Panel for audible monitoring of electrical components and the detection of electrical faults

Embodiments of the present disclosure may enable an electrical component within an electrical distribution equipment cabinet to be audibly monitored via an electrical fault detection device mounted on the housing of the cabinet. The electrical fault detection device may comprise a sensor to detect a signal emitted from an electrical fault within the cabinet, a transducer to convert the detected signal into an electrical audio signal, and an output socket adapted for an external device that may generate an audible sound based on the detected signal. The detected sensor may be an ultrasound sensor and the detected signal may be an ultrasound emitted from the electrical fault.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates in general to the field of cabinets for electrical distribution equipment.

BACKGROUND

Technology for cabinet-based power systems have been described in the following U.S. patents and publications: U.S. Pat. No. 1,642,698; No. 2014/0144858; U.S. Pat. No. 6,758,353; No. 2014/0160686; U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,404,316; 6,547,348; and, 8,052,231. Technology for ultrasound sensors, partial discharge detectors, related-circuitry and headphones for the generation of audible sounds in response to the ultrasonic signals have been described in the U.S. patents and publications: U.S. Pat. No. 5,432,755; No. 2005/0285604; and, No. 2009/0302862. One drawback with certain implementations of monitoring electrical components is the limited accessibility of components' electrical connections within a cabinet. Certain power distribution systems may not be readily monitored due to safety concerns in light of the high voltage of the power source because only competent technicians with specialized training may be permitted to physically access electrical equipment within power cabinets. Due to the location of electrical connections within a housing, a proper inspection may not be possible via inspection windows that are not directly adjacent to targeted components. For example, an infrared camera may not be able to capture accurate temperature measurements if the line of sight for a component/connection is obstructed by other electrical or structural components.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure may be embodied in various forms, including without limitation a device and a method for the monitoring of electrical components located within an electrical distribution equipment cabinet based on the detection of ultrasounds and electrical impulses emitted from an electrical fault. Embodiments of the present disclosure may enable, among other things, the monitoring of electrical components in cabinets without opening and viewing entire racks or cabinets via an electrical fault detection device used to identify early warning signs of equipment insulation failure.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure may include a sensor that is mounted on an interior side of a housing for the electrical distribution equipment cabinet. The housing may enclose the electrical components located within the electrical distribution equipment cabinet. The sensor may detect a signal emitted from an electrical fault within the electrical distribution equipment cabinet. In addition, an output socket may be mounted on the housing for the electrical distribution equipment cabinet. The output socket may be operably connected to the sensor. The output socket may have a front side that defines an opening, which may be mounted on an exterior side of the housing. The opening of the output socket may receive a cable plug for a cable connected to an external device.

The external device may generate an audible sound based on the detected signal. Accordingly, the electrical fault may be audibly monitored by an user of the external device. The electrical fault may comprise a corona, an arcing, a surface tracking and/or a partial discharge of the electrical components. In an embodiment, the sensor may be an ultrasound sensor and the detected signal may be an ultrasound emitted from the electrical fault. The sensor may be a partial discharge detector and the detected signal may be a pulse change or electrical impulse emitted from the electrical fault, in accordance with some embodiments.

In certain embodiments, the sensor of the present disclosure may comprise a transducer that may convert the detected signal to an electrical audio signal. In an embodiment, the transducer may be connected to the sensor via electrical wires. The transducer may be connected to the output socket via electrical wires. The transducer may transmit the electrical audio signal to the output socket. In some embodiments, the sensor may transmit the detected signal to the output socket, and the external device may convert the transmitted signal to an electrical audio signal.

