Patent Description:
Technology for cabinet-based power systems have been described in the following <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and, <CIT>. 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 <CIT>; <CIT>; and, <CIT>. 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. Further prior art can be found in documents <CIT>, <CIT> and <NPL>.

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 according to claim <NUM> and claim <NUM> respectively. Additional non-claimed embodiments, aspects or examples are also presented in the description for the better understanding of the invention. 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.

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages for embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following more particular description of the embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the various views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating principles of the present disclosure.

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> illustrates an embodiment of an electrical fault detection device <NUM> that 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 in <FIG>, electrical components <NUM> may be enclosed within an electrical distribution equipment cabinet <NUM>. The electrical fault detection device <NUM> may be adapted to permit the audible monitoring of the electrical components <NUM> located within the electrical distribution equipment cabinet <NUM>. The electrical components <NUM> may comprise electrical equipment, such as switchgear, switchboards, transformers, motor controls, and any electrical equipment mounted on panel boards of the cabinet <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the electrical fault detection device <NUM> may comprise a panel <NUM> mounted on the housing <NUM> for the electrical distribution equipment cabinet <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may enclose the electrical components <NUM> that are located within the electrical distribution equipment cabinet <NUM>.

The electrical fault detection device <NUM> may comprise a sensor/detector <NUM> (such as an ultrasound sensor) that may be mounted on the panel <NUM> in order to be positioned on the interior side of the housing <NUM> for the electrical distribution equipment cabinet <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. In an embodiment, the sensor <NUM> may be mounted on the housing <NUM> for the electrical distribution equipment cabinet <NUM> adjacent to the panel <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> may be adapted to detect ultrasounds emitted from an electrical fault caused by a corona, arcing, surface tracking or partial discharge of an electrical component <NUM>. The ultrasound signal may vary depending on the type of electrical fault (whether corona, arcing, surface tracking or partial discharge). The sensor <NUM> may 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 <NUM> and <NUM>) resulting from an electrical fault may be detected by a sensor <NUM> via electric-field coupling or capacitive coupling. In certain embodiments where the electrical fault may be detected by a sensor <NUM> utilizing 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 sensor <NUM> may detect transient earth voltage (TEV) signals generated by an internal partial discharge, as well as any other airborne emissions such as ultrasounds. Such a sensor <NUM> may be capable of detecting ultrasound frequencies and VHF, in accordance with some embodiments. The electrical fault detection device <NUM> may further comprise a converter <NUM> (such as a microcontroller/transducer/transmitter) that is connected to the detector or sensor <NUM>. The converter or transducer <NUM> may 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 component <NUM>. In some embodiments, the transducer <NUM> and the sensor <NUM> may comprise a single unit or component.

An electrical fault detection device <NUM> may comprise an output socket or connector <NUM> (such as a headphone socket) mounted on the panel <NUM> in order to be positioned on the exterior side of the housing <NUM> for the electrical distribution equipment cabinet <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In an embodiment, the socket <NUM> may be mounted on the housing <NUM> for the electrical distribution equipment cabinet <NUM> adjacent to the panel <NUM>. As further illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the output socket <NUM> may be connected via electrical wires to the transducer <NUM> and may receive the electrical audio signals from the transducer <NUM>. The output socket <NUM> may be connected directly to the sensor <NUM> via electrical wires or cables and may receive the detected signals (such as ultrasounds, electromagnetic pulses, electrical impulses, VHF signals and TEV signals) from the sensor <NUM>, in accordance with some embodiments. In an embodiment, the sensor <NUM> may detect such signals using capacitive coupled transducers <NUM>. In some embodiments, the sensor <NUM> may comprise a transducer <NUM> capable of detecting both ultrasounds and TEV signals.

