High Voltage Line Path Detection with Reverse Current Limiter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for exploring high-voltage power lines in live line operations face challenges such as signal loss and distortion due to external conductor grounding, leading to safety risks and inefficiencies, especially when dealing with three-phase power systems.

Innovation Solution

A stability-improved high voltage power line exploration apparatus and method that generates a current pulse signal inversely proportional to the winding ratio using an exploration current generator connected to a distribution transformer, combined with a buried path probe and a reverse current limiter, to detect electromagnetic fields and minimize signal loss and distortion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a current pulse signal is generated to explore high-voltage power lines in live line operations, then detection capability is improved, but signal loss and distortion occur due to external conductor grounding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidsignal loss and distortion
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A reverse current limiter is introduced as an intermediary component connected in series with the external conductor. This limiter selectively blocks reverse feedback currents generated by external conductor grounding while allowing the forward exploration current pulse to pass through, thereby preventing signal loss and distortion without compromising detection capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical parameters of the external conductor path by introducing a frequency-selective element (reverse current limiter) that modifies the current characteristics. The limiter allows forward currents to pass while blocking reverse feedback currents, changing the net current flow parameters to eliminate signal distortion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If external conductor grounding is used in three-phase power systems, then system stability is improved, but reverse feedback currents cause signal distortion and detection accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoiddetection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The reverse current limiter serves as a mediator between the external conductor and ground. It maintains the grounding connection for system stability while selectively blocking the harmful reverse feedback currents that cause signal distortion, thereby preserving both system stability and detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the harmful reverse feedback currents from the external conductor path using the reverse current limiter. By selectively blocking these reverse currents while maintaining the forward exploration signal, the system preserves stability without the detrimental effects of signal distortion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 safe and efficient exploration of buried high-voltage power lines in live line operations by maintaining waveform integrity and reducing signal loss, enhancing detection accuracy and safety by minimizing the impact of ambient noise and reverse feedback currents.

Implementation Method 1

generating a current pulse signal inversely proportional to a winding ratio so as to detect an electromagnetic field signal around the high voltage power line

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field generation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a buried path probe for determining the buried path and connection configuration of the high voltage power line by detecting the electromagnetic field signal which is generated around the high voltage power line

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

a reverse current limiter for suppressing a generation of a reverse electromagnetic field generated by an external conductor of the high voltage power line, to improve a reception performance of the buried path probe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReverse electromagnetic field suppression: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3779480B1Device and method for detecting high-voltage power distribution line path having improved stability
Publication Date: 2023.08.16 LEE IN OK
  • EP3779480B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3779480B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3779480B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure for solving the problem, disclosed is a stability-improved high voltage power line path exploration apparatus. The stability-improved high voltage power line path exploration apparatus for tracking a high voltage power line and determining a buried path and a connection configuration up to a final power source of a power distribution system, wherein the high voltage power line is connected to a primary winding of a distribution transformer to supply voltage and current, wherein the distribution transformer converts high voltage for distribution to low voltage in proportion to a ratio of a winding combination may include: an exploration current generator for generating a current pulse signal in inverse proportion to a winding ratio for detecting a magnetic field signal around the high voltage power line, in which the exploration current generator is connected to a secondary winding of the distribution transformer; a buried path probe for tracking the buried path and connection configuration of the high voltage power line by detecting the magnetic field signal which is generated around the high voltage power line when the current pulse signal flows through the high voltage power line; and a reverse current limiter for suppressing a generation of a reverse magnetic field generated by an external conductor of the high voltage power line, to improve a reception performance of the buried path probe.