Fault Circuit Indicator Vent Pipe Transceiver
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for locating underground cable faults are slow and labor-intensive, leading to prolonged outages and increased costs for utilities.
Innovation Solution
A fault circuit indicator (FCI) detection system that uses sensors and a sensor analytics unit to analyze data from underground electrical equipment, communicating findings via a transceiver and visual indicators through a vent pipe, allowing for real-time fault location and reduced outage duration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If current manual methods are used to locate underground cable faults, then labor intensity and time consumption increase, but fault location accuracy can be achieved through physical inspection
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-diagnosis of cable faults through automated sensors that detect fault conditions and visual indicators that automatically display fault status, eliminating the need for manual physical inspection and significantly reducing fault location time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection methods with an automated electronic detection system comprising sensors, signal processors, and visual indicators that automatically identify and communicate fault locations without human intervention
2Reliability
If sensors and communication devices are installed in underground vaults, then real-time fault detection capability is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multi-functional components where sensors serve both detection and monitoring purposes, the same communication infrastructure handles both data transmission and visual indication, reducing overall system complexity despite enhanced functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into modular functional segments (sensors, signal processing units, visual indicators) that can be independently installed and maintained in underground vaults, reducing installation complexity while improving detection reliability
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 rapid identification and isolation of faults, reducing power outage duration and operational costs by providing immediate communication of fault conditions to utility crews without the need for physical inspection.
Implementation Method 1
one or more sensors disposed in the enclosure or vault to sense a condition of at least one unit of the electrical equipment
Implementation Method 2
a transceiver disposed inside at least a portion of the vent pipe to receive the analyzed data signal, wherein the transceiver is configured to communicate the analyzed data signal
Implementation Method 3
A visual indicator is disposed on or within the vent pipe comprising one or more visual indicators, such as LEDs, driven by a driving circuit to provide a visual signal
Data Source
AI summary
A fault circuit indicator (FCI) detection system for electrical equipment disposed in an enclosure or vault having an above-ground vent pipe exhaust outlet comprises one or more sensors disposed in the enclosure or vault to sense a condition of at least one unit of the electrical equipment. A sensored analytics unit (SAU) is coupled to the sensors to receive sensor data and analyze the sensor data, the SAU generating a corresponding analyzed data signal that provides information related to a condition of the at least one unit of electrical equipment. A transceiver is disposed inside at least a portion of the vent pipe to receive the analyzed data signal, wherein the transceiver is configured to communicate the analyzed data signal. A visual indicator is disposed on or within the vent pipe comprising one or more visual indicators, such as LEDs, driven by a driving circuit board to provide a visual signal corresponding to the condition of the at least one unit of electrical equipment.