Patent Description:
Electrical discharges, particularly some types of partial discharges, in electrical apparatus can cause acoustic waves. The acoustic waves are generated by short pressure pulses induced in a surrounding medium, particularly gas, by the energy release associated with the electrical discharges. Acoustic waves, particularly characteristic sound patterns, may also be caused by external influences like maintenance work on the electrical apparatus, environmental circumstances, external machines or devices, or even by intruding animals. Presently, measurement of acoustic waves emanating from electrical apparatus like electrical switchgear occurs during infrequent inspection events. The inspections require skilled staff equipped with expensive measurement devices.

It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to overcome at least some of the above-mentioned problems in the prior art at least partially. Patent publication <CIT> discloses an apparatus including a case defining a plurality of openings in an external surface of the case, as well as a plurality of microphones fastened to the case. Each microphone in the plurality of microphones is located adjacent to a respective opening in the plurality of openings. The external surface of the case at least partially defines a plurality of funnel-shaped surfaces. Patent publication <CIT> an ultrasonic transducer including a transducing element, a diaphragm connected at its substantial center part of the transducing element, and a disk having at least plural apertures and disposed in front of the diaphragm. The ultrasonic transducer further includes a horn containing the transducing element and the diaphragm in a space therein. Patent application <CIT> discloses a vehicle ultrasonic sensor including an ultrasonic transducer for emitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave. The ultrasonic transducer has a horn structure for improving the radiation directivity of the ultrasonic wave emitted from the ultrasonic transducer. The horn structure has a narrowing portion corresponding to a lightening portion for receiving therein the ultrasonic transducer, wherein the horn structure serves as a parabolic horn. Patent application <CIT> discloses an apparatus including an ultrasonic microphone enclosure including a two-part housing. The top housing part of the housing includes an acoustic exponential horn to receive ultrasonic signals. The acoustic horn is formed to receive ultrasonic signals at an open mouth formed at the front of the top housing part of the housing and direct the sound toward a closed throat formed at a middle of the top housing part of the housing. Patent application <CIT> discloses an overtaking signal installation for a vehicle including a carbon microphone and a loudspeaker. The microphone may be assembled by mounting it with a resonance chamber on the input side. A trumpet may be provided leading into the resonance chamber. Patent application <CIT> discloses a sound-collecting device or trumpet for echo-sounding apparatus. The device is placed in front of the microphone serving to receive the echo and includes a member of tapered form of which the larger base has two different dimensions.

Patent application <CIT> discloses a method for monitoring the operating state of a metal-encapsulated, gas-insulated high-voltage switchgear, in which the setpoint of an operating variable is compared with the respective actual value. For monitoring the operational safety of a disconnector integrated into the switchgear, the temporal evolution of the discharges occurring when the disconnector is switched on and/or off is recorded. Optical or acoustic sensors can be used for recording the evolution of the discharge. Patent application <CIT> discloses high-voltage test equipment including a high-voltage impulse generator for supplying a surge voltage to the apparatus under test when triggered by a tripping unit, a chopping gap for controlling the duration of surge voltage, a microphone responsive to the noise produced on operation of the tripping unit, and a pulse generator controlled by the output from the microphone. Patent application <CIT> discloses an electric discharge identification device including a sound detection part for detecting a sound generated when electric discharge occurs. The device further includes a high-pass filter for extracting a high-frequency component from a detection signal of the sound detection part for eliminating peripheral noises.

discloses a method for detecting and locating impulse and low-frequency corona, and breakdowns in some types of insulating structures and apparatus. The method is an adaptation of sonar techniques of triangulation and ranging. IEEE Guide for the Detection, Location and Interpretation of Sources of Acoustic Emissions from Electrical Discharges in Power Transformers and Power Reactors. IEEE Std C57. <NUM>-<NUM> (Revision of IEEE Std C57. <NUM>-<NUM>) <NUM>-<NUM>. discloses methods of detection and measurement of partial discharge for power transformers and reactors. Acoustic emission techniques are described that rely on one or more ultrasonic receiving transducers that are sensitive to the acoustic emissions generated by an electrical source.

