Traveling-Wave Fault Location Using Wavelet Transform
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power transmission systems face challenges in accurately and rapidly locating faults on transmission lines due to the high-speed propagation of traveling waves, which can lead to widespread outages if not addressed promptly.
Innovation Solution
A traveling-wave-based fault location system that utilizes fast sampling rates (less than one millisecond) and band-pass filters to extract transient waves, combined with α-β transformations and wavelet transforms, for precise identification of faulty phases and locations, enabling ultra-high-speed protection and fault detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional protection systems are used, then system complexity is reduced, but fault location precision and response speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/electrical protection systems with a traveling wave-based detection system that uses signal processing (wavelet transform, Hilbert transform) to detect faults. This substitution enables precise fault location by analyzing the characteristics of traveling waves generated at fault points, achieving meter-level precision without complex hardware modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces traveling waves as an intermediary carrier to transmit fault information. By detecting the arrival time and characteristics of these waves at different measurement points, the system can precisely locate faults and determine their nature, replacing direct electrical connection analysis with wave-based indirect measurement.
2Productivity
If fast sampling rates are used to capture traveling waves, then fault detection speed is improved, but data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of sampling rate to ultra-high speeds (1 MHz or higher) to capture the rapid traveling waves. This parameter change enables the system to detect faults within milliseconds, dramatically improving detection speed while the associated data processing complexity is managed through efficient signal processing algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic sampling at fixed high rates to continuously monitor the transmission line. This periodic action ensures that traveling waves are captured consistently, enabling reliable fault detection while maintaining a systematic approach to data processing that prevents overwhelming complexity.
3Loss of time
If traveling wave detection is implemented, then response time is reduced, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary synchronization of clocks at different measurement points using GPS or other time synchronization mechanisms. This preliminary action ensures that the arrival times of traveling waves are recorded with consistent reference, enabling precise measurement even at ultra-fast response speeds and reducing the burden on real-time measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates detailed copies of the traveling wave signals through high-rate sampling and stores them for subsequent analysis. This copying approach allows the system to capture the complete waveform information, enabling precise measurement of arrival times through post-processing techniques without compromising the fast response capability.
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
The system achieves accurate fault location within 120 meters and provides ultra-high-speed protection functionalities, effectively preventing cascading failures by rapidly identifying and isolating faults, thereby minimizing system-wide disturbances.
Implementation Method 1
band-pass filters to extract transient waves
Implementation Method 2
wavelet transforms, for precise identification of faulty phases and locations
Implementation Method 3
α-β transformations and wavelet transforms, for precise identification of faulty phases
Data Source
AI summary
The technology described herein is generally directed towards a system for power transmission system protection and fault location, such as implemented in a deployable device at one or more junction points of a power transmission system. Aspects of the described technology can be directed to analyzing a traveling wave corresponding to a fault on a power transmission system. Example aspects can comprise receiving data representing current and voltage components of a traveling wave, maintaining the data in storage for fault location determination of the fault, transforming the data via a wavelet transform, into wavelet transform results and using the wavelet transform results for protection of the power transmission system.