Single Phase Fault Isolation in Power Distribution Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power distribution networks often interrupt power for more customers than necessary due to faults, as existing systems isolate all three phases in response to a fault, even if only one or two phases are affected, leading to unnecessary outages.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize an electronic processor to identify the specific phases affected by a fault and send targeted open and close commands to isolation devices, allowing for single phase fault isolation and restoration, thereby minimizing power outages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all three phases are isolated in response to a detected fault, then system safety is ensured, but power is interrupted for more customers than necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fault isolation process by phase, allowing independent control of each phase's isolation status. Instead of isolating all three phases simultaneously, the system identifies and isolates only the specific phase(s) experiencing faults, while maintaining power delivery on healthy phases. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by ensuring safety through targeted isolation while preserving productivity through continued operation of unaffected phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by treating each phase differently based on its specific condition. The system evaluates fault status individually for each phase and applies isolation commands selectively rather than uniformly across all phases. This allows the system to maintain high reliability by isolating faulted phases while preserving power delivery continuity on phases that remain healthy.
2Productivity
If phase-specific fault isolation is implemented, then fewer customers are affected, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control framework that handles both single-phase and three-phase faults through the same phase-by-phase analysis methodology. The isolation device and control system are designed to evaluate all three phases uniformly and apply appropriate isolation commands based on the specific fault conditions detected. This multi-functional approach enables selective phase isolation without requiring separate control systems for different fault types, thus limiting the increase in complexity while achieving improved power delivery continuity.
3Productivity
If selective phase isolation is used, then system utilization increases, but fault detection precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the control system continuously monitors phase conditions, detects faults with high precision, and adjusts isolation commands accordingly. The system receives feedback from sensors and measurement devices about the status of each phase and uses this information to make informed decisions about selective isolation. This feedback loop enables the system to achieve high system utilization by accurately identifying and isolating only the necessary phases while maintaining power delivery on healthy phases.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for controlling a power distribution network includes receiving, by an electronic processor, a fault indication associated with a fault in the power distribution network from a first isolation device of a plurality of isolation devices. The processor identifies a first subset of a plurality of phases associated with the fault indication and a second subset of the plurality of phases not associated with the fault indication. The first and second subsets each include at least one member. The processor identifies an upstream isolation device upstream of the fault. The processor identifies a downstream isolation device downstream of the fault. The processor sends an open command to the downstream isolation device for each phase in the first subset. Responsive to the first isolation device not being the upstream isolation device, the processor sends a close command to the first isolation device for each phase in the first subset.