Optical sensor for monitoring SF6 dissociation in high-voltage switchgear

Rudi Irawan; Giuseppe B. Scelsi; Gerry A. Woolsey

doi:10.1117/12.397881

31 August 2000 Optical sensor for monitoring SF6 dissociation in high-voltage switchgear

Rudi Irawan, Giuseppe B. Scelsi, Gerry A. Woolsey

Proceedings Volume 4074, Applications of Optical Fiber Sensors; (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.397881
Event: Symposium on Applied Photonics, 2000, Glasgow, United Kingdom

Abstract

Sulphur hexafluoride (SF₆) is used as an insulator in high voltage systems. Electrical breakdown in such a system dissociates SF₆ into sulphur fluorides, sulphur and fluorine. Some of these products react with contaminants such as water vapor and oxygen, and with metal surfaces and electrodes, to produce by-products including gaseous sulphur oxyfluorides, hydrogen fluoride and solid by-products. A reduction in SF₆ concentration occurs, and the insulating efficiency of the system is degraded. If the SF₆ is not renewed, failure of the system can occur. A monitoring system for SF₆ loss is required, and since SF₆ insulating systems involve high voltages and electromagnetic interference, optical monitoring provides the best approach. This paper describes the development of an optical sensing technique for continuous monitoring of SF₆ degradation in high-voltage switchgear. Dissociation products of the SF₆ discharge include HF and atomic fluorine, both of which react readily with silica. This reactivity is utilized in our sensor, where etching of a glass fiber surface modifies the transmission characteristics of the fiber. By monitoring the transmitted signal, information on SF₆ dissociation is obtained. The sensor is economical to produce, easy to use, and can be readily retrofitted.

Citation Download Citation

Rudi Irawan, Giuseppe B. Scelsi, and Gerry A. Woolsey "Optical sensor for monitoring SF6 dissociation in high-voltage switchgear", Proc. SPIE 4074, Applications of Optical Fiber Sensors, (31 August 2000); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.397881

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