Spring Operating Mechanism Condition Monitoring Based on MEMS Pressure Sensors

With the advancement of smart grids, the reliable monitoring of operating mechanisms in GIS circuit breakers has become a key factor in ensuring the safe operation of power systems. This study proposes a condition monitoring method for spring operating mechanisms based on MEMS pressure sensors. A miniaturized MEMS sensor is innovatively embedded inside the breaker's operating mechanism to directly measure the closing spring force, enabling precise monitoring of the energy storage, closing, and opening processes. Compared with conventional indirect methods relying on coil current or motor current signals, the proposed approach provides more direct mechanical information and, through multi-signal collaborative analysis, allows for more accurate identification of key operating stages and state transitions. The method is systematically validated by theoretical modeling, ANSYS simulation, laboratory experiments, and field tests. The results demonstrate that the MEMS pressure sensor significantly improves monitoring accuracy and stability, while its miniaturized and non-intrusive design ensures negligible impact on the mechanism's structure and normal operation. Furthermore, experimental measurements show strong consistency with theoretical calculations and simulation results, confirming the engineering feasibility of the method. This work not only enhances the accuracy of operating mechanism condition identification but also provides new technical support for intelligent maintenance and fault prediction of GIS circuit breakers, offering important practical value.