Line Sensor Event Direction Detection Bi-Directional Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
In bi-directional electric power delivery systems, determining the direction of events such as faults is challenging due to backfeeding of power from multiple sources, which complicates the identification of fault direction using line sensors.
Innovation Solution
Wireless line sensors with sensing circuitry and a processor that detect operating parameters like current or voltage, determine zero crossings, and compare expected and measured zero crossings to determine event directionality, allowing for reduced power consumption by sampling at specific intervals rather than continuously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If continuous sampling of current waveform is performed to accurately determine event direction, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic sampling of the current waveform at specific intervals rather than continuous sampling. The processor is configured to sample the current waveform periodically and determine event direction based on these periodic samples, which reduces power consumption while maintaining adequate measurement precision for fault detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary determination of zero-crossing points and phase information from periodic samples before actual fault detection is needed. By pre-processing the current waveform data to extract relevant features during normal operation, the system reduces the computational burden and power consumption during critical fault detection events
2Reliability
If multiple line sensors are deployed in bi-directional power systems to detect events from multiple sources, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal line sensor that can detect events in both forward and reverse power flow directions. The sensor incorporates bidirectional detection capability with a processor that can determine event direction relative to the sensor, allowing a single sensor type to be deployed throughout the bi-directional power system without requiring direction-specific configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The line sensor incorporates feedback mechanisms where the processor continuously monitors current waveform characteristics and adjusts its detection algorithms based on the detected power flow direction. The sensor provides feedback signals indicating event direction and status to the power system control, enabling adaptive response to bi-directional power flow conditions
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to directionality of events on line sensors for power lines. In an embodiment, a line sensor may include phase detection circuitry that detects a feature of an operating parameter of a power line prior to an occurrence of an event. The phase detection circuitry may provide a time associated with the feature. The line sensor may include sensor circuitry that sends an activation signal. The line sensor may include a controller that, upon receiving the activation signal, measures samples of the operating parameter. The line sensor may determine a relative direction of the event based on the plurality of times detected prior to the event and the measured samples of the operating parameter.