Connectivity Detection in Power Grids Using Code Signal Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting connectivities in electrical power grids face challenges with point-to-point communication issues, particularly in low-voltage grids and medium-voltage grids, where direct communication between signal injection and detection equipment is not always feasible due to service problems and infrastructure limitations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that injects a synchronized code signal into the power grid using portable test equipment, which generates a signal injection record and sends it to a remote computation server, while receiving equipment at the head end detects the signal and sends a detection record, allowing the server to match and identify connectivity conditions without direct communication between the two.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If point-to-point communication (PLC or radio) is used between signal injection equipment and detection equipment, then direct connectivity detection is enabled, but service problems occur in LV grids far from Transformer Substation, MV grids with cable injection complexity, and locations with restricted access
Solution Approach 1:
A remote server acts as an intermediary between the signal injection equipment and detection equipment. The injection equipment sends injection records to the server, and the server receives detection records from detection equipment, enabling connectivity detection without requiring direct communication between the two pieces of equipment. This resolves the communication availability problem in restricted locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the connectivity detection process into independent components: signal injection, signal detection, and data correlation. Each component can operate independently and communicate through standardized records (injection records and detection records) stored on the remote server, eliminating the need for continuous direct communication links.
2Reliability
If dedicated communication infrastructure is deployed for connectivity detection, then direct communication between equipment is achieved, but infrastructure complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses existing power grid infrastructure and communication channels for multiple purposes. The same communication interface is used for both injecting detection signals and transmitting measurement data to the remote server, eliminating the need for dedicated communication infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes existing communication capabilities of the power grid equipment itself. The injection equipment and detection equipment use their built-in communication interfaces to exchange data with the remote server, eliminating the need for external dedicated communication infrastructure.
3Ease of operation
If passive signals (consumption patterns) are used for connectivity detection, then no signal injection is required, but detection accuracy is reduced compared to active signal injection
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic code signals with specific durations (e.g., 10-20 cycles at 50Hz or 60Hz) that are synchronized with the power grid frequency. These periodic signals stand out against background consumption patterns, enabling accurate detection while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary signal injection with known characteristics before conducting the actual connectivity detection. The injection equipment sends a code signal with specific temporal and spectral characteristics that are recorded and later used as a reference for accurate connectivity identification.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and system for detecting connectivities in an electrical power distribution grid, wherein the method comprises: injecting a code signal into a line of an electrical power distribution grid (10) by means of test equipment located in the connection of a client meter (13), acquiring the instant in time in which it injected said signal, generating a signal injection record, and sending said generated signal injection record together with information relating to the connection point to a computation server (SC); detecting the code signal by means of receiving equipment located at the head end (14) of the grid (10), acquiring the instant in time in which it detected the code signal, generating a signal detection record, and sending it to the computation server (SC); and matching up said received records by means of the computation server (SC) for identifying connectivity conditions of the mentioned connection point.