CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of United States Non-Provisional Patent Application No. 17/867,852 filed July 19, 2022, and the entire contents of United States NonProvisional Patent Application No. 17/867,852 are hereby incorporated herein in its entirety.

FIELD

[0001] The various embodiments described herein generally relate to the field of circuit arrangements specially adapted for detecting undesired changes from normal working conditions for transformers.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Proper functioning of transformers is important to ensure that the power that is provided by the transformers is not interrupted. Accordingly, monitoring technology have been developed to monitor the operation of transformers. One of the challenges which known transformer monitoring technology is with respect to detecting partial discharge pulses which appear as transients. With current monitoring technology, oscilloscopes are used as well as very high sampling frequencies in the 5GHz range (e.g., about 5 Giga Samples Per Second (GSPS)). Such oscilloscopes are large, delicate and expensive. Furthermore, the use of such oscilloscopes in the field, where the transformers are used, is not feasible.

SUMMARY OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

[0003] In one aspect, in accordance with the teachings herein, the faulty transformer partial discharge, vibration, combustible gases, and sound frequency monitor and alarm includes an electric circuit. The faulty transformer partial discharge, vibration, combustible gases, and sound frequency monitor and alarm may be used as a diagnostic tool. The faulty transformer partial discharge, vibration, combustible gases, and sound frequency monitor and alarm generally comprises a control circuit and a housing structure. The housing structure contains the control circuit. The housing structure may be used to physically attach the control circuit to the transformer structure. In at least one embodiment, the control circuit along with an audio sensor may be configured to capture audible sounds generated by the transformer structure. The control circuit may further be configured to analyze the captured audible sounds. If the control circuit detects that one or more captured audible sounds are being generated at a frequency known to indicate an abnormal operating condition for the transformer structure, the control circuit may be configured to transmit a messaging facility (e.g., electronic message such as an email, MMS and/or SMS) to a remote monitoring station.

[0004] In another aspect, in accordance with the teachings herein, there is provided at least one embodiment of a faulty transformer monitor and alarm that is configured to monitor operation of a transformer, wherein the monitor and alarm comprise: a housing structure; a control circuit located in the housing structure, the control circuit including a logic module for performing the monitoring; and at least one sensor for obtaining sensor data related to an operating condition of the transformer, and wherein the monitor and alarm are located proximal to the transformer so that the sensor data includes information related to an operational characteristic of the transformer.

[0005] In at least one embodiment, the housing is adapted to be mounted to a transformer structure of the transformer.

[0006] In at least one embodiment, the monitor and alarm further comprises a magnetic attachment to mount the monitor and alarm to the transformer structure.

[0007] In at least one embodiment, the control circuit is configured to obtain the sensor data generated from monitoring the transformer, to analyze, via the logic module, the obtained sensor data to detect when there is an abnormal operating condition; and when there is an abnormal operating condition for the transformer to indicate the abnormal operating condition in a messaging facility.

[0008] In at least one embodiment, the control circuit comprises a communication module that is electrically connected to the logic module and the communication module is configured to send a messaging facility to a remote monitoring station or a remote electronic device to indicate the abnormal operating condition.

[0009] In at least one embodiment, the logic module is configured to analyze a frequency distribution of the sensor data to determine the abnormal operating condition when a frequency in the sensor data is detected is consistent with a known abnormal operating condition of the transformer.

[0010] In at least one embodiment, the at least one sensor comprises a vibration sensor and the logic module is configured to measure a vibration from the sensor data and compare the measured vibration to a vibration threshold to determine when there is an abnormal operating condition for the transformer. [0011] In at least one embodiment, the at least one sensor comprises an audio sensor and the logic module is configured to measure sound levels from the sensor data and compare the measured sound level to a sound level threshold to determine when there is an abnormal operating condition for the transformer due to sound.

[0012] In at least one embodiment, the at least one sensor comprises a partial discharge (PD) sensor and the logic module is configured to measure PD events from the sensor data and compare the measured PD events to a PD threshold to determine when there is an abnormal operating condition for the transformer due to PD.

[0013] In at least one embodiment, the at least one sensor comprises a temperature sensor and the logic module is configured to measure temperatures of the transformer from the sensor data and compare the measured temperatures to a temperature threshold to determine when there is an abnormal operating condition for the transformer due to temperature.

[0014] In at least one embodiment, the at least one sensor comprises a smoke sensor and the logic module is configured to measure smoke levels from the sensor data and compare the measured smoke levels to a smoke threshold to determine when there is an abnormal operating condition for the transformer due to smoke.

[0015] In at least one embodiment, the at least one sensor comprises a methane gas sensor and the logic module is configured to measure methane gas levels from the sensor data and compare the measured methane gas levels to a methane gas threshold to determine when there is an abnormal operating condition for the transformer due to methane gas.

[0016] In at least one embodiment, the logic module is a readily and commercially available programmable electronic device that is used to manage, regulate, and operate the control circuit; and the communication module is a wireless electronic communication device that is configured to send the messaging facility over a wireless communication link to the remote monitoring station or the remote electronic device; and wherein the message contained in the messaging facility contains an identification of the transformer and a summary of the abnormal operating condition identified by the logic module.

[0017] In another aspect, in accordance with the teachings herein, there is provided at least one embodiment of a method for monitoring operation of a transformer using a monitor and alarm that is proximal to a transformer structure of the transformer so that the sensor data includes information related to an operational characteristic of the transformer, wherein the method comprises: obtaining sensor data, using at least one sensor, where the sensor data is related to an operating condition of the transformer; analyzing the obtained sensor data, using a logic module, to detect when there is an abnormal operating condition; and generating and sending a messaging facility to a remote monitoring station or a remote electronic device when there is an abnormal operating condition for the transformer where the messaging facility indicates the abnormal operating condition.

[0018] In at least one embodiment, the logic module is configured to analyze a frequency distribution of the sensor data to determine the abnormal operating condition when a frequency in the sensor data is detected is consistent with a known abnormal operating condition of the transformer.

