Wire Break Detection Using Kirchhoff Current Law Violation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting high impedance faults in electrical power distribution networks are complex and require significant machine power, making them unreliable and inefficient, especially when load profiles change.
Innovation Solution
A system with current sensors on each line segment that harvest power from the line and communicate with observer/repeater devices to detect violations of Kirchhoff's current law, using a semiconductor shunt to increase current when necessary, allowing for reliable detection and relay of high impedance faults to upstream reclosers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex machine learning algorithms are used for high impedance fault detection, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into distributed current sensors on poles that perform local measurements and simple comparisons. Each sensor independently monitors its local line segment and communicates with a central controller, dividing the complex detection task into simpler distributed units that consume less power and are easier to implement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex machine learning algorithms with a simpler physics-based approach using Kirchhoff's current law. Instead of using computational-intensive ML models, the system uses fundamental electrical circuit laws to detect faults by comparing current measurements, significantly reducing computational complexity and power requirements
2Reliability
If machine learning algorithms are used for fault detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes power-intensive machine learning computations with low-power physics-based calculations. The current sensors perform simple current measurements and comparisons based on Kirchhoff's current law, which require minimal computational resources and can be implemented with low-power microcontrollers or even simple comparator circuits
Solution Approach 2:
The current sensors are designed to be self-powered by harvesting energy from the electrical lines they monitor. This eliminates the need for external power supplies or batteries, allowing the sensors to operate autonomously with zero additional power consumption from the utility infrastructure
3Reliability
If current sensors are placed on each line segment, then detection coverage is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The current sensors are designed as universal, multi-functional units that can be deployed on any pole in the distribution network. Each sensor performs current measurement, local fault detection, and wireless communication, allowing standardized deployment across the entire network without requiring different sensor types for different locations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless communication as an intermediary between the distributed current sensors and the central controller. This eliminates the need for complex wired connections or direct physical connections between sensors, simplifying the network architecture and making it easier to deploy and maintain
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
Enables efficient and reliable detection of high impedance faults, preventing potential fire and human hazards by simplifying the detection process and ensuring continuous operation even with low current levels.
Implementation Method 1
A current sensor is provided on each line segment between the utility poles, where each current sensor harvests power therefrom and continuously monitors the current flow on the line segment
Implementation Method 2
an artificially applied load on the secondary side of an associated distribution transformer will temporarily increase the current on the primary current carrying line
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for detecting a high impedance fault in an electrical line strung along and between utility poles, where the line is part of an electrical power distribution network. A current sensor is provided on each line segment between the utility poles, where each current sensor harvests power therefrom and continuously monitors the current flow on the line segment. An observer/repeater device is provided on a number of the poles and each is in communication with certain select ones of the current sensors to receive the current measurements therefrom. One of the observer/repeater devices compares the current readings transmitted to it from the subordinate current sensors, and if a violation of Kirchhoff's current law exists, an indication of a high impedance fault occurs, where the observer/repeater device relays the current irregularity to an upstream recloser to take appropriate action.