Event timing and shape analysis of vibration bursts from power circuit breakers

Noninvasive vibration diagnostic techniques are implemented to assess the mechanical condition of power circuit breakers. A diagnostic system, the Prototype Commercial Portable Diagnostic System (PCPDS) has been developed. Hardware of the PCPDS includes a portable computer, and a data acquisition unit and computer communication cards. Signal processing techniques include the discrete energy statistics envelope, short-time power spectrum, timing extraction algorithm and chi-square based shape test Decision-making is carried out via a voter program, to which individual results from the timing and shape analysis programs are passed. Statistical and empirical thresholds have been established, that classify the circuit breaker as being in Normal-Transitional-Abnormal (Green-Yellow-Red) condition.