port of the first tee joint via a second wire. With these embodiments, the number of the sensor module can be increased due to the use of the connection assembly. Since the connection assembly is provided for connecting the sensor module (s) to the electronic module, the sensor module can be a standardized product, which will reduce the cost of the sensor module.

In some embodiments, the at least one sensor module further comprises a third sensor module, and the connection assembly further comprises a second tee joint; wherein the second tee joint comprises: a fourth port electrically connected to the third port of the first tee joint via a second wire; a fifth port electrically connected to the first connector of the second sensor module; and a sixth port electrically connected to the first connector of the third sensor module. With these embodiments, the number of the sensor module can be further increased due to the use of the connection assembly. Since the connection assembly is provided for connecting the sensor module (s) to the electronic module, the sensor module can be a standardized product, which will reduce the cost of the sensor module.

In some embodiments, the connection assembly further comprises a second two-way connector having an end electrically connected to the first connector of the third sensor module and another end electrically connected to the sixth port of the second tee joint via a third wire. With these embodiments, the third sensor module can be connected to the electronic module in a simple way.

In some embodiments, each of the at least one sensor module is adapted to be attached to the current carrying conductor. With these embodiments, each sensor module thus can monitor the temperature of the respective current carrying conductor.

In some embodiments, the electronic module is adapted to be secured onto the current carrying conductor.

In some embodiments, the current carrying conductor comprises a cable bushing and a cable connector connected to each other; and wherein each of the at least one sensor module is capable of being tied to a position where the cable bushing is connected to the cable connector. With these embodiments, the sensor module can measure the temperature of the current carrying conductor at a position that is easy to be corroded or become loose. The measured temperature represents an indication of a physical condition of the current carrying conductor.

In some embodiments, the electronic module is provided with a flexible belt configured to wrap around the current carrying conductor. In this way, the electronic module can be simply secured onto the current carrying conductor.

In some embodiments, an outer surface of the at least one sensor module is capable of being connected to ground via a ground layer of the current carrying conductor.

In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a switchgear is provided. The switchgear comprises: a current carrying conductor; at least one sensor module comprising a temperature sensor and a wire, the temperature sensor being configured to measure a temperature of the current carrying conductor and transmit the measured temperature via the wire, wherein a first end of the wire is connected to the temperature sensor and a second end of the wire is provided with a first connector; and an electronic module configured to receive the measured temperature from the at least one sensor module and comprising a second connector capable of being connected to the first connector.

With these embodiments, it is possible to measure the temperature of the current carrying conductor so as to obtain an indication of a physical condition of the current carrying conductor. In addition, it can reduce the maintenance cost of the temperature sensing device because either of the sensor module and the electronic module can be replaced individually. One or more sensor modules can be connected to the electronic module of the switchgear in a simple way due to the use of the first and second connectors.

In some embodiments, the at least one sensor module comprises first and second sensor modules; the first connectors of the first and second sensor modules are connected to the second connector via a connection assembly comprising a first tee joint; and the first tee joint comprises: a first port electrically connected to the second connector via a first wire; a second port electrically connected to the first connector of the first sensor module; and a third port electrically connected to the first connector of the second sensor module. With these embodiments, the temperature sensing device can have two sensor modules connected to the electronic module, such that the temperature sensing device is suitable to measure temperature of two current carrying conductors.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Through the following detailed descriptions with reference to the accompanying drawings, the above and other objectives, features and advantages of the example embodiments disclosed herein will become more comprehensible. In the drawings, several example embodiments disclosed herein will be illustrated in an exemplary and in a non-limiting manner, wherein:

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a temperature sensing device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a temperature sensing device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a temperature sensing device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a switchgear equipped with a temperature sensing device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference symbols are used to indicate the same or similar elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIEMTNS

Principles of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to several example embodiments shown in the drawings. Though example embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated in the drawings, it is to be understood that the embodiments are described only to facilitate those skilled in the art in better understanding and thereby achieving the present disclosure, rather than to limit the scope of the disclosure in any manner.

As described above, since the sensor and the TIED are traditionally formed as an integrated assembly, each electrical conductor needs one assembly. This increases the cost for monitoring the temperature rise of all the electrical conductors. In addition, if one element, either the TIED or the sensor, breaks down, the whole assembly needs to be replaced. This increases the maintenance cost. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved temperature sensing device that is cost efficient and suitable for various application scenarios.

