Partial Discharge Sensor, Method for Controlling a Gap of a Magnetic Core, and Control Device

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

The invention describes a partial discharge sensor for power cables, which includes a magnetic core with an adjustable gap and a measurement winding. This sensor uses a mechanism to change the size of the gap in the magnetic core, allowing it to adapt to varying magnetic fields caused by current in the cable. The system includes automated control, which ensures that the core does not reach magnetic saturation even during live measurements, thus enabling reliable and continuous (online) detection of partial discharges (early signs of cable insulation defects) in power cables without interrupting their operation.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Online monitoring of medium- and high-voltage underground power cables for early detection of insulation defects.
• Routine maintenance or health assessment of electrical power distribution networks.
• Smart grid and utility infrastructure condition monitoring systems.
• Detecting potential failure points in industrial power transmission systems without service outages.
• Long-term reliability monitoring in critical energy supply lines, such as for hospitals, data centers, or transport infrastructures.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Allows continuous ('online') partial discharge detection without needing to switch off or disconnect power cables.
• Automatically adapts to changing current and magnetic field conditions in the cable for accurate measurement.
• Prevents magnetic core saturation, preserving sensor sensitivity and measurement reliability even at high current loads.
• Reduces maintenance costs and avoids costly outages by enabling early detection and timely intervention for cable faults.
• Simple and cost-effective design, which can be implemented with minimal construction effort and automated operation.

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Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a partial-discharge sensor having a magnet core and a measurement winding. The partial-discharge sensor also has an adjusting element with which at least one gap of the magnet core can be varied. The invention also relates to a corresponding method and to a corresponding control device.