Method and device for detecting burying direction of tower grounding device
By sensing the distribution characteristics of the Earth's magnetic field on the ground using a magnetic field sensor array, the orientation detection process for tower grounding devices is simplified, solving the problems of cumbersome operation and low efficiency in existing technologies, and achieving efficient and accurate positioning of buried grounding conductors.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-10
AI Technical Summary
Existing methods for detecting the orientation of tower grounding devices are cumbersome and inefficient in complex terrain or densely wired areas, and are prone to introducing measurement errors, making it difficult to meet the requirements for efficient and accurate detection.
A magnetic field sensor array is used to replace the three-electrode method. The location and direction of the grounding conductor are determined by sensing the distribution characteristics of the earth's surface magnetic field, which simplifies the operation process and avoids frequent insertion, removal and movement of electrodes.
It improves detection efficiency and accuracy, adapts to complex terrain conditions, reduces measurement errors, and meets the needs of rapid response and convenient operation.
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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the technical field of power grid operation and maintenance, and in particular to a method and device for detecting the burial orientation of a tower grounding device. Background Technology
[0002] Accurate measurement of tower grounding resistance is a core element in ensuring the safe and stable operation of power systems and plays an irreplaceable role in power engineering practice. Currently, grounding resistance measurement mainly relies on techniques such as the three-electrode method, which requires precise electrode placement. The electrodes must be perpendicular to the axis of the tower grounding electrode; therefore, accurately determining the burial location of the grounding electrode is a prerequisite for reliable measurement.
[0003] In actual engineering sites, many long-established towers commonly suffer from missing original design drawings for their grounding electrodes, or significant discrepancies between the drawings and the actual installation locations. This poses a major obstacle to confirming the burial orientation, directly impacting the accuracy of subsequent measurements. Current technologies for detecting the orientation of tower grounding devices generally employ methods based on surface potential distribution. The principle involves injecting current into the grounding electrode and using the surface potential distribution patterns formed as the current diffuses through the earth to infer the burial direction of the grounding electrode.
[0004] In practice, injection electrodes, detection electrodes, and recovery electrodes need to be set up. Multi-point potential data are collected by repeatedly inserting and removing electrodes and moving the detection electrodes, and then the azimuth characteristics are analyzed.
[0005] However, this method has significant drawbacks: the operation relies heavily on frequent manual insertion and movement of electrodes, resulting in a cumbersome and lengthy process. This is especially problematic in complex terrains such as mountains and swamps, or areas with dense underground pipelines, where electrode placement is limited by the physical environment and moving the detection equipment is extremely difficult. This not only significantly extends the detection time but also substantially reduces work efficiency, making it difficult to meet the practical needs of modern power engineering for rapid response and convenient operation. Furthermore, factors such as poor electrode contact or uneven soil can easily introduce measurement errors, further weakening the reliability of orientation determination. Therefore, existing technologies cannot meet the requirements for efficient and accurate detection under complex working conditions. Summary of the Invention
[0006] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this application provides a method and apparatus for detecting the burial orientation of tower grounding devices. This method avoids the need for frequent manual insertion and movement of electrodes, simplifies the operation process, improves detection efficiency, reduces environmental limitations, and lowers measurement errors, thereby determining the burial orientation of grounding conductors more efficiently and accurately.
[0007] The above-mentioned objective of this application is achieved through the following technical solution: A method for detecting the burial orientation of a tower grounding device includes: The detection device is deployed on the ground where the tower grounding device is located, forming a detection area that can sense the characteristics of magnetic field distribution; An external excitation current is injected into the down conductor to generate a surface magnetic field above the grounding conductor; The detection device senses the Earth's surface magnetic field; Mobile detection device; The location and direction of the grounding conductor are determined based on the ground magnetic induction intensity of the grounding device.
[0008] Optionally, the distribution characteristics of the ground magnetic induction intensity of the grounding device can be determined by comparing the magnetic induction intensity measured by the detection device, and the buried location and direction of the grounding conductor can be determined based on the distribution characteristics of the ground magnetic induction intensity of the grounding device.
[0009] Optionally, when the detection device is moved, the movement range of the detection device is within the detection area.
[0010] Optionally, the step of deploying the detection device on the ground where the tower grounding device is located includes: Four main magnetic field sensors are deployed on the ground where the tower grounding device is located. The four main magnetic field sensors are arranged in a rhombus array and divided into two groups. Each group includes two main magnetic field sensors, and the two main magnetic field sensors in each group are located at opposite vertices of the rhombus.
[0011] Optionally, determining the location of the grounding conductor includes: The four main magnetic field sensors are moved, and their rhomboid distribution remains unchanged during the movement. The magnetic induction intensity measured by the four main magnetic field sensors is acquired in real time; When one of the main magnetic field sensors measures the magnetic induction intensity to the maximum value of the detection area, it is determined that the grounding conductor is directly below the main magnetic field sensor.
[0012] Optionally, determining the burial direction of the grounding conductor includes: When the magnetic induction intensity measured by one of the main magnetic field sensors reaches the maximum value of the detection area, the main magnetic field sensor is fixed. With a fixed main magnetic field sensor as the center, the main magnetic field sensor array is rotated in a plane. When the magnetic induction intensity measured by the main magnetic field sensor in the same group as the fixed main magnetic field sensor reaches the maximum value of the detection area, the connection of the main magnetic field sensors in this group is the direction of the grounding conductor burial.
[0013] Optionally, determining the burial direction of the grounding conductor further includes: When the magnetic induction intensity measured by one of the main magnetic field sensors reaches the maximum value of the detection area, the main magnetic field sensor group is fixed. Adjust the position of another set of main magnetic field sensors; Make the ratio of the magnetic induction intensity measured by the two main magnetic field sensors in another set of main magnetic field sensors meet the threshold range.
