Broken Conductor Detection Using Accelerometer Orientation Vectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Broken or downed electrical power lines pose risks to safety and disrupt electrical service, as existing detection methods are inadequate in accurately identifying and responding to such conditions, leading to potential fires and hazardous situations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of broken conductor detectors suspended between pylons, equipped with three-axis accelerometers and orientation sensors, which communicate wirelessly with a control system to identify and de-energize broken conductors, minimizing disruption and risk by determining the smallest affected area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If broken conductor detectors with orientation sensors are deployed to accurately detect broken conductors, then detection precision and safety are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical detection systems with electronic sensors (accelerometers and orientation sensors) that can detect conductor breaks through electrical and spatial measurements. This substitution maintains high detection precision while reducing mechanical complexity and enabling wireless communication of detection data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless communication modules as intermediaries between the detectors and the control system. This allows the detection data to be transmitted without physical connections, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining accurate detection capabilities through the use of intermediate communication channels.
2Loss of energy
If the smallest affected area is de-energized to minimize disruption, then loss of electrical service is reduced, but the complexity of identifying the precise affected area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrical distribution system into segmented zones based on detector locations and communication networks. When a break is detected, only the specific segment containing the break is de-energized while other segments remain operational. This segmentation enables minimal service disruption by isolating only the necessary affected area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where detectors continuously monitor conductor integrity and provide real-time data to the control system. Upon detecting a break, the system immediately communicates the precise location and triggers selective de-energization of only the affected segment, enabling rapid response that minimizes energy loss and service disruption.
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
This solution effectively reduces the risk of injury and property damage by accurately detecting broken conductors, preventing re-energization attempts that could cause electrical arcing or fires, and expediting repair by identifying the precise area of disruption.
Implementation Method 1
the detector may include an accelerometer configured to detect changes in orientation and acceleration of the detector device
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure pertains to detection of a broken conductor in an electric power system. In one embodiment, a broken conductor detector may be configured to be mounted to an electrical conductor and may comprise a communication subsystem configured to transmit a signal configured to indicate that the conductor is broken. A sensor may determine an operating vector. A processing subsystem may be configured to receive the operating vector from the sensor and to identify when the operating vector is outside of a range defined by a rest vector and a threshold value. In certain embodiments, the threshold may comprise a three-dimensional sphere. The processing subsystem may determine that the conductor is broken based on the operating vector remaining outside of the range for a period of time determined by the timer subsystem. A signal may be transmitted by the communication subsystem to indicate that the conductor is broken.