OptiFender– is a revolutionary fiber optic sensing system that monitors high voltage assets in real-time and detects and localizes partial discharge. Thanks to advantages of the underlying fiber optic technology, high voltage fields (HV) and electromagnetic interference (EMI) do not affect performance of OptiFender, and as a result, system measurements are precise, repeatable, and reliable!
A LARGE TRANSFORMER CAN BE EASILY EQUIPPED WITH OPTIFENDER TO MONITOR AND LOCALISE PARTIAL DISCHARGE IN REAL TIME
Effectiveness of 3D partial discharge detection with OptiFender was proven once again in a recent test on a unique large-scale transformer with sporadic partial discharge sources in it. The tank of the transformer has an impressive 7x3x6m size. Localizing a partial discharge precisely is a serious challenge considering that it can happen anywhere in the equipment. If partial discharge goes unnoticed, it can lead to severe damages: from serious malfunctions to a complete failure of the equipment.
Considering the complexity and scale of the transformer, multiple fiber optic sensors were distributed across the asset in critical positions. After initial preparation the actual measurements took a few hours to perform. During the measurements OptiFender demonstrated impressive results in reliably detecting partial discharge.
OPTIFENDER DETECTS LOCATION OF THE PARTIAL DISCHARGE IN YOUR ASSET PRECISELY AND IN REAL TIME
Post processing of the raw OptiFender data resulted in 3D localization of important partial discharges in this large-scale transformer took less than a day, while other systems and methods usually take several days to localize PD. The system collected enough partial discharge events to localize the PD source regardless of the scale of the transformer. Considering the dimensions of the asset and a constantly moving PD source inside the transformer, getting down to 50cm precision in PD source localization, was a success. OptiFender can reach even a higher precision for stationary PD sources.
LEAVE COSTLY INSPECTIONS IN THE PAST. OPTIFENDER MONITORS YOUR ASSETS IN REAL TIME
OptiFender proved that with fiber optic sensing technology we can push the limits and achieve results that were not possible before. The great part of utilizing OptiFender for partial discharge monitoring, is its high sensor capacity. It brings the benefit of full inspection of the transformer with stationary placed sensors. What used to cost days of inspection and manual work to find the issue, can now be prevented by monitoring and localizing partial discharge in real time.
