Chemiresistive gas sensor for detection of H2 dissolved in transformer oil

• Grant number: 22/13668-9
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: May 01, 2023
• End date: April 30, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Agreement: SEBRAE-SP
• Principal Investigator: Ranilson Angelo da Silva
• Grantee: Ranilson Angelo da Silva
• Company: Presense - Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Ltda
• CNAE: Testes e análises técnicas ; Pesquisa e desenvolvimento experimental em ciências físicas e naturais
• City: Araraquara
• Associated researchers: Marcelo Ornaghi Orlandi ; Marcos Eduardo Guerra Alves
• Associated scholarship(s): 23/13891-2 - Chemiresistive gas sensor for detection of H2 dissolved in transformer oil, BP.TT; 23/06538-4 - Chemiresistive gas sensor for detection of H2 dissolved in transformer oil, BP.TT

Abstract

The proposal of this project consists of the technological validation with the customer of a chemiresistive hydrogen gas sensor element (PoC - Proof of Concept), developed from an innovative material, semiconductor metal oxide, which will be integrated into a constant monitoring system of the insulating oil in high voltage transformers, which operate in electric power substations or industrial plants that consume high electric loads, to detect early possible failures of this equipment. High and extra-high voltage transformers operate internally with insulating oils as a dielectric medium, given the high potential differences to which they are subjected, and as a heat transport element, increasing the efficiency of the cooling systems. Under unusual operating conditions, such as hot spots, partial corona discharges, or electrical arcs, the insulating oil may decompose and decrease its dielectric strength, which leads to the formation of gases that dissolve in the oil. The gases formed, and their concentrations depend on the temperature and energy of the fault and materials involved, including H2, CO, CO2, and hydrocarbons with low molecular weights such as CH4, C2H6, C2H4, and C2H2. The formation of hydrogen gas occurs due to the decomposition of the oil at all fault temperatures, therefore, the increase in the concentration of the gas is a universal indicator of the presence of imminent failure in the equipment. The validation of chemiresistive H2 gas sensors aims to provide in situ alternatives to more sophisticated analytical methods such as spectrometry and chromatography techniques, with the great advantage of providing a low-cost solution to a particular analytical problem, without the need for expensive multifunctional analytical equipment. Additionally, these sensors are suitable for chemical analysis in the field, due to their portability and easy integration with electronic data loggers. The validation with the partner company, which has expertise in the manufacture and development of equipment and software responsible for interpreting the signal from the sensor element, will provide information on the behavior of the sensors under real operating conditions. With the goals of this project achieved, it will be possible to promote the global market with high-quality H2 gas sensor technology that is competitive with the international market. (AU)