Distributed Sensor Signal Source Location in Electrical Infrastructure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting deterioration, compromise, and defects in electrical infrastructure are ineffective in identifying issues early enough to prevent safety risks, equipment damage, or loss of electrical supply, as they primarily detect large defects and require labor-intensive inspections.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing distributed sensors, such as capacitive coupling devices and current transformers, to detect and analyze signals emitted by electrical infrastructure, allowing for early detection and location of signal sources through a time-of-flight algorithm, enabling remedial action before faults develop into more serious issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If distributed sensors and time-of-flight algorithms are deployed for early detection of signal sources, then detection precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the monitoring function into multiple distributed sensors placed at different locations along the electrical infrastructure. Each sensor independently detects signals and provides location information, enabling precise identification of signal sources through spatial segmentation rather than requiring a single complex centralized system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a centralized processing system that acts as an intermediary between distributed sensors and the final detection output. This intermediary coordinates signal reception from multiple sensors, applies time-of-flight algorithms to calculate signal source locations, and integrates data to improve overall detection precision while managing system complexity centrally rather than at each sensor node.
2Productivity
If manual inspection techniques are used to detect defects in electrical infrastructure, then device complexity is kept low, but productivity and detection capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical infrastructure becomes self-monitoring through distributed sensors that automatically detect signals indicating deterioration, compromise, or defects. The system eliminates the need for manual inspection by enabling the infrastructure to detect and report its own conditions continuously, significantly improving productivity and detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with automated electronic sensing and signal processing systems. Distributed sensors electronically detect electrical signals associated with infrastructure defects, substituting the mechanical process of manual inspection with automated electronic detection that improves both productivity and detection capability.
3Reliability
If known detection techniques are applied to electrical infrastructure, then large defects can be detected, but early detection of deterioration and compromise is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The distributed sensor system performs preliminary detection of electrical signals that indicate early-stage deterioration, compromise, or defects before they develop into large, obvious failures. By continuously monitoring for subtle signal changes, the system enables early intervention and remediation, improving reliability by preventing catastrophic failures before they occur.
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 early detection and characterization of signal sources, reducing the risk of safety hazards and equipment damage by allowing for timely remediation of electrical infrastructure issues, improving the reliability of electricity supply and reducing labor and costs associated with manual inspections.
Implementation Method 1
A system utilizing distributed sensors, such as capacitive coupling devices and current transformers, to detect and analyze signals emitted by electrical infrastructure
Implementation Method 2
A system utilizing distributed sensors, such as capacitive coupling devices and current transformers, to detect and analyze signals emitted by electrical infrastructure
Implementation Method 3
allowing for early detection and location of signal sources through a time-of-flight algorithm
Data Source
AI summary
A system for detecting an event in an electrical infrastructure is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of monitoring stations configured to monitor signals from electrical equipment to detect one or more events associated with the electrical equipment. The monitoring stations are spaced at intervals along the electrical infrastructure. The system further includes a processor configured to analyze the detected events to obtain information regarding at least one of location, character and severity of each event associated with the electrical equipment, and output the obtained information.