[0014] This application embodiment also provides a tower grounding device burial orientation detection device, including: A magnetic field sensor array is used to measure the magnetic induction intensity within the detection area; The signal acquisition unit is used to acquire magnetic induction data measured by the magnetic field sensor array; Signal amplification circuit, used to process magnetic induction data measured by magnetic field sensor array; The central processing unit is used to calculate the magnetic induction data measured by the magnetic field sensor array; The power supply module is used to supply power to the magnetic field sensor array, signal acquisition unit, signal amplification circuit and central processing unit.
[0015] Optional, also includes: Analog-to-digital conversion circuit and data analysis module are used to process magnetic induction data measured by the magnetic field sensor array; The control panel is used to send commands to the central processing unit. The real-time display module is used to display the burial location results in real time.
[0016] In summary, this application has the following beneficial technical effects: This application's embodiments employ a sensor array instead of the three-electrode method. By comparing the magnetic induction intensity values measured by the sensor array, the distribution characteristics of the magnetic induction intensity above the ground of the grounding device are revealed, thereby clarifying the buried location of the grounding conductor. This eliminates the need for operators to frequently insert and remove electrodes, significantly improving detection efficiency and ease of use. In other words, by detecting the magnetic induction intensity distribution above the ground surface of the grounding electrode, the buried location of the grounding electrode can be quickly determined. Compared to traditional detection methods, this invention significantly reduces the number of detections and time, improves work efficiency, and is easy to operate, applicable to various complex terrain conditions. Operators can quickly determine the buried location of the grounding electrode using this device, providing an accurate basis for the electrode arrangement direction in grounding resistance measurement. Attached Figure Description
[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the finite-length straight-carrying magnetic field distribution model of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of planar magnetic induction intensity distribution in this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the underground grounding device burial location detection device of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the grounding device burial orientation detection system of this application. Detailed Implementation
[0018] The present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0019] To better understand the technical solutions presented in the embodiments of this application, a brief introduction to existing tower grounding devices will be given first.
[0020] Accurate measurement of tower grounding resistance is crucial for maintaining the safe and stable operation of power systems, and this issue is an important research topic in the field of power engineering. Currently, commonly used grounding resistance measurement methods mainly include detection techniques that rely on electrode placement, such as the three-electrode method. In grounding resistance detection based on the three-electrode method, the electrode placement direction must be strictly perpendicular to the axis of the tower's grounding electrode; therefore, accurately locating the burial position of the grounding electrode is a prerequisite for reliable measurement. In practical engineering applications, for towers with long service lives, there is a common problem of missing grounding electrode design drawings or discrepancies between the drawings and the actual installation, posing a significant challenge to determining the burial position.
[0021] Current methods for detecting the location of tower grounding devices typically employ a detection method based on surface potential distribution. The basic principle of this method is to infer the burial location of the grounding electrode by utilizing the surface potential distribution characteristics generated when current flows through the grounding electrode and dissipates to the earth. First, current is injected into the grounding electrode to induce a certain regularity in the surface potential distribution. Then, by deploying injection electrodes, detection electrodes, and recovery electrodes, the changes in surface potential are measured to determine the burial location of the grounding electrode. However, this method has significant limitations: it requires repeated electrode placement and movement of the detection electrode to collect potential data at multiple points, making the operation cumbersome and time-consuming. Especially in complex terrain or areas with dense wiring, frequent electrode placement and movement significantly reduce detection efficiency, making it difficult to meet the high efficiency and convenience requirements of engineering practice.
[0022] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a method and apparatus for quickly and accurately determining the burial location of tower grounding devices, thereby improving detection efficiency, providing reliable support for subsequent grounding resistance measurements, and simplifying the operation process to adapt to application scenarios under complex terrain conditions. The method includes the following steps: S101: The detection device is deployed on the ground where the tower grounding device is located to form a detection area that can sense the characteristics of magnetic field distribution; S102: Inject an external excitation current into the down conductor to generate a ground magnetic field above the grounding conductor; S103: The detection device senses the Earth's surface magnetic field; S104: Mobile detection device; S105: Determine the location and direction of the grounding conductor based on the ground magnetic induction intensity of the grounding device.
[0023] To understand the above technical solution, one must first understand the calculation of the magnetic field distribution of the tower grounding device under injected current. The conductor of the grounding device is generally made of galvanized steel flat steel or round steel, which can be equivalent to a symmetrical magnetic field distribution model of a long straight current-carrying conductor. The following assumptions are made in the calculation: The interference of other ferromagnetic objects (such as underground metal pipes, iron structures, etc.) around the pole grounding device and the mutual interference of magnetic fields of adjacent poles is not considered; it is assumed that the electromagnetic properties of the soil are uniform, that is, the magnetic permeability and electrical conductivity of the soil remain constant in the detection area and are not affected by depth or regional changes; the interference effect of soil environmental changes on magnetic field distribution is ignored; it is assumed that the geometry of the grounding device is regular and the influence of its surface condition on magnetic field distribution is negligible; the material, size and current injection conditions of the grounding device are known.
[0024] When a current flows through a grounded conductor, the magnetic field around the grounding electrode exhibits a meridional distribution. The establishment and solution of its finite-length direct current-carrying model are shown in the appendix. Figure 1 As shown. According to the theory of magnetic field distribution in a long straight current-carrying conductor, the formula for calculating magnetic induction intensity is as follows: In the formula, Take soil resistivity, , for The angle between the perpendicular line from the point to the current-carrying conductor and the line connecting the two ends. For the model of a long straight current-carrying conductor The magnitude of the magnetic induction intensity at the point.
[0025] As attached Figure 2 As shown, a model of the surface magnetic induction intensity distribution is established when a grounded conductor injects current. The cross-section of the horizontal grounding electrode of the tower is the cross-section perpendicular to the conductor. The origin of the coordinate system is located directly above the midpoint of the horizontal grounding electrode. At the length, on the horizontal line where the cross-section is located, The connection between the two ends of the grounding electrode of the point and the tower and The angle between the point and the perpendicular line of the grounding body and It is fixed, considering uniform soil, and the only change in the formula is... Straight-line distance from point to tower grounding body As can be deduced from the above theory, at this time... , Both are 45°, which shows that and exist The maximum value appears at that point, and exist The magnetic field strength at the center point reaches a minimum, and the distribution of magnetic field strength on the ground surface gradually decreases as the distance from the center point shifts. Therefore, a method for determining the burial location of the horizontal grounding electrode of the tower can be derived: by injecting current into the grounding electrode and detecting the distribution of magnetic field strength on the soil surface above it, the location corresponding to the maximum magnetic field strength is determined as the burial location of the horizontal grounding electrode of the tower, thus providing a basis for accurate electrode placement before grounding resistance measurement.