[0019] In at least one embodiment, the at least one sensor comprises a vibration sensor and the method comprises using the logic module to measure a vibration from the sensor data and compare the measured vibration to a vibration threshold to determine when there is an abnormal operating condition for the transformer.

[0020] In at least one embodiment, the at least one sensor comprises an audio sensor and the method comprises using the logic module to measure sound levels from the sensor data and compare the measured sound level to a sound level threshold to determine when there is an abnormal operating condition for the transformer due to sound.

[0021] In at least one embodiment, the at least one sensor comprises a partial discharge (PD) sensor and the method comprises using the logic module to measure PD events from the sensor data and compare the measured PD events to a PD threshold to determine when there is an abnormal operating condition for the transformer due to PD.

[0022] In at least one embodiment, the at least one sensor comprises a temperature sensor and the method comprises using the logic module to measure temperatures of the transformer from the sensor data and compare the measured temperatures to a temperature threshold to determine when there is an abnormal operating condition for the transformer due to temperature.

[0023] In at least one embodiment, the at least one sensor comprises a smoke sensor and the method comprises using the logic module to measure smoke levels from the sensor data and compare the measured smoke levels to a smoke threshold to determine when there is an abnormal operating condition for the transformer due to smoke.

[0024] In at least one embodiment, the at least one sensor comprises a methane gas sensor and the method comprises using the logic module to measure methane gas levels from the sensor data and compare the measured methane gas levels to a methane gas threshold to determine when there is an abnormal operating condition for the transformer due to methane gas.

[0025] In another aspect, in accordance with the teachings herein, there is provided at least one embodiment of a non-transitory computer readable medium storing thereon program instructions, which when executed by at least one computing device, configure the at least computing device for performing a method for monitoring an operation of a transformer, wherein the method is defined according to any of the embodiments described herein.

[0026] These together with additional features and advantages of the faulty transformer partial discharge, vibration, combustible gases, and sound frequency monitor and alarm will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, example embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0027] In this respect, before explaining the current embodiments of the faulty transformer partial discharge, vibration, combustible gases, and sound frequency monitor and alarm in detail, it is to be understood that the faulty transformer partial discharge, vibration, combustible gases, and sound frequency monitor and alarm is not limited in its applications to the details of construction and arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or enclosed illustrations. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the concept of this disclosure may be readily utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the faulty transformer partial discharge, vibration, combustible gases, and sound frequency monitor and alarm.

[0028] It is therefore important that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent construction insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the faulty transformer partial discharge, vibration, combustible gases, and sound frequency monitor and alarm. It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. They are meant to be exemplary illustrations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to practice the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.

[0030] For a better understanding of the various embodiments described herein, and to show more clearly how these various embodiments may be carried into effect, reference will be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings which show at least one example embodiment, and which are now described. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the teachings described herein.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a faulty transformer partial discharge, vibration, combustible gases, and sound frequency monitor and alarm in accordance with the teachings herein.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the example embodiment of the monitor and alarm.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a top view of the example embodiment of the monitor and alarm.

[0034] FIG. 4 is an in-use view of the example embodiment of the monitor and alarm.

[0035] FIGS. 5A-5D are top, bottom, upper end and lower end views of another example embodiment of a faulty transformer partial discharge, vibration, combustible gases, and sound frequency monitor and alarm in accordance with the teachings herein.

[0036] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example embodiment of the electronics of the monitor and alarm of FIGS. 5A-5D.

[0037] FIG. 7 is a graph of showing example waveforms of detected partial discharge events using the monitor and alarm of FIGS. 5A-5D.

[0038] FIG. 8 is a block diagram shown an example embodiment of power regulation of the monitor and alarm of FIGS. 5A-5D.

[0039] Further aspects and features of the example embodiments described herein will appear from the following description taken together with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0040] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments of the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to practice the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description.

[0041] Various embodiments in accordance with the teachings herein will be described below to provide examples of at least one embodiment of the claimed subject matter. No embodiment described herein limits any claimed subject matter. The claimed subject matter is not limited to devices, systems or methods having all of the features of any one of the devices, systems or methods described below or to features common to multiple or all of the devices, systems or methods described herein. It is possible that there may be a device, system or method described herein that is not an embodiment of any claimed subject matter. Any subject matter that is described herein that is not claimed in this document may be the subject matter of another protective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, and the applicants, inventors or owners do not intend to abandon, disclaim or dedicate to the public any such subject matter by its disclosure in this document.

[0042] Furthermore, it will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements or steps. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well- known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0043] It should also be noted that the terms “coupled” or “coupling” as used herein can have several different meanings depending on the context in which these terms are used. For example, the terms coupled or coupling can have a mechanical, electrical or communicative connotation. For example, as used herein, the terms coupled or coupling can indicate that two elements or devices can be directly connected to one another or connected to one another through one or more intermediate elements or devices via an electrical element, an electrical signal, a light signal or a mechanical element depending on the particular context.

[0044] It should also be noted that, as used herein, the wording “and/or” is intended to represent an inclusive-or. That is, “X and/or Y” is intended to mean X or Y or both X and Y, for example. As a further example, “X, Y, and/or Z” is intended to mean X or Y or Z or any combination thereof.

[0045] It should be noted that terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. These terms of degree may also be construed as including a deviation of the modified term, such as by 1 %, 2%, 5% or 10%, for example, if this deviation does not negate the meaning of the term it modifies.

[0046] Furthermore, the recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints herein includes all numbers and fractions subsumed within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1 , 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.90, 4, and 5). It is also to be understood that all numbers and fractions thereof are presumed to be modified by the term “about” which means a variation of up to a certain amount of the number to which reference is being made if the end result is not significantly changed, such as 1 %, 2%, 5%, or 10%, for example.

[0047] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “at least one embodiment” or “some embodiments” means that one or more particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments, unless otherwise specified to be not combinable or to be alternative options.

