Non-contact Phase Detection for Electrical Grids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Phase imbalances in electrical grids due to unbalanced loads and the increasing use of alternative energy sources, such as photovoltaic solar panels, reduce grid efficiency and are difficult to detect and correct without physical contact with power lines.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact phase identifier system that uses sensors to detect electromagnetic emissions like electric fields, magnetic fields, infrared energy, and visible light to determine the phase of loads in a three-phase AC electrical power distribution system, providing a balanced identification without physical contact with power lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical contact with power lines is used to detect phase information, then measurement precision is improved, but safety risks and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electromagnetic field sensors as intermediaries to detect phase information indirectly through the electromagnetic fields surrounding power lines, rather than making direct contact. This mediator approach enables accurate phase detection while eliminating the safety risks associated with physical contact with high-voltage lines.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional load balancing methods are used, then phase balance can be maintained, but the ability to detect unbalanced loads in real-time is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of electromagnetic fields from multiple phases continuously, maintaining readiness to detect imbalances before they cause significant problems. By continuously monitoring and comparing phase information in advance, the system can identify and respond to developing imbalances proactively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where detected electromagnetic field information from multiple phases is continuously compared and analyzed. When imbalances are detected, this information feeds back to enable corrective actions, maintaining phase balance through real-time monitoring and response.
3Reliability
If multiple sensors detecting different emission types are used, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple sensors that detect different types of electromagnetic emissions (electric fields, magnetic fields, infrared, visible light), where each sensor type serves the universal function of phase detection through different physical pathways. This multi-functional approach improves reliability by providing redundant detection methods while managing complexity through integrated processing.
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 improves the efficiency of electrical power systems by identifying and balancing loads across phases, enhancing the overall efficiency of power transmission and distribution by aiding in the detection and correction of phase imbalances without requiring physical connections to the power systems.
Implementation Method 1
Emissions can include, but are not limited to, electric fields, magnetic fields, infrared energy, ultraviolet energy, and visible light
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs stored on a computer-readable storage medium, for obtaining a reference phase signal that is synchronized with an alternating current (AC) phase of a multi-phase electrical power distribution system. The apparatus obtains output signals from sensors, each output signal representative of an electromagnetic emission detected by a respective sensor. The apparatus identifies, based on comparing respective phases of the output signals to the reference phase signal, a particular AC phase of the multi-phase electrical power distribution system associated with a source of the emissions. The apparatus provides an indication of the particular AC phase to a user.