[0026] A detection device equipped with a magnetic field sensor is placed above the ground around the grounding device of the tower being tested, forming a detection area capable of sensing the magnetic field distribution of the grounding device. By injecting current into the grounding device, a current loop is formed between the grounding device and the ground through its grounding down conductor. This current loop creates a specific magnetic field distribution pattern around the grounding device. The magnetic field sensor can capture changes in this magnetic field distribution, acquiring magnetic induction intensity data above the ground surface of the grounding device to determine its burial location. As the detection device moves above the ground around the grounding device, the magnetic field sensor will capture changes in the magnetic induction intensity distribution around the grounding device in real time. By analyzing the location of the maximum magnetic induction intensity, the burial location of the grounding device is determined, thus achieving rapid positioning of the grounding device.
[0027] In this application embodiment, in the field of power system maintenance, the accurate measurement of tower grounding resistance depends on the accurate determination of the burial location of the grounding electrode. In existing technologies, detection methods based on surface potential distribution require repeated electrode insertion and movement of the probe to collect data from multiple points, resulting in a cumbersome and time-consuming operation process, making it difficult to implement efficiently in complex terrain or densely wired areas. This application proposes a detection method based on magnetic field induction to solve the problems of cumbersome operation, low efficiency, and insufficient adaptability of existing methods.
[0028] The detection device is deployed on the ground where the tower grounding device is located, forming a detection area that can sense the distribution characteristics of the magnetic field. This detection area refers to the spatial range defined by the deployment of the detection device, capable of monitoring changes in the surface magnetic field. In practical applications, this detection area can be formed by pre-setting fixed reference points on the ground, such as using physical markers or coordinate systems to delineate boundaries, or by dynamically adjusting the position of the detection device to define the range in real time. This is mainly to clarify the effective area for magnetic field measurement and avoid interference from the external environment. Further, an external excitation current is injected into the down conductor to generate a surface magnetic field above the grounding conductor. The injection of the external excitation current can be achieved using a DC power supply or a low-frequency AC signal generator. For example, a constant amplitude current or a periodically changing current can be applied to the down conductor by connecting an independent power module. This is mainly to excite measurable magnetic field distribution characteristics around the grounding conductor. The detection device senses the surface magnetic field. The sensing process can be achieved using a magnetoresistive sensor or an induction coil. For example, a single-axis magnetic field sensor can be used to collect the vertical magnetic induction intensity component, or a multi-channel synchronous acquisition system can be used to acquire three-dimensional magnetic field data. This is mainly to capture real-time changes in the surface magnetic field non-contactly. Mobile detection devices can be moved manually or via automated platforms. For example, the device can be moved along a straight path using a handheld support, or a track-mounted slide can be used for uniform scanning. The primary purpose is to cover the detection area and acquire continuous magnetic field distribution data. The location and orientation of the grounding conductor are determined based on the ground magnetic induction intensity of the grounding device. This determination process can employ peak comparison algorithms or spatial gradient analysis methods. For instance, the extreme points of the rate of change can be determined by calculating the difference in magnetic induction intensity between adjacent locations, or the axis of symmetry of the magnetic field distribution curve can be derived using polynomial fitting. The main purpose is to directly infer the spatial orientation characteristics of the grounding conductor from the magnetic field data.
[0029] Therefore, this application replaces the traditional potential distribution measurement mechanism with the principle of magnetic field induction, avoiding repetitive operations of electrode placement and movement, simplifying the detection process, improving operational convenience, and adapting to application scenarios under complex terrain conditions. As a preferred embodiment, this method does not require additional injection or recovery electrodes, relying solely on the down conductor as the current injection point, thereby reducing the frequency of on-site equipment adjustments and ensuring detection efficiency.
[0030] When implementing this method for detecting the burial location of the tower grounding device, the detection device is first deployed on the ground where the tower grounding device is located, thus forming a detection area that can sense the magnetic field distribution characteristics. This area covers the possible extension range of the tower grounding conductor, facilitating the continuous acquisition of subsequent magnetic field data. An external excitation current is injected into the down conductor, generating a stable surface magnetic field above the grounding conductor. The distribution characteristics of this magnetic field are directly related to the burial location and orientation of the grounding conductor. The detection device captures the intensity information of the surface magnetic field in real time through its built-in magnetic field sensing unit and is moved within the detection area to scan the changes in magnetic induction intensity at different locations. Based on the acquired ground magnetic induction intensity distribution data of the grounding device, the burial location and orientation of the grounding conductor are determined by analyzing the peak position and gradient change characteristics of the magnetic induction intensity. The burial location corresponds to the area with the maximum magnetic induction intensity, while the burial orientation is derived from the symmetry or gradient direction of the magnetic induction intensity distribution.
[0031] In one specific implementation, the detection device can be a three-axis fluxgate sensor array. Each fluxgate sensor can accurately measure the vector component of the Earth's surface magnetic field. For example, in actual operation, the operator fixes the sensor array on a movable support, with rollers installed at the bottom of the support to adapt to complex terrain, and connects it to signal acquisition equipment. After injecting a sinusoidal AC excitation current with a frequency of 10 Hz into the down conductor, the sensor array systematically moves around the tower foundation, recording magnetic induction intensity data every 0.5 meters until a full coverage scan of the detection area is completed. Furthermore, in the data processing stage, the central processing unit filters and normalizes the collected magnetic induction intensity data to eliminate environmental noise interference, thereby clearly identifying the peak points and gradient change trends of the magnetic induction intensity distribution.