[0048] Similarly, throughout this specification and the appended claims the term “communicative” as in “communicative pathway”, “communicative coupling”, and in variants such as “communicatively coupled” is generally used to refer to any engineered arrangement for transferring and/or exchanging information. Examples of communicative pathways include, but are not limited to, electrically conductive pathways (e.g., electrically conductive wires, physiological signal conduction), electromagnetically radiative pathways (e.g., radio waves, optical signals, etc.), or any combination thereof. Examples of communicative couplings include, but are not limited to, electrical couplings, magnetic couplings, radio couplings, optical couplings or any combination thereof.

[0049] A portion of the example embodiments of the systems, devices, or methods described in accordance with the teachings herein may be implemented as a combination of hardware or software. For example, a portion of the embodiments described herein may be implemented, at least in part, by using one or more computer programs, executing on one or more programmable devices comprising at least one processing element, and at least one data storage element (including volatile and/or non-volatile memory). These devices may also have at least one input device (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, a touchscreen, an input pin, an input port and the like for providing at least one input such as an input signal, for example) and at least one output device (e.g., a display screen, a printer, a wireless radio, an output port, an output pin and the like for providing at least one output such as an output signal, for example) depending on the nature of the device.

[0050] It should also be noted that there may be some elements that are used to implement at least part of the embodiments described herein that may be implemented via software that is written in a high-level procedural language such as object-oriented programming. The program code may be written in C, C ⁺⁺ or any other suitable programming language and may comprise modules or classes, as is known to those skilled in object- oriented programming. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, some of these elements implemented via software may be written in assembly language, machine language, or firmware as needed.

[0051] At least some of the software programs used to implement at least one of the embodiments described herein may be stored on a storage media or a device that is readable by a general or special purpose programmable device. The software program code, when read by the programmable device, which may also be referred to as a computing device, configures the programmable device to operate in a new, specific and predefined manner in order to perform at least one of the methods described herein.

[0052] Furthermore, at least some of the programs associated with the systems and methods of the embodiments described herein may be capable of being distributed in a computer program product comprising a computer readable medium that bears computer usable instructions, such as program code, for one or more processors. The program code may be preinstalled and embedded during manufacture and/or may be later installed as an update for an already deployed computing system. The medium may be provided in various forms, including non-transitory forms such as, but not limited to, one or more diskettes, compact disks, tapes, memory chips, and magnetic and electronic storage. In alternative embodiments, the medium may be transitory in nature such as, but not limited to, wire-line transmissions, satellite transmissions, internet transmissions (e.g., downloads), media, digital and analog signals, and the like. The computer useable instructions may also be in various formats, including compiled and non-compiled code.

[0053] Any module, unit, component, server, computer, terminal or computing device described herein that executes software instructions in accordance with the teachings herein may include or otherwise have access to computer readable media such as storage media, computer storage media, or data storage devices (removable and/or non-removable) such as, for example, magnetic disks, optical disks, or tape. Computer storage media may include volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Examples of computer storage media include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information, and which can be accessed by an application, module, or both. Any such computer storage media may be part of the device or accessible or connectable thereto.

[0054] Detailed reference will now be made to one or more potential embodiments of the disclosure, which are illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4, which show an example embodiment of a faulty transformer partial discharge, vibration, combustible gases, and sound frequency monitor and alarm 100 in accordance with the teachings herein. The monitor and alarm 100 includes an electric circuit and may be used as a diagnostic tool. The monitor and alarm 100 comprises a control circuit 101 , and a housing structure 102. The housing 102 may be used to attach the monitor and alarm 100 to a transformer structure 103. The housing structure 102 contains the control circuit 101. The housing structure 102 may be adapted to bring the control circuit 101 in close proximity to the transformer structure 103. The control circuit 101 may include or be coupled to an audio sensor to capture audible sounds generated by the transformer structure 103. The control circuit 101 may be configured to analyze the captured audible sounds. If the control circuit 101 detects that one or more captured audible sounds are being generated at a frequency known to indicate an abnormal operating condition for the transformer structure 103, the control circuit 101 may be configured to transmit a messaging facility, such as an electronic message including an email, SMS and/or MMS, to a remote monitoring station 115 or another electronic device.

[0055] The transformer structure 103 may be modelled using an electric circuit. For example, the transformer structure 103 may be modelled using an inductive circuit. The transformer structure 103 is an electric device used to change the voltage presented by an ac electric current. The transformer structure 103 further comprises a pedestal structure 131. The pedestal structure 131 is a rigid structure. The pedestal structure 131 forms a pedestal (e.g., a base or support) that supports the transformer structure 103. The housing structure 103 is mounted on the pedestal structure 131. Accordingly, when the housing 102 of the monitor is placed in close proximity to the transformer structure, such as adjacent to the pedestal structure 131 , the control circuit 101 may be configured to pick up, i.e., sense or record, non-audible vibrations from the transformer structure 103 via a vibration sensor such as a piezoelectric sensor.

[0056] The housing structure 102 is a rigid structure. The housing structure 102 contains the control circuit 101 . The housing structure 102 is formed with all apertures and form factors necessary to allow the housing structure 102 to accommodate the use and operation of the control circuit 101. Methods to form the housing structure 102 suitable for the purposes described in this disclosure are well-known and documented in the mechanical arts.

[0057] The control circuit 101 is an electric circuit, which may be configured through hardware design and/or software programs such that the control circuit 101 monitors the transformer structure 103 for a stimulus including: a) an audible sound; and, b) a vibration. The control circuit 101 is coupled to a sensor that is used to capture the selected stimulus (hereinafter an audible sound for example) and produce sensor data. The control circuit 101 is configured to analyze the sensor data such as analyze the audible frequency distribution of the sensor data representing the captured audible sound. The control circuit 101 may be configured to determine if a frequency detected by the control circuit 101 is consistent (e.g., the same or approximately similar) with a frequency that occurs under a known abnormal operating condition of the transformer structure 103. If the control circuit 101 determines that the transformer structure 103 is operating under abnormal operating conditions, the logic module 111 generates and transmits a message facility (e.g., electronic message or electronic signal with message data such as an email, MMS and/or SMS) to the remote monitoring station 115 to inform the remote monitoring station 115 about the abnormal operating condition. The logic module 111 may generate the message data to include a summary of the abnormal operating condition.

