Self-Feeding Fuse With Fault Detection and Rural Grid Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fault detection and communication technologies in overhead distribution electric lines face challenges such as high costs, complex installations, limited scalability, and reliability issues due to battery dependence, as well as inefficiencies in rural areas where traditional communication networks are unavailable or expensive.
Innovation Solution
A smart self-feeding fuse with current detection and communication capabilities, utilizing a nanocrystalline core CT, OPV solar cells, supercapacitors, and hybrid communication technologies like 6LowPAN and LoRA, allowing for easy installation and operation as both a fault sensor and communication gateway, capable of distinguishing between transitory and permanent faults, and extending communication networks over long distances without auxiliary infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fault detection and communication technologies are used in overhead distribution electric lines, then fault detection capability is provided, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines fault detection, communication, and power supply functions into a single integrated device installed at the fuse location. The current transformer, supercapacitor, radio communication module, and fault detection circuitry are merged into one unit, eliminating the need for separate installation of multiple components and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it detects faults through current analysis, communicates fault information via radio, and provides autonomous power through the supercapacitor. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated devices for each function, simplifying installation while maintaining comprehensive fault detection and communication capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If battery-dependent communication devices are deployed, then communication capability is achieved, but maintenance needs and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a supercapacitor that is charged directly from the existing power line current, enabling it to be self-powered without external battery replacement or maintenance. The supercapacitor autonomously stores energy during normal operation and provides power during faults, making the device completely self-sufficient and eliminating all maintenance related to power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The supercapacitor acts as an intermediary energy storage device between the power line and the communication/fault detection circuits. It decouples the device from direct battery dependence while maintaining autonomous operation, using the existing power infrastructure as the energy source rather than requiring separate battery installations.
3Loss of information
If traditional communication networks are used in rural areas, then communication infrastructure is available, but deployment cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts communication capability from the need for extensive external infrastructure by using wireless radio communication that operates independently of traditional communication networks. The fault detection and communication functions are extracted and integrated into the fuse device itself, eliminating dependence on external communication infrastructure in remote areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The radio communication module operates autonomously using power from the supercapacitor, enabling the device to communicate fault information without requiring external power or communication infrastructure. This self-sufficient communication capability allows deployment in remote rural areas where traditional communication networks are unavailable or expensive to extend.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate devices are installed for fault detection and communication, then functional coverage is complete, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges fault detection sensors, communication modules, power supply components, and processing circuits into a single integrated device that replaces or supplements the traditional fuse. This consolidation eliminates the need to install multiple separate devices, reducing installation time and labor costs while maintaining complete functional coverage for fault detection, communication, and power supply.
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 solution provides efficient and cost-effective fault detection and communication, reducing maintenance needs and extending communication coverage in rural areas, enabling remote monitoring and fault identification with improved reliability and scalability by using self-feeding nanocrystalline CTs and hybrid communication protocols.
Implementation Method 1
a self-feeding nanocrystalline core CT Current Transformer
Implementation Method 2
a self-feeding nanocrystalline core CT Current Transformer and OPV Organic Photo Voltaic standard solar cells
Implementation Method 3
a supercapacitor board as the only energy storage medium
Data Source
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AI summary
A smart self-feeding fuse with current detection and communication to be used in medium voltage, overhead energy distribution grid power distribution networks (15 kV to 34 kV), as a device to detect transitory or permanent electric transients, and/or a communication device (Gateway), preserving the main function of the protection element (Fuse). It is assembled on a base fuse, and simple to install by using a maneuver pole similarly to a conventional fuse tube. The invention is self-fed by a high output current transformer (CT) with the help of voltaic cells using a supercapacitor bank as the only power storage element.