Autores UPV
Mansó Borràs Josep,
Higuero Torres Ivan,
A. Fuster-Roig,
Oier Aguirre,
A. Quijano-López
Abstract
In this study, the modelling of a low-voltage switchboard inside a transformer substation is carried out using finite element
software. The objective of this study is to identify the optimal locations where a thermographic camera can be placed to detect
external hot spots, in order to facilitate predictive maintenance and enable the digitalisation of assets based on the monitoring
of the switchboard.
Low-voltage switchboards require continuous maintenance tasks through inspections, which most of the time require opening
the device, with the time that this entails. Thermal monitoring offers a non-invasive alternative that reduces inspection times
and associated costs. Therefore, simulations have been carried out by recreating the most common operating conditions and
failure modes in low-voltage switchboards, such as poor fuse connections, faults in input and output terminals and the use of
fuses with characteristics that do not correspond to those of the switchboard. The analysis of these situations allows the
identification of temperature distribution patterns.
Temperature distributions are obtained on the front cover of the switchboard under the defined conditions, thus simulating the
results that a thermographic camera located in the transformer substation would show. This tool facilitates the localisation of
hot spots in the switchgear, which helps to improve the early detection of faults and maintenance strategies, making maintenance
strategies for transformer substations more efficient.
This tool highlights the importance of integrating thermal detection systems in transformer substations, improving the efficiency
of maintenance operations as well as reliability.
