Non-Invasive Electrical Network Impedance Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining impedance in electrical networks are invasive, time-consuming, and costly, often requiring manual inspection and potentially causing hardware damage.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for determining impedance in an electrical network by measuring current and voltage across different parts of the network, allowing for the calculation of impedance without invasive probing through the use of electrical network monitoring units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual inspection and invasive measurements are used to determine impedance, then measurement precision can be achieved, but device complexity and risk of hardware damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement approach using voltage and current sensors that measure electrical parameters without direct invasive contact with the impedance-determining components. The impedance is calculated indirectly through mathematical relationships (Z=V/I) rather than direct physical measurement, thereby preventing hardware damage while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical/probe-based measurement methods with electrical field-based measurement using voltage and current sensors. This substitution eliminates the need for physical intrusion into the electrical network, reducing hardware damage risk while preserving the ability to accurately determine impedance characteristics.
2Reliability
If manual inspection by trained technicians is used, then reliable fault detection can be achieved, but loss of time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-monitoring electrical network system where voltage and current sensors continuously measure electrical parameters and automatically calculate impedance values. The system autonomously detects faults and generates alerts without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining high reliability while eliminating time loss associated with manual inspections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a continuous feedback loop where impedance measurements are continuously monitored and compared against threshold values. When anomalies are detected, the system automatically generates fault alerts, enabling real-time monitoring and immediate response without waiting for scheduled manual inspections, thus maintaining reliability while reducing inspection time.
3Measurement precision
If invasive probing and testing are performed to locate faults, then precise fault location can be achieved, but device complexity and operational disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses voltage and current measurements as intermediary data to calculate impedance and locate faults without requiring direct physical probing of the fault location. By measuring electrical parameters at accessible points and using mathematical relationships to determine impedance variations, the system achieves precise fault location while maintaining network operational continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent continuously monitors impedance values before faults occur, establishing baseline characteristics of the electrical network. When faults develop, the system compares real-time measurements against these pre-established baselines to quickly identify and locate faults, achieving precise localization without requiring invasive testing or network shutdown.
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 accurate and non-invasive monitoring of impedance in electrical networks, allowing for early detection of faults and reducing downtime in data centers and other electrical systems.
Implementation Method 1
determine one or more impedances of at least part of an electrical network
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to the determination of impedances in an electrical network. Methods and apparatuses for determining one or more impedances within a root and branch network are disclosed. The impedance of a common root part and the impedance of a branch of the electrical network may be determined based on the current in the common root part, the current in a branch of the electrical network and the voltage across the common root part and the branch. By determining the impedance of different parts of the electrical network in this way, the network may be monitored over time and the location of any faults or impending faults in the network may be identified more exactly without requiring invasive network probing and testing.