Power Grid Parameter Monitoring via Timing Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for monitoring power grid parameters are expensive, require equipment placement near power lines, and are insufficient in speed or accuracy, often failing to provide real-time data on power flow and direction, especially when fewer than three recorders are used.
Innovation Solution
A system using a plurality of sensors located in different locations on the power grid to measure and analyze power waveforms, determining parameters such as power flow, short circuits, and breaks in the grid by calculating phase differences and using circuit theory to establish equations for parameter calculation, with timing data from GPS for synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional monitoring methods using frequency disturbance recorders are used, then disturbance events can be detected, but the system loses high frequency information and requires complete cycle measurements which reduces speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary timing information (zero crossing points, peak values) from the power waveform without requiring complete cycle measurements. By taking out only the critical event timestamps and using GPS synchronization, the system achieves fast disturbance detection while preserving high frequency information that would be lost in traditional complete cycle analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical measurement system that requires physical connection to power lines and complete cycle analysis with a timing-based system using GPS-synchronized sensors. This substitution allows measurement of power flow parameters through timing differences of waveform events rather than traditional electrical measurement methods, achieving both speed and accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are placed near power transmission lines for direct measurement, then accurate power flow data can be obtained, but the cost increases and direct access to high-voltage lines is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses low-voltage power outlets as intermediaries to measure high-voltage power transmission parameters. Instead of placing sensors directly on high-voltage lines, the system measures waveform timing events through available low-voltage outlets and uses GPS-synchronized timing combined with circuit theory calculations to derive the high-voltage power flow parameters, eliminating the need for expensive direct high-voltage access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a timing-based copy of the power waveform characteristics using GPS-synchronized event detection. By recording the timestamps of zero crossing points and peak values from low-voltage measurements and using these timing copies to calculate power flow parameters through circuit theory, the system replicates the functionality of direct high-voltage measurement without the associated costs and safety requirements.
3Device complexity
If fewer than three recorders are used for monitoring, then the system complexity and cost are reduced, but the ability to determine power flow and direction becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from requiring multiple spatial recorders to using timing precision of waveform events. By measuring the precise timestamps of zero crossing points and peak values with GPS-synchronized clocks and using the time differences to calculate power flow parameters through circuit theory, the system achieves accurate power flow determination with fewer sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the spatial arrangement of multiple recorders with a timing-based measurement approach. Instead of using three or more physically distributed recorders to determine power flow direction and magnitude, the system uses GPS-synchronized timing of waveform events combined with circuit theory calculations, replacing the mechanical spatial requirement with a temporal measurement system.
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
Enables accurate, real-time determination of power flow and grid conditions without direct access to high-voltage lines, improving speed and reducing costs by using phase measurements to calculate power flow and identify disturbances, even with fewer sensors.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus comprises a magnetic field sensor for measuring the magnetic field at the electric power transmission line
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for measurement of one or more parameters of a power grid (10) is disclosed. This comprises determining a plurality of events in at least one power waveform on the power grid using at least two sensors (30, 50) and recording timings of the plurality of events in at least two different locations in the power grid. The data gathered is used to determine differences between the timings recorded in the at least two locations. A processing unit (40) is used to analyze the differences of the timings to determine the one or more parameters. These parameters include power flow, short circuits, and breaks in the power grid (10).