The OPTIMIZER3 Circuit Breaker Performance Monitor system, which won a 2016 R&D 100 award, is a complete performance monitoring system for high voltage substation circuit breakers. Its primary function is to monitor the SF6 gas pressure in the circuit breaker. If the SF6 leaks out, the circuit breaker function is compromised and can result in a catastrophic failure. The technology is physically mounted inside the circuit breaker control cabinet or other suitable location adjacent to the circuit breaker. It uses a LINUX-based ARM processor to rapidly poll outboard sensors and state variables of the circuit breaker controls.
When the circuit breaker opens or closes, or if any sensor detects changes, the information is stored and messages are “pushed” to the utility SCADA communications system. The product is a maintenance planning tool that helps utilities dispatch repair or testing personnel only when needed, rather than on a regularly scheduled basis. It functions as the “nurse” which calls the “doctor” when measured conditions or performance parameters are outside of limits.
Each year for more than 50 years, R&D Magazine has honored the 100 best innovations in research and development. We are currently accepting applications for the 2017 R&D 100 Awards. Innovators with an exceptional product developed between January 1, 2016 and March 31, 2017 should apply. Submissions close April 14, 2017
For information on the 55th Annual R&D 100 Awards and to enter visit http://www.rd100conference.com