[0032] Therefore, this method replaces traditional potential distribution measurement with the principle of magnetic field induction, avoiding repeated electrode insertion and movement, and significantly simplifying the on-site testing process. Specifically, the non-contact magnetic field induction method eliminates the need for additional electrodes on the ground surface, reducing equipment adjustment time and manpower consumption, and is particularly suitable for complex environments such as vegetation cover or rocky terrain. Simultaneously, it directly infers the burial location based on the characteristics of magnetic induction intensity distribution, eliminating the cumbersome steps of potential data acquisition and multi-point comparison, making the testing process more efficient and intuitive. As a preferred implementation method, this technical solution effectively overcomes the operational complexity and low efficiency problems caused by electrode placement in existing methods, providing reliable prerequisite support for the accurate measurement of tower grounding resistance.
[0033] Specifically, in some embodiments of this application, the movement range of the detection device is within the detection area to ensure the continuity of magnetic field sensing and the validity of data. However, in the process of implementation, if the detection device moves beyond the detection area, the surface magnetic field signal will weaken or disappear, resulting in a decrease in positioning accuracy and repetitive operation, especially in complex terrain conditions where it is difficult to complete the detection efficiently.
[0034] In this regard, this application further proposes that when the detection device is moved, the movement range of the detection device is within the detection area.
[0035] The mobile range of the detection device refers to the movable area of the detection device on the ground. It can be an area that is manually controlled by the operator or defined by geofencing technology. Its purpose is to ensure that the detection device is always within the range that can effectively sense the surface magnetic field. The detection area refers to the area formed by the deployment of the detection device that can sense the distribution characteristics of the magnetic field. It can be defined by virtual boundaries or physical markers set during the initial deployment. Its purpose is to provide a stable magnetic field sensing environment and avoid external interference from affecting data acquisition.
[0036] Specifically, by confining the movement range of the detection device to the detection area, the detection device can continuously capture the effective magnetic field signal generated by the grounding conductor, avoiding signal interruption or distortion caused by moving beyond the area. This ensures that the acquisition of magnetic induction intensity data remains continuous and stable during movement, thus providing a reliable data basis for determining the burial location and direction of the grounding conductor based on the distribution characteristics of magnetic induction intensity. At the same time, it reduces the operational steps required to re-lay out the grounding conductor due to signal loss.
[0037] As a specific embodiment, the solution of this application is implemented as follows: the operator sets conspicuous physical markers at the boundary of the detection area, and when moving the detection device, visually confirms that the device position is always within the area enclosed by the markers, ensuring that the detection process is not affected by terrain undulations or obstacles.
[0038] Through the above-mentioned scheme, this application ensures the stability of the surface magnetic field induction and the continuity of data acquisition, avoids positioning deviation caused by signal interruption, reduces the number of repeated operations, improves detection efficiency, and is especially suitable for field environments with complex terrain or dense wiring, simplifying the operation process and enhancing the reliability of the results.
[0039] Specifically, in some implementations, relying solely on a single magnetic induction intensity measurement or simple comparison obtained by the detection device during its movement is insufficient to effectively capture the overall distribution pattern of the Earth's magnetic field. This is easily affected by soil heterogeneity, external electromagnetic interference, or terrain complexity, leading to deviations in the judgment of the burial location and direction. The detection device needs to be repeatedly adjusted to verify the results, which significantly reduces detection efficiency and reliability.
[0040] In this regard, this application further proposes to determine the distribution characteristics of the ground magnetic induction intensity of the grounding device by comparing the magnetic induction intensity measured by the detection device, and to determine the buried location and direction of the grounding conductor based on the distribution characteristics of the ground magnetic induction intensity of the grounding device.
[0041] In practical applications, comparing the magnetic induction intensity measured by the detection device refers to systematically comparing the magnetic field intensity data of multiple measurement points. This can be achieved using statistical analysis methods or pattern recognition algorithms. The purpose is to identify the spatial variation trend and distribution pattern of the magnetic field intensity, avoiding misjudgments caused by local interference or random fluctuations. Determining the distribution characteristics of the ground magnetic induction intensity of the grounding device can be understood as constructing an overall description of the magnetic field distribution within the detection area. This can be achieved by generating heat maps or fitting distribution models. The purpose is to provide a reliable data foundation, enabling the system to adapt to complex terrain or interference environments. Specifically, determining the burial location and direction of the grounding conductor based on the distribution characteristics of the ground magnetic induction intensity of the grounding device refers to deriving the burial parameters using key information from the distribution characteristics. This can be achieved using feature point positioning or geometric analysis methods. The purpose is to ensure the logic and accuracy of the positioning process.
[0042] Specifically, the detection device collects multi-point magnetic induction intensity data in real time during its movement. The system compares these data to construct the distribution characteristics of the Earth's magnetic field, such as identifying intensity gradients, peak regions, or symmetry features. Subsequently, based on these distribution characteristics, the system analyzes the connection between the center point or characteristic points of the magnetic field distribution, thereby accurately inferring the actual orientation and burial location of the grounding conductor. This process is organically linked to the previous steps of injecting external excitation current into the down conductor and moving the detection device. By replacing the judgment of a single measurement point with overall distribution analysis, the influence of local interference on the positioning results is effectively avoided.
[0043] As a preferred embodiment, the solution of this application is implemented as follows: the detection device includes multiple magnetic field sensors arranged in a linear array, and each sensor synchronously records the magnetic induction intensity during the movement; the central processing unit uses a microcontroller to process the collected data, generate a magnetic field distribution heat map, and determine the burial direction of the grounding conductor by identifying the distribution pattern of the maximum intensity point in the heat map.
[0044] Through the above scheme, this application effectively captures the overall distribution pattern of the Earth's surface magnetic field, reduces positioning deviations caused by soil heterogeneity or external electromagnetic interference, avoids repeated adjustments to the position of the detection device, and significantly improves detection efficiency and reliability.
