Universal Wireless Passive Temperature Monitoring System for Switchgears

SENSeOR launches its new optimized wireless batteryless system for real-time temperature monitoring of electrical equipment, the first and only multi-point system approved by an accredited laboratory for worldwide license-free use in Medium Voltage switchgears.

Sophia-Antipolis, France – December 15th 2014 – Remote continuous monitoring of critical equipment of the power grid is one of the key solutions helping Utilities, OEMs and Panel Builders coping with the new challenges they are facing coming from increased power demand and renewable energies integration.

SENSeOR’s Energy S1 system enables real-time load management and preventive problem avoidance through remote surveillance of the most critical points inside Medium Voltage AIS switchgears, with flexible configuration (multi-systems, multi-sensors: up to 18 sensors per system). Energy S1 is the first and only multi-point system approved for worldwide license-free use in MV-switchgears.

The temperature sensors, based on SAW (Surface Acoustic Wave) resonators, are totally passive, maintenance-free and feature infinite autonomy. Their form-factor and design are optimized for robust and safe operation under high voltage and current. The installation of the system is quick and easy, even in retrofit, and doesn’t impact the thermal, dielectric and mechanical properties of the switchgear. Equipment integrity is preserved.

The sensors have passed successfully all dielectric tests as per IEC 62271 norm, they survive short-circuit and lightning, and operate up to 545kV and 5kA.

Additionally, innovative, patented interrogation methods and hardware provide a robust, reliable, self-tested, self-healing communication in the metallic cavity of the switchgear cabinet.

For load management, six sensors can be easily fitted on the circuit breaker arms.

For more comprehensive surveillance and fault detection overtime, particularly in existing aging switchgears, additional sensors can be placed on busbars and cable connections, to control in real-time any undesired temperature increase and trigger maintenance intervention before the faulty operation induces a major and costly breakdown.

The modular configuration of the system makes it compatible with the numerous types of Medium Voltage AIS switchgears, but also other assets like low-voltage switchgears, Gas Insulated Switchgears (GIS) and transformers for instance. This system is also designed to monitor the most critical assets used in Oil & Gas infrastructures and substations, and can be customized for ATEX-compatibility.

As a flexible, scalable platform, it features I/O compatibility with other types of sensors, like humidity or partial discharge sensors, to complete the data available for trend analysis and predictive maintenance.

The systems can be interfaced with a control room through Modbus-RTU over RS485. A proprietary Graphic User Interface and local or remote alerts are also available. The versatility of the system makes it easily implemented in existing monitoring systems or Expert tools for OEMs and solution integrators.

Compared with other solutions like fiber optics or thermal imagery, this system not only provides wireless real-time continuous control of the critical points inside switchgears with easy installation and minimum downtime of existing equipment, but is also the most cost-effective and affordable solution.

Besides, it allows quick ROI as an enabling technology for load optimization and life-cycle cost reduction thanks to longer asset lifetime though lower maintenance costs, while enhancing safety and assuring service continuity.  

Product information:

System Energy S1 Circuit Breaker: 6 sensors – Ambient temperature in option – Available for sale.
System Energy S1 Switchgear: 15 sensors for stand-alone switchgears – 12 sensors in each cubicle for multi-cubicle configurations – Ambient temperature in option for 12-sensor systems – Launch beginning 2015 – Pre-orders possible.
System Energy S1 Multi-cubicles: 3 sets of 6 sensors for 3 adjacent cubicles monitored with a single transceiver – Ambient temperature in each cubicle in option – Launch beginning 2015 – Pre-orders possible.

Homologation: Worldwide license-free use for AIS Medium voltage switchgears driven by IEC 62271 (auxiliary equipment / monitoring).
Interrogation distance: compatible with typical dimensions of primary and secondary AIS cubicles (ex.: 800x1550x2300 mm).
Accuracy: ± 2°C.
Communication protocol: Modbus-RTU over RS485 through RJ45.
System options: Local/remote programmable alerts, Graphic User Interface, Connector for additional sensors (Humidity, Partial Discharge)

Sensors (references TSA EV01-01 to TSA EV01-15):
Temperature range: -25°C, 150°C.
Dielectric robustness as per IEC 62271.
Diameter: 34 mm – Height:  21 mm – Weight: 44 g.
Modular Velcro strip fixation.

Transceiver HTR01 for switchgear monitoring:
Supply voltage: 24V.
Consumption: 100 mA.
Frequency Band: [430 MHz – 450 MHz].
Dimensions: 116x110x22 mm.
Rail DIN fixation.

Please refer to product datasheets for more details.

About SENSeOR
SENSeOR exploits Surface Acoustic Waves (SAW) to conceive unique-patented wireless passive sensors for temperature, pressure, strain and torque measurements. With infinite autonomy and no maintenance required, these sensors perform enhanced condition monitoring in Automation, Energy, Transportation – even in motion or rotation – like inside engines, in switchgears, in tunnel ovens or on moving belts.

Created in 2006, SENSeOR is headquartered in Sophia-Antipolis (France) with offices in Besançon (France) and Freiburg (Germany), and employs 20 people.

Its expert engineer team provides field engineering services and customized developments in addition to its standard sensor portfolio, to help its customers solve their measurement challenges.

Since 2012, SENSeOR is part of WIKA Group and benefits from the support and resources of this major player in the sensor market.