Noninvasive Electrical Power Distribution System Characterization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Characterizing inaccessible and aging electrical power distribution systems without invasive or destructive methods, especially when limited blueprint information is available, is challenging due to the hidden nature of wiring within buildings.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive method involving the application of test signals at multiple test points, measuring response signals, and using test/response units connected to the system to characterize electrical properties and locate faults, allowing for safe and economical assessment of the system's condition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive or destructive testing methods are used to characterize electrical wiring, then measurement precision and fault detection capability improve, but system reliability deteriorates due to potential damage to the wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces test signals as an intermediary medium to characterize the electrical system indirectly. By injecting test signals through accessible test points and measuring response signals, the system can be characterized without direct physical intrusion into the wiring, thus maintaining system integrity while achieving measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/invasive testing methods with electrical signal-based characterization. Instead of physically accessing and testing wiring through openings or destruction, the system uses electrical test signals that can be applied at accessible test points, substituting mechanical intrusion with electrical measurement
2Ease of operation
If wiring is made accessible for visual inspection, then ease of operation and inspection improve, but device complexity increases due to required openings and access points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the characterization function from the physical wiring structure itself. By utilizing existing accessible test points in the electrical system, the method separates the inspection capability from the need for physical access to wiring, allowing characterization through standard test points without requiring additional openings or access infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent leverages the existing test points that are already part of the electrical system design for characterization purposes. These test points, originally intended for routine maintenance and operation, are utilized to perform comprehensive system characterization, making the system self-sufficient for inspection without requiring external access modifications
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive system characterization is performed, then measurement precision and fault location accuracy improve, but loss of time increases due to multiple measurements at multiple test points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic application of test signals at different frequencies or patterns to multiple test points. By using periodic test signals with distinct characteristics, the system can identify and characterize different portions of the electrical system through the periodic response patterns, achieving comprehensive characterization through structured periodic measurements rather than continuous or random testing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary characterization by applying test signals and measuring responses at multiple test points to establish baseline system behavior. This preliminary action of gathering comprehensive response data allows for subsequent fault location and system analysis without requiring additional time-consuming measurements, as the initial multi-point characterization captures the essential system properties
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of methods and apparatuses for characterizing an electrical power distribution system are disclosed. One method includes applying at least one test signal to at least one test point of the system, measuring a plurality of response signals at a plurality of test points, wherein the plurality of response signals are generated in response to the at least one test signal, and characterizing the system based on the plurality of response signals. One system includes a plurality of test/response units attached to a plurality of test points, the units configured to generate test signals and/or measure response signals at the test points. At least one controller coordinates application of the test signals and characterizes the electrical network based on the response signals. A communications link allows the test/response units to communicate with the at least one controller.