engleski

A Sulphur Hexafluoride Gas Leakage Detection System using Wireless Sensor Networks

Most high-voltage (HV) transformer stations currently use sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) gas as a dielectric to prevent arcing in circuit breakers. The excellent dielectric properties of SF6 allow HV equipment to be constructed in only 10–20% of the volume/space of air insulation. Reductions of SF6 gas density in circuit breakers cause failures in providing the required interrupter insulating properties and can lead to its operational inefficiencies and safely hazards. SF6 has a global warming potential 23, 900 times that of CO2 ; therefore, any leakages must be strictly monitored. The most important measure against the uncontrolled emission of the SF6 gas into the atmosphere is the constant monitoring and detection of its leakage in energy facilities. The methods for the SF6 leakage detection should be very precise, while simultaneously having acceptable implementation costs. This paper presents a solution for an SF6 gas monitoring system using Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) nodes. These nodes use multi-hop networking to transmit data to a base station connected to the other stations and the internet through a secure VPN (Virtual Private Network) connection. Using wireless sensing systems also significantly decreases installation time and reduces costs of materials and labour.

sulphur hexafluoride gas ; SF6 ; circuit breakers ; gas leakage ; WSN

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