Fault-Managed Power Delivery Using Impedance-Based Line Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power delivery systems lack effective fault management, leading to potential harm to users and loads due to delayed disconnection during fault conditions, and require separate devices for various safety protections, increasing installation costs.
Innovation Solution
A fault-managed power delivery system with integrated fault management circuitry using a reference resistor and controller to detect impedance changes, disconnecting the load upon fault detection, and reducing installation complexity by eliminating communication circuitry between fault management units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate devices are used for ground fault protection, arc protection, and overcurrent protection, then comprehensive safety coverage is achieved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple safety protection functions (ground fault protection, arc protection, overcurrent protection) into a single integrated fault management device. The controller monitors multiple parameters simultaneously and executes coordinated disconnection actions, eliminating the need for separate protection devices while maintaining comprehensive safety coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The fault management device is designed as a universal protection system that performs multiple safety functions through a single device. The controller can detect various fault conditions (ground faults, arcs, overcurrent) and respond appropriately, making the device versatile and eliminating the need for specialized separate protection devices.
2Reliability
If communication circuitry is included between fault management units, then coordinated fault response is achieved, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fault management device operates autonomously using local sensing and control. The controller directly monitors fault conditions through integrated sensors and executes disconnection actions without requiring communication with external devices. This self-contained approach eliminates communication circuitry while maintaining effective fault management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the electrical circuit itself as the communication medium rather than separate communication circuitry. Fault information is transmitted through the existing power lines, and control signals are delivered through the same circuit, eliminating the need for additional communication infrastructure.
3Speed
If fault detection is performed continuously, then rapid fault response is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs fault detection at periodic intervals rather than continuous monitoring. The system checks for fault conditions at defined moments in the operating cycle, which reduces energy consumption while still providing timely fault detection and response capability.
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
Enhances user and load safety by rapid fault detection and disconnection, reduces installation costs, and integrates multiple safety protections into a single system, minimizing damage and risk from fault conditions.
Implementation Method 1
determine an impedance of the power delivery system during the fault-detection portion
Data Source
AI summary
A fault-managed power delivery system for delivery power across a distance is provided. The system includes a transmitter-side subsystem and a receiver-side subsystem. The system further includes a fault management circuitry that includes a reference resistor having a known resistance and a controller. The controller is configured to electrically connect the reference resistor between a line conductor of a line and a neutral conductor and disconnect the output power to the load during a fault-detection portion of a duty cycle of power delivered to the receiver-side subsystem. The controller is further configured to determine an impedance of the power delivery system during the fault-detection portion, determine a fault condition based on the impedance, and disconnect the line if the fault condition is detected. The fault management circuitry is positioned in the transmitter-side subsystem and/or the receiver-side subsystem.