The external device may be a headphone, a headset, or a speaker. In certain embodiments, the external device may connect to an audio device. Accordingly, the audible sound may be generated by the audio device based on the detected signal. In some embodiments, the external device may comprise a screen monitor. The external device may generate a visual representation on the screen monitor based on the detected signal. As a result, the electrical fault may be visually monitored by the user of the external device. The visual representation may comprise partial discharge readings, voltage readings, electrical current readings, sound level readings, and/or sinusoidal wave representations.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure may include a panel mounted on the housing for the electrical distribution equipment cabinet via a retaining mechanism. The retaining mechanism may secure the panel to the electrical distribution equipment cabinet, and may comprise screws and nuts in accordance with certain embodiments. The housing of cabinet may define an opening in the electrical distribution equipment cabinet. The panel may be mounted over the opening. The sensor may be mounted on a first side of the panel. In an embodiment, the opening on the front side of the output socket mounted on a second side of the panel. The first side of the mounted panel may be positioned on the interior side of the cabinet, and the second side of the mounted panel may be positioned on the exterior side of the cabinet.

In an embodiment, the panel may be transparent to radiation emitted from the electrical components. The radiation may comprise infrared radiation and/or ultraviolet radiation. The external device may detect the emitted radiation. The external device may comprise a screen monitor and generate a visual representation on the screen monitor based on the detected radiation. The visual representation may comprise a thermogram. Accordingly, the electrical fault may be visually monitored by an user of the external device.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for the audible monitoring of electrical components located within an electrical distribution equipment cabinet may comprise the step of detecting, via a sensor, a signal emitted from an electrical fault within the cabinet. The sensor may be mounted on an interior side of a housing for the cabinet. The housing may enclose the electrical components located within the electrical distribution equipment cabinet. The method may further comprise the steps of converting, via a transducer, the detected signal into an electrical audio signal and transmitting, via an output socket, the electrical audible signal to an external device. A front side of the output socket may define an opening mounted on an exterior side of the housing for the cabinet. In an embodiment, the opening on the front side of the output socket mounted on a panel of the cabinet. The output socket may be operably connected to the sensor. The opening of the output socket may receive a cable plug for a cable connected to the external device. In addition, the method may comprise the step of generating, via the external device, an audible sound based on the detected signal. Accordingly, the electrical fault may be audibly monitored by an user of the external device.

Further, the method may comprise the step of generating, via the external device, a visual representation based on the detected signal. The external device may comprise a screen monitor, and may generate the visual representation on the screen monitor. As a result, the electrical fault may be visually monitored by the user of the external device. In some embodiments, the method may further comprise the step of detecting radiation emitted from the electrical components through the panel by the external device. The external device may comprise a screen monitor and generate a visual representation on the screen monitor based on the detected radiation. The visual representation may comprise a thermogram. Accordingly, the electrical fault may be visually monitored by an user of the external device.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a sensor may be mounted on an interior side of a housing for the electrical distribution equipment cabinet. The housing may enclose the electrical components located within the electrical distribution equipment cabinet. The sensor may detect a signal emitted from an electrical fault within the electrical distribution equipment cabinet. The sensor may comprise a transducer that may convert the detected signal to an electrical audio signal. In addition, an output connector may be mounted on the interior side of the housing for the electrical distribution equipment cabinet. The output connector may be operably connected to the transducer. The transducer may transmit the electrical audio signal to the output connector. The output connector may wirelessly transmit the electrical audio signal to an external device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure may enable electrical components and connections to be audibly monitored within an enclosure via an electrical fault detection device. A benefit of the present disclosure may include the detection of early warning signs of equipment failure. Another benefit may include electrical fault detection in order to conduct energy conservation audits. A further benefit may include the quick, safe and inexpensive inspection of electrical components and connections by personnel with minimal training. In addition, a benefit of the present disclosure may include the fast and accurate diagnosis of the partial discharge of electrical components and connections within electrical distribution equipment cabinets.

FIG. 1illustrates an embodiment of an electrical fault detection device1that enables that audible detection of an electrical fault within the electrical distribution equipment cabinet based on ultrasounds and electrical impulses emitted from the electrical fault. As shown inFIG. 2, electrical components2may be enclosed within an electrical distribution equipment cabinet3. The electrical fault detection device1may be adapted to permit the audible monitoring of the electrical components2located within the electrical distribution equipment cabinet3. The electrical components2may comprise electrical equipment, such as switchgear, switchboards, transformers, motor controls, and any electrical equipment mounted on panel boards of the cabinet3. As shown inFIG. 3, the electrical fault detection device1may comprise a panel13mounted on the housing5for the electrical distribution equipment cabinet3. The housing5may enclose the electrical components2that are located within the electrical distribution equipment cabinet3.

