Pressure Monitoring in Medium-Voltage Vacuum Interrupters

Abstract

Innovation in the economy is closely tied to energy development, encompassing the exploration of new energy sources, increased energy production efficiency, and the integration of diverse energy sources for safe and effective supply to industries and households. Outdated energy infrastructure disrupts electricity continuity and hampers economic innovation. Power interruptions lead to higher SAIDI and SAIFI reliability indices. Quality and reliability requirements have sparked interest in enclosed energy devices. Vacuum technology has been pivotal in electrical switchgear insulation and arc-quenching for over four decades. However, the lack of real-time pressure monitoring systems for vacuum equipment, especially enclosed disconnectors, limits their use as isolation connectors. Potential insulation failure poses risks to power line maintenance teams and can lead to unplanned shutdowns, further compromising energy supply quality. This article explores an innovative pressure monitoring system for vacuum interrupters, utilizing fiber optic Bragg grids as a measuring sensor, enabling pressure measurement within the vacuum chamber ranging from 2 × 101 Pa to 5 × 105 Pa.