[0045] In some of the embodiments described above in this application, a detection device is proposed to be deployed on the ground where the tower grounding device is located to form a detection area that can sense the distribution characteristics of the magnetic field. However, in the process of its implementation, due to the lack of specific specifications for the layout of the detection device, it is necessary to repeatedly adjust the position when moving the detection device to determine the point of maximum magnetic induction intensity. The operation is cumbersome and time-consuming. In particular, it is difficult to efficiently and accurately locate the buried position and direction of the grounding conductor in complex terrain or dense wiring areas, which cannot meet the needs of engineering practice for speed and convenience.
[0046] In this regard, this application further proposes that the detection device be deployed on the ground where the tower grounding device is located, including: Four main magnetic field sensors are deployed on the ground where the tower grounding device is located. The four main magnetic field sensors are arranged in a rhombus array and divided into two groups. Each group includes two main magnetic field sensors, and the two main magnetic field sensors in each group are located at opposite vertices of the rhombus.
[0047] The four main magnetic field sensors are sensing units used to synchronously collect surface magnetic field data. They can be implemented using magnetoresistive sensors, Hall effect sensors, or induction coils, etc., with the aim of reducing the need for repeated single-point movements through multi-point parallel measurement. The rhomboid array distribution means that the four sensors are arranged in a rhomboid geometric configuration, which can be implemented using a regular rhomboid or a deformed rhomboid layout, with the aim of maintaining uniform coverage and relative positional stability of the detection area using geometric symmetry. Dividing into two groups means that the sensors are divided into two independent subsets, which can be implemented using fixed logical grouping or dynamic grouping based on real-time data, with the aim of separating the functional processes of position positioning and direction determination. Each group includes two main magnetic field sensors, which means that each subset contains a pair of sensing elements, which can be implemented using a symmetrical configuration or asymmetrical spacing, with the aim of supporting instantaneous comparison of magnetic induction intensity to accelerate the identification of the maximum value. The two main magnetic field sensors in each group are located at opposite vertices of the rhombus, which means that the sensors are arranged at opposite corners of the rhombus, which can be implemented using a precise diagonal or approximately diagonal arrangement, with the aim of ensuring that the magnetic induction intensity reaches its peak when the connecting line is parallel to the axis of the grounding conductor, thereby establishing the physical basis for direction indication.
[0048] Specifically, the solution in this application forms a collaborative operating system through the geometric characteristics and grouping mechanism of the rhomboid array. After the four main magnetic field sensors are deployed, their rhomboid distribution ensures that the relative positional relationship of each sensor remains constant during movement or rotation, avoiding measurement deviations caused by loose layout. When the array moves as a whole, the magnetic field data collected synchronously from multiple points can be compared in real time to quickly lock the point of maximum magnetic induction intensity to determine the burial location. In the direction determination stage, a group of sensors is fixed and the array is rotated. Since there is a strong correlation between the connection line of the sensors at opposite vertices and the direction of the grounding conductor, when the magnetic induction intensity measured by this group of sensors reaches its peak synchronously, the direction of its connection line accurately corresponds to the burial direction of the grounding conductor. This decouples the position positioning and direction detection into an independent and operable process, significantly simplifying the detection logic.
[0049] As a preferred embodiment, the solution of this application is implemented as follows: Four main magnetic field sensors are high-sensitivity magnetoresistive sensor units, which are arranged in a diamond pattern on the ground around the tower grounding device. The overall size of the array is adapted to the coverage range of a typical grounding conductor. The sensors are divided into two groups, each containing two units located at opposite corners of the diamond. During the detection process, the operator holds the array and moves it along the ground to monitor the data of each sensor in real time. When a sensor shows that the magnetic induction intensity reaches the regional peak, the point is marked as the reference point for the burial position. Then, the array is rotated with the point as the reference plane, and the response change of the other sensor in the same group is observed. When the magnetic induction intensity of the sensor reaches the peak simultaneously, the direction of the line connecting the two sensors is determined as the burial direction of the grounding conductor.
[0050] Through the above-described solution, this application effectively avoids the repeated adjustment of the detection device's position, achieving rapid and synchronous determination of the burial location and direction. This significantly improves the detection efficiency and accuracy in complex terrain or densely wired areas, meeting the practical needs of engineering practice for ease of operation and timely detection. In some embodiments of this application, a method for determining the burial location of the grounding conductor is proposed for precise positioning. However, in its implementation, simply deploying a fixed sensor array cannot dynamically scan the surface magnetic field to capture the maximum value point, resulting in a positioning process that relies on repeated manual adjustments, is inefficient, and lacks accuracy, making it difficult to meet the needs of rapid detection under complex terrain conditions. In this regard, this application further proposes steps for determining the location of the grounding conductor, including: The four main magnetic field sensors are moved, and their rhomboid distribution remains unchanged during the movement. The magnetic induction intensity measured by the four main magnetic field sensors is acquired in real time; When one of the main magnetic field sensors measures the magnetic induction intensity to the maximum value of the detection area, it is determined that the grounding conductor is directly below the main magnetic field sensor. In practical applications, moving the four main magnetic field sensors refers to systematically displacing them within the detection area. This can be achieved using a manual trolley or an automated guided vehicle (AGV), with the aim of covering the entire detection area to capture magnetic field distribution characteristics. Maintaining the rhomboid distribution of the four main magnetic field sensors during movement means that the sensor array maintains a fixed relative position during displacement. This can be achieved using rigid supports or real-time calibration via a positioning system, ensuring spatial consistency of the magnetic induction intensity data measured by each sensor and avoiding positioning errors caused by array deformation. Specifically, real-time acquisition of the magnetic induction intensity measured by the four main magnetic field sensors means synchronously collecting and processing magnetic field data during sensor movement. This can be achieved using a high-speed analog-to-digital converter combined with continuous sampling by a microprocessor, aiming to respond instantly to magnetic field changes, shorten the detection cycle, and improve on-site operational efficiency. When one of the main magnetic field sensors measures the magnetic induction intensity to its maximum value within the detection area, determining that a portion of the grounding conductor is directly below that sensor refers to positioning based on the physical law that the magnetic field strength is greatest directly