The electrical fault detection device1may comprise a sensor/detector4(such as an ultrasound sensor) that may be mounted on the panel13in order to be positioned on the interior side of the housing5for the electrical distribution equipment cabinet3, as illustrated inFIGS. 5-6. In an embodiment, the sensor4may be mounted on the housing5for the electrical distribution equipment cabinet3adjacent to the panel13. The sensor4may be adapted to detect ultrasounds emitted from an electrical fault caused by a corona, arcing, surface tracking or partial discharge of an electrical component2. The ultrasound signal may vary depending on the type of electrical fault (whether corona, arcing, surface tracking or partial discharge). The sensor4may also be adapted to detect voltage pulse changes or electrical impulses emitted from the electrical fault, including changes in electrical voltage and/or current. In such an embodiment, very high frequency (VHF) signals (e.g. within the frequency range of 156.0 and 174 MHz) resulting from an electrical fault may be detected by a sensor4via electric-field coupling or capacitive coupling. In certain embodiments where the electrical fault may be detected by a sensor4utilizing a VHF capacitive coupler, the detected signal may vary depending on the type of electrical fault. An electrical fault may be a partial discharge, an electric arc discharge, surface discharge and/or a corona discharge. In certain embodiments, the sensor4may detect transient earth voltage (TEV) signals generated by an internal partial discharge, as well as any other airborne emissions such as ultrasounds. Such a sensor4may be capable of detecting ultrasound frequencies and VHF, in accordance with some embodiments. The electrical fault detection device1may further comprise a converter6(such as a microcontroller/transducer/transmitter) that is connected to the detector or sensor4. The converter or transducer6may be adapted to convert the detected ultrasound signals, and/or electrical impulse signals, into electrical audio signals and/or information/readings relating to the detected signals. In an embodiment, an electrical audio signal may correspond the detected signal and may be capable of generating a distinct audible sound that can be perceived by human ears so that an user may determine whether the detected signal resulted from a corona, arcing, surface tracking or partial discharge of an electrical component2. In some embodiments, the transducer6and the sensor4may comprise a single unit or component.

An electrical fault detection device1may comprise an output socket or connector7(such as a headphone socket) mounted on the panel13in order to be positioned on the exterior side of the housing5for the electrical distribution equipment cabinet3, as shown inFIGS. 3-4. In an embodiment, the socket7may be mounted on the housing5for the electrical distribution equipment cabinet3adjacent to the panel13. As further illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 11, the output socket7may be connected via electrical wires to the transducer6and may receive the electrical audio signals from the transducer6. The output socket7may be connected directly to the sensor4via electrical wires or cables and may receive the detected signals (such as ultrasounds, electromagnetic pulses, electrical impulses, VHF signals and TEV signals) from the sensor4, in accordance with some embodiments. In an embodiment, the sensor4may detect such signals using capacitive coupled transducers6. In some embodiments, the sensor4may comprise a transducer6capable of detecting both ultrasounds and TEV signals.

Referring back toFIG. 1, the output socket7may be adapted to receive a cable plug or jack8(such a 3.5 mm female jack) of an electrical cable/wire9connected to an external device10. In accordance with certain embodiments, the output socket7may be adapted to transmit the electrical audio signals and/or the detected signals to the external device10via the electrical cable/wire9. The external device10may be adapted to generate an audible sound based on the electrical audio signals. In some embodiments, the external device10may comprise a headphone, a headset, or a speaker. In certain embodiments, the external device10may be adapted to connect to an audio device11capable of generating an audible sound. As shown inFIG. 9, the external device10may comprise a headphone jack socket18for the audio device11(e.g. headphones). The audio device11may be capable of generating an audible sound based on the detected signals. In certain embodiments, ultrasounds and/or partial discharges of an electrical component2may be audibly perceived and monitored by an user of the external device10. Accordingly, the user may identify the existence of an electrical fault without having a direct line of sight to the electrical component2having the partial discharge. In an embodiment, the output connector7may comprise a wireless transmitter capable of wirelessly transmitting (e.g. via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi technology) the detected signals and/or the electrical audio signals to an external device10that is adapted to wirelessly receive such signals.

