Development of a Platform for Real-Time, Non-Disruptive Monitoring and Early Fault Detection of Critical High Voltage Transformers and Switchgears in High Speed-Rail
Partial discharge (PD) incidents in high-speed rail systems, such as transformers and switchgears, arise from insulation defects under electric stress, leading to potential flashovers, breakdowns, downtime, and safety risks. PD emits radio frequency (RF) signals, enabling the development of a non-invasive, real-time PD detection and monitoring platform. This system uses an RF antenna and a high-speed data acquisition system to scan a frequency range (100 MHz to 2.5 GHz) with intermediate frequency modulation for precise detection and analysis. PD events exceeding a preset power threshold are recorded, capturing both signal data and spectrum snapshots. Real-time data is streamed to a cloud server, accessible via a smartphone app, allowing remote monitoring and quick responses by maintenance teams. Laboratory tests confirm the system’s effectiveness in accurately capturing PD signals, enhancing high-speed rail infrastructure reliability and safety.
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