[0058] The control circuit 101 comprises the logic module 111 , a communication module 112, and a sensor 113. The sensor 113 may be a vibration sensor, an audio sensor or there may be a vibration sensor and an audio sensor. The logic module 111 is electrically connected with the communication module 112 and the sensor 113 so that the logic module 111 may receive sensor data from the sensor 113 and communication data from the communication module 112. Alternatively, the logic module 111 may send communication data to the communication module 112 for transmission to another device. The communication module 112 communicates via a wireless communication link 114 to a remote monitoring station 115. The communication module 112 therefore may be used for communication over the wireless communication link 114 between the logic module 111 and the remote monitoring station 115. [0059] The logic module 111 is a readily and commercially available programmable electronic device that is used to manage, regulate, and operate the control circuit 101. Depending on the specific design and the selected components, the logic module 111 can be a separate component within the control circuit 101 or the functions of the logic module 111 can be incorporated into another component within the control circuit 101. For example, the logic module 111 may be a computing device that includes a processor and a memory that stores software instructions such that the control circuit 101 is configured to perform certain functions when the processor executes the software instructions.

[0060] The communication module 112 is a wireless electronic communication device, such as a WiFi radio for example, that allows the logic module 111 to wirelessly communicate with the remote monitoring station 115 or another remote electronic device. The communication module 112 may be instructed to send the direct messaging facility 115 over the wireless communication link 114 to the remote monitoring station. The message data contained in the direct messaging facility 115 may be generated to contain an identification of the transformer structure 103 and a summary of the abnormal operating condition identified by the logic module 111.

[0061] In the first potential embodiment of the disclosure, the communication module 112 communicates SMS and MMS messages between the logic module 121 and the direct messaging facility 115 through a commercially provided and publicly available cellular wireless network. The use of a commercially provided and publicly available cellular wireless network is preferred because: a) of its low cost; b) of the widespread availability and the broad interoperability between competing commercially provided and publicly available cellular wireless networks; and, c) methods and techniques to send SMS and MMS messages over a commercially provided and publicly available cellular wireless network are well known and documented by those skilled in the electrical arts.

[0062] The sensor 113 may be a vibration sensor or an audio sensor. The vibration sensor may be implemented using a transducer. The sensor 113 is electrically connected to the logic module 111 so that any sensor data obtained by the sensor 113 may be sent to the logic module 111. The logic module 111 is configured to monitor the operation of the sensor 113 and sensor data. When a vibration sensor is used, it may detect the vibrations of an audible sound and converts the detected vibrations into an electric signal which includes the sensor data. The sensor 113 transmits the electric signal to the logic module 111 for further processing. The sensor 113 may be a microphone, or a piezoelectric device, for example. [0063] The logic module 111 may be configured to analyze the frequency distribution of the captured audible sound received in the sensor data received from the sensor 113. The logic module 111 may be configured to determine if a frequency in the sensor data that is provided by the sensor 113 is consistent (e.g., the same or substantially similar to) a frequency associated with a known abnormal operating condition of the transformer structure 103. If the logic module 111 determines that the transformer structure 103 is operating under abnormal operating conditions, the logic module 111 may be configured to generate and transmit a message facility to the remote monitoring station 115 informing the remote monitoring station 115 about the abnormal operating condition. The logic module 111 may be configured to transmit a message facility to the remote monitoring station 115 through the communication module 112 and the wireless communication link 114.

[0064] The remote monitoring station 115 is an appropriate authority. For example, the remote monitoring station 115 is an organization, such as the power or hydro company for example, who is designated to receive the messaging facility and take action based on the message data in the messaging facility.

[0065] Detailed reference will now be made to one or more potential embodiments of the disclosure, which are illustrated in FIGS. 5A to 8 which show another example embodiment of a faulty transformer partial discharge, vibration, combustible gases, and sound frequency monitor and alarm 200 in accordance with the teachings herein. The monitor and alarm 200 includes a housing structure 202, one or more solar panels/solar cells 204, a magnetic attachment 206, holes 208, an on/off input 210 and a config/mains power port 212. The holes 208 may be used to receive gas so that the monitor and alarm 200 can sense gas. The on/off input 210 may be a switch or toggle that is used to turn the monitor and alarm 200 on or off. The port 212 may be used to connect the monitor and alarm 200 to a cable, such as a USB cable, for sending and receiving data and also for receiving power.

[0066] The monitor and alarm 200 also includes a partial discharge detection (PD) sensor that can detect partial discharge from the transformer 103 based on the characteristics of partial discharge signals as described in IEC 62478 and IEC 60270. The PD sensor may be configured to detect partial discharges in the frequency range from 8 MHz -100 MHz with the lowest PD impulse detected being 12pC in the category of HF and VHF PD detection as defined in IEC62478.

[0067] IEC 62478 (2016 “High-Voltage Test Techniques - Measurement of partial discharges by electromagnetic and acoustic methods” - for infield-based PD detection) applies in operational environments such as substations, motor rooms, etc. In that standard four types of PD detection sensor categories are defined, namely: 1) Low frequency PD detection, where LF means below 3 MHz, i.e., approximately the frequency range in IEC 60270), 2) High frequency PD detection, where HF means 3MHz to 30 MHz; 3) Very high frequency PD detection, where VHF means 30MHz to 300 MHz and 4) Ultra high frequency PD detection, where UHF - 300MHz to 3000 MHz.

