Fault Location in Power Lines Without Time Sync
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fault location methods in electrical power supply networks require time synchronization between measurement devices at both line ends, limiting their accuracy and efficiency, especially when precise and quick fault detection is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A method that filters current and voltage values from both line ends, uses a propagation model for traveling waves to determine fictitious fault locations, and employs optimization techniques to find the actual fault location without the need for time synchronization, by matching curves of fault voltage values from both ends.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If time synchronization is implemented between measurement devices at both line ends, then fault location accuracy is improved, but device complexity and implementation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fictitious fault location as an intermediary concept that mediates between measurements from both line ends. By calculating fault voltage values at this fictitious location using propagation models and comparing them, the system achieves accurate fault location without requiring time synchronization between devices. The fictitious fault location acts as a virtual reference point that eliminates the need for complex synchronized timing.
2Measurement precision
If two-sided fault location using both line ends is implemented, then fault location accuracy is improved, but computational effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the computational problem by changing parameters from time-synchronized voltage and current measurements to frequency-domain analysis using Fourier transforms. By working with frequency components and propagation models in the frequency domain rather than time-domain synchronized data, the computational complexity is reduced while maintaining high accuracy in fault location determination.
3Ease of manufacture
If visual inspection by maintenance team is used, then no additional equipment is needed, but fault detection time and effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of visual inspection by maintenance teams with an automated electrical measurement and analysis system. By using measurement devices at line ends that automatically capture voltage and current signals, apply propagation models, and compute fault locations through frequency-domain analysis, the system eliminates the need for manual line inspection while dramatically reducing fault detection time.
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
This approach allows for high-accuracy fault location with reduced computational effort, enabling precise and rapid identification of faults in electrical power supply networks, even without time synchronization, thus minimizing downtime and maintenance efforts.
Implementation Method 1
uses a propagation model for traveling waves to determine fictitious fault locations
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining the fault location (F) of a fault on a line (11) of an electrical power supply network, in which first current and voltage values are measured at a first line end (11a) of the line (11), second current and voltage values are measured at a second line end (11b) of the line (11), and using the first and second current and voltage values, the fault location (F) is determined after the occurrence of a fault on the line (11).To enable highly accurate fault location even when measurements at the line ends are not synchronized, it is proposed that, using the first current and voltage values, a profile of first fictitious fault voltage values present at a fictitious fault location on the line (11) is determined; using the second current and voltage values, a profile of second fictitious fault voltage values present at the fictitious fault location on the line (11) is determined; a fictitious fault location on the line (11) is identified for which the profile of the first fictitious fault voltage values most closely matches the profile of the second fictitious fault voltage values; and the identified fictitious fault location is used as the fault location (F) of the fault on the line (11). The invention also relates to a correspondingly configured device (15a, 15b) and a system for determining a fault location.