Portable Primary Voltage Generator for De-energized Line Maintenance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for safe, efficient, and economical methods to provide temporary power to de-energized electrical distribution lines for maintenance or repair, minimizing disruptions to customer service and reducing the impact of outages caused by maintenance, severe weather, or terrorist attacks.
Innovation Solution
A portable primary voltage generator (PPVG) system that connects to electrical distribution lines through underground or overhead interfaces, ensuring safe operation by maintaining voltage standards, using a secondary generator to energize the line, and incorporating features like telemetry, transformer protection, and fire suppression systems to manage power delivery and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a section of power line is de-energized for maintenance or repair, then safety and efficiency of maintenance work is improved, but customer power service is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution system is segmented into multiple sections with isolated power sources. The PPVG system divides the power delivery function into separate portable generator units that can independently serve different customer groups, allowing maintenance on one section without affecting others.
Solution Approach 2:
The PPVG system acts as an intermediary power source between the utility company and customers. It receives power from utility generators and redistributes it to customers through portable distribution units, mediating the power flow to maintain service during maintenance operations.
2Reliability
If multiple portable generators are used to serve different customer groups, then customer service reliability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The PPVG system employs universal portable generator units that can serve multiple functions and different customer groups. Each unit is designed to be versatile, capable of connecting to different distribution lines and serving various customer configurations, reducing the need for specialized equipment for each scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple portable generator units are merged into a coordinated system managed by centralized software. The units work together as an integrated network, sharing control and monitoring resources, which reduces overall system complexity despite having multiple physical generator units.
3Productivity
If utility company directly manages portable generator deployment, then power distribution control is improved, but operational costs and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The PPVG system enables self-service operation where customers can autonomously manage their own power connections using the portable generator units. The system allows customers to independently connect and disconnect from power sources without requiring utility company personnel for each operation, significantly reducing deployment time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses automated software control and telemetry to accelerate the power distribution management process. Electronic monitoring and control systems rapidly assess power needs, coordinate generator deployment, and manage load distribution, dramatically speeding up operations compared to manual utility company management.
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 PPVG system allows for safer and more efficient maintenance on de-energized power lines, reduces outages, and ensures continued power service to customers by providing a reliable and flexible solution for both underground and overhead electrical power lines, enhancing utility company operations and customer reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a generator within the trailer that produces electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
a transformer that is electrically connected to the generator and to a distribution line interface
Data Source
AI summary
A portable generator produces secondary voltage to feed a portable trailer mounted transformer through secondary cables. Transformer voltages are stepped up to primary levels with disconnects/fuses protecting the transformer and generator. From the fuses a primary underground cable feeds a junction box mounted on the bottom side of the portable trailer for underground applications. Overhead applications include a temporary overhead erectable structure with overhead disconnects. A temporary ground rod with a grounding cable is used to establish a path to ground and a common neutral system for the portable trailer and all components of the portable generator apparatus and system.