Networked Ground Fault Detection for Multi-Source Power Buses

Solution Overview

Problem

Detecting power faults to ground in systems with multiple generators or power sources is challenging due to the need for additional equipment and sensing capabilities, especially when using equipment from different vendors, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing high-speed network devices and line current sensors to determine power fault locations by analyzing current flow directions and values across generators, neutral buses, and load buses, allowing for fault detection without hardwire interconnections and accommodating diverse switchgear from different vendors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If additional sensing equipment is installed to detect power faults in multi-generator systems, then fault detection capability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefault detection capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The existing line current sensors and communication network devices are made multi-functional by programming them to perform both their original functions and fault detection functions. The controller analyzes current flow directions and values from these existing sensors to determine fault locations, eliminating the need for separate dedicated fault detection equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own existing infrastructure (line current sensors, communication network, and controller) to perform fault detection without requiring external or additional specialized equipment. The controller processes data from existing sensors to identify faults, making the system self-sufficient for both power distribution and fault detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If additional sensing equipment is installed to detect power faults in multi-generator systems, then fault detection capability is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefault detection capabilityVSAvoidequipment quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The existing line current sensors and communication network devices are made multi-functional by programming them to perform both their original functions and fault detection functions. The controller analyzes current flow directions and values from these existing sensors to determine fault locations, eliminating the need for separate dedicated fault detection equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own existing infrastructure (line current sensors, communication network, and controller) to perform fault detection without requiring external or additional specialized equipment. The controller processes data from existing sensors to identify faults, making the system self-sufficient for both power distribution and fault detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If equipment from different vendors is used in the power system, then system adaptability is improved, but fault detection capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment compatibilityVSAvoidfault detection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The controller is designed to universally interface with line current sensors and communication network devices from different vendors by analyzing standardized electrical parameters (current flow direction and magnitude) that are independent of manufacturer-specific implementations. This allows the fault detection function to work across multi-vendor environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The communication network acts as an intermediary that standardizes data exchange between diverse equipment vendors and the controller. The controller processes standardized current flow information from various vendors' equipment through this communication interface, enabling fault detection without requiring vendor-specific integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3888208B1Systems and methods for ground fault detection in power systems using communication network

Publication Date: 2025.10.22 CUMMINS POWER GENERATION IP INC

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AI summary

Systems, methods, storage media, and computing platforms for determining a fault in a power system, executing on a controller are disclosed. Exemplary implementations may: receive a first value of current flow from a first current sensor installed on a first bus of the power system; receive a second value of current flow from a second current sensor installed on a second bus of the power system; determine a first direction of power flow in the first current sensor using the first value of current flow; determine a second direction of power flow in the second current sensor using the second value of current flow; and determine a power fault is located on one of the first bus of the power system or the second bus of the power system based on the first direction of power flow and the second direction of power flow.