Electrical Equipment Overheating Warning: Acrel Wireless Temperature Monitoring Solution

25 02, 2026

1. Introduction

With the continuous development of the global economy and industrial technology, electrical power systems play an increasingly important role in modern society. The safety and reliability of power system operation have therefore become critical concerns for the industry. In particular, with the widespread deployment of unmanned substations, traditional manual inspection methods are gradually being replaced by intelligent monitoring technologies.

Wireless temperature monitoring technology provides real-time temperature detection for key heating points of high-voltage electrical equipment. By collecting and analyzing temperature data continuously, this technology helps ensure safe and stable operation of power systems while supporting predictive maintenance strategies.

2. Research Background and Technical Advantages of Wireless Temperature Monitoring Systems

In power plants and substations, long-term operation of high-voltage switchgear, outdoor disconnect switches, and busbar connection points may lead to local overheating. This is mainly caused by increased contact resistance, oxidation, dust accumulation, or mechanical loosening.

Since high-voltage equipment terminals are usually exposed to high electric fields, traditional contact-based temperature measurement methods cannot be safely applied due to insulation risks.

Wireless temperature monitoring technology solves this problem by transmitting temperature data via radio signals. The temperature sensors are directly installed at heating points, while the monitoring device remains electrically isolated from high-voltage equipment.

Compared with traditional measurement methods, wireless temperature monitoring systems offer several advantages:

1. High Safety
There is no direct electrical connection between sensors and monitoring systems, which reduces electrical hazard risks.

2. Real-Time Monitoring Capability
The system enables continuous temperature data acquisition and remote monitoring.

3. Low Maintenance Cost
Wireless monitoring replaces frequent manual inspection, reducing labor costs.

4. Data Storage and Analysis Support
Temperature data can be stored in central control systems for long-term analysis and predictive maintenance decisions.

Currently, commonly used temperature monitoring technologies include fiber optic temperature measurement, thermistor measurement, infrared temperature measurement, and wireless temperature measurement. Among these technologies:

• Thermistor sensors are difficult to use on exposed high-voltage equipment.
• Fiber optic temperature monitoring provides high accuracy but has high installation and equipment costs.
• Infrared measurement usually requires manual operation and lacks real-time continuous monitoring.
• Wireless temperature monitoring is gradually becoming the mainstream solution due to its balance between cost, safety, and performance.

3. Acrel Wireless Temperature Online Monitoring System Solution

The wireless temperature monitoring system is mainly used for monitoring temperature changes in high-voltage and low-voltage switch cabinets, cable joints, circuit breaker contacts, busbar joints, and transformer equipment.

The system detects potential safety risks caused by factors such as oxidation, loosening, or dust accumulation that may increase contact resistance during operation.

The core functions of the system include:

• Real-time temperature data collection
• Temperature abnormality alarm functions
• Historical data storage and analysis
• Remote monitoring and automated operation management

4. Temperature Sensing Components

Battery-powered wireless temperature sensors

These sensors are installed directly at equipment heating points. They are powered by built-in batteries and transmit data wirelessly. They are suitable for high-voltage switchgear contacts and busbar joints.

CT-powered wireless temperature sensors

These sensors are mainly used in high-current operating environments such as circuit breaker contacts, busbar connection points, and high-voltage cable terminals. The sensors obtain power through current transformer induction, eliminating the need for battery replacement and extending service life.

Wired temperature sensors

Wired sensors are mainly used in low-voltage equipment or high-precision monitoring scenarios, such as transformer windings and motor windings. Pt100 resistance temperature detectors are commonly used as sensing elements.

5. Receiving and Display Units

Wireless temperature monitoring systems typically consist of receiving modules and display terminals.

• Receiving Unit
  Responsible for receiving and processing temperature data transmitted from sensors.

• Display Unit
  Used to visually display temperature curves, equipment status, and alarm information.

This structure allows maintenance personnel to monitor equipment operation status in real time.

6. Wireless Temperature Monitoring System Solution Architecture

The Acrel-2000/T wireless temperature monitoring system integrates temperature data from all monitoring devices in the substation into a centralized management platform.

The system combines computer technology, communication technology, and data processing technology to achieve centralized monitoring and management of temperature information.

Main functions include:

• Real-time data acquisition and transmission
• Temperature trend curve analysis
• Historical data storage and query
• Overtemperature alarm and event record management

The system is equipped with an independent database for long-term data storage and equipment operation analysis. By analyzing temperature trends, engineers can evaluate equipment aging conditions and optimize maintenance decisions.

7. Typical Application Scenarios

Wireless temperature monitoring technology is widely used in multiple industries, including:

• Power transmission and distribution systems
• Steel manufacturing industry
• Mining industry
• Petrochemical industry

Common monitoring locations include:

• Transmission line conductors
• Main transformer bushings
• Disconnect switch contacts
• High-voltage switchgear joints
• Cable terminals
• Capacitor surfaces

The system helps improve equipment operation reliability through real-time monitoring and early warning functions.

8. Technical Application Value

The application of wireless temperature monitoring technology significantly improves power system operation management.

Key benefits include:

• Improving power grid safety and reliability
• Reducing equipment failure rates
• Minimizing power outage duration and scope
• Reducing manual inspection costs
• Enhancing economic and social benefits of power systems

Traditional scheduled maintenance is gradually evolving into condition-based maintenance supported by intelligent monitoring technologies.

9. Conclusion

Wireless temperature monitoring technology plays an important role in ensuring safe operation of electrical power systems. By continuously monitoring and analyzing temperature data, it is possible to predict equipment degradation and prevent potential failures.

With the development of Internet of Things (IoT) technology and smart grid construction, wireless temperature monitoring technology will play an increasingly important role in future power system safety management.