Phase Line Fault Location via Signal Propagation Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring and managing electrical power transmission lines lack effective solutions for passive or active monitoring, detecting abnormal operations, defects, or breaks in the lines, and controlling power flow efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that monitor parameters on insulated conductors of a phase line, generate event detection signals, and perform geographical location of events or faults by analyzing signal propagation times, allowing for both passive and active monitoring and fault detection without reference to ground.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional monitoring methods are used for power transmission lines, then the system structure is simple, but the ability to detect faults and locate events precisely is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces signal injection devices and reflection detection systems as intermediary components. These devices inject test signals into the transmission line and detect reflected signals to precisely locate faults. The intermediary measurement system enables accurate fault detection without requiring complex direct monitoring of the entire line, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or electrical monitoring methods with electromagnetic signal-based detection. By injecting electromagnetic test signals and analyzing reflections, the system achieves precise fault location without mechanical inspection or complex electrical measurement systems, thus improving measurement precision while controlling device complexity.
2Reliability
If no monitoring system is installed, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of power transmission cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is designed to be self-contained, with signal injection and detection capabilities integrated into the existing transmission infrastructure. The system automatically detects faults and provides location information without requiring external complex monitoring equipment, thus ensuring reliability while minimizing additional device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: fault detection, fault location, and transmission line characterization. By combining these functions into a single integrated system, the patent achieves high reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity, as one apparatus serves multiple protective and diagnostic purposes.
3Measurement precision
If continuous monitoring is implemented, then the detection capability improves, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic signal injection and detection rather than continuous monitoring. Test signals are injected at intervals to detect faults and locate events, providing sufficient detection capability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation. This periodic approach maintains measurement precision for fault detection while controlling energy usage.
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 precise location of events or faults along the phase line, improving the reliability and maintenance of power transmission lines by allowing for real-time monitoring and control of power flow, reducing faults and extending the life of the transmission infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
a) monitoring a parameter on one of the n conductors of the phase line, at one of the ends of the section without reference to ground, said parameter being representative of current operating conditions of the phase line
Implementation Method 2
having a known propagation speed in the conductor; b) generating an event detection signal at the end of the section each time the parameter has a value that crosses a threshold, and storing a reception time when the detection signal is generated
Data Source
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AI summary
An appliance and a method are intended to monitor a phase line of a section of an electrical energy grid line. The appliance comprises a device for monitoring a parameter of a phase line. The parameter is representative of routine operating conditions of the phase line and has a known propagation speed. The appliance also comprises a device for generating an event detection signal each time the parameter has a value that exceeds a threshold, and for storing a reception time when the detection signal is generated. The appliance also has a device for sending a signal representative of a geographic location of the end of the section and a device for performing a geographic location of the event once two consecutive detection signals are generated from the signal representative of the geographic location, and reception times associated with the two detection signals.