above the grounding conductor. This can be achieved using a threshold comparison algorithm or a peak detection circuit, directly linking the measured value with the conductor's position and simplifying the positioning process. Specifically, the solution in this application uses a dynamically moving sensor array that maintains a rhomboid distribution, allowing the sensors to continuously scan the Earth's magnetic field within the detection area. During the movement, the magnetic induction intensity data of each sensor is collected in real time, and the data changes are analyzed by a central processing unit. When the magnetic induction intensity of a certain sensor reaches its maximum value in the area, the system determines that a grounding conductor exists directly beneath that sensor based on the correspondence between the peak magnetic field intensity and the location of the grounding conductor. This working method ensures the stability of the sensor array's geometric configuration, accurately reflecting the spatial distribution characteristics of the magnetic field data. Simultaneously, the real-time processing mechanism avoids data delays, thus achieving efficient and accurate positioning. As a specific implementation method, the solution of this application is implemented as follows: The operator installs four main magnetic field sensors on a movable rigid bracket, which is designed to keep the sensors in a diamond array distribution; on the ground where the tower grounding device is located, the operator pushes the bracket to move slowly, while the signal acquisition unit continuously records the magnetic induction intensity value of each sensor; when the reading of one sensor is significantly higher than that of the other sensors and reaches the peak value, the operator marks the position of the sensor, at which point it can be determined that part of the grounding conductor is located directly below that point. Through the above technical solution, this application achieves rapid and accurate positioning of the buried location of the grounding conductor, avoiding the tedious process of repeated manual adjustments in traditional methods, and significantly improving detection efficiency; at the same time, since the sensor array maintains a stable geometric configuration during movement, it ensures positioning accuracy and enables it to adapt to application scenarios under complex terrain conditions.
[0051] Specifically, in the above scheme, determining the direction of the grounding conductor requires repeatedly adjusting the sensor position and performing multiple independent measurements. The operation steps are redundant and time-consuming. In particular, it is difficult to quickly lock the direction in complex terrain or dense wiring areas, resulting in low detection efficiency and affecting the reliability of subsequent grounding resistance measurements.
[0052] In this regard, this application further proposes to determine the burial direction of the grounding conductor by: fixing the main magnetic field sensor when the magnetic induction intensity measured by one of the main magnetic field sensors reaches the maximum value of the detection area; rotating the array of main magnetic field sensors in a plane with the fixed main magnetic field sensor as the center; and when the magnetic induction intensity measured by the main magnetic field sensors in the same group as the fixed main magnetic field sensor reaches the maximum value of the detection area, the connection line of the group of main magnetic field sensors is the burial direction of the grounding conductor.
[0053] The fixed main magnetic field sensor refers to locking the sensor's position when the magnetic induction intensity reaches the maximum value of the detection area. This can be achieved using a mechanical clamping mechanism or an electromagnetic adsorption device. The purpose is to utilize the physical characteristics of the peak magnetic field intensity directly above the grounding conductor to ensure that the fixed point accurately corresponds to the conductor's position, avoiding errors introduced by blindly adjusting the reference point. Rotating the main magnetic field sensor array with the fixed main magnetic field sensor as the center plane can be understood as rotating the entire sensor array around the fixed point. This can be achieved using an adjustable rotating bracket or a handheld turntable structure. The purpose is to fully utilize the symmetrical geometric characteristics of the rhombus array, enabling continuous and synchronous monitoring of magnetic field distribution changes during rotation, significantly reducing the steps of repeated deployment and independent measurement. The connection line of this group of main magnetic field sensors is the grounding conductor's burial direction. This means that when the sensors in the same group are located at opposite vertices of the rhombus, their connection line is perpendicular to the grounding conductor's axis. This can be achieved through direction indicator marks or real-time output from the data processing unit. The purpose is to directly obtain direction information based on the symmetrical distribution characteristics of the magnetic field, avoiding the cumbersome calculation process of multi-point potential measurement in traditional methods.
[0054] Specifically, the proposed solution first fixes a main magnetic field sensor based on the maximum magnetic induction intensity, ensuring that the reference point accurately corresponds to the location of the grounding conductor. Then, the entire sensor array is rotated around this fixed point, utilizing the structural symmetry of the rhomboid array to continuously monitor the magnetic field distribution. When another main magnetic field sensor in the same group reaches its maximum magnetic induction intensity during rotation, the magnetic field generated by the grounding conductor exhibits a symmetrical distribution in the direction perpendicular to the axis. Consequently, the connection line between these sensors is naturally perpendicular to the conductor's axis, directly determining the burial direction. This sequence of steps integrates the geometric characteristics of the sensor array with the magnetic field distribution pattern, achieving a seamless transition from position locking to direction determination, avoiding redundant operations of multiple independent measurements.
[0055] As a specific implementation method, the solution of this application is implemented as follows: When using four main magnetic field sensors distributed in a rhomboid array, if one of the main magnetic field sensors measures a magnetic induction intensity that reaches the maximum value of the detection area, the sensor is fixed by a mechanical clamping mechanism; then, with the fixed sensor as the center, the entire main magnetic field sensor array is rotated using an adjustable rotating bracket plane; when the other main magnetic field sensor in the same group as the fixed sensor measures a magnetic induction intensity that reaches the maximum value of the detection area, the straight line connecting the two main magnetic field sensors indicates the burial direction of the grounding conductor. This main magnetic field sensor can be a Hall effect-based magnetic sensor, whose signal is transmitted to a central processing unit via a wire for real-time analysis, and the direction determination process can be intuitively output without additional calculation.
[0056] Through the above-described scheme, this application simplifies the sensor adjustment process, reduces the number of independent measurements, and enables rapid locking of the grounding conductor's burial direction under complex terrain conditions, improving detection efficiency and reliability, and providing accurate directional reference support for subsequent grounding resistance measurements. In practical applications, some embodiments of this application propose determining the grounding conductor's burial direction by fixing the main magnetic field sensor and rotating the array until another sensor in the same group reaches its maximum magnetic induction intensity. However, in its implementation, relying solely on the judgment of a single maximum magnetic induction intensity point can easily lead to directional positioning deviations under irregular grounding conductor shapes or external magnetic field interference, making it difficult to ensure the accuracy of the burial orientation.