[0068] IEC 60270 (IEC 60270:2000/BS EN 60270:2001 “High-Voltage Test Techniques - Partial Discharge Measurements” - for laboratory based PD detection) applies to more to laboratory-based testing for partial discharge where equipment is taken offline for testing. In IEC60270 two types of PD detection sensor categories are defined, namely: 1) Narrow band detection in the 9-30 kHz range with a center frequency anywhere between 50 kHz and 1 MHz, 2) Wide band detection in the 100 kHz to 900 kHz range, and 3) PD detection above 1 MHz is not covered by this standard.

[0069] The dimensions of the monitor and alarm 200 allow it to fit by the magnetic attachment 208 next to a flange of any type of bushing whether it has a test tap or not from, for example, 3kV up to 765kV transformers. For example, the dimensions may include a length of about 204 mm, a height of about 52 mm, and a width of about 130 mm. Bushings with any type of insulation can be monitored using the monitor and alarm 100, 200. In some cases, the monitor and alarm 100, 200 can be retrofitted on transformers that are operational in the field or pre-fitted during manufacture of transformers. The enclosure (e.g., housing 202) may be configured for outdoor use with a rating of IP65, for example, to give protection against low pressure water jets from any direction, as well as condensation and water spray. One option for providing power to the monitor and alarm 100, 200 is mains power with a power cable. Another option is for providing power to the monitor and alarm 200 is by solar charging of a battery inside the sensor enclosure 202 via the solar panel/solar cells 204.

[0070] The monitor and alarms 100, 200 may be configured to provide wideband frequency response, ranging from 8 MHz to 100 MHz, which enable detection of fast rise time partial discharge signals from 6 nanoseconds. For example, the monitor and alarms 100, 200 may be used to identify PD pulses originating from monitored components (e.g., transformers) and filter out other sources of PD and electrostatic noise, such as corona and arcing.

[0071] In at least one embodiment, temperature and relative humidity readings may be obtained and used to apply calibration to the PD signal, because PD signals are affected by temperature and humidity, thus improving accuracy of information provided by the monitor and alarms 100, 200. The monitor and alarms 100, 200 may include various sensors that are used for collecting data from and reporting the measured sensor data and/or any detected conditions to another computing device such as the remote monitoring station 115.

[0072] Referring now to FIG. 6, shown therein is a sensor board that may be used by the monitor and alarms 200 where the sensor board includes a controller, such as an Integrated Cortex-M4 processor, for example, having analogue to digital converters, wireless radio communications, partial discharge detection, grounding of PD circuit, peak PD impulse detection, temperature monitoring, vibration detection, humidity sensing, smoke detection and methane detection. The board also includes support-hardware such as, but not limited to, power regulators, level shifters, hubs, switches, test points, and isolation components.

[0073] The microprocessor which is used may be a 168 MHz Arm® 32-bit Cortex®-M4 CPU with FPU, Adaptive real-time accelerator (ART Accelerator) allowing 0-wait state execution from Flash memory, memory protection unit, 210 DMIPSZ 1.25 DMIPS/MHz. In other embodiments, other suitable processors may be used. It should be noted that the microprocessor and design of the monitor and alarm 200 allows slower sampling frequencies in the range of about 100MSPS to 1GSPS so that larger more expensive equipment is not needed as is the case with some conventional monitoring devices.

[0074] The communications modem that may be used may be the Quectel EG25-G which allows for LTE wireless communications. This particular modem also allows for the GPS location of every monitor and alarm 200 to be known by connecting a low cost GNNS antenna to the modem. Power consumption during transmission consumes 90% of power used by the entire sensor compared to sleep mode based on connectivity of Class 1 (30dBm±2dB) for PCS1900 network. Alternatively, another communication modem or radio may be used in other embodiments.

[0075] The monitor and alarm 200 may also include a capacitive sensor that is designed to detect partial discharge pulses from nearby high voltage transformers. For example, over time, degradation of the transformer insulation may be sensed by a steady increase in power present in 9-20ns pulses over a 50/60hz waveform. In at least one embodiment, the capacitive sensor may be implemented using a circular copper plate (e.g., about 70mm +/- 1 mm in diameter) and an insulating material having a relative permittivity of about er = 4.0 to 5.0 which is about 2mm +/- 0.5mm in thickness. An opposing terminal of the capacitive sensor may be grounded in a metallic structure such as a steel structure, for example. These materials provide the capacitive sensor with an estimated capacitance of about 54.5pF to 68.1 pF, before accounting for tolerances. During experiments, waveform capture using the capacitive sensor in a laboratory environment with the lowest detectable partial discharge of 12pC, show waveforms of detected partial discharge events of about 9ns to 20ns duration for each individual breakdown event when a defect is simulated in a bushing, as shown in FIG. 7. The capacitive sensor may be embedded into the printed circuit board of the monitor and alarm 200 node to reduce weight, reduce size and improve quality of connectivity to other components on the PCB circuit (i.e. , sensor board).

[0076] The monitor and alarm 200 may be calibrated to a desired amount to improve sensitivity for detection of PD. For example, the monitor and alarm 200 may be calibrated to allow 10pC as the lowest PD level detectable (i.e. , baseline noise level) in the frequency range of about 8Mz to 100MHz, because of grounding of the laboratory building where the calibration was done and other measures to insulate the building from unwanted electromagnetic noise. It was seen that conventional sensors can only reach 30pC before noise drowns the PD signal. Substations normally have a noise baseline of 100pC.

