Optical Fiber Sensors for Structural Monitoring in Power Transformers

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2021

Authors

Monteiro, CS (Author) Other; Rodrigues, AV (Author) Other; Viveiros, D (Author) Other; Linhares, C (Author) Other; Mendes, H (Author) Other; Susana Silva (Author) FCUP; Marques, PVS (Author) FCUP; Tavares, SMO (Author) Other; Frazao, O (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Sensors

Vol. 21 No. 2

Final page: 6127

ISSN: 1424-3210

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 4 Citations

Scopus - 5 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00V-CRM

DOI: 10.3390/s21186127

Abstract (EN): Power transformers are central elements of power transmission systems and their deterioration can lead to system failures, causing major disruptions in service. Catastrophic failures can occur, posing major environmental hazards due to fires, explosions, or oil spillage. Early fault detection can be accomplished or estimated using electrical sensors or a chemical analysis of oil or gas samples. Conventional methods are incapable of real-time measurements with a low electrical noise due to time-consuming analyses or susceptibility to electromagnetic interference. Optical fiber sensors, passive elements that are immune to electromagnetic noise, are capable of structural monitoring by being enclosed in power transformers. In this work, optical fiber sensors embedded in 3D printed structures are studied for vibration monitoring. The fiber sensor is encapsulated between two pressboard spacers, simulating the conditions inside the power transformer, and characterized for vibrations with frequencies between 10 and 800 Hz, with a constant acceleration of 10 m/s(2). Thermal aging and electrical tests are also accomplished, aiming to study the oil compatibility of the 3D printed structure. The results reported in this work suggest that structural monitoring in power transformers can be achieved using optical fiber sensors, prospecting real-time monitoring.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 9