Ground Level Electric Distribution System Fire Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electric utility distribution systems face challenges in preventing fire ignition due to climate change factors, particularly in rural and inaccessible areas with difficult terrain, where overhead systems are prone to electrical arcing and ignition from high winds, vegetation, and equipment failures, and undergrounding is costly and impractical.
Innovation Solution
A ground-level primary electric distribution system (GLDS) comprising pipes with conductor cables, fire-resistant concrete encasements, and flexible dielectric insulation, anchored to the terrain to prevent external damage and internal thermal ignition, with conductor cables energized up to 4,000 V and configured to minimize exposure to hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If overhead distribution systems are used, then installation is easier and cost is lower, but fire ignition risk increases due to electrical arcing from high winds, vegetation, and equipment failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the conductors from the vulnerable overhead position and places them inside protective conduits at ground level, removing them from exposure to wind, vegetation, and other fire ignition sources while maintaining distribution functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where conductors are placed inside conduits, which are then embedded in fire-resistant concrete, creating multiple layers of protection that contain potential ignition sources while preventing external fire from reaching the conductors
2Object-affected harmful factors
If undergrounding is implemented, then fire ignition risk is reduced, but construction cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies fire-resistant concrete locally around the conduits rather than fully undergrounding the entire system, providing fire protection where most needed while reducing construction complexity and cost compared to complete undergrounding
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional overhead (vertical) or fully underground (horizontal subsurface) configurations to a ground-level embedded configuration, utilizing the ground surface dimension to protect conductors while maintaining accessibility and reducing construction complexity
3Reliability
If fire-resistant concrete encasement is added, then internal thermal ignition is contained and external damage is prevented, but device complexity and material cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite construction combining conduits, fire-resistant concrete encasement, and compacted earth backfill to create a multi-material fire-resistant system that provides superior protection while managing complexity through material selection
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
The GLDS reduces the risk of fire ignition and electrical failures, provides a cost-effective solution for reliable power supply, and is suitable for challenging terrains by containing internal thermal ignition and preventing external damage, thus enhancing public safety and system resilience.
Implementation Method 1
one or more pipes of the plurality has a fire-resistant concrete surrounding the conductor cables to contain internal thermal ignition and preclude external damage
Implementation Method 2
conductor cables are insulated with a flexible dielectric material
Data Source
AI summary
A ground level primary electrical distribution system deploys terrain mounted or essentially terrain flush pipes that protect suppress ignition from fires that may occur if components fail within the pipes. The pipes can be deployed in remote and rugged terrain where overhead power lines poses fire risks from wind damage and it is impractical and disruptive to bury the electricity conducting cable or deployed along roadways or field at ground level or essentially flush with the ground to avoid excavation yet avoid the use of overhead power lines that can be subject to damage from high wind. The pipes can follow the terrain between junctions over rigid segments formed by a plurality of end-to-end coupled enclosures, while the conductors are protected within jacketing or flow through flexible insulating and isolating conduits within the more rigid pipes.