Fault Location Engine for Power Network Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In electrical power systems, pinpointing the exact location of faults is challenging, leading to delayed restoration of power due to incomplete fault location information.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a fault location engine to receive fault information, determine fault direction, and generate a list of possible fault locations based on tripping device identifiers or impedance values, allowing for informed decision-making and automatic isolation and restoration plans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional fault detection systems are used to identify faults in electrical power networks, then fault detection capability is provided, but the exact fault location cannot be pinpointed with absolute certainty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fault location determination into multiple discrete steps: receiving fault information from multiple sources, determining fault direction, identifying possible fault locations, and generating a prioritized list. This segmentation allows each step to be optimized independently, improving overall location precision while managing information requirements systematically.
Solution Approach 2:
The fault location engine acts as an intermediary between raw fault detection data and restoration decision-making. It processes fault information, determines direction, and generates a prioritized list of possible locations, serving as a mediator that transforms incomplete data into actionable intelligence for restoration operations.
2Productivity
If traditional fault detection systems are used, then fault detection is achieved, but restoration of electrical power is delayed due to incomplete fault location information
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-determining fault direction and generating a prioritized list of possible fault locations before restoration operations begin. This preliminary analysis provides restoration crews with a ready-made action plan, enabling them to proceed immediately without time-consuming on-site diagnostics, thus accelerating power restoration while minimizing delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where fault information from multiple sources is continuously analyzed and used to refine the prioritized list of possible fault locations. This feedback loop ensures that the most likely fault locations are identified first, allowing restoration operations to proceed efficiently with minimal delays.
3Measurement precision
If detailed fault location analysis is performed to improve accuracy, then fault location precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex fault location analysis is segmented into distinct functional modules: fault information reception, fault direction determination, possible location identification, and prioritized list generation. This modular segmentation maintains high precision while managing system complexity through clear separation of concerns and specialized processing for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The fault location engine is designed as a universal system that handles multiple fault types and information sources through a single integrated platform. It can process various fault information inputs, determine different fault directions, and generate prioritized lists for diverse scenarios, reducing overall system complexity by eliminating the need for multiple specialized systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems, methods, and apparatus for locating possible fault locations in an electrical power network. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for locating possible fault locations in an electrical power network. The method can include receiving fault information including one or more of: an identifier associated with at least one tripping device or a fault impedance value associated with a faulted section of the electrical power network; determining a fault direction; and generating a list of possible fault locations based at least in part on the received fault information and the fault direction.