Multi-Gas Analyzer Based on Tunable Filter Non-Dispersive Infrared Sensor: Application to the Monitoring of Eco-Friendly Gas Insulated Switchgears

This study presents a multi-gas analyzer based on tunable filter non-dispersive IR (TF-NDIR) sensors that operate with a wide dynamic range of wavelength and concentration. A pyroelectric sensor coupled with a microsized Fabry–Perot interferometer, namely a tunable filter, enables sensing within a narrowly selected wavelength band. Three detectors capable of tuning the bandpass wavelength with a range of 3.8–5.0 μm, 5.5–8.0 μm, and 8.0–10.5 μm are combined to encompass the entire mid-IR region. single-pass cell with an optical path length (OPL) of 5 cm and a multi-pass cell with an OPL of 10.5 m is selected to encompass a concentration range from ppmv to percent. The TF-NDIR sensors and gas cells can be reconfigured by manipulating the beam path. A homemade lock-in amplifier is used to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio 88 times greater than that of the bare signal. The performance of the gas analyzer is evaluated by measuring the SF(6) and Novec-4710/CO(2) mixture, which are the dielectric gas medium for a gas-insulated switch (GIS). The mixing ratio of the Novec-4710/CO(2) mixture is measured within a range of 3–7% using premixes. The measurement precision is 0.72% for 0.5 s. Trace level measurements of Novec-4710, CO(2), SF(6), which are measurands for detecting gas leakage from the GIS, CO, and SO(2) which are measurands for detecting product generated by the arc or thermal decomposition in the switching electrode, are conducted based on dynamic partial pressure adjustment using 1000 ppmv mother premixes in N(2). The limit of detection is 54.7 ppmv for Novec-4710, 112.8 ppmv for CO, 118.1 ppmv for CO(2), 69.5 ppmv for SO(2), and 33.5 ppmv for SF(6).