Distributed Grid Fault Detection for Precise Fault Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric grids face challenges in accurately detecting and localizing faults due to various environmental factors, which can affect network performance and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a plurality of grid measuring devices equipped with current and voltage sensors, which measure and analyze electrical and physical parameters, and apply predefined rules to detect and locate faults by correlating measurements across multiple points in the grid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple grid measuring devices are distributed throughout the electric grid to improve fault detection accuracy, then measurement precision and fault localization capability are improved, but device complexity and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electric grid is divided into multiple segments with measuring devices distributed at different locations. Each measuring device independently monitors its local segment, and the central controller aggregates data from all segments to achieve comprehensive fault detection and precise localization without requiring a single complex centralized system.
Solution Approach 2:
A central controller acts as an intermediary that receives measurements from multiple distributed grid measuring devices, processes the data according to predefined rules, and coordinates fault detection across the entire system. This intermediary manages the complexity by centralizing the analysis while keeping individual measuring devices relatively simple.
2Productivity
If real-time measurements and analysis are performed across multiple grid points to improve fault response time, then productivity and reliability are improved, but use of energy and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs continuous measurements at all grid points but only triggers full analysis when predefined rules indicate a potential fault condition. Normal operations use minimal computational resources, while fault detection events activate intensive real-time analysis only when necessary, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining rapid response capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Each grid measuring device autonomously performs local measurements and preliminary analysis according to predefined rules, filtering and processing data locally before transmitting only relevant information to the central controller. This self-service approach reduces the computational burden on the central system and minimizes energy consumption for data transmission and processing.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for detecting a fault in an electric grid, including a plurality of grid measuring devices distributed in the electric grid, being operative to measure current and/or voltage with their respective time of occurrence, enabling a user to define at least one fault type, and at least one rule for detecting the fault type, the rule associating the fault type with at least one of the measurements, executing the measurements, and analyzing the measurements according to the rule to detect a fault.