A new type of sensor can identify electrical failures even before they happen



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The monitor screen. The researchers said the system can monitor electrical system performance and identify behaviors that may lead to failure. The technology will indicate areas requiring repairs to prevent power outages. ( Steven Leeb, et al. | Mbadacusetts Institute of Technology )

MIT researchers have developed a system that can monitor electrical devices and predict a failure well before it happens.

The team said the sensor, which is attached to the outside of a wire, can detect signs of imminent failure and determine areas to repair. The technology can also be used to badyze power consumption via a user-friendly graphical display called NILM, which means non-intrusive load monitoring.

The new system has already been tested and proven effective when used on a Coast Guard cutter. He discovered a grilled wiring that could have caused a fire on board.

The researchers introduced the new system in the March issue of IEEE Transactions on Industrial Computing.

A sensor that monitors electrical devices

The system detects the current flow of an electrical appliance. A sensor is attached to the outside of an electrical wire that will monitor the "signatures" of each equipment in the circuit and will badyze any changes in its behavior, such as current fluctuations.

According to the researchers, the system can also be used to monitor energy consumption. It can identify when and where an electrical appliance is used or is inactive. In addition, he can identify areas where efficiency can be improved.

The technology is designed to monitor relatively small and confined electrical systems such as a small boat or building.

On board a Coast Guard cutter

The team tested the system on the US Coast Guard USCGC Cutter, based in Boston, last year. The system tracked about 20 different engines and devices. It detected an abnormal amount of power consumed by the tank water heater.

While the crew was skeptical about reading, they still checked the component. They found that the heater was suffering from severe corrosion and a broken insulation.

"The ship is complicated," said Steven Leeb, professor of electrical engineering at MIT and one of the newspaper's authors. "It's beautifully managed and maintained, but no one will be able to spot everything."

Lieutenant-Colonel Nicholas Galanti, an engineer aboard the Cutter, said the system allows the crew to replace the heaters during a maintenance period at the port. They were able to deploy with a ductless water heater system.

"NILM has detected a serious risk of electrocution and could have prevented a clbad Charlie [electrical] fire in our engine room, "he added.

In addition to coastguards and the navy, researchers believe that some industries would benefit from the system, such as oil producers and chemical manufacturers.

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