Power Distribution System Monitoring via Mobile Inspection Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power utility distribution systems face challenges in efficiently managing and processing inspection data from mobile devices, leading to delayed outage identification and reduced system reliability, especially during storms.
Innovation Solution
An automated data analysis and communication system that processes sensory measurement data from mobile inspection devices to derive fault identification data, which is then used to update a power distribution system network model, enabling real-time monitoring and management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If mobile inspection devices are deployed to inspect distribution lines, then inspection data can be captured, but the data cannot be promptly accessed by central outage management systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication bridge or intermediary system that connects mobile inspection devices to central outage management systems. This intermediary enables data transfer between the mobile devices and central systems without requiring direct complex connections, thus resolving the accessibility issue while managing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system is designed to handle multiple functions including data collection, data transmission, and integration with various utility systems (outage management, SCADA, etc.). This multi-functionality allows a single communication infrastructure to serve multiple purposes, improving data accessibility without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Reliability
If field technicians manually inspect distribution lines, then fault identification can occur, but outage management time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection by field technicians with automated mobile inspection devices equipped with sensors and communication capabilities. This substitution maintains or improves fault identification accuracy while dramatically reducing the time required for inspection and outage management.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile inspection devices enable continuous monitoring and real-time data transmission to central systems, allowing outage management to proceed continuously without the interruptions and delays inherent in manual inspection processes. This continuous action reduces overall outage management time while maintaining reliability.
3Device complexity
If inspection data is segregated from central outage management systems, then system simplicity is maintained, but system reliability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into independent but connected components: mobile inspection devices, communication infrastructure, and central outage management systems. This segmentation allows each component to remain relatively simple while the integrated system achieves high reliability through coordinated operation of all segments.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for monitoring and management of a power distribution system are disclosed. In one example, the method includes receiving sensory measurement data captured by a mobile inspection device during an inspection of power distribution system elements in a power distribution system. The method further includes processing the received sensory measurement data to derive fault identification data that indicates a fault condition existing in one or more of the power distribution system elements and utilizing the derived fault identification data to update a network model of the power distribution system.