Highly Sensitive Online Detection of Acetylene in Transformer Oil Using Photoacoustic Spectroscopy

To meet the demand for online monitoring of acetylene (C₂H₂) in transformer oil, a high-sensitivity detection system based on photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) is presented. The system integrates custom-designed modules for signal acquisition, phase-sensitive detection, and data processing, centered around a high-performance microcontroller. A full-wave lock-in amplification-based phase-sensitive detection circuit enables precise extraction of nV-level photoacoustic signals. Finite element simulations of the resonant photoacoustic cell in COMSOL 6.2 were conducted to optimize the structural configuration and sensor placement, achieving maximum acoustic response. Calibration experiments confirmed excellent system performance, demonstrating a linear response (R² > 0.99) over the 0.5–20 ppm range and a practical detection limit of 0.1 ppm. Comparative evaluations against conventional dissolved gas analysis (DGA) equipment verify the system’s sensitivity, stability, and temporal resolution, demonstrating its potential as a high-sensitivity and reliable solution for transformer fault gas diagnostics.