Integrated gas sensing and regulation system
AssigneeProlec-GE Waukesha, Inc.
InventorsJohn Pruente, Arthur Martin, Danny Mathew
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An enhanced N2 regulation system is integrated with a H2 sensor together as a combined package. This system is designed to detect the generation of hydrogen within a transformer, directly within the nitrogen headspace of the transformer. The present invention also ensures a system's operation that maintains the set pressure range by either adding nitrogen or venting overpressure to the atmosphere as required. The final stage of the N2 regulator system is responsible for maintaining the gas-blanketed tank pressure within the range of 0.5 to 5.0 psi consistently.
Claims43
A monitoring system configured for regulate Nitrogen (N2), the regulation system comprising:
- at least one gas cylinder, wherein the gas cylinder contains Nitrogen,
- at least one pressure-reducing regulator, being equipped with at least one high and low-pressure gauges,
- at least one high and at least one low-pressure alarm switches,
- at least one pressure/vacuum-relief valve,
- at least one supply line with an isolation valve,
- at least one hydrogen sensor, and
- at least one power supply and at least one circuit breaker
- wherein the monitoring system consists of:
- a nitrogen gas supply cylinder with its own control valve, a supply pressure gauge, a three-stage pressure reducing assembly and the piping and valves that control the flow of gas to and from the tank;
- electrical connection points for low gas supply, high tank pressure and low tank pressure alarms,
- wherein during periods of transformer cooling the overall tank pressure will decrease nitrogen gas flows from the bottle supply cylinder through the reducing valve assembly and into the tank until the pressure is restored;
- wherein during periods of transformer heating, tank pressure will increase, and the regulator assembly will vent the excess nitrogen to atmosphere to prevent tank damage or PRD operation;
- a nitrogen supply pressure and a relief valve breaking pressure, being configurable to provide a tank regulation band;
- adjustable alarm contacts, which are configurated to indicate max/min tank pressures selected by user;
- wherein increasing the nitrogen supply pressure will decrease the regulation band for the transformer tank and may increase nitrogen use during periods of heavy thermal cycling,
- the regulation system further comprises a Hydrogen (H2) sensor configured to detect the generation of hydrogen within a transformer,
- the hydrogen (H2) sensor is disposed directly within the nitrogen panel,
- the nitrogen panel is installed outside the transformer, and
- wherein the hydrogen sensor monitors the nitrogen panel for the presence of hydrogen gas in quantities between 0-50,000 ppm.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.