Referring back to <FIG>, the output socket <NUM> may be adapted to receive a cable plug or jack <NUM> (such a <NUM> female jack) of an electrical cable/wire <NUM> connected to an external device <NUM>. In accordance with certain embodiments, the output socket <NUM> may be adapted to transmit the electrical audio signals and/or the detected signals to the external device <NUM> via the electrical cable/wire <NUM>. The external device <NUM> may be adapted to generate an audible sound based on the electrical audio signals. In some embodiments, the external device <NUM> may comprise a headphone, a headset, or a speaker. In certain embodiments, the external device <NUM> may be adapted to connect to an audio device <NUM> capable of generating an audible sound. As shown in <FIG>, the external device <NUM> may comprise a headphone jack socket <NUM> for the audio device <NUM> (e.g. headphones). The audio device <NUM> may be capable of generating an audible sound based on the detected signals. In certain embodiments, ultrasounds and/or partial discharges of an electrical component <NUM> may be audibly perceived and monitored by an user of the external device <NUM>. Accordingly, the user may identify the existence of an electrical fault without having a direct line of sight to the electrical component <NUM> having the partial discharge. In an embodiment, the output connector <NUM> may 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 device <NUM> that is adapted to wirelessly receive such signals.

In some embodiments, the external device <NUM> may comprise a device that is capable of analyzing ultrasounds and/or pulse discharges detected by a sensor. The external device <NUM> may analyze information and data relating from the detected signals, in accordance with certain embodiments. The external device <NUM> may 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 device <NUM> may comprise an electrical cable or wire having a cable plug/jack adapted to be plugged into the output socket <NUM> that may be connected to the sensor <NUM>. In an embodiment, the sensor <NUM> may detect electrical signals, light wave signals and/or sound wave signals emitted from an electrical fault within the electrical distribution equipment cabinet <NUM>. In such an embodiment, the sensor <NUM> may comprise a transducer <NUM> capable of detecting ultrasounds and TEV signals via capacitive coupling technology. These signals, or electrical signals converted by a transducer <NUM> based on such detected signals, may be transmitted via the output socket <NUM> to the external device <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the sensor <NUM> may comprise the transducer <NUM> that converts the detected signals into electrical audio signals. In an embodiment, the detected signals may be converted into electrical audio signals by the external device <NUM>.

The external device <NUM> may also comprise a screen monitor <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In some embodiments, the external device <NUM> may convert the detected signals and/or the electrical audio signals into visual expressions that may be displayed on the screen monitor <NUM>. The screen monitor <NUM> may 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 device <NUM> may monitor the electrical components <NUM> located within the cabinet <NUM> for an electrical fault by viewing the screen monitor <NUM> and by listening to the audio device <NUM>. In an embodiment, the external device <NUM> may operate in multiple modes. In one mode, ultrasounds may be detected and the screen monitor <NUM> may 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 monitor <NUM> may 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 components <NUM> in an electrical distribution equipment cabinet <NUM>, the method may comprise the detection of signals (such as ultrasounds and/or electrical impulses) emitted from a partial discharge of an electrical component <NUM> located within the electrical distribution equipment cabinet <NUM>. The detection may be performed by an ultrasound sensor <NUM>. The sensor or detector <NUM> may be mounted on the interior side of a housing <NUM> for the electrical distribution equipment cabinet <NUM>. In certain embodiment, multiple sensors <NUM> may be mounted in order to monitor additional areas within the cabinet <NUM>. The method may further comprise the conversion of the detected signals to electrical audio signals. The conversion may be performed by a converter <NUM> such as a microcontroller, a transducer or a transmitter. A transducer <NUM> may be connected to the sensor <NUM>. In addition, the method may comprise the transmission of the audible signals to an exterior device <NUM> via an output socket <NUM>. The output socket <NUM> may be mounted on the exterior side of the housing <NUM> for the electrical distribution equipment cabinet <NUM>. The output socket <NUM> may be adapted to receive a cable plug/jack for a cable connected to the external device <NUM>. 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 device <NUM>. In some embodiments, the transducer <NUM> and the sensor <NUM> may comprise a single unit or component. In certain embodiments, ultrasounds and partial discharges of an electrical component <NUM> may be audibly perceived and monitored by an user via the external device <NUM>. 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 device <NUM> may be located adjacent to the targeted area where the monitored electrical components <NUM> are located within the cabinet <NUM>. In an embodiment, the electrical fault detection device <NUM> may comprise a panel <NUM> for the housing <NUM> of the cabinet <NUM> that is interchangeable with filler or blanking panels located adjacent to the targeted area. The sensor <NUM>, transducer <NUM> and output socket <NUM> may be mounted on the panel <NUM>. In certain embodiments, a preexisting blanking panel may be altered or adapted to include an electrical fault detection device <NUM>. In an embodiment, a panel <NUM> for the electrical fault detection device <NUM> may 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 components <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the panel <NUM> may comprise an array of holes or ports formed therethrough that permit infrared inspection through the panel <NUM> from the outside of the housing <NUM> of the cabinet <NUM>. In some embodiments, the external device <NUM> may comprise a camera or detection thermographer (such as an infrared camera) that is capable of imaging the radiation emitted from an electrical component <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the front end <NUM> of the external device <NUM> comprises the lens for such a thermographer. In an embodiment, the external device <NUM> may operate in a thermographer mode. Radiation that is emitted from an electrical component and through the IR/UV-permitting panel <NUM> may be detected via the external device <NUM>, and the screen monitor <NUM> may 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 components <NUM> within an electrical distribution equipment cabinet <NUM> via 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 cabinet <NUM>, 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 sensor <NUM> on the interior side of the cabinet <NUM> proves an improvement in the detection of signals emitted from the electrical components <NUM>. Further, the configuration of an output socket or connector <NUM> connected to the sensor <NUM> and mounted on the panel <NUM> improves the processing efficiency for the monitoring of electrical faults.

