Transformer Temperature Measurment Using Optical Fiber Based Microbend Sensor

• Main Authors: Deepika YADAV, A. K. NADIR
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: IFSA Publishing, S.L. 2007-10-01
• Series: Sensors & Transducers
• Subjects: Generic microbend sensor; Hot spot monitoring; Direct temperature monitoring; Bending loss
• Online Access: http://www.sensorsportal.com/HTML/DIGEST/october_07/P_198.pdf

Breakdown of transformers proves to be very expensive and inconvenient because it takes a lot of time for their replacement. During breakdown the industry also incurs heavy losses because of stoppage in production line. A system for monitoring the temperature of transformers is required. Existing sensors cannot be used for monitoring the temperature of transformers because they are sensitive to electrical signals and can cause sparking which can trigger fire since there is oil in transformers cooling coils. Optical fibers are electrically inert so this system will prove to be ideal for this application. Results of investigations carried out by simulating a configuration of Optical Fiber Temperature Sensor for transformers based on microbending using Matlab as a simulation tool to evaluate the effectiveness of this sensor have been communicated through this manuscript. The results are in the form of graphs of intensity modulation vs. the temperature.