[0077] The monitor and alarm 200 may be configured according to various transformer alarm settings some of which involve the generation of the messaging facility. In at least one example embodiment, the transformer alarm settings may be set as follows:

1) Healthy operation: 0 - 50mV measured PD; any detected PD may be due to electromagnetic noise (e.g., corona discharge on overhead lines, etc.);

2) Healthy operation: 50 - 150mV measured PD; any detected PD may be from bushings and transformer but are at an acceptable amount;

3) Cautious operation: 150 - 550mV measured PD; an alert may be generated to indicate the bushing and transformer should be inspected and tested:

4)

[0078] T emperature is one of the prime factors that affect a transformer's life and bushings life. In fact, increased temperature is a major cause of reduced transformer life. Accordingly, transformers may be rated for operating within certain operating temperatures such as: 1) bushings and transformers at about 40 °C; 2) liquid-filled bushings and transformers with standard temperature rises of about 55°C and 65°C; and 3) dry-type transformers with standard temperature rises of about: 80°C, 115°C, or 150°C. This means, for example, that an 80°C rise dry transformer will operate at an average winding temperature of 120°C when at full-rated load, in a 40°C ambient environment. However, hot spots within the transformer may be at a higher temperature than the average temperature. Since most dry transformers use the same insulation on their windings, typically rated at about 220°C, irrespective of the design temperature rise, the 80°C rise unit has more room for an occasional overload than a 150°C rise unit, without damaging the insulation or affecting bushings lifespan or transformer lifespan. Accordingly, the monitor and alarm 200 may include a temperature sensor and be configured for monitoring the transformer for operating within certain safe temperature limits as shown in Table 1 , which shows an example of condition monitoring criteria data for a 65°C temperature rise Oil filled transformer with oil filled bushings.

Table 1: Example temperature condition monitoring criteria for a 65°C temperature rise Oil filled transformer with oil filled bushings

[0079] The life expectancy (LE) of a transformer and transformer bushing is normally about 40 years, and can be described using the Arrhenius’ chemical reaction rate theory in the form of an exponential reaction rate as shown in equation (1): where A and B are aging rate constants, and T is the winding hottest-spot temperature in °C. The coefficient B in equation (1) represents a slope of the aging rate versus temperature. Most of the published values of B are in the range of 11 ,350 to 18,000 for non-thermally upgraded paper, and about 10,000 for thermally upgraded paper. The standards adopted a value of B = 15,000 as an average value of research data obtained for a well-dried, oxygen- free transformer insulation. The loss of life may be determined according to equation (2): where tminLE is the minimum life expectancy of 180,000 hours (20.5 years), N is a total number of time intervals and FAA is an aging acceleration factor of the individual temperature during the time interval At _n .

[0080] Examples of abnormal operating temperatures which may be detected by the monitor and alarm 200 and message alerts that may be generated by the monitor and alarm 200 are given in Table 2.

Table 2: Examples of detected abnormal operating temperatures and message alerts

[0081] With respect to acoustic & Sound Pressure Level (SPL) detection, monitoring and alerting, the monitor and alarm 200 may include a microphone, such as an analog output microphone, for example. Filtering, amplification, and peak detection may be performed in hardware to minimize processing requirements and power consumption. For SPL detection, a DAC may be used along with a comparator circuit to allow programmability of a trigger point SPL. To reduce power consumption and allow the microprocessor to disable the audio circuitry, a load switch may be used to supply power to all audio circuits. Disabling the audio circuitry is recommended when multiple sensors are placed in close physical proximity to reduce/prevent multiple triggers from a single audio event. The desired detection frequency range may be in the range of about 25 Hz ~ 20 kHz. In at least one case, a MEMS (Silicon) 1.5 V ~ 3.63 V omnidirectional (-32dB @ 94dB SPL) analog microphone may be used.

[0082] The background SPL is the sound or noise measurement expressed as a logarithmic ratio of sound pressure to a reference sound pressure. This logarithmic ratio is measured in units of decibels (dB) as follows: SPL = 20 log (root mean square value of measured sound I root mean square value of reference sound level) decibels (dB), where the sound level or sound pressure is measured in Pa or N/m2. The reference sound pressure is 0.00002Pa or 2 x 10-5 N/m2. A common way to represent sound pressure is dBA which is a weighted Sound Pressure Level adjusted to the human sensitivity of the human ear. The measured ambient sound (i.e., background sound) at power substations was found to be 56dB to 72dB under normal conditions. Accordingly, in at least one embodiment, the set threshold value for audio alarms may be set to 80dB. An example of some measured sound pressures for different sounds is provided in Table 3 along with the corresponding transformer alarm setting (e.g., which may be included in the messaging facility/ electronic message alert). Some examples of root causes for loud sounds and remedial actions, which may also be included in the messaging facility/electronic message alert are provided in Table 4.

Table 3: Examples of Measured Sounds and alarm message settings Table 4: Root cause of high acoustic sound level and recommended maintenance interventions

[0083] In at least one embodiment, the monitor and alarm 200 may include a humidity sensor and be configured to perform relative humidity detection, monitoring and alerting: A high ambient relative humidity means that air is humid. As a result of high humidity cooling from ambient breeze will be less effective so a higher transformer temperature will result when all other parameters remain unchanged.

[0084] In at least one embodiment, the monitor and alarm 200 may include a vibration sensor and perform vibration detection, monitoring and alerting: A vibration of low amplitude at about 50Hz/60Hz is normal for a transformer. Abnormal vibrations of the transformer can indicate deterioration in condition due to a number of reasons such as windings becoming loose or pad where transformer is placed skewing.

[0085] In at least one embodiment, the monitor and alarm 200 may include a gas sensor for performing smoke detection, monitoring and alerting for smoke that is received through the holes 208 in the housing 202. Smoke indicates that something is burning inside the transformer or another object is burning nearby.

[0086] In at least one embodiment, the monitor and alarm 200 may include a gas sensor for performing methane gas detection, monitoring and alerting for any methane gas that is received through the holes 208 in the housing 202. Methane gas detection may be mainly use for oil and gas settings where detection of natural gas leaks is important.