In some embodiments, a retaining mechanism <NUM> that may be adapted to mount a panel <NUM> to the housing <NUM> for the electrical distribution equipment cabinet <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the housing <NUM> for the cabinet <NUM> may define an opening <NUM> adapted to receive such a panel <NUM> having the electrical fault detection device <NUM>. In accordance with certain embodiments, a preexisting electrical distribution equipment cabinet <NUM> may be modified to include an electrical fault detection device <NUM> by mounting such a panel <NUM> over an opening <NUM> in the housing <NUM> of a cabinet <NUM>. This provides the benefit of adding an electrical fault detection device <NUM> without replacing the cabinet <NUM> or substantively altering the structure of the cabinet <NUM>. 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 in <FIG>, the electrical fault detection device <NUM> may comprise a closure <NUM> (such as a door, plate or lid) for covering the output socket <NUM> when the electrical components <NUM> are not actively being monitored. The closure <NUM> may be locked by a latch <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An electrical fault detection device (<NUM>) for audible monitoring of electrical components (<NUM>) located within an electrical distribution equipment cabinet (<NUM>), comprising:
a sensor (<NUM>) mounted on an interior side of a housing (<NUM>) for the electrical distribution equipment cabinet (<NUM>), the housing (<NUM>) enclosing the electrical components (<NUM>) located within the electrical distribution equipment cabinet (<NUM>), the electrical components (<NUM>) comprising high-voltage power distribution equipment (<NUM>), the sensor (<NUM>) adapted to detect a signal emitted from an electrical fault within the electrical distribution equipment cabinet (<NUM>); a transducer adapted to convert the detected signal into an electrical audio signal;
an output socket (<NUM>) mounted on an exterior side of the housing (<NUM>) for the electrical distribution equipment cabinet (<NUM>), the output socket (<NUM>) operably connected to the sensor (<NUM>), the output socket (<NUM>) having a front side defining an opening on an exterior side of the housing (<NUM>) for the electrical distribution equipment cabinet (<NUM>), the opening of the output socket (<NUM>) adapted to receive a cable plug (<NUM>) for a cable (<NUM>) connected to an external device (<NUM>), the output socket (<NUM>) adapted to transmit the electrical audio signal to the external device (<NUM>); and,
a panel (<NUM>) mounted on the housing (<NUM>) for the electrical distribution equipment cabinet (<NUM>) via a retaining mechanism (<NUM>), the retaining mechanism (<NUM>) securing the panel (<NUM>) to the electrical distribution equipment cabinet (<NUM>), the housing (<NUM>) defining a cabinet opening (<NUM>) in the electrical distribution equipment cabinet (<NUM>), the panel (<NUM>) adapted to be mounted over the cabinet opening (<NUM>), a first side of the mounted panel (<NUM>) positioned on the interior side of the electrical distribution equipment cabinet (<NUM>), a second side of the mounted panel (<NUM>) positioned on the exterior side of the electrical distribution equipment cabinet (<NUM>), wherein the sensor (<NUM>) is mounted on the first side of the mounted panel (<NUM>), the output socket (<NUM>) is mounted on the second side of the mounted panel (<NUM>), wherein the panel (<NUM>) is interchangeable with a blanking panel for the housing (<NUM>) of the cabinet (<NUM>).