Field Synchrophasor Unit for Power Line Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for monitoring power lines lack effective methods to accurately measure and synchronize magnetic and electric fields, especially in complex environments, which hinders the estimation of voltage and current parameters and power quality analysis in power grids.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing magnetic and electric field sensors to measure and synchronize field values, creating a model of expected field strengths, and estimating complex voltage and current parameters based on residual errors, referred to as a Field Synchrophasor Unit (FSU), which includes processors, sensors, and memory to derive and store complex field values and synchronize measurements with a global time base.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If magnetic and electric field sensors are used to measure field values in complex environments, then measurement capability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to environmental interference and field coupling complexities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement task by separately measuring magnetic fields and electric fields with dedicated sensors, then processing each set of measurements independently before combining results. This segmentation allows each sensor type to optimize for its specific field type, improving overall measurement precision in complex environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computational model as an intermediary between raw field measurements and final parameter estimation. The model accounts for environmental factors and field coupling effects, acting as a mediator that corrects measurement errors and improves accuracy while maintaining the ability to measure in diverse environments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a comprehensive field measurement system is deployed to monitor power quality parameters, then power quality analysis capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple sensors and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal measurement system that can estimate multiple power quality parameters (voltage, current, power factor, harmonic distortion) from a single set of magnetic and electric field measurements. This multi-functional approach improves power quality analysis capability while avoiding the need for separate measurement systems for each parameter, thereby controlling device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct electrical connections and contact-based measurement systems with non-contact magnetic and electric field sensing. This substitution eliminates the need for physical connection to power lines, reducing installation complexity and device complexity while maintaining comprehensive measurement capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If traditional direct connection measurement systems are used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but installation cost and complexity increase due to capital requirements and installation procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based measurement systems with non-contact field sensing. Magnetic sensors and electric field sensors measure fields in the vicinity of power lines without requiring physical connection, eliminating costly installation infrastructure while maintaining measurement accuracy through computational correction of distance and environmental effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs relatively simple magnetic sensors and electric field sensors that are less expensive than traditional contact-based measurement equipment. While individual sensor units have limited operational life in harsh environments, their low cost allows for easy replacement, reducing overall installation and maintenance costs while maintaining measurement accuracy.
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 monitoring of power grids by estimating voltage and current parameters, improving power quality analysis and grid stability, reducing capital and installation costs, and allowing for real-time monitoring and dense deployment.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the magnitude and phase of the magnetic field within a space under excitation by one or more power cables of the power line with one or more magnetic field sensors
Implementation Method 2
measuring the magnitude and phase of the electric field within the space under excitation by the one or more power cables of the power line with one or more electric field sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for estimating the magnitude and phase of magnetic and electrical currents in a power line comprising at least one processor operating to create a model of the power line and derive expected complex magnetic and electric-field values; at least one memory; at least one sensor positioned proximate to the at least one power line for sensing and providing measurements of the magnetic and electric fields of the at least one power line; the at least one processor operating to compute a set of complex magnetic and electric field values based upon the measurements provided by the at least one sensor and to estimate parameters related to the complex voltage and/or current of the at least one power line based upon the measured field values and the set of expected complex electric current and voltage values derived from a model of at least one power line.