In some embodiments, the external device10may comprise a device that is capable of analyzing ultrasounds and/or pulse discharges detected by a sensor. The external device10may analyze information and data relating from the detected signals, in accordance with certain embodiments. The external device10may collect and track such information/data. In some embodiments, the information/data may be transmitted to a computer or server for a further analysis. The external device10may comprise an electrical cable or wire having a cable plug/jack adapted to be plugged into the output socket7that may be connected to the sensor4. In an embodiment, the sensor4may detect electrical signals, light wave signals and/or sound wave signals emitted from an electrical fault within the electrical distribution equipment cabinet3. In such an embodiment, the sensor4may comprise a transducer6capable of detecting ultrasounds and TEV signals via capacitive coupling technology. These signals, or electrical signals converted by a transducer6based on such detected signals, may be transmitted via the output socket7to the external device10. In certain embodiments, the sensor4may comprise the transducer6that converts the detected signals into electrical audio signals. In an embodiment, the detected signals may be converted into electrical audio signals by the external device10.

The external device10may also comprise a screen monitor12, as shown inFIG. 9. In some embodiments, the external device10may convert the detected signals and/or the electrical audio signals into visual expressions that may be displayed on the screen monitor12. The screen monitor12may display information relating to the detected signals, including without limitation partial discharge readings, voltage readings, electrical current readings, sound level readings (including decibel levels), and sinusoidal wave representations of the detected signals. Accordingly, an user of the external device10may monitor the electrical components2located within the cabinet3for an electrical fault by viewing the screen monitor12and by listening to the audio device11. In an embodiment, the external device10may operate in multiple modes. In one mode, ultrasounds may be detected and the screen monitor12may display a visual representation comprising sound level readings. In another mode, electrical impulses (e.g. TEV signals) may be detected via capacitive coupling technology and the screen monitor12may display a visual representation comprising voltage impulse readings and/or sound level readings.

In an embodiment of a method for the audible monitoring of electrical components2in an electrical distribution equipment cabinet3, the method may comprise the detection of signals (such as ultrasounds and/or electrical impulses) emitted from a partial discharge of an electrical component2located within the electrical distribution equipment cabinet3. The detection may be performed by an ultrasound sensor4. The sensor or detector4may be mounted on the interior side of a housing5for the electrical distribution equipment cabinet3. In certain embodiment, multiple sensors4may be mounted in order to monitor additional areas within the cabinet3. The method may further comprise the conversion of the detected signals to electrical audio signals. The conversion may be performed by a converter6such as a microcontroller, a transducer or a transmitter. A transducer6may be connected to the sensor4. In addition, the method may comprise the transmission of the audible signals to an exterior device9via an output socket7. The output socket7may be mounted on the exterior side of the housing5for the electrical distribution equipment cabinet3. The output socket7may be adapted to receive a cable plug/jack for a cable connected to the external device10. Further, the method may comprise the generation of an audible sound based on the detected signals. The sound production may be performed by the external device10. In some embodiments, the transducer6and the sensor4may comprise a single unit or component. In certain embodiments, ultrasounds and partial discharges of an electrical component2may be audibly perceived and monitored by an user via the external device10. Accordingly, the user of the presently disclosed method may identify the existence of an electrical fault, such a partial discharge.

