Ground Fault Location in Series-Connected AGL Transformers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aeronautical ground lighting systems lack the capability to quickly and accurately determine the location of a ground fault, which can be difficult due to the extensive and buried nature of their electrical circuits.
Innovation Solution
A method and electrical circuit design that utilizes series-connected transformers and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with a constant-current regulator, employing resistors and voltage measurements to calculate the location of a ground fault by determining the ground fault resistance and using specific equations to interpret voltage imbalances, allowing for precise fault location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional AGL systems use series-connected transformers with buried electrical cables, then the system provides reliable power distribution over long distances, but the ground fault location becomes difficult and time-consuming to determine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the electrical circuit with measurement components (voltmeters, resistors) and control mechanisms (constant-current regulator with switching capability) before a ground fault occurs. This allows the system to immediately perform fault location measurements when a fault happens, without requiring manual intervention or complex post-fault analysis. The measurement infrastructure is already in place to detect voltage imbalances and calculate fault positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring voltage levels at different points in the circuit through voltmeters connected to the primary windings. When a ground fault occurs, the system detects the resulting voltage imbalance and uses this feedback information to calculate the fault location. The constant-current regulator also provides feedback by adjusting the current based on detected conditions, enabling automated fault detection and location.
2Area of stationary object
If the electrical circuit is made very long to cover extensive area, then the lighting coverage is improved, but the ground fault detection and location becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the long electrical circuit into multiple sections, each with its own transformer and associated measurement components. The primary windings are connected in series between first and second terminals, with voltmeters connected across different segments to measure voltage drops. This segmentation allows the system to isolate and measure voltage imbalances in specific sections, making fault location easier even in extensive long-distance circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses intermediaries in the form of measurement devices (voltmeters, resistors) and control components (constant-current regulator) that mediate between the power distribution function and the fault detection function. These intermediary components enable the system to monitor electrical parameters without disrupting the normal power flow, allowing accurate fault location measurements even in long circuits while maintaining lighting coverage.
3Device complexity
If no built-in functionality is provided for fault location, then the system remains simple, but the fault detection process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the electrical circuit to perform multiple functions: power distribution through the series-connected transformers, voltage measurement through the voltmeters connected to primary windings, fault detection through the constant-current regulator, and fault location calculation. This multi-functionality allows the system to automatically locate ground faults without adding separate dedicated fault location equipment, thereby reducing time loss while keeping the overall system relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the electrical circuit to detect and locate its own faults using built-in measurement and control components. The voltmeters continuously monitor voltage levels, the constant-current regulator detects current deviations indicating ground faults, and the system automatically calculates fault positions based on measured voltage imbalances. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external manual fault location procedures, significantly reducing time loss.
4Measurement precision
If voltage measurements are taken across the entire circuit, then the fault location can be determined, but the measurement complexity and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing voltmeters and measurement components at specific local points in the circuit rather than requiring measurements across the entire circuit. The voltmeters are connected across different segments of the primary windings at strategic locations where voltage imbalances occur when ground faults happen. This localized measurement approach provides sufficient precision for fault location while significantly reducing measurement complexity and time requirements compared to full-circuit measurements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables quick and accurate determination of ground fault locations in electrical circuits, improving fault detection efficiency and reducing the time and effort required for identification.
Implementation Method 1
A conventional AGL system comprises a constant-current regulator (CCR) that supplies electric power through series-connected transformers to luminaires
Implementation Method 2
luminaires, such as halogen lamps or light-emitting diodes (LEDs)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for determining the location of a ground fault in an electrical circuit that comprises a plurality of transformers (101), whose primary windings (102) are electrically connected in series and secondary windings (103) are electrically connected to light-emitting diodes (104). In the method, a constant-current regulator (105) is used to supply AC power to the series-connected primary windings (102), first and second voltages are measured over first and second resistors (108, 109), which are electrically connected in series and between terminals (106, 107) of the series-connected primary windings (102), and the location of the ground fault is determined based on at least the measured first and second voltages. The invention also relates to an electrical circuit.