Wire Down Detection Using Voltage Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Utilities face challenges in distinguishing between energized and de-energized wire down situations during power outages, which hinders timely and safe fault identification and repair, as existing systems lack the capability to differentiate between these conditions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using electrical meters to analyze voltage readings and determine abnormal power delivery, enabling the differentiation between energized and de-energized wire down situations by querying multiple meters and utilizing signals from line sensors and substation relays for supplemental data, allowing for rapid identification of hazardous conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If automatic outage detection tools are used to indicate power service outages, then the utility company can detect outages, but they cannot differentiate between energized wire down and complete power outage conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary analysis system that processes meter data, voltage readings, and communication signals to differentiate between energized and de-energized wire down conditions. This intermediary layer transforms raw data into actionable fault type identification without requiring direct physical inspection of the downed wire.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring meter responses, voltage levels, and communication signals from the field. This feedback loop enables the utility company to receive updated information about fault conditions and adjust their response accordingly, improving both detection accuracy and information completeness.
2Reliability
If the utility company waits for customer hazard calls to identify wire down situations, then they can respond to reported issues, but the time to identify, secure, and repair hazardous faults is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively detecting and characterizing wire down conditions before customers report them. By analyzing meter data and communication signals in real-time, the system identifies hazardous energized wire down situations and prioritizes them for immediate response, reducing both response time and safety risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of waiting for customer calls with an automated electronic detection and classification system. This substitution uses computer-implemented methods to analyze electrical signals and meter data, automatically identifying fault types and locations without requiring physical customer reports.
3Productivity
If the utility company cannot accurately identify locations of customer damage, then they can proceed with general restoration procedures, but the accuracy of damage assessment and restoration responses is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the electrical distribution network into individual feeder sections and analyzes meter data from each segment independently. This segmentation enables precise identification of which specific feeder or transformer section is affected by a wire down condition, allowing targeted restoration responses rather than blanket procedures across entire service areas.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments of the invention include a method and system for metering an electrical grid comprising at least one processor executing instructions from a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of an electrical grid fault detection system. In some embodiments of the system, the instructions cause a processor to calculate a prediction of whether power delivery to at least a portion of the electrical grid is functioning abnormally using voltage sensing devices coupled to at least one feeder, where one or more of the voltage sensing devices are responsive to a determination that the power delivery is functioning abnormally. Further in some embodiments, the determination includes the electrical grid fault detection system receiving at least one signal or voltage reading from the electrical grid based at least in part on a sensed or received voltage level or range of voltage level.