Projects:2019s1-206 Smart Busbar Temperature Sensor

Abstract here

Introduction

This project involves the monitoring of Busbar temperatures. These are the main power supply rails, which consist of large pieces of copper.

The temperature of these, and how it changes over time, can be an indication of errors that are arising in the system.

The solution to this problem should involve a wireless way to measure the busbar's temperatures, be it by power harvesting, some form of passive sensor, or a sensor that can read the temperature from a distance away.

Furthermore, the final product would keep temperature readings of the busbars over a long time, and be able to give warnings if temperatures begin to trend up.

Temperature readings, both current and history, should be visible on connected screens and from an external monitoring software.

The ambient temperatures should also be measured, from both internally and externally of the cabinet.

Upon design, the product would be refined such that it could be sold as a commercial product and service.

The current plan:

To build a Raspberry Pi based system, utilizing IR sensors for the busbar, with regular ambient temperature sensors also connected. The Raspberry Pi will be able to interface with local screens, and additionally connect to an external server, which can generate alerts, and allow for remote monitoring of temperatures.

This project is industry sponsored by Sage Automation, a division of SAGE Group

Project team

Project students

• Matthew Owen
• Anthony Corbo

Supervisors

• Dr Said Al-Sarawi (EEE)
• Prof Ross Bensley (Mech)

Advisors

• Sam Koulianos, Sage Automation
• Thomas Jolley, Sage Automation

Objectives

Objectives for this project include:

• Advancement of new switchgear from Sage to Industry 4.0
• Upgrading of existing switchgear installations to Industry 4.0
• Create a Raspberry Pi-based Smart Busbar Temperature Sensor.
• Sense Busbar temperatures wirelessly
• Sense internal and external ambient temperatures
• Be able to monitor the temperatures from a screen on the enclosure, and externally via server interface. (by both Sage and the customer)
• Be able to set up automated alerts, for both Sage and the customer

Background

Topics to add:

• Power Harvesting, Eddy Currents
• RFID, Legislation
• IR, issues in this application
• Development environments, Raspberry pi
• Sage, company's services

Method

To be added soon

Results

To be added closer to the close of the project.

Conclusion

To be added closer to the close of the project.

References

[1] a, b, c, "Simple page", In Proceedings of the Conference of Simpleness, 2010.

[2] ...