If mechanical junctions of a current carrying conductor become loose, a resistance at the mechanical junctions will increase, thereby causing a temperature rise. Accordingly, a measured temperature obtained from a temperature sensing device may provide an indication of a physical condition of the current carrying conductor.

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a temperature sensing device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The temperature sensing device comprises at least one sensor module 1 and an electronic module 3. For example, the at least one sensor module 1 may comprise one sensor module.

The sensor module 1 comprises a temperature sensor 12 and a wire 15. The temperature sensor 12 is used to measure a temperature of the current carrying conductor and transmit the measured temperature via the wire 15. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor 12 may comprise a thermal conductive part 11 for contacting the current carrying conductor and a circuit 13 for generating the measured temperature based on a temperature of the thermal conductive part 11.

An example construction of the current carrying conductor is illustrated in Fig. 4. In some embodiments, as shown in Fig. 4, the current carrying conductor may comprise a cable bushing 4 and a cable connector 5 connected to each other. In some embodiments, the cable connector 5 may be used to connect the cable bushing 4 to a cable 9, which will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 4 hereinafter.

A position where two electric conductors are connected together is easy to be corroded or become loose. Accordingly, in some embodiments, each sensor module 1 may be tied to a position where the cable bushing 4 is connected to the cable connector 5. Alternatively, each sensor module 1 may be attached to a position where the cable connector 5 is connected to the cable 9.

As shown in Fig. 1, a first end of the wire 15 is connected to the temperature sensor 12, for example to the circuit 13. A second end of the wire 15 is provided with a first connector 150. The electronic module 3 comprises a second connector 31. The second connector 31 is suitable to be connected to the first connector 150 such that the temperature sensor 12 may transmit the measured temperature to the electronic module 3 via the wire 15.

With these embodiments, the sensor module 1 and the electronic module 3 are separated and can be connected together via the first connector 150 and the second connector 31. This can reduce the maintenance cost of the temperature sensing device because either of the sensor module 1 and the electronic module 3 can be replaced individually. Due to the use of the first connector 150 and the second connector 31, the sensor module 1 and the electronic module 3 can be assembled or disassembled in a simple way. In addition, one or more sensor modules 1 can be connected to the electronic module 3 so that the temperature sensing device is suitable for various application scenarios.

In some embodiments, the first connector 150 is a male connector and the second connector 31 is a female connector. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the first connector 150 is a female connector and the second connector 31 is a male connector. With these embodiments, each of the sensor module 1 and the electronic module 3 can be manufactured independently and can be connected together via the first connector 150 and the second connector 31. In this way, the temperature sensing device is suitable for various application scenarios by increasing or decreasing the number of the sensor module 1.

In some embodiments, the electronic module 3 may send the received temperature to a remote receiver for further processing. In some embodiments, the electronic module 3 can be secured onto the current carrying conductor. For example, the electronic module 3 may comprise a flexible belt 2 for wrapping around the current carrying conductor so as to attach the electronic module 3 onto the current carrying conductor.

In some embodiments, the electronic module 3 may comprise a transformer (not shown) for supplying power to a data processing circuit of the electronic module 3. In some embodiments, the flexible belt 2 may be a flexible ferromagnetic belt which forms a transformer core to concentrate magnetic flux produced by the current carrying conductor. The magnetic flux concentrated in the flexible belt 2 may induce an alternating current in a secondary coil (not shown) of the transformer by means of electromagnetic induction. In this way, the transformer of the electronic module 3 can supply power to the data processing circuit, thereby eliminating the need for a battery.

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a temperature sensing device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the at least one sensor module 1 comprises first and

second sensor modules

1A, 1B. The first connectors 150 of the first and

second sensor modules

1A, 1B are connected to the second connector 31 via a connection assembly.

The connection assembly comprises a first tee joint 60. The first tee joint 60 comprises a first port 61, a second port 62, and a third port 63. The first port 61 is electrically connected to the second connector 31 via a first wire 81. An end of the first wire 81 may be provided with a connector 811 suitable for connecting to the second connector 31 and another end of the first wire 81may be provided with a connector 812 suitable for connecting to the first port 61. The second port 62 is electrically connected to the first connector 150 of the first sensor module 1A. The third port 63 is electrically connected to the first connector 150 of the second sensor module 1B. In this way, the temperature sensing device have two sensor modules connected to the electronic module 3, such that the temperature sensing device is suitable to measure temperature of two current carrying conductors.

