Overhead Power Line Monitoring via Non-Contact Field Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing overhead power line monitoring systems require installation on the line, which is time-consuming and challenging due to height and safety regulations, necessitating system shutdowns for maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A detection device that monitors power supply lines from a distance by detecting field variables such as electric and magnetic fields, using sensor elements, interfaces, and signal processing components to analyze signal profiles and communicate deviations via a communication network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sensors are mounted directly on overhead lines, then monitoring precision is improved, but installation complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring precisionVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary approach by measuring field variables (electric and magnetic fields) at a distance from the power line using sensor elements positioned on supporting structures rather than directly on the line. This mediator (field measurement) allows monitoring without direct contact, resolving the contradiction between precision and installation complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physically mounting sensors on overhead lines with a field-based measurement system. Instead of mechanical attachment to the line, the system uses electromagnetic field detection from a distance, eliminating the need for complex installation procedures while maintaining monitoring capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If sensors are mounted directly on overhead lines, then monitoring precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring precisionVSAvoidease of installation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By using field variable measurements as an intermediary, the system achieves monitoring precision without requiring direct mounting on the power line. Sensors can be installed on accessible supporting structures, making installation and maintenance operations much easier while still capturing the necessary electrical signal information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a copy of the electrical signal information by measuring the electromagnetic fields generated by the power line current. Instead of directly accessing the line, the sensors detect field copies of the signal, which can be processed to reconstruct signal profile information without physical contact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If sensors are mounted directly on overhead lines, then monitoring precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring precisionVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical mounting systems with a simpler field-based approach. Instead of designing and installing specialized mounting hardware on high-voltage lines, the system uses standard sensor elements that detect electromagnetic fields, significantly reducing device and installation complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The field measurement acts as an intermediary that simplifies the overall system architecture. Rather than requiring direct integration with the power line infrastructure, the system uses field detection as a intermediate step, decoupling the sensor installation from the complex high-voltage line mounting requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Measurement precision

If sensors are mounted directly on overhead lines, then fault detection accuracy is improved, but safety requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault detection accuracyVSAvoidsafety requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The field measurement serves as a safe intermediary between the sensor and the high-voltage line. By measuring the electromagnetic fields at a distance rather than making direct contact, the system maintains fault detection accuracy while eliminating the need for complex safety protocols and shutdown procedures required for direct mounting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct mechanical contact with the high-voltage line with non-contact field-based measurement. This substitution eliminates the safety hazards associated with working on or near live power lines, removing the need for shutdown procedures and specialized safety equipment while maintaining monitoring capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 cost-effective, remote monitoring of power lines, allowing for quick fault detection and location without disrupting power supply, using a standalone system that can be safely installed outside the protection zone.

Implementation Method 1

The one or more sensor elements can, for example, be designed to detect an electric field or a magnetic field of the power supply line as a field variable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric field detection: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

The one or more sensor elements can, for example, be designed to detect an electric field or a magnetic field of the power supply line as a field variable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 3

the one or more signal processing components can be configured to capture the one or more time profiles via the one or more sensor elements in analog form and to convert them to digital form, with signal sampling for digital conversion occurring at more than 100 Hz

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal sampling:

Implementation Method 4

Embodiments therefore create a method for monitoring overhead power lines using field strength measurement and can also utilize the superposition principle and/or pattern recognition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuperposition principle:

Data Source

PatentEP4614164A1Detection device, monitoring device, holder, power supply system, detection method, monitoring method and computer program
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 DEUTSCHE TELEKOM AG
  • EP4614164A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4614164A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4614164A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a detection device, a monitoring device, a holder, a power supply system, a detection method, a monitoring method and a computer program.The detection device (10) for detecting information about a signal curve in a power supply line comprises one or more sensor elements (12) designed to detect a temporal profile of a field variable characteristic of the signal curve at a distance from the power supply line; one or more interfaces (16) designed to communicate information about the temporal profile of the field variable in a communications network; and one or more signal processing components (14) designed to detect the temporal profile of the field variable via the one or more sensor elements, to generate information about the temporal profile of the field variable, and to communicate the information about the temporal profile of the field variable via the one or more interfaces in the communications network.