In view of the above, a sensing arrangement for detection of electrical discharges in an electrical apparatus is provided. The sensing arrangement includes an acoustic sensor and a signal enhancing structure with a funnel region. The acoustic sensor is positioned outside the funnel region on an apex side of the funnel region. In the funnel region, a part of a surface of the signal enhancing structure has an exponential-like cross section. The signal enhancing structure is configured as a high-pass filter with a cutoff frequency lower than <NUM>.

In embodiments, a sensing device is provided, including an enclosure and a sensing arrangement as described in the present disclosure.

In embodiments, an electrical switchgear is provided, including a sensing arrangement as described in the present disclosure.

In embodiments, an electrical switchgear is provided, including a sensing arrangement as described in the present disclosure for detection of partial discharges in an electrical apparatus.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided for detecting electrical discharges, particularly partial discharges.

Further advantages, features, aspects and details that can be combined with embodiments described herein are evident from the dependent claims, claim combinations, the description and the drawings.

The details will be described in the following with reference to the figures, wherein.

Reference will now be made in detail to the various embodiments, one or more examples of which are illustrated in each figure. Each example is provided by way of explanation and is not meant as a limitation. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used on or in conjunction with any other embodiment to yield yet a further embodiment. It is intended that the present disclosure includes such modifications and variations.

Within the following description of the drawings, the same reference numbers refer to the same or to similar components. Generally, only the differences with respect to the individual embodiments are described. Unless specified otherwise, the description of a part or aspect in one embodiment can be applied to a corresponding part or aspect in another embodiment as well.

<FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view of a sensing arrangement for detection of electrical discharges, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The sensing arrangement <NUM> includes an acoustic sensor <NUM> and a signal enhancing structure <NUM>. The signal enhancing structure has a funnel region <NUM>. The signal enhancing structure is particularly an acoustic wave signal enhancing structure. The acoustic sensor <NUM> is positioned outside the funnel region <NUM> on an apex side of the funnel region. The acoustic sensor <NUM> may be attached to a printed circuit board <NUM>.

The acoustic sensor may include or be a microphone, particularly a MEMS microphone. The MEMS microphone may be an off-the-shelf MEMS microphone. In particular, the MEMS microphone is similar or identical to MEMS microphones used in consumer products like smartphones. A sensing arrangement associated with low costs may be provided.

A distance between an apex of the funnel region and the acoustic sensor <NUM> may be smaller than for example <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>. In embodiments, the acoustic sensor is positioned at the apex of the funnel region. The apex of the funnel region may also be understood as an origin of the funnel region.

The signal enhancing structure may be shaped so as to at least partly imitate an effect of the outer ear, particularly the auricle or the acoustic duct, of humans or animals. The sensing structure may substantially enhance the sensitivity of acoustic measurements, particularly regarding low amplitude signals.

Generally, for detection of electrical discharges, acoustic waves to be sensed are often quite weak. Detection procedures must often cope with a critically small signal-to-noise-ratio. Usually, particularly when standard MEMS microphones are used, failure to detect electrical discharges, particularly partial discharges, may result.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, in the funnel region <NUM>, a part of a surface of the signal enhancing structure <NUM> is a conical surface. Generally, in the funnel region <NUM>, at least a part of a surface of the signal enhancing structure <NUM> may be a conical surface. The part of the surface may be for example larger than <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> % of a total surface of the signal enhancing structure in the funnel region. In the context of the present disclosure, the surface of the signal enhancing structure is particularly to be understood as an inner surface of the signal enhancing structure, more particularly in the funnel region. The shape of the signal enhancing structure may be at least partly comparable to the shape of an historical hearing aid device, particularly an ear trumpet.

The sensing arrangement may facilitate economically feasible online monitoring of acoustic emissions in electrical apparatus, particularly in electrical switchgear. In particular, continuous monitoring may be enabled.

In this and in other embodiments, a ratio between an entrance area and an exit area of the signal enhancing structure may be larger than <NUM>. A ratio between an entrance area and an exit area of the signal enhancing structure may be smaller than <NUM>. The entrance area is particularly an area of the larger opening of the funnel region. The exit area is particularly an area of the smaller opening of the funnel region.

<FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view of a sensing arrangement for detection of electrical discharges, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the funnel region <NUM>, a part of a surface of the signal enhancing structure <NUM> has a parabola-like cross section. Generally, at least a part of a surface of the signal enhancing structure may have a parabola-like, particularly parabolic, cross section. The part of the surface may be for example larger than <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> % of a total surface of the signal enhancing structure in the funnel region. A measurement sensitivity of the sensing arrangement may be enhanced. The shape of the signal enhancing structure may be at least partly comparable to that of a directional microphone. The acoustic sensor is positioned outside the funnel region and thus particularly not in a focal point of the signal enhancing structure. Measurement sensitivity may be enhanced without undue increases in directional specificity. Acoustic signals arising from a large volume may be detected with high sensitivity.

<FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view of a sensing arrangement for detection of electrical discharges, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the funnel region <NUM>, a part of a surface of the signal enhancing structure <NUM> has an exponential-like cross section.

Generally, at least a part of a surface of the signal enhancing structure may have an exponential-like, particularly an exponential-shaped, cross section. The part of the surface may be for example larger than <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> % of a total surface of the signal enhancing structure in the funnel region.

The shape of the signal enhancing structure may lead to enhancement of the measurement sensitivity, particularly via an increase of the sound amplitude. The transfer function of an exponential funnel is also characterized by its high pass characteristics. A suitable exponential shape may allow low frequencies to be filtered out.

Unwanted low-frequency acoustic waves may be filtered out due the acoustic frequency response transfer properties of the signal enhancing structure. A limit frequency can be defined deliberately by a suitable choice of the exponent of the funnel region's cross section. In a funnel where a cross section S changes with an axial position x exponentially, e.g. like: <MAT> wherein ε is a real-valued opening factor, only waves with a frequency above a limit <MAT> can propagate. Here, c denotes the speed of sound in the medium under consideration.

In embodiments, the signal enhancing structure may be configured as a high-pass filter with a cutoff frequency lower than for example <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>. The signal enhancing structure may be configured as a high-pass filter with a cutoff frequency higher than for example <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>.

<FIG> is a graph illustrating exemplary cross-sections of a signal enhancing structure of a sensing arrangement according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The curves respectively relate to an upper half of a signal enhancing structure. The curves represent a radius r of the funnel region as a function of a distance d from an apex of the funnel region. In particular, the smaller opening of the funnel region is located at the apex of the funnel region. <FIG> shows a first curve <NUM> relating to a parabolic-profile funnel region, a second curve <NUM> relating to a cone-shaped funnel region, and a third curve <NUM> relating to an exponential-profile funnel region.

The smaller opening of the funnel region may have a diameter larger than for example <NUM>,<NUM>, <NUM>,<NUM>, or <NUM>,<NUM>. The smaller opening of the funnel region may have a diameter smaller than for example <NUM>,<NUM>, <NUM>,<NUM>, or <NUM>,<NUM>. For example, the smaller opening of the funnel region may have a diameter of <NUM>,<NUM>, <NUM>,<NUM> or <NUM>,<NUM>.

The larger opening of the funnel region, corresponding to the right side of <FIG>, may have a diameter larger than <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>. The larger opening of the funnel region, may have a diameter smaller than <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>. For example, the larger opening of the funnel region may have a diameter of <NUM>,<NUM>, <NUM>,<NUM> or <NUM>,<NUM>.

Examples for possible curve functions, wherein d is measured in mm, are:.

In embodiments, the funnel may include a stem section. In the stem section, an inner surface of the signal enhancing structure may be a cylindrical surface. The stem section is not depicted in <FIG>.

The overall enhancement of the pressure wave may be determined in large part by the overall ratio of the entrance and exit area of the funnel. An optimization regarding the acoustic transmission and enhancement factors may lead to a particularly good measurement sensitivity.

Generally, the various shapes of the signal enhancing structures described with regard to <FIG> may also be combined. In a funnel region of a resulting sensing arrangement, a first part of a signal enhancing structure may have a cross section with a first shape and a second part of the signal enhancing structure may have cross section with a second shape. For example, a first part of the signal enhancing structure may have a conical surface and a second part of the signal enhancing structure may a have a parabola-like cross section.

<FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view of a sensing arrangement according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In contrast to the examples shown in <FIG>, the funnel region is not formed by a recess in a wall. Instead, the funnel region <NUM> is formed by a signal enhancing structure <NUM> having thin walls relative to an axial length of the funnel region <NUM>. A ratio between the wall thickness of the structure and the axial length of the funnel region may be smaller than for example <NUM>,<NUM>, <NUM>,<NUM>, or <NUM>,<NUM>. Material can be saved and a particularly lightweight sensing arrangement may be provided. <FIG> shows a variation of the sensing arrangement depicted in <FIG>.

<FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view of a sensing arrangement according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The sensing arrangement corresponds at least substantially to the examples shown in <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, the acoustic sensor <NUM> may be positioned at a certain distance from the printed circuit board <NUM>.

In embodiments, a distance between the acoustic sensor <NUM> and the printed circuit board <NUM> may be larger than for example <NUM>,<NUM>, <NUM>,<NUM>, or <NUM>. In the example shown in <FIG>, the sensor <NUM> is positioned on a rod <NUM> attached to the printed circuit board <NUM>. Generally, the acoustic sensor may be positioned on any structure that facilitates elevated mounting of the acoustic sensor.

<FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view of a sensing device according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The sensing device includes an enclosure <NUM> and a sensing arrangement <NUM> according to embodiments described herein. As shown in <FIG>, the signal enhancing structure <NUM> of the sensing arrangement <NUM> may be embedded into the enclosure <NUM>. In particular, the funnel region <NUM> is formed by a recess in the enclosure <NUM>. A particularly compact sensing device may be provided. Structures protruding from the sensing device into open space may be avoided. For example, if the sensing device is positioned inside an electrical apparatus, structures protruding into an internal space, particularly a compartment, of the electrical apparatus may be avoided.

Analogously as described above with regard to a sensing device, the sensing arrangements described herein may also be incorporated into any other device. This is possible particularly since the proposed sensing structure is highly compact. In embodiments, the sensing structure may occupy a space in the range of for example less than <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> cubic centimeters. The sensing structure may occupy for example approximately <NUM>, <NUM>,<NUM>, or <NUM> cubic centimeters. Including the sensing arrangement into devices typically present in an electrical apparatus like an electrical switchgear may be particularly advantageous. The sensing arrangement may be incorporated for example into a temperature sensor, an infrared sensor, a humidity sensor, or a communication unit.

According to another aspect, the sensing arrangements described herein may also be positioned outside the enclosure of an existing device, but use at least one of the electronic or support functions of the device. For example, the sensing structure may be configured to use a power supply or a communication connection of an existing device. Positioning the sensing arrangement at particularly advantageous points, e.g. close to parts which are strongly dielectrically loaded and therefore critical for partial discharges, may be facilitated.

<FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electrical switchgear including a sensing arrangement for detection of electrical discharges in an electrical apparatus, wherein the sensing arrangement includes an acoustic sensor and a signal enhancing structure with a funnel region. The sensing arrangement may correspond to the sensing arrangements as described in the present disclosure, particularly with regard to <FIG>.

The electrical switchgear may be a medium voltage or a high voltage electrical switchgear. The electrical switchgear may include a first compartment <NUM>. The sensing arrangement <NUM> may be positioned such that it is acoustically linked to the first compartment <NUM>. For example, the sensing arrangement may be attached to a wall of the compartment, particularly to an outer or to an inner side of the wall. Attaching the sensing arrangement to an outer side of a compartment's wall may prevent interference with dielectric strength.

The sensing arrangement <NUM> may be a part of a sensing device <NUM>. In embodiments, the sensing arrangement may be positioned within the first compartment. According to an aspect, the sensing arrangement <NUM> may be positioned in proximity to an expected acoustic source of interest.

The electrical switchgear may include a further sensing arrangement according to embodiments described herein. The further sensing arrangement may be acoustically linked to a second compartment <NUM>. The two sensing arrangements may be connected to a common controller.

Claim 1:
Sensing arrangement (<NUM>) for detection of electrical discharges in an electrical apparatus, wherein the sensing arrangement (<NUM>) includes an acoustic sensor (<NUM>) and a signal enhancing structure (<NUM>) with a funnel region (<NUM>), wherein the acoustic sensor (<NUM>) is positioned outside the funnel region (<NUM>) on an apex side of the funnel region (<NUM>), wherein in the funnel region (<NUM>), a part of a surface of the signal enhancing structure (<NUM>) has an exponential-like cross section, and wherein the signal enhancing structure (<NUM>) is configured as a high-pass filter with a cutoff frequency lower than <NUM>.