Panel Meter Wireless Signal Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric power delivery systems face challenges with wiring errors and dangerous high-voltage signals due to numerous connections required for panel meters, which can lead to safety hazards and inefficiencies in displaying power system attributes without the need for electrical conductors in the control house.
Innovation Solution
A panel meter system that provides metering functions and displays power system attributes without electrical connections to instrument transformers, using digitized signals communicated through non-conductive media, such as fiber optics, to reduce wiring errors and safety risks, and allows for hot-swapping without de-energizing the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If numerous electrical connections are made to instrument transformers for panel meter display, then power system attributes can be displayed, but wiring errors and safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional electrical connection system with a wireless communication system. The panel meter receives power system attributes through wireless signals (such as RF or optical communication) instead of physical electrical conductors, thereby eliminating wiring errors and safety hazards associated with numerous electrical connections while maintaining reliable display functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication device or protocol that transfers power system attribute data from the instrument transformers to the panel meter without direct electrical connection. This intermediary layer (wireless communication interface) enables data transmission while isolating the display system from the high-voltage electrical system, reducing safety hazards
2Loss of information
If electrical conductors are used to connect panel meters to instrument transformers, then power system attributes can be transmitted, but safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electrical conductor-based transmission with wireless signal transmission. Power system attributes are transmitted through electromagnetic waves (radio frequency or optical) rather than physical wires, maintaining complete information transfer while eliminating the safety risks associated with exposed electrical conductors in the control environment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy or representation of the power system attributes that can be transmitted wirelessly. Instead of transmitting the actual electrical signals through conductors, the system captures, digitizes, and transmits copies of the attribute data through wireless communication channels, preserving information while removing safety hazards
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for displaying electric power system metering information in a panel may use digitized signals from primary protection relays. The system may include multiple panel meters. One or more of the panel meters may receive the digitized signals using an electrically non-conductive communication media. In various embodiments, the panel may be electrically isolated from the primary protection relay. The panel may be hot swappable and may be connected to a primary protection relay while the relay is in continuous operation.