Fault Location in Power Transmission Conduits Using Signal Interpolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining fault locations in power transmission conduits, such as visual inspections and impedance-based methods, are costly and often inaccurate, especially for underground cables, while existing fault locator technologies are expensive and require high sampling frequencies for accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A method involving signal sampling at a lower original frequency, followed by interpolation to increase sampling frequency, filtering with a band pass filter, and identifying fault wave signals to determine fault locations using propagation characteristics, reducing equipment costs and maintaining accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high sampling frequency is used to ensure accurate fault location, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing interpolation on the sampled signal data before fault location analysis. The method samples signals at a lower frequency, then uses interpolation algorithms to generate additional data points that simulate high-frequency sampling results. This preprocessing step enables accurate fault location determination without requiring expensive high-frequency sampling hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the high-frequency sampling process through mathematical interpolation. Instead of physically sampling at high frequencies, the system generates interpolated data points that replicate what high-frequency sampling would produce. This virtual copying approach achieves the same measurement precision as high-frequency sampling while using simpler, lower-cost equipment.
2Measurement precision
If high sampling frequency equipment is used to locate faults accurately, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of substance increases due to higher equipment costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive high-frequency sampling equipment with cheaper low-frequency sampling equipment combined with computational interpolation. The system uses inexpensive sensors that sample at lower frequencies, then applies software-based interpolation to achieve accurate fault location. This substitution of cheap hardware with computational processing significantly reduces equipment costs while maintaining measurement precision.
3Ease of operation
If visual inspection is used to locate faults, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical visual inspection with an electrical signal-based detection system. Instead of physically inspecting the transmission line, the system uses electrical sensors to capture signal characteristics and applies computational algorithms to locate faults. This substitution maintains operational simplicity while dramatically improving measurement precision and productivity.
4Ease of operation
If visual inspection is used to locate faults, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming visual inspection with rapid electrical signal analysis. The system continuously monitors electrical signals and can instantly identify fault locations through automated signal processing and interpolation algorithms. This eliminates the need for slow, manual visual inspection while maintaining operational simplicity, thereby significantly reducing the time required for fault location.
Data Source
AI summary
In the field of fault location within a power transmission network, a method of determining a fault location in a power transmission conduit includes: (a) sampling at an original sampling frequency a signal propagating through the power transmission conduit to establish a first data set including a plurality of sampled signal characteristics; (b) interpolating the first data set to establish a second data set including an increased number of signal characteristics whereby the second data set has an equivalent sampling frequency higher than the original sampling frequency; (c) identifying a fault wave signal within the second data set; and (d) utilising the propagation characteristics of the fault wave signal to determine the origin of the fault wave signal within the power transmission conduit.