Power Grid Fault Isolation Using Load Curves and Voltage Pulses

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Solution Overview

Problem

DC power grid systems face challenges in fault detection and protection due to rapid load/supply variations, requiring complex control algorithms and posing safety concerns, especially with traditional fault detection methods that rely on large energy flows and are costly and unreliable.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing slow rate of change in current with inductance to stabilize the grid, incorporating energy storage and pulse signal communication for early fault detection, and employing protection devices with fast disconnect mechanisms to isolate faults.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional fault detection methods are used in DC power grid systems, then fault detection can be performed, but the system requires large energy flows which increases cost and reduces reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefault detection reliabilityVSAvoidenergy flow requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the detection parameter from high-energy current flow to low-energy voltage signaling. By using voltage pulses and measurements instead of relying on large current flows, the system achieves reliable fault detection while minimizing energy consumption. The voltage-based detection method allows the system to sense fault conditions without requiring the high energy levels that traditional methods depend on.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If DC power grid systems are designed to respond quickly to load/supply variations, then system responsiveness is improved, but control complexity increases due to time-varying configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse speed to load variationsVSAvoidcontrol algorithm complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-programming load curves that define expected current flow patterns for normal operation. These pre-established reference curves allow the system to quickly compare actual performance against expected behavior without requiring complex real-time control algorithms. The fault detection system uses these pre-defined patterns to rapidly identify deviations indicating faults, maintaining fast response while simplifying control complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If inductance is added to lower di/dt of current, then system safety is improved, but the system requires additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurrent surge hazardVSAvoidsystem component count

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses voltage signaling as an intermediary method for fault detection instead of directly monitoring high-current conditions. By introducing voltage pulses and measurements as a mediating detection mechanism, the system can identify faults without requiring additional high-current protection components. The voltage-based intermediary approach allows safe fault detection while avoiding the need for multiple high-current-rated components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If conventional AC power grid systems are used, then implementation cost is lower based on traditional commodities, but efficiency and reliability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower distribution reliabilityVSAvoidimplementation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes mechanical/current-based fault detection with voltage-based electronic detection. By replacing traditional current-flow-dependent detection methods with voltage signaling and measurement techniques, the system achieves higher reliability in DC power grids. This substitution allows DC systems to leverage their inherent efficiency advantages without being constrained by costly AC-era protection infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 and reliable fault detection and isolation, reducing equipment damage and safety risks while lowering costs by using predictable current flows and modular designs, suitable for both DC and AC power grids.

Implementation Method 1

By designing a system that works with slow rates of change, inductance may be added to the system to lower the di/dt of current

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInductance: Inductor

Implementation Method 2

incorporating energy storage and pulse signal communication for early fault detection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy storage: Accumulator (energy)

Data Source

PatentUS12355234B2Fault detection systems and methods for power grid systems

Publication Date: 2025.07.08 EMERA US HOLDINGS INC

AI summary

This application discloses a system that may comprise at least a portion of a supply network. The system may further comprise a load controller that controls current flow with a current level of I1 into a load network that provides power to one or more loads from the at least a portion of the supply network according to a preprogrammed load curve. The system may also comprise a protection system that isolates the at least a portion of the supply network from the load controller in response to detecting a current pattern that is inconsistent with the preprogrammed load curve.