Circuit-breaker diagnostics based on continuous wavelet transform

A new method to diagnose power circuit breakers is introduced, which is based on the use of continuous wavelet transform applied to vibroacoustic signals acquired during circuit breaker operations. The collected data were analyzed and compared with a previously established vocabulary of all possible anomalies, which allowed accurate diagnosis of the monitored apparatus and also supplied information on the kind of defect. Since the method can supply predictions on early failure, useful corrective maintenance of defective components might be scheduled to both reduce costs and greatly improve quality in the electric service. The diagnosis process can be performed in a remote control center with a reliable online monitoring system, avoiding expensive, periodic field inspections. The results of an analysis performed on a set of HV circuit breakers is reported and commented.