Spatially Resolved Cable Diagnosis via Pulse Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing the electrical state of power supply cables are limited by their inability to provide spatially resolved measurements, are sensitive to environmental factors, and often require high voltage loads that can cause additional aging or damage to the cables.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of at least two pulses offset by a pulse interval Δt, which are fed into the equipment to detect interfered pulses and echoes, allowing for spatially resolved scanning and evaluation of the electrical state of the cable, including local energy losses, using an evaluation unit to determine the precise condition of the cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional integral measurement methods (loss factor, relaxation current) are used, then the overall electrical condition of the cable can be assessed, but spatially resolved diagnosis is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the continuous cable into discrete spatial segments through the use of multiple pulses with different time delays. Each pulse pair targets a specific spatial segment, allowing the cable to be diagnosed segment by segment rather than as a whole, thus achieving spatially resolved measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic action by repeatedly injecting pulse pairs with varying time delays to scan different spatial segments of the cable. The periodic variation of the pulse interval Δt enables systematic coverage of the entire cable length, allowing each segment to be measured in sequence.
2Reliability
If high voltage is applied during partial discharge diagnostics to obtain reliable condition prognosis, then defect detection capability is improved, but additional aging or damage to the cable is caused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage parameter from high voltage (used in traditional partial discharge diagnostics) to low voltage pulse signals. This parameter change allows reliable defect detection through interference pattern analysis without subjecting the cable to high voltage stress that would cause additional aging or damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical/electrical stress-based detection method (high voltage partial discharge) with a wave-based interference detection method. Instead of applying high voltage to cause discharge and detect it, low voltage pulses are used and their interference patterns are analyzed, replacing the high-stress mechanism with a low-stress wave interference mechanism.
3Measurement precision
If pulse pairs with varying intervals are used for spatially resolved scanning, then spatial resolution is achieved, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by using overlapping pulse pairs with varying intervals to scan spatial segments. The measurement process continues smoothly through systematic variation of the pulse interval, with each measurement building on the previous one, avoiding interruptions and enabling efficient coverage of the entire cable length.
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 precise, spatially resolved diagnosis of the electrical state of extended equipment like power supply cables, allowing for reliable prediction of failure probabilities and minimizing measurement-induced damage, with a low measurement effort suitable for on-site use.
Implementation Method 1
using interference between pulses fed into the equipment by a signal generator
Data Source
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AI summary
The method and apparatus serve for the spatially resolved diagnosis of the electrical state of a spatially extended piece of equipment, in particular a cable for the transmission of electrical energy, by means of interference between pulses fed into the equipment by a signal generator. The following process steps are generally provided: a) injecting at least two pulses offset by a pulse interval Δt into the equipment, b) acquiring the interfered pulses and echoes by means of an evaluation unit, c) varying the pulse interval Δt for spatially resolved scanning of the equipment along its length 1, d) repeating steps a) to c) until the equipment has been scanned at least section by section, and e) evaluating the acquired interfered pulses in the evaluation unit.For a device for carrying out the method, it is provided that at least one signal generator for generating the pulses is connected to the equipment and to an evaluation unit, wherein local energy losses eW(x) over the length 1 of the equipment can be determined for spatially resolved diagnosis on the basis of a multitude of interference voltage profiles caused by the pulses and computationally.