System for monitoring the insulation quality of step graded insulated high voltage apparatus

Abstract

A non-ferrous current sensor is used to continuously measure the charging current magnitude in step-graded foil and paper insulation systems used on high voltage measurement and control apparatus such as instrument transformers and on the condenser bushings of power transformers and circuit breakers. The low voltage measured signal is conditioned by an electronic circuit such that it modulates a DC signal in a system current control loop to provide continuous remote monitoring and alarm functions. Remote power is supplied to the sensor and conversion circuits through the current loop. Alarm level thresholds and alarm time delay are embodied in a control device which may be located in a remote location, away from the high voltage equipment. Step-graded insulation systems form a capacitively divided circuit between the high potential and ground. As the dielectric between the foil layers breaks down, the total capacitance of the insulation system increases, producing an increase in the charging current. The sensor detects changes in the charging current through the insulation ground conductor, indicating the degradation of the dielectric properties between the foil layers. Continuous monitoring of the alarm relay contacts provide a means for reporting abnormal conditions and initiating event-based maintenance procedures. The modulation of a standard 4-20 mA current control loop allows for a multiplicity of monitoring equipment to be added to the system for additional data collection and reporting.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.