In an embodiment, an electrical fault detection device1may be located adjacent to the targeted area where the monitored electrical components2are located within the cabinet3. In an embodiment, the electrical fault detection device1may comprise a panel13for the housing5of the cabinet3that is interchangeable with filler or blanking panels located adjacent to the targeted area. The sensor4, transducer6and output socket7may be mounted on the panel13. In certain embodiments, a preexisting blanking panel may be altered or adapted to include an electrical fault detection device1. In an embodiment, a panel13for the electrical fault detection device1may comprise a polymeric material that is transparent to infrared radiation (IR) and/or ultraviolet (UV) radiation for the infrared, ultraviolet and/or visual inspection of the electrical components2. In certain embodiments, the panel13may comprise an array of holes or ports formed therethrough that permit infrared inspection through the panel13from the outside of the housing5of the cabinet3. In some embodiments, the external device10may comprise a camera or detection thermographer (such as an infrared camera) that is capable of imaging the radiation emitted from an electrical component2. As shown inFIG. 9, the front end19of the external device10comprises the lens for such a thermographer. In an embodiment, the external device10may operate in a thermographer mode. Radiation that is emitted from an electrical component and through the IR/UV-permitting panel13may be detected via the external device10, and the screen monitor12may display a visual representation comprising temperature measurements, a thermogram or an infrared image that shows the patterns of heat.

A benefit of the present disclosure may include an improved inspection of electrical components2within an electrical distribution equipment cabinet3via the audible and visual detection of early warning signs of equipment failure. Accordingly, an advantage of the present disclosure may include an inspection of an electrical distribution equipment cabinet3, which is enclosed for safety concerns in light of the high voltage of the power source, through an user's sight and hearing senses. In addition, the placement of the sensor4on the interior side of the cabinet3proves an improvement in the detection of signals emitted from the electrical components2. Further, the configuration of an output socket or connector7connected to the sensor4and mounted on the panel13improves the processing efficiency for the monitoring of electrical faults.

In some embodiments, a retaining mechanism14that may be adapted to mount a panel13to the housing5for the electrical distribution equipment cabinet3. As shown inFIG. 2, the housing5for the cabinet3may define an opening17adapted to receive such a panel13having the electrical fault detection device1. In accordance with certain embodiments, a preexisting electrical distribution equipment cabinet3may be modified to include an electrical fault detection device1by mounting such a panel13over an opening17in the housing5of a cabinet3. This provides the benefit of adding an electrical fault detection device1without replacing the cabinet3or substantively altering the structure of the cabinet3. In some circumstances, it may not be acceptable to power-off systems due to unwanted interruptions to downstream equipment. In addition, certain power distribution systems may not be readily altered due to safety concerns in light of the high voltage of the power source. As shown inFIG. 8, the electrical fault detection device1may comprise a closure15(such as a door, plate or lid) for covering the output socket7when the electrical components2are not actively being monitored. The closure15may be locked by a latch16.

As shown inFIGS. 10 and 11, in accordance with certain embodiments, the output socket7may be mounted on the housing5for an electrical distribution equipment cabinet3adjacent to the IR/UV-permitting panel13. In some embodiment, the output socket7may be connected to the sensor4via a coaxial cable20adapted to transmit detected signals and/or the electrical audio signals. In an embodiment, the coaxial cable20may transmit electrical audio signals corresponding to the detected ultrasound signals and/or the electrical impulses (such as VHF signals) detected by a sensor4via electric-field coupling or capacitive. In some embodiments, an advantage of the present disclosure may include the monitoring of electrical components2within an electrical distribution equipment cabinet3by detecting ultrasounds, electrical impulses and IR radiation emitted from an electrical fault. The detection of an ultrasound, an electrical impulse and IR radiation may improve the identification of the location of the electrical fault within the cabinet3. In some embodiments, an advantage may include the positioning of the sensor4on the interior side of the cabinet3in order to improve the detection of the signals emitted by an electrical fault. Accordingly, a benefit may further include an improvement in the quality of the electrical audio signals and audible sounds that are generated based on such detected signals in order to enable an user to better perceive a distinction between the types of electrical faults. In an embodiment, these improvements may benefit the detection of early warning signs of equipment failure through the identification of the location and type of an electrical fault.

While the present disclosure has been particularly shown and described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, particularly in light of the foregoing teaching. It is therefore contemplated by the appended claims to cover such modifications and incorporate features that come within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.