Continuous inline dissolved gas monitor for power transformers
This technology is a probe that slides into a transformer and measures the dissolved gases in the oil in real time using light — specifically, by shining a beam through the oil and analyzing how the oil absorbs different wavelengths. Dissolved gases like hydrogen and acetylene are classic warning signs of internal transformer faults, and catching them early prevents catastrophic failures. The probe design uses a tube with side holes so oil flows through naturally, with optical components at each end that stay precisely aligned for accurate readings. This allows continuous, automated monitoring without pulling oil samples and sending them to a lab.
What you could build
An inline transformer health monitor sold to electric utilities and industrial facilities as a condition-monitoring upgrade for high-value power transformers, replacing periodic dissolved-gas analysis (DGA) lab tests with continuous automated alerts.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia's major electric utilities (Dominion Energy) and defense installations with large transformer infrastructure would be plausible early customers or pilot partners.
Readiness: Prototype likely
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Bo Dong, Anbo Wang, Jianmin Gong
- Granted
- June 3, 2014
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 8743365
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.