Grounding Resistance Mesh Network Relay Architecture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining grounding resistance in lightning protection systems are time- and labor-intensive, especially when supervising multiple systems distributed over large areas, and are not suitable for reliable long-term measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a mesh network of measurement devices that communicate indirectly with a gateway device, allowing for flexible distribution and automated, time-coordinated measurements of grounding resistance, with the option for wireless communication and integration of seismic sensors for enhanced reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all measurement devices communicate directly with the gateway device, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate measurement devices that act as relay stations in a mesh network topology. These intermediary devices forward communications between other measurement devices and the gateway, eliminating the need for every device to maintain a direct connection to the gateway while preserving communication reliability through multiple possible paths.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple measurement devices are distributed over extended areas, then measurement coverage is improved, but measurement time and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement devices are equipped with autonomous capabilities to perform measurements at predetermined time intervals without requiring manual intervention. The devices automatically store results in their control modules and initiate transmissions, enabling the system to cover extended areas continuously without increasing labor requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic measurements at predetermined time intervals, with each measurement device autonomously executing measurements according to its internal clock. This automated periodic operation allows comprehensive coverage of extended areas to be achieved without proportionally increasing measurement time or labor, as the process runs automatically once deployed.
3Reliability
If measurement devices use direct communication with gateway, then data transmission reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing intermediate measurement devices as relay stations, the system allows distant measurement devices to communicate with the gateway through shorter hops via intermediaries rather than maintaining high-power direct long-range connections. This mesh network approach distributes the communication burden and reduces individual device power consumption while maintaining reliable data transmission through multiple possible paths.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A grounding resistance surveillance system (10) comprises a plurality of measurement devices (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22) configured for measuring a grounding resistance value and being arrangeable at different locations within a target area (24), and at least one gateway device (34, 36). Each of the plurality of gateway devices (34, 36) is communicatively coupled to at least one further measurement device (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22) of the plurality of measurement devices (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22), and at least one measurement device (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22) of the plurality of measurement devices (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22) is in direct communication to the at least one gateway device (34, 36) and at least one measurement device (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22) of the plurality of measurement devices (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22) is only in indirect communication to the at least one gateway device (34, 36) such that a mesh network of coupled measurement devices (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22) is formed. The grounding resistance surveillance system (10) is configured to execute a method for determining a grounding resistance in the target area (24). Further, a measurement device (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22) for a grounding resistance surveillance system (10) is described.