[0087] Referring now to FIG. 8, shown therein is a block diagram of an example embodiment of a power subsystem that may be used to provide power to the various electrical components (which may be referred to as internal loads) of the monitor and alarm 200. Examples of internal loads include at least of the sensors used by the monitor and alarm 200. External power may be provided by a solar photovoltaic panel, such as the solar panel/cell 204, and/or via mains power at 5V to charge an internal battery. When solar charging is used, it may be implemented using a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) charge controller with a minimum acceptable efficiency, such as 92% for example, and may have integrated electronic overcharge protection. While Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) charge control can be used in at least one example embodiment, it was found that MPPT charge control has a higher efficiency and 25% reduction in charging time compared to PWM.

[0088] To use power efficiently, the monitor and alarm 200 may be configured to send sensor data and/or electronic message, such as alert messages, periodically, such as once every hour. Accordingly, when it is time to transmit the electronic message, the monitor and alarm 200 may be configured to be away for about three minutes to send the data and/or messages before going back to sleep (e.g., for about 57 minutes before the next transmission). The monitor and alarm 200 may include memory, such as a microSD card with 8GB storge, for storing various items such as sensor data and/or electronic messages. Each time a communication packet is sent, the packet size may be about 0.5kB to 1 kB and this communication packet data may be sent to the remote monitoring station 115 or to a server.

[0089] Radio power is power used by the communications module which may be measured in dBm which stands for decibel-milliwatts and is used to define/measure signal strength (power level), with reference to 1 milliwatt according to equation (3).

Power P W - 1 W x ¹⁰ ‘ - 10

1000

(3)

[0090] In at least one embodiment, a cable may be provided with the monitor and alarm 200. The cable may be used to configure the monitor and alarm 200 during a commisioning process. The cable may be configured to plug into a USB port (e.g., port 212) that can be plugged into a computing device. Settings for various sensor threshoolds such as an audio threshold, a PD threshold, a vibration threshold, a temperature threshold, a smoke threshold, a methane threshold, or any operable combiation therefore, can be ajusted by sending data via the cable or some other communication link to the monitor and alarm 200. It should be understood that the various thresholds may be determined experimentally.

[0091] The following definitions are used in this disclosure:

AC: As used in this disclosure, AC is an acronym for alternating current.

ADC: is short-form for Analog to Digital Converter.

Appropriate Authority: As used in this disclosure, an appropriate authority is a previously determined person or organization that is designated to send and receive alarm or other notification messages regarding a monitored system or activity. Commercially Provided and Publicly Available Cellular Wireless Network: As used in this disclosure, a commercially provided and publicly available cellular wireless network refers to subscription based publicly available wireless network commonly used to provide wireless communication access for personal data devices. The commercially provided and publicly available cellular wireless network will typically provide voice communication, data communication services, and SMS and MMS messaging services. The commercially provided and publicly available cellular wireless network is commonly referred to as the cellular network. The commercially provided and publicly available cellular wireless network is abbreviated as the PPWN.

Communication Link: As used in this disclosure, a communication link refers to the structured exchange of data between two objects.

COTS: is short-form for Commercial Off the Shelf.

DAC: is short-form for Digital to Analog Converter.

Email: As used in this disclosure, email describes a communication between a sender and one or more receivers that is delivered through a network wherein the nodes of the network comprise a plurality of logical devices. An email will generally comprise a text based communication component.

Form Factor: As used in this disclosure, the term form factor refers to the size and shape of an object such as the housing 102 of the monitor and alarm 100.

Induction: As used in this disclosure, induction refers to a process where a first process selected from the group consisting of an electric current or an electromagnetic field generates or interacts with a second process selected from the group consisting of an electric current or an electromagnetic field.

Induction Circuit: As used in this disclosure, an induction circuit is a first electric circuit, or sub-circuit, that is inductively coupled with a second electric circuit.

Messaging Facility: As used in this disclosure, a messaging facility is an electronic message having a previously determined formatting structure through which a text or image based communication is transmitted for delivery and/or reception. The messaging facility may be a traditional messaging facility, a direct messaging facility and/or a broadcast messaging facility, for example. A traditional messaging facility includes the delivery of a physical object containing the text based communication. The direct messaging facility includes communications that are addressed to a previously identified group of recipients. The broadcast messaging facility includes communications that are transmitted without the prior identification of the intended group of recipients. An example of a traditional messaging facility includes, but is not limited to, postal delivery. Examples of a direct messaging facilities include, but are not limited to, email and SMS messages. A social media service is an example of a broadcast messaging facility.

Housing: As used in this disclosure, a housing is a rigid structure that encloses and protects the contents of one or more devices.

Logic Module: As used in this disclosure, a logic module is a readily and commercially available electrical device that accepts digital and analog inputs, processes the digital and analog inputs according to previously specified logical processes and provides the results of these previously specified logical processes as digital or analog outputs. The disclosure allows, but does not assume, that the logic module is programmable.

Microphone: As used in this disclosure, a microphone is a transducer that converts vibrational energy into electrical energy. The sources of vibrations include, but are not limited to, acoustic energy.

Piezoelectric Effect: As used in this disclosure, the piezoelectric effect refers to a class of materials wherein a strain placed upon the material will result in a redistribution of electrons within the material in a manner that causes an electric charge. This electric charge can be measured as a voltage potential across the material. This effect can be reversed in some of these materials such that the application of an AC voltage to the material will cause a vibration within the material. For example, a material commonly used to take advantage of the piezoelectric effect is polyvinylidene difluoride (CAS 24937-79-9) which is also known as PVDF.

PPWN: As used in this disclosure, PPWN is an acronym for publicly provided wireless network. A PPWN refers to a commercially provided and publicly available cellular wireless network.

Rigid Structure: As used in this disclosure, a rigid structure is a solid structure formed from an inelastic material that resists changes in shape. A rigid structure will permanently deform as it fails under a force.

RTC: is short-form for Real Time Clock.

Sensor: As used in this disclosure, a sensor is a device that receives and responds in a predetermined way to a signal or stimulus. As further used in this disclosure, a threshold sensor is a sensor that generates a signal that indicates whether the signal or stimulus is above or below a given threshold for the signal or stimulus.

