Network Analyzer for Voltage Distribution Topology Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users often lose track of how electric appliances are connected to the mains grid, their assignment to fuses and phases, and the location of electric wirings in voltage distribution networks, leading to difficulties in managing and maintaining these networks.
Innovation Solution
A network analyser device and system that uses power line communications to modulate carrier signals on the 50/60 Hz alternating current, employing probe signals to determine network topology information, impedance discontinuities, and wiring lengths by analyzing reflected signals, and integrates with a data processing apparatus to provide graphical representations of the network configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional manual tracking methods are used to monitor electric appliance connections and wiring locations, then users can maintain some awareness of network configuration, but users eventually lose track of connections, fuse assignments, and wiring locations over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-detection and self-documentation of network topology. The network analyser automatically probes the voltage distribution network, detects impedance discontinuities, identifies wiring configurations and appliance connections, and generates topology information without requiring user intervention or manual tracking
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the network and provides feedback about current topology through graphical user interface displays. Users receive real-time information about appliance connections, fuse assignments, and wiring locations, enabling them to maintain awareness without manual tracking efforts
2Loss of information
If comprehensive network topology analysis is performed to identify all connections and wiring locations, then complete network overview is achieved, but the complexity of the analysis system and measurement procedures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network analyser serves as an intermediary device that simplifies complex topology analysis. It automatically performs impedance measurements, processes reflected signals, and generates topology information, shielding users from the complexity of the measurement and analysis procedures while providing comprehensive network overview
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical inspection methods with automated electrical measurements. Instead of physically tracing wires through walls and manually documenting connections, the system uses probe signals and impedance measurements to automatically detect and map the network topology
3Measurement precision
If detailed impedance measurements and reflected signal analysis are conducted to determine wiring lengths and locations, then precise topology information is obtained, but the measurement time and analysis complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary automated measurements and pre-processes reflected signals to extract topology information quickly. By automatically conducting impedance measurements and analyzing reflected probe signals in advance, the system prepares topology data without requiring time-consuming manual analysis while maintaining precise wiring location determination
Solution Approach 2:
The system varies probe signal parameters (frequency, amplitude) to optimize measurement speed and precision. By changing signal characteristics dynamically, the system achieves accurate wiring location and length determination while reducing measurement time through efficient parameter selection
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 users to obtain a clear overview of the voltage distribution network configuration, identify connected appliances, and determine wiring layouts, facilitating better management and maintenance of the network.
Implementation Method 1
A network analyser device and system that uses power line communications to modulate carrier signals on the 50/60 Hz alternating current
Implementation Method 2
determine network topology information, impedance discontinuities, and wiring lengths by analyzing reflected signals
Data Source
AI summary
A network analyzer device, including a control unit configured to determine network topology information related to impedance mismatches in a voltage distribution network on the basis of an evaluation of measured signals received from the voltage distribution network in response to probe signals supplied to the voltage distribution network and/or phase or running time information about noise signal components generated by appliances connected to the voltage distribution network and received by the network analyzer via different receiving paths. The network analyzer device outputs network information related to impedance mismatches in the voltage distribution network, wherein the output network information contains information about a total number of the impedance mismatches, wiring lengths between impedance mismatches, and characteristics of the impedance mismatches.