Cable Damage Detection Using Weak Current and Segmented Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar panels and cables are frequently damaged due to theft, and existing systems lack effective early detection and localization of such damage.
Innovation Solution
A detection system comprising a first device, a second device that provides power supply via a cable, and detectors that output or transmit information when a weak current does not flow, allowing for early identification of abnormalities and their location, even during cable disconnection. The system includes a moving device for photographing the area and comparing images to determine the cause of disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If no current flows through the cable during non-power-supply periods, then power consumption is reduced, but abnormality detection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by flowing weak current through the cable during non-power-supply periods to maintain detection capability. The control unit activates the power supply unit to flow weak current before abnormality detection is needed, ensuring the cable remains in a state where abnormalities can be detected without requiring full power operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the current parameter from zero (during normal non-power periods) to a weak non-zero value (during detection periods). By adjusting the current magnitude to a weak level, the system maintains detection capability while minimizing power consumption. The power supply unit varies the current parameter based on detection requirements.
2Reliability
If weak current is continuously flowed through the cable, then abnormality detection capability is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by alternating between weak current flow periods and no current periods. The control unit schedules the power supply unit to flow weak current only during specific detection periods, then stops current flow during non-detection periods. This periodic activation maintains detection capability while significantly reducing overall power consumption compared to continuous weak current flow.
3Measurement precision
If multiple detectors are installed along the cable, then location precision of abnormality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies segmentation by dividing the cable into multiple sections, each monitored by a separate detector. The second detector is positioned between the first detector and the second device, creating distinct monitoring zones. When an abnormality occurs, the specific detector that triggers identifies which segment is affected, enabling location precision without requiring continuous monitoring equipment along the entire cable length.
Solution Approach 2:
The second detector acts as an intermediary element between the first detector and the second device. This intermediate detector provides additional location information without requiring a full array of detectors. By strategically placing this intermediary detector at a key position, the system achieves improved location precision while avoiding the complexity of installing multiple detectors throughout the entire cable route.
4Reliability
If cable disconnection occurs during normal power supply, then power transmission is interrupted, but existing systems cannot detect the disconnection location
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by using detectors to continuously monitor current flow conditions and provide information back to the control unit. When a detector detects an abnormality such as cable disconnection, it sends feedback signals to the control unit, which then identifies the disconnection location based on which detector triggered. This feedback mechanism enables real-time detection and location identification of power transmission interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by maintaining weak current flow through the cable even when normal power supply is interrupted. This preliminary current flow ensures that detectors remain active and capable of detecting disconnections. By keeping the detection circuit alive with weak current, the system can identify disconnection locations promptly rather than waiting for complete system failure.
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a detection system to identify a damage or a damaged part. A detection system includes a power generator, a power storage unit that receives first power supply from the power generator via cables, and detectors that perform at least one of outputting information and transmitting the information when it becomes in a state in which a weak current does not flow by a predetermined amount during a period when the weak current is passed to the power generator via at least part of the cables under a situation where the first power supply is not provided.