[0057] In this regard, this application further proposes that determining the burial direction of the grounding conductor also includes: When the magnetic induction intensity measured by one of the main magnetic field sensors reaches the maximum value of the detection area, the main magnetic field sensor group is fixed. Adjust the position of another set of main magnetic field sensors; Make the ratio of the magnetic induction intensity measured by the two main magnetic field sensors in another set of main magnetic field sensors meet the threshold range. Fixing the main magnetic field sensor group refers to locking the spatial position of a group of sensors during the detection process. This can be achieved using a mechanical clamping mechanism or a software position locking mechanism. The purpose is to provide a stable reference point and avoid reference drift caused by slight sensor displacement or environmental fluctuations. Adjusting the position of the other main magnetic field sensor group refers to changing the relative position of the other group of sensors while the reference group is fixed. This can be achieved using manual slide rail adjustment or an electric displacement platform. The purpose is to dynamically explore the magnetic field distribution characteristics and adapt to local changes in the actual orientation of the grounding conductor. The ratio of magnetic induction intensity meeting the threshold range refers to calculating the relative proportion of the values measured by the two sensors and comparing it with a preset interval. This can be achieved using a digital ratio determination algorithm executed by an embedded processor. The purpose is to utilize the physical characteristics of the symmetrical distribution of the magnetic field above the grounding conductor to perform direction calibration through relative intensity relationships rather than absolute values. Specifically, the proposed solution first uses a fixed reference group of sensors based on the maximum magnetic flux density point to ensure the reference position is within the magnetic field peak region. Then, while maintaining the stability of the reference group, the spatial position of another set of sensors is adjusted to monitor the changing trend of their magnetic flux density ratio in real time. When this ratio falls within a preset threshold range, it indicates that the array direction is highly aligned with the axis of the grounding conductor, thus forming a complete direction determination mechanism from absolute intensity positioning to relative ratio calibration. This mechanism effectively avoids the sensitivity of single maximum point positioning to irregular conductors or external interference through dual judgment logic, achieving a significant improvement in the robustness of direction detection. For example, in this application, the ratio between two main magnetic field sensors in the same group should be close to 1. Therefore, in this embodiment of the application, the threshold is set to 0.95, that is, when the ratio is higher than 0.95, it is considered to meet the requirements.
[0058] As a specific implementation method, the solution of this application is implemented as follows: At the testing site of the tower grounding device, when the magnetic induction intensity measured by one of the main magnetic field sensors in a group reaches the maximum value of the testing area, the operator uses a positioning bracket to fix the group of sensors; then, the position of the other group of main magnetic field sensors is finely adjusted along the direction perpendicular to the connection line of the reference group, and at the same time, the ratio of the magnetic induction intensity measured by the two sensors in the group is calculated in real time by the central processing unit; when the ratio is stable within a preset reasonable range, the connection direction of the other group of main magnetic field sensors at this time is recorded as the burial direction of the grounding conductor. Through the above technical solutions, this application can effectively overcome the problem of directional positioning deviation caused by irregular shape of the grounding conductor or external magnetic field interference, significantly improve the accuracy and reliability of buried orientation detection, and ensure accurate determination of the axial direction of the grounding conductor under complex working conditions. In another embodiment, this application also discloses a buried orientation detection device for tower grounding devices, including: a magnetic field sensor array for measuring the magnetic induction intensity in the detection area; a signal acquisition unit for acquiring the magnetic induction data measured by the magnetic field sensor array; a signal amplification circuit for processing the magnetic induction data measured by the magnetic field sensor array; a central processing unit for calculating the magnetic induction data measured by the magnetic field sensor array; and a power supply module for supplying power to the magnetic field sensor array, the signal acquisition unit, the signal amplification circuit, and the central processing unit.
[0059] This device simplifies the burial location detection process by replacing the traditional potential method that relies on electrode placement with a complete magnetic field detection and processing system. Specifically, the core innovation of this embodiment lies in combining a magnetic field sensor array with a signal acquisition unit, signal amplification circuit, and central processing unit in a non-contact magnetic field induction manner. Based on the surface magnetic field distribution characteristics generated by an applied excitation current, it directly measures the magnetic induction intensity, eliminating the need for repeated electrode insertion to sense the grounding conductor's location. This solves the problems of cumbersome operation, low efficiency, and difficulty in adapting to complex terrain caused by electrode movement in existing technologies, achieving improved detection efficiency, simplified on-site operation procedures, and guaranteed result reliability. In practical applications, the magnetic field sensor array directly captures the magnetic induction intensity distribution within the detection area, the signal acquisition unit acquires data in real time, the signal amplification circuit enhances weak signals to suppress environmental noise interference, the central processing unit automatically determines the burial location and direction by analyzing the peak position and gradient change characteristics of the magnetic induction intensity, and the power module ensures the system's independent operation capability without external power. This avoids the delay and human error associated with multi-point potential data acquisition in traditional methods, making it particularly suitable for efficient operation in areas with undulating terrain or dense wiring.
[0060] In some of the embodiments described above in this application, an analog-to-digital conversion circuit, a data analysis module, a control panel, and a real-time display module are proposed to achieve efficient data conversion, simplify the operation process, and provide real-time result feedback. However, in the implementation process, the aforementioned devices suffer from low analog signal processing efficiency due to the lack of an analog-to-digital conversion stage; excessive burden on the central processing unit due to the lack of a data analysis module; reliance on external devices for operation due to the absence of a control panel; and delayed result feedback due to the lack of real-time display, resulting in a cumbersome detection process and unsuitability for complex terrain conditions.