In some embodiments, as shown in Fig. 2, the connection assembly further comprises a first two-way connector 820 having an end electrically connected to the first connector 150 of the second sensor module 1B and another end electrically connected to the third port 63 of the first tee joint 60 via a second wire 82. For example, an end of the second wire 82 may be provided with a connector 821 suitable for connecting to the third port 63 and another end of the second wire 82 may be provided with a connector 822 suitable for connecting to the first two-way connector 820. With these embodiments, the number of the sensor module can be increased due to the use of the connection assembly. Since the connection assembly is provided for connecting the sensor module (s) to the electronic module 3, the sensor module 3 can be a standardized product, which will reduce the cost of the sensor module 3.

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a temperature sensing device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 3, the at least one sensor module 1 further comprises a third sensor module 1C, and the connection assembly further comprises a second tee joint 70. The second tee joint 70 comprises a fourth port 71, a fifth port 72 and a sixth port 73. The fourth port 71 is electrically connected to the third port 63 of the first tee joint 60 via the second wire 82. The fifth port 72 electrically connected to the first connector 150 of the second sensor module 1B. The sixth port 73 is electrically connected to the first connector 150 of the third sensor module 1C. With these embodiments, the number of the sensor module can be further increased due to the use of the connection assembly. Since the connection assembly is provided for connecting the sensor module (s) to the electronic module, the sensor module can be a standardized product, which will reduce the cost of the sensor module.

In some embodiments, as shown in Fig. 3, the connection assembly further comprises a second two-way connector 830. The second two-way connector 830 comprises an end electrically connected to the first connector 150 of the third sensor module 1C and another end electrically connected to the sixth port 73 of the second tee joint 70 via a third wire 83. For example, an end of the third wire 83 may be provided with a connector 831 suitable for connecting to the sixth port 73 and another end of the third wire 83 may be provided with a connector 832 suitable for connecting to the second two-way connector 830.

The temperature sensing device discussed above may be used in a switchgear. Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a switchgear equipped with a temperature sensing device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The switchgear comprises a current carrying conductor for transmitting power. For example, the current carrying conductor may comprise a cable bushing 4, a cable connector 5. For example, the cable connector 5 can be used to connect the cable bushing 4 to the cable 9.

The temperature sensing device may be arranged to measure temperature of the current carrying conductor. The temperature sensing device comprises at least one sensor module 1. Each sensor module 1 may be attached to the current carrying conductor for sensing the temperature thereof. For example, a strapping tap 7 can be used to attach the at least one sensor module 1 to the current carrying conductor.

The temperature sensing device further comprises the electronic module 3 described herein for receiving the measured temperature from the at least one sensor module 1 and optionally sending the received temperature to a remote receiver. The flexible belt 2 of the electronic module 3 may wrap around the current carrying conductor so as to attach the electronic module 3 onto the current carrying conductor.

In some embodiments, the switchgear may comprise one or more sensor module 1 and one electronic module 3.

In some embodiments, the switchgear may comprise three

sensor modules

1A, 1B, 1C connected to the electronic module 3. As shown in Fig. 4, there may be three cable bushing 4, three cable connectors 5, and three cables 9 in the switchgear. In these embodiments, the temperature sensing device comprises three

sensor module

1A, 1B, 1C and one electronic module 3. The electronic module 3 can be attached to any one of the three cable connectors 5. Each of the

sensor modules

1A, 1B, 1C is used to measure the temperature of the corresponding cable connector 5. Alternatively, each of the

sensor modules

1A, 1B, 1C may be attached to a position where the cable connector 5 is connected to the cable 9.

In some embodiments, an outer surface of the at least one sensor module 1 can be connected to ground via a ground layer of the current carrying conductor, for example, via a ground layer of the cable connector 5. For example, a ground wire 91 may be used to connect the outer surface of the at least one sensor module 1 to the ground layer of the current carrying conductor.

Each of the at least one sensor module is attached to the current carrying conductor. In some embodiments, the switchgear may comprise the temperature sensing device as shown in Fig. 1 or Fig. 2. In these embodiments, only one or two current carrying conductor is equipped with the sensor module. In other embodiments, the switchgear may comprise a temperature sensing device having four or more sensor modules.

It should be appreciated that the above detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are only to exemplify or explain principles of the present disclosure and not to limit the present disclosure. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent alternatives and improvement, etc. without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure shall be included in the scope of protection of the present disclosure. Meanwhile, appended claims of the present disclosure aim to cover all the variations and modifications falling under the scope and boundary of the claims or equivalents of the scope and boundary.

