Partial Discharge Positioning Using Reference Signatures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting and locating partial discharge sites in high voltage cables require expensive synchronization systems and are challenging to implement in urban environments, especially since they often need remote data processing and technician intervention.
Innovation Solution
A method using electrical signatures acquired and processed locally at MV/LV stations, comparing measured signatures with reference signatures obtained through reflectometry, allowing for autonomous detection and localization of partial discharge sites without the need for synchronization systems or remote data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS synchronization system is used for time-stamping electrical pulses at measurement points, then position determination precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a pre-acquired reference signature (a temporal copy of the expected pulse pattern) to compare against measured signatures. This allows position determination without needing complex real-time synchronization systems, as the reference signature already contains the timing information needed for comparison.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference signature is acquired in advance during a calibration phase before actual monitoring begins. This preliminary action stores the timing characteristics of pulse propagation, eliminating the need for complex real-time synchronization during operation while maintaining position determination accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If two measurement points are used on either side of the connection to be monitored, then position determination capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to required technician intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically acquiring reference signatures during normal operation without requiring technician intervention. The automated comparison of measured signatures against reference signatures enables continuous monitoring and position determination without manual setup or intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
A single measurement point at the MV/LV station performs multiple functions: it both monitors for partial discharge events and determines their position by comparing signatures. This eliminates the need for separate measurement points on both sides of the connection, simplifying installation while maintaining position determination capability.
3Measurement precision
If remote data processing is implemented for signature analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to data transmission requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the measurement acquisition and data processing functions into a single integrated system at the MV/LV station. The processing unit immediately compares measured signatures against stored reference signatures on-site, eliminating the need to transmit data remotely and reducing time loss while maintaining analysis precision.
4Measurement precision
If GPS synchronization system is deployed in urban areas, then position determination precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to signal capture difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on GPS signals that may be blocked in urban areas, the system creates and uses a copy of the expected pulse timing pattern (reference signature) acquired during calibration. This reference copy enables accurate position determination without requiring external GPS synchronization signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference signature acts as an intermediary that carries timing information locally without requiring external GPS infrastructure. This mediator enables position determination in urban environments where GPS signals are unavailable or difficult to capture.
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 simpler, cost-effective, and autonomous detection and localization of partial discharge sites in high voltage cables, reducing operational costs and improving accessibility for urban deployments by eliminating the need for expensive synchronization systems and remote processing.
Implementation Method 1
a partial discharge occurs in the cable and two electrical pulses are generated from the partial discharge site and propagate in opposite directions
Implementation Method 2
comparison of the measurement of the first signature with a first reference signature of the deteriorated phase, the first reference signature having been determined beforehand during a calibration by reflectometry
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4B
AI summary
Method for determining the position of a Partial Discharge site within a deteriorated phase of an operating high voltage line comprising the following steps: acquisition by a first MV/LV substation (PC) of a measurement of a first signature in the high voltage signal propagating in the deteriorated phase of an electrical disturbance generated by the Partial Discharge site, comparison of the measurement of the first signature to a predetermined first reference signature of the deteriorated phase, identification of a first non-coincident pulse in the measurement of the first signature which does not coincide with any pulse of the first reference signature, and of a first non-coincident reference pulse in the first reference signature which does not coincide with any pulse of the measurement of the first signature, determination of the position of the Partial Discharge site.