Streetlamp Fault Detection via DC Current Loop Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing streetlamp lighting systems face challenges in fault detection and location due to unattended power cables, which are prone to theft or damage, leading to unreliable lighting, especially at night, and existing solutions are limited in adaptability to different power supply modes and environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A fault detection device with a master detection control unit and load detection control units that can operate in both DC and AC power supply modes, allowing for real-time monitoring and fault location by detecting physical quantities on the power cable, and utilizing DC current loops for communication, ensuring stable operation and adaptability to different environmental states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power line carrier measure is used to detect cable fault by calculating impedance value, then fault detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring high-value power impedance devices and dedicated measurement instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The master detection control unit and load detection control units are designed to perform multiple functions: they can detect cable faults through impedance calculation, monitor power consumption, control lighting loads, and communicate system status. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated measurement instruments and theft-proof devices, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining fault detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the fault detection function with the existing control units (master detection control unit and load detection control units) that are already part of the streetlamp lighting system. By merging fault detection capabilities into these existing control units, the system avoids adding separate dedicated measurement instruments, thus reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable fault detection
2Measurement precision
If dedicated theft-proof measurement instrument and capacitor are used to determine fault position by measuring return-voltage and resonant frequency, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The load detection control units are designed to perform multiple functions including fault detection, power monitoring, and communication. By making these control units multi-functional, the system eliminates the need for separate dedicated theft-proof measurement instruments, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to determine fault positions through impedance and power measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing control units and power infrastructure to perform fault detection and location. The master detection control unit and load detection control units utilize the existing power lines and electrical infrastructure to measure impedance and detect faults, rather than requiring external dedicated measurement instruments, thus reducing device complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If fault detection device operates in both DC and AC power supply modes, then adaptability to different environmental conditions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection control units are designed with universal functionality to operate in both DC and AC power supply modes. By integrating power rectification and control circuits that can handle both AC and DC inputs, the system achieves adaptability to different environmental conditions (daytime DC from solar panels, nighttime AC from grid) without requiring separate detection devices for each mode, thus limiting the increase in device complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
Various embodiments may relate to a fault detection device for streetlamp lighting system. The streetlamp lighting system includes multiple load groups which are powered by a power cable. The fault detection device includes a master detection control unit and load detection control units configured for respective load groups, wherein the master detection control unit determines, according to a first fault feedback signal provided by respective load detection control unit, whether the load group corresponding to the load detection control unit is failed, while the streetlamp lighting system is in a first state, and the master detection control unit determines, according to a physical quantity detected on the power cable, whether the power cable is failed, while the streetlamp lighting system is in a second state. In addition, various embodiments further relate to a method of controlling the fault detection device.