Magnetic Coupler Intermittent Fault Detection in Electrical Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting intermittent electrical faults in electrical systems are inefficient, often requiring system suspension, are limited by accessibility, and prone to false negatives due to short fault durations and high voltage requirements, especially in complex network architectures.
Innovation Solution
A fault detection system using magnetic couplers to transmit and receive modulated signals across electrical networks, allowing for portable and wireless signal exchange, and enabling fault location without high voltage transmission, suitable for any network location and configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual or instrument-aided inspection methods are used to detect electrical faults, then fault detection capability is provided, but system operation must be suspended and accessibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical inspection methods with electromagnetic field-based signal transmission. A signal generator sends electromagnetic signals through the electrical network, and a receiver detects variations caused by faults. This substitution eliminates the need for physical access to the system while maintaining fault detection capability, allowing the system to remain operational during inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic signals as an intermediary medium to detect faults. Instead of directly inspecting the electrical system physically, the system transmits signals through the network and analyzes the signal variations caused by faults. This intermediary approach enables remote fault detection without suspending system operation or requiring physical access to difficult-to-reach locations.
2Measurement precision
If high voltage pulses are transmitted to detect faults using reflectometry, then fault location capability is provided, but thin coils and short wires cannot endure the transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage parameter from high voltage pulses to low voltage signals. Instead of transmitting high voltage pulses that can damage thin coils and short wires, the system uses low voltage signals that are safe for all electrical network components. The fault detection is achieved by analyzing signal variations rather than relying on high voltage reflections, maintaining measurement precision while eliminating harmful voltage stress.
3Reliability
If reflectometry techniques are used to transmit signals across the network, then fault detection is enabled, but changes in wire material cause erroneous fault determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback-based detection mechanism where the receiver continuously monitors signal variations throughout the electrical network. When a fault occurs, the system sends feedback signals to identify the specific location and characteristics of the fault. This feedback approach allows the system to distinguish between actual faults and normal variations in wire material, improving measurement precision while maintaining reliable fault detection.
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
The system effectively detects and locates intermittent faults in electrical networks, reducing operational disruptions and improving fault detection accuracy across various electrical systems and network types.
Implementation Method 1
A fault detection system using magnetic couplers to transmit and receive modulated signals across electrical networks
Data Source
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AI summary
Data associated with at least one building condition or status is sensed by one or more sensors. The data from these sensors may be sent over a data bus and received by the central computer. In addition, a modulated signal may be transmitted by one or both of the transmitters across the data bus. The modulated signal is received at the receiver, which analyzes the received modulated signal, and determines whether an intermittent fault has occurred on the data bus based upon the analyzing. For example, the receiver may compare the received signal to an expected pattern and when a discrepancy exists, an intermittent fault is determined to exist. The receiver may also determine the location of the fault based upon the analysis.