Inductively Coupled TDR Sensor for Power Line Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Time Domain Reflectometers (TDRs) are large and require the power line to be taken out of service for operation, necessitating significant personnel time and resources, as they are not configured for autonomously determining power line parameters while operational.
Innovation Solution
An autonomously powered inductively coupled TDR sensor device with a first and second induction coil to inject signals, where the second signal cancels a portion of the first, allowing it to propagate in a single direction, enabling parameter determination without disrupting the power line's operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional TDR is used to determine power line parameters, then measurement capability is provided, but the power line must be taken out of service requiring significant personnel time and resources
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device is autonomously powered by the power line itself through inductive coupling. The first induction coil receives power from the power line, enabling the device to operate without external power connections or technician intervention, thus maintaining continuous power line operation while providing measurement capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses induction coils as intermediaries to transfer both power and measurement signals to and from the power line without direct electrical connection. This isolated coupling allows the TDR to measure power line parameters while the line remains energized and operational
2Measurement precision
If a conventional TDR is used to determine power line parameters, then measurement capability is provided, but significant personnel time and resources are required for manual connection and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device autonomously determines power line parameters by using the power line's own electromagnetic field to power itself and perform measurements. The device automatically injects test signals through the first induction coil and processes reflected signals without requiring technician connection or operation
Solution Approach 2:
The device is pre-configured with the capability to autonomously perform measurements once installed. The control device is programmed to automatically control the induction coils for signal injection and to process reflected signals for parameter determination, eliminating the need for technician intervention during operation
3Measurement precision
If signal cancellation is used to achieve single-direction propagation, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates asymmetric signal propagation by using two induction coils with different functions: the first coil injects the test signal while the second coil injects a cancellation signal. This asymmetric configuration ensures unidirectional signal propagation along the power line, improving measurement accuracy by preventing signal reflections from interfering with the measurement
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 real-time operational constraint determination and fault detection without technician intervention, increasing power system reliability and reducing operational expenses by allowing continuous monitoring of power lines.
Implementation Method 1
a first induction coil coupled to the power line. The first induction coil can be configured to inject a first signal on the power line by inducing a first current on the power line
Implementation Method 2
a second induction coil coupled to the power line. The second induction coil can be configured to inject a second signal on the power line by inducing a second current on the power line
Implementation Method 3
At least one of the first induction coil and the second induction coil can be configured to receive a reflected signal
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems and methods for use of an autonomously powered inductive time domain reflectometer sensor device are provided. A sensor device for a power line can include a first induction coil and a second induction coil coupled to the power line and a control device. The first induction coil can be configured to inject a first signal on a power line by inducing a first current on the power line. The second induction coil can be configured to inject a second signal on the power line by inducing a second current on the power line. The control device can be configured to control the second induction coil to inject the second signal to cancel a portion of the first signal. As a result of the second signal cancelling a portion of the first signal, the first signal can be configured to propagate in a single direction on the power line.