SMS: As used in this disclosure, SMS is an abbreviation for short message service. The short message service is a service that is often provided with the cellular services that support personal data devices. Specifically, the SMS allows for the exchange of written messages between personal data devices. The SMS is commonly referred to as text messaging. A common enhancement of SMS is the inclusion of the delivery of multimedia services. This enhanced service is often referred to as Multimedia Media Services which is abbreviated as MMS.

SOM: is short-form for System On Module.

Speaker: As used in this disclosure, a speaker is an electrical transducer that converts an electrical signal into an audible sound.

SPL: is short-form for Sound Pressure Level.

Subscription: As used in this disclosure, a subscription refers to a contractual arrangement for the delivery of a product or access to a service on a recurring basis. The subscribed product or service can be provided on a continuous basis or on a scheduled basis. The term subscription often implies that the subscribed product or service has been paid for in advance.

Transducer: As used in this disclosure, a transducer is a device that converts a physical quantity, such as pressure or brightness into an electrical signal or a device that converts an electrical signal into a physical quantity.

Transformer: As used in this disclosure, the transformer is an electrical device. The transformer forms an inductive circuit that is used to change a first AC voltage to a second AC voltage. pC: is short-form for Microcontroller. pP: is short-form for Microprocessor.

WiFi™: As used in this disclosure, WiFi™ refers to the physical implementation of a collection of wireless electronic communication standards commonly referred to as IEEE 802.11x.

Wireless: As used in this disclosure, wireless is an adjective that is used to describe a communication link between two devices that does not require the use of physical cabling. [0092] In at least one embodiment described herein there is provided a faulty transformer partial discharge, vibration, combustible gases, and sound frequency monitor and alarm for monitoring a transformer, where the monitor and alarm comprise: a control circuit, and a housing structure, wherein the housing structure attaches the control circuit to a transformer structure of the transformer.

[0093] In at least one embodiment described herein there is provided a monitor and alarm wherein the faulty transformer partial discharge, vibration, combustible gases, and sound frequency monitor and alarm is an electric circuit; wherein the faulty transformer partial discharge, vibration, combustible gases, and sound frequency monitor and alarm is a diagnostic tool; wherein the control circuit captures a stimulus generated by the transformer structure; wherein the control circuit analyzes the captured audible stimulus; wherein if the control circuit detects that the captured stimulus is being generated at a frequency known to indicate an abnormal operating condition for the transformer structure, the control circuit transmits a messaging facility to a remote monitoring station.

[0094] In at least one embodiment described herein there is provided a monitor and alarm wherein the transformer structure can be modeled an electric circuit; and wherein the transformer structure may be modeled as an inductive circuit.

[0095] In at least one embodiment described herein there is provided a monitor and alarm wherein the housing structure contains the control circuit; wherein the housing structure is a rigid structure.

[0096] In at least one embodiment described herein there is provided a monitor and alarm wherein the control circuit is an electric circuit; wherein the control circuit monitors the transformer structure for the stimulus; wherein the stimulus is selected from the group consisting of: a) an audible sound; and, b) a vibration; wherein the control circuit captures the selected stimulus (hereinafter an audible sound).

[0097] In at least one embodiment described herein there is provided a monitor and alarm wherein the control circuit analyzes the frequency distribution of the captured audible sound; wherein the control circuit determines if a frequency detected by the control circuit is consistent with a known abnormal operating condition of the transformer structure; wherein if the control circuit determines that the transformer structure is operating under abnormal operating conditions, the logic module generates and transmits the message facility to the remote monitoring station informing the remote monitoring station about the abnormal operating condition. [0098] In at least one embodiment described herein there is provided a monitor and alarm wherein the control circuit comprises a logic module, a communication module, and a vibration sensor; wherein the logic module, the communication module, and the vibration sensor are electrically interconnected; wherein the communication module further comprises a wireless communication link; wherein the communication module forms the wireless communication link between the logic module and the remote monitoring station.

[0099] In at least one embodiment described herein there is provided a monitor and alarm wherein the logic module is a readily and commercially available programmable electronic device that is used to manage, regulate, and operate the control circuit; wherein the communication module is a wireless electronic communication device; wherein the communication module sends a direct messaging facility that is transmitted over the wireless communication link to the remote monitoring station; wherein the message contained in the direct messaging facility contains the identification of the transformer structure and a summary of the abnormal operating condition identified by the logic module.

[00100] In at least one embodiment described herein there is provided a monitor and alarm wherein the vibration sensor is a transducer; wherein the vibration sensor is a sensor; wherein the vibration sensor electrically connects to the logic module.

[00101] In at least one embodiment described herein there is provided a monitor and alarm wherein the logic module monitors the operation of the vibration sensor; wherein the vibration sensor detects the vibrations of an audible sound; wherein the vibration sensor converts the detected vibrations into an electric signal; wherein the vibration sensor transmits the electric signal to the logic module for further processing.

[00102] In at least one embodiment described herein there is provided a monitor and alarm wherein the logic module determines if a frequency detected by the vibration sensor is consistent with a known abnormal operating condition of the transformer structure; wherein if the logic module determines that the transformer structure is operating under abnormal operating conditions, the logic module generates and transmits a message facility to the remote monitoring station informing the remote monitoring station about the abnormal operating condition.

[00103] In at least one embodiment described herein there is provided a monitor and alarm wherein the transformer structure further comprises a pedestal structure; wherein the pedestal structure is a rigid structure; wherein the pedestal structure forms a pedestal that supports the transformer structure; wherein the housing structure mounts on the pedestal. [00104] With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationship for the various components of the embodiments of the monitor and alarm described above and in Figures 1 through 8 include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function, and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the invention.

[00105] It shall be noted that those skilled in the art will readily recognize numerous adaptations and modifications which can be made to the various embodiments of the subject matter described which will result in an improved version, yet all of which will fall within the spirit and scope of the present teachings as defined in the following claims. Accordingly, the subject matter is to be limited only by the scope of the following claims and their equivalents.