Claims

A temperature sensing device comprising:

at least one sensor module (1) comprising a temperature sensor (12) and a wire (15) , the temperature sensor (12) being configured to measure a temperature of a current carrying conductor and transmit the measured temperature via the wire (15) , wherein a first end of the wire (15) is connected to the temperature sensor (12) and a second end of the wire (15) is provided with a first connector (150) ; and

an electronic module (3) configured to receive the measured temperature from the at least one sensor module (1) and comprising a second connector (31) capable of being connected to the first connector (150) .
The temperature sensing device of Claim 1, wherein the first connector (150) is a male connector and the second connector (31) is a female connector; or

the first connector (150) is a female connector and the second connector (31) is a male connector.
The temperature sensing device of Claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor module (1) comprises first and second sensor modules (1A, 1B) ;

wherein the first connectors (150) of the first and second sensor modules (1A, 1B) are connected to the second connector (31) via a connection assembly comprising a first tee joint (60) ; and

wherein the first tee joint (60) comprises:

a first port (61) electrically connected to the second connector (31) via a first wire (81) ;

a second port (62) electrically connected to the first connector (150) of the first sensor module (1A) ; and

a third port (63) electrically connected to the first connector (150) of the second sensor module (1B) .
The temperature sensing device of Claim 3, wherein the connection assembly further comprises a first two-way connector (820) having an end electrically connected to the first connector (150) of the second sensor module (1B) and another end electrically connected to the third port (63) of the first tee joint (60) via a second wire (82) .
The temperature sensing device of Claim 3, wherein the at least one sensor module (1) further comprises a third sensor module (1C) , and the connection assembly further comprises a second tee joint (70) ;

wherein the second tee joint (70) comprises:

a fourth port (71) electrically connected to the third port (63) of the first tee joint (60) via a second wire (82) ;

a fifth port (72) electrically connected to the first connector (150) of the second sensor module (1B) ; and

a sixth port (73) electrically connected to the first connector (150) of the third sensor module (1C) .
The temperature sensing device of Claim 5, wherein the connection assembly further comprises a second two-way connector (830) having an end electrically connected to the first connector (150) of the third sensor module (1C) and another end electrically connected to the sixth port (73) of the second tee joint (70) via a third wire (83) .
The temperature sensing device of Claim 1, wherein each of the at least one sensor module (1) is adapted to be attached to the current carrying conductor.
The temperature sensing device of Claim 7, wherein the electronic module (3) is adapted to be secured onto the current carrying conductor.
The temperature sensing device of Claim 1, wherein the current carrying conductor comprises a cable bushing (4) and a cable connector (5) connected to each other; and

wherein each of the at least one sensor module (1) is capable of being tied to a position where the cable bushing (4) is connected to the cable connector (5) .
The temperature sensing device of Claim 1, wherein the electronic module (3) is provided with a flexible belt (2) configured to wrap around the current carrying conductor.
The temperature sensing device of Claim 1, wherein an outer surface of the at least one sensor module (1) is capable of being connected to ground via a ground layer of the current carrying conductor.
A switchgear comprising:

a current carrying conductor;

at least one sensor module (1) comprising a temperature sensor (12) and a wire (15) , the temperature sensor (12) being configured to measure a temperature of the current carrying conductor and transmit the measured temperature via the wire (15) , wherein a first end of the wire (15) is connected to the temperature sensor (12) and a second end of the wire (15) is provided with a first connector (150) ; and

an electronic module (3) configured to receive the measured temperature from the at least one sensor module (1) and comprising a second connector (31) capable of being connected to the first connector (150) .
The switchgear of Claim 12, wherein the at least one sensor module (1) comprises first and second sensor modules (1A, 1B) ;

wherein the first connectors (150) of the first and second sensor modules (1A, 1B) are connected to the second connector (31) via a connection assembly comprising a first tee joint (60) ; and

wherein the first tee joint (60) comprises:

a first port (61) electrically connected to the second connector (31) via a first wire (81) ;

a second port (62) electrically connected to the first connector (150) of the first sensor module (1A) ; and

a third port (63) electrically connected to the first connector (150) of the second sensor module (1B) .
The switchgear of Claim 13, wherein the at least one sensor module (1) further comprises a third sensor module (1C) , and the connection assembly further comprises a second tee joint (70) ;

wherein the second tee joint (70) comprises:

a fourth port (71) electrically connected to the third port (63) of the first tee joint (60) via a second wire (82) ;

a fifth port (72) electrically connected to the first connector (150) of the second sensor module (1B) ; and

a sixth port (73) electrically connected to the first connector (150) of the third sensor module (1C) .