Voltage Detector Dual Impedance Discrimination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing voltage detection methods for overhead electric lines struggle to reliably distinguish between real and induced voltages, leading to uncertainty about the line's disconnection from the electrical network, which can result in unsafe operations.

Innovation Solution

A dual impedance measurement method is employed, where a higher measurement impedance and a lower additional impedance are used to compare voltage values, allowing discrimination between real and induced voltages by analyzing the voltage ratio, indicating the presence of a real voltage or induced voltage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a high measurement impedance is used to minimize energy dissipation, then energy loss is reduced, but the ability to distinguish between real and induced voltages deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy dissipationVSAvoidvoltage discrimination capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage detector dynamically switches between two measurement impedance configurations: a high impedance mode for normal voltage measurement and an additional lower impedance configuration for induced voltage discrimination. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize both energy efficiency and measurement precision as needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the measurement impedance parameter by introducing an additional impedance in parallel with the measurement impedance when induced voltage discrimination is required. This parameter modification enables the detector to distinguish between real and induced voltages by comparing voltage readings taken with different impedance values

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If a lower additional impedance is used to improve voltage discrimination, then measurement precision is improved, but energy dissipation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage discrimination capabilityVSAvoidenergy dissipation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically activates the additional impedance only when induced voltage discrimination is needed, rather than keeping it permanently connected. This dynamic approach maintains high measurement precision when required while minimizing energy dissipation during normal operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The additional impedance is connected periodically or on-demand based on detection needs, allowing the system to perform induced voltage discrimination tests without continuously dissipating excess energy. The impedance switching occurs only when voltage measurements require enhanced discrimination capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If dual impedance measurement is implemented to distinguish real and induced voltages, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage detection accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The additional impedance serves multiple functions: it acts as a discrimination element for induced voltage detection, provides a reference for comparing voltage readings, and enables the system to operate in both high-impedance and low-impedance measurement modes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The additional impedance acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the high measurement impedance and the voltage source, enabling indirect discrimination of induced voltages through comparative measurement without requiring complex analysis circuits or additional sensing elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 ensures accurate determination of the line's disconnection status, enabling operators to safely secure or de-energize the line, reducing the risk of electrical hazards.

Implementation Method 1

a measurement impedance having a predetermined value; determining the measurement voltage value taken by said voltage while said electric line is connected to said reference potential by said measurement impedance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

parasitic residual voltage of significant value is induced due for example to parasitic capacitive phenomena, coming from the presence of electric lines in the vicinity of the line to be controlled

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectParasitic Capacitance: Parasitic Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP1832884B1Voltage detection method and voltage detector for implementing it
Publication Date: 2015.05.06 SOCI T ANONYME DES ETS CATU
  • EP1832884B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1832884B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP1832884B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The method involves connecting additional resistances (33, 34) to an aerial electric line (51) and reference potential (50) when a measurement voltage value (V1) is not determined. An additional voltage value (V2) is determined so that the line is connected to the potential by the resistances, where the values are compared. Presence of real voltage on the line is indicated if the ratio of the value (V2) to the value (V1) is more than or equal to a preset coefficient so that the presence of induced voltage on another line is indicated if the ratio is lower than the coefficient. An independent claim is also included for a detector for detecting voltage to implement a voltage detection method.