3D LTE Exposure Visualization for Power Network Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional circuit protection methods in power distribution networks are inadequate for interconnected systems, as they fail to effectively manage Let-Through Energy (LTE) exposure, which can lead to conductor damage due to excessive current flow, especially in evolving network topologies with changing fault currents and fault clearing times.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that simulates power network faults, calculates LTE exposure, and visually represents it in a three-dimensional format to identify areas exceeding the LTE threshold, allowing for the adjustment of circuit protection parameters to prevent damage, suitable for both radial and multi-source interconnected networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional circuit protection methods are used in interconnected power networks, then the protection settings can be determined using traditional radial network optimization techniques, but the Let-Through Energy exposure cannot be effectively managed leading to conductor damage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the approach from traditional radial network optimization parameters to LTE-based evaluation parameters. It calculates and evaluates LTE exposure (I²t) across the conductor length and compares it against LTE thresholds to determine adequate circuit protection, thereby resolving the inability to effectively manage LTE exposure in interconnected networks
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a new dimension of evaluation by visualizing LTE exposure in three-dimensional space (conductor length, time, and LTE energy). This dimensional approach allows comprehensive assessment of LTE exposure throughout the network, overcoming the limitations of traditional two-dimensional protection setting optimization
2Measurement precision
If the simulation calculates LTE exposure across the entire conductor length, then the evaluation becomes comprehensive, but the computational complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the conductor into multiple sections along its length and calculates LTE exposure for each section independently. This segmentation allows comprehensive evaluation while managing computational complexity by processing discrete sections rather than treating the entire conductor as a single unit
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a virtual simulation model that copies the physical power network's electrical characteristics and protection settings. This digital replica allows comprehensive LTE exposure calculation without requiring physical modifications or complex measurements on the actual network
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
This approach enables effective evaluation and optimization of circuit protection settings, reducing the risk of conductor damage by quantifying LTE exposure and suggesting parameter changes, thus enhancing the reliability and sensitivity of fault detection in complex power network configurations.
Implementation Method 1
As current flows through a material such as an electrical conductor, the material heats up due to internal resistance of the material. Power dissipated over a conductor is equal to the square of the current (I) passing through the conductor multiplied by the resistance of the conductor.
Implementation Method 2
If an assumption is made that all the heat that is generated by the flow of current is contained within the conductor itself during a fault, i.e. an adiabatic process where no heat is lost to the environment due to convection or conduction etc.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a method (30) and system (10) for evaluating circuit protection of a power network. The method (30) includes simulating (32) a multisource, interconnected power network (40) comprising circuit protection elements (A, B, C, D), setting (33) circuit protection element parameters for each circuit protection element, simulating (35) at least one fault (42) on the power network (40) at a predetermined fault position for a predefined simulation time. In a next step, the method includes calculating (38) conductor LTE exposure and determining (39) an LTE threshold. Furthermore, the method (30) includes simultaneously graphically representing (41) a three-dimensional visualisation of the conductor LTE exposure (50) for the predefined simulation time and the LTE threshold (51), on the same three-dimensional visualisation. The method provides a wholistic approach for simulating and determining a dynamic effect of faults for chosen circuit protection settings on conductor LTE exposure compared to LTE thresholds.