[0061] In this regard, this application further proposes that it also includes: an analog-to-digital conversion circuit and a data analysis module for processing the magnetic induction data measured by the magnetic field sensor array; a control panel for sending instructions to the central processing unit; and a real-time display module for displaying the burial orientation results in real time.
[0062] In practical applications, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) circuit refers to a circuit unit that converts analog signals into digital signals. It can be implemented using an ADC chip to ensure that analog signals can be efficiently processed by the central processing unit (CPU), avoiding error accumulation and conversion delays. The data analysis module can be understood as a functional unit that extracts and optimizes features from digital signals. It can be implemented using a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or dedicated software algorithms to reduce the computational burden on the CPU and improve the reliability and response speed of data processing. Specifically, the control panel is the interactive interface for users to input operating commands. It can be implemented using a touchscreen or a physical button array to enable autonomous control of the detection process without relying on external equipment for parameter adjustments. The real-time display module is the output device that instantly presents the detection results. It can be implemented using an LCD screen or an OLED display to allow inspectors to directly obtain location data, avoiding data export and secondary processing steps.
[0063] Specifically, the solution in this application converts the analog magnetic induction data output from the signal amplification circuit into a digital signal using an analog-to-digital converter. The data analysis module then extracts and optimizes the converted digital data, and the central processing unit (CPU) calculates the burial location based on the processed data. Simultaneously, the control panel receives user input commands and sends them to the CPU, while the real-time display module presents visualized information based on the calculation results, forming a complete closed loop of data processing and user interaction. This solution ensures that after efficient conversion and preprocessing of the raw signals collected from the magnetic field sensor array, the CPU can focus on the core location calculation task, while the user can directly control the detection process through the control panel, and the real-time display module provides synchronous feedback, significantly improving the overall system response efficiency and ease of operation.
[0064] As a specific implementation method, the solution of this application is implemented as follows: the analog-to-digital conversion circuit adopts a 16-bit resolution analog-to-digital converter chip; the data analysis module is implemented by a microcontroller based on the ARM Cortex-M4 core; the control panel is configured as a resistive touch screen; and the real-time display module adopts an organic light-emitting diode display screen.
[0065] Through the above technical solution, this application avoids the accumulation of errors and conversion delays in direct processing of analog signals, reduces the computational burden on the central processing unit, simplifies the operation steps in complex field environments, and significantly shortens the decision-making time, thereby improving the smoothness and practicality of the detection process and effectively solving the problem of cumbersome detection processes under complex terrain conditions.
[0066] The embodiments described in this specific implementation are preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.
Claims
1. A method for detecting a burying direction of a tower grounding device, characterized in that, The method comprises the following steps: The detection device is arranged on the ground where the tower grounding device is located to form a detection area capable of sensing the distribution characteristics of the magnetic field; An external excitation current is injected into the down conductor to generate a ground magnetic field above the grounding conductor; The detection device senses the ground magnetic field; The detection device is moved; The position and direction of the grounding conductor are determined based on the ground magnetic induction intensity of the grounding device.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein When the detection device is moved, the moving range of the detection device is within the detection area.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the buried orientation of the tower grounding device is detected by the step of: The distribution characteristics of the ground magnetic induction intensity of the grounding device are determined by comparing the magnetic induction intensity measured by the detection device, and the position and direction of the grounding conductor are determined based on the distribution characteristics of the ground magnetic induction intensity of the grounding device. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the buried orientation of the tower grounding device is detected. The detection device is arranged on the ground where the tower grounding device is located to form a detection area capable of sensing the distribution characteristics of the magnetic field; The four main magnetic field sensors are arranged on the ground where the tower grounding device is located, and the four main magnetic field sensors are arranged in a diamond array. The four main magnetic field sensors arranged in a diamond array are divided into two groups, and each group includes two main magnetic field sensors. The two main magnetic field sensors in each group are located at opposite vertices of the diamond.
5. The method according to claim 4, wherein The position of the grounding conductor is determined by: Moving the four main magnetic field sensors while maintaining the diamond distribution of the four main magnetic field sensors; Real-time acquisition of the magnetic induction intensity measured by the four main magnetic field sensors; When the magnetic induction intensity measured by one of the main magnetic field sensors reaches the maximum value of the detection area, it is determined that part of the grounding conductor is located directly below the main magnetic field sensor.
6. The method of claim 4, wherein the buried orientation of the tower grounding device is detected by the step of: The direction of the grounding conductor is determined by: Fixing the main magnetic field sensor when the magnetic induction intensity measured by one of the main magnetic field sensors reaches the maximum value of the detection area; Rotating the main magnetic field sensor array about the fixed main magnetic field sensor as the center; When the magnetic induction intensity measured by the main magnetic field sensors in the same group as the fixed main magnetic field sensor reaches the maximum value of the detection area, the line connecting the main magnetic field sensors in the same group is the direction of the grounding conductor.
7. The method according to claim 6, wherein The direction of the grounding conductor is also determined by: Fixing the main magnetic field sensors in one group when the magnetic induction intensity measured by the main magnetic field sensors in the group reaches the maximum value of the detection area; Adjusting the position of the main magnetic field sensors in the other group; Making the ratio of the magnetic induction intensity measured by the two main magnetic field sensors in the other group satisfy a threshold range.
8. A device for detecting a buried orientation of a tower grounding device, characterized by The method comprises the following steps: A magnetic field sensor array is used to measure the magnetic induction intensity in the detection area; A signal acquisition unit is used to acquire the magnetic induction data measured by the magnetic field sensor array; A signal amplification circuit is used to process the magnetic induction data measured by the magnetic field sensor array; A central processing unit is used to calculate the magnetic induction data measured by the magnetic field sensor array; A power module is used to supply power to the magnetic field sensor array, the signal acquisition unit, the signal amplification circuit, and the central processing unit.
9. The tower grounding device embedding direction detection device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The method further comprises the following steps: An analog-to-digital conversion circuit and a data analysis module are used to process the magnetic induction data measured by the magnetic field sensor array; A control panel is used to send instructions to the central processing unit; A real-time display module is used to display the buried orientation results in real time.