Pole-Mounted Magnetic Sensor Layout for Grid Fault Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical utility grids face challenges in accurately and efficiently identifying and locating faults due to the limitations of current sensing technologies, which are costly, unreliable, and lack visibility into fault locations, leading to potential damage and disruption.
Innovation Solution
A sensing apparatus comprising multiple sensor devices arranged in a cross-positioned configuration on electrical poles, processing magnetic field data to reproduce overhead line phase currents, enabling detection, classification, and prediction of events and faults.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If magnetic sensors (coils, hall elements, MEMS sensors, MR sensors) are used to detect line fault status from a distance of 1 to 10 meters, then easy hot-installation is achieved, but device cost and assembly cost exponentially increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive current transformers instead of expensive magnetic sensors. These current transformers are cost-effective devices that can be easily installed and replaced, achieving the goal of affordable fault detection without the exponential cost increase associated with magnetic sensor solutions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces magnetic field-based sensing (which requires complex magnetic sensors like coils, hall elements, MEMS, or MR sensors) with electrical current measurement using current transformers. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive magnetic sensing technology while maintaining fault detection capability through electrical parameter measurement
2Reliability
If multiple fault protection and indication devices (disconnectors, fuses, protection relays, fault indicators) are installed to identify fault conditions, then fault detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple fault detection functions into a single intelligent fault indicator device. This unified device performs voltage disruption detection, current measurement, fault location determination, and communication functions, eliminating the need for separate disconnectors, fuses, protection relays, and fault indicators while maintaining comprehensive fault protection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines previously separate protection and indication devices into one integrated intelligent fault indicator. By merging voltage sensing, current measurement, fault analysis, and communication capabilities into a single device, the system achieves reliable fault detection without the complexity and cost of multiple separate components
3Area of stationary object
If electric poles are located 20 to 200 meters apart to ensure safe wire height, then coverage area is improved, but fault location precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intelligent fault indicators as intermediary devices installed at each electric pole location. These devices act as local sensors that precisely detect and report fault conditions to a central system, enabling accurate fault location identification even when poles are spaced 20-200 meters apart. The intermediary devices bridge the gap between wide coverage and precise localization
4Productivity
If current passes quickly through distribution lines to ensure efficient power transmission, then energy efficiency is improved, but fault identification time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback-based fault detection system using intelligent fault indicators that continuously monitor electrical parameters and immediately communicate fault conditions to a central management system. When a fault occurs, the system receives real-time feedback from the fault location, enabling rapid identification and response. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain efficient power transmission while achieving fast fault detection through continuous monitoring and immediate reporting
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 provides precise and timely identification and location of events and faults, reducing costs and maintenance time while ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply.
Implementation Method 1
at least a first sensor device, a second sensor device, and a third sensor device that, in operation, sense magnetic field in close proximity to electrical overhead lines of an electrical utility grid to generate sensor data
Implementation Method 2
the at least one third processor, in operation, utilizes the measurement data, for monitoring and managing currents, events and faults in the electrical utility grid
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a sensing apparatus with a first sensor device, second sensor device, third sensor device, which sense magnetic fields to generate sensor data, and a first processor. The sensing apparatus is arranged on an electrical pole of the electrical utility grid. The second sensor device overlaps with the first sensor device to form a cross-positioned two-sensor configuration. The third sensor device is arranged at distance from it. The first processor is configured to pre-process sensor data to send to the second processor, generate and send measurement data to the second processor for reproducing overhead line phase currents, and send measurement data to the third processor which utilizes the measurement data for monitoring and managing events and faults in the electrical utility grid.