Real time system to monitor SF6 leakage and quality of gas in a gas insulated substation

Sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) is an important dielectric for energy industry manly because of its excellent insulating properties. Nowadays it is also part of environmental worries for been the most potent greenhouse gas. This paper exposes the development of a system to monitor SF₆ leakage as well as the gas quality. The aim is to develop a real time monitoring system to measure gas density and dew point on a gas insulating substation. The architecture of the system is based on the installation of sensors to measure these two quantities. It was used low cost data acquisition and communication modules with standard and open protocols. Results expose the system to monitor three bays in a substation. With the implementation of the system is expected gas leakage reducing, on-line gas quality inspection and cost reducing by extending time for preventive maintenance.