Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of electrical power distribution and safety systems. Specifically, the present invention pertains to a novel low-tension line self-diagnostic safety system designed to enhance the safety and reliability of electrical power distribution in low-tension networks.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Low-tension, or low-voltage, electrical distribution systems serve as the cornerstone of modern electricity delivery, supplying power to residential, commercial, and industrial users. These systems operate at voltage levels that are intentionally lower to ensure safety during everyday operation. However, despite their design for safety, unforeseen events such as line faults, short circuits, equipment malfunctions, and overloads can still compromise the integrity of these networks, leading to potential safety hazards, equipment damage, and interruptions in power supply. In addressing these challenges, various safety mechanisms have been implemented within low-tension distribution networks. Circuit breakers and fuses are the primary components used to disrupt the flow of electricity when irregularities are detected. These devices serve as a first line of defense against faults by isolating the affected segment of the network and preventing further damage or risks. While circuit breakers and fuses play a crucial role in safeguarding the network and its users, they have limitations when it comes to identifying the root cause of an issue and providing proactive solutions. The current state of safety systems for low-tension lines often necessitates manual intervention to identify and address potential problems. Periodic inspections and maintenance routines are carried out by trained personnel to identify signs of wear, damage, or abnormal conditions in the distribution infrastructure. This approach, though essential, relies heavily on human expertise, time availability, and consistent inspection schedules. It also tends to be reactive in nature, addressing issues only after they have manifested, potentially resulting in downtime, service disruptions, and increased operational costs. Compounding these challenges is the complexity of low-tension distribution systems, which can encompass extensive networks of overhead lines, underground cables, and various equipment components. In many urban environments, the low-tension lines are concealed beneath streets and buildings, making fault detection, isolation, and repair a challenging endeavor. In light of these considerations, there is a pressing need for a revolutionary approach to low-tension line safety – a system that not only mitigates risks and prevents failures but also has the ability to proactively identify, diagnose, and address potential issues. Such a system should be capable of continuous monitoring, data analysis, and autonomous decision-making, enabling faster response times, minimizing downtime, and contributing to the overall reliability and safety of low-tension distribution networks.
The existing system lacks innovation as the existing inventions are not able to overcome the problem associated with safety of the operator from heavy sparks generated in the circuit during line fault. Further the existing inventions have limitation of testing the network in phase-to-phase condition. Thus, there is a need for the present invention to overcome the above mention problems.
OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION
The main objective of the present invention is to offer increased reliability, reduced maintenance requirements, and enhanced efficiency in low tension power transmission while minimizing disruptions to electrical service.
Another objective of the present invention is to test the low-tension network automatically before energizations.
Yet another objective of the present invention is in case of fault in the line, it does not allow the operator to switch on the LT ACB, hence saving the life of operator and equipment’s as well.
Yet another objective of the present invention is equipped with clear indications and safety interlocks to safeguard the operator and equipment.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to self-diagnose the network condition and control the operation itself.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to analyse the health of the network for every phase, neutral, phase-phase combination, to provide indication of fault.
Further objectives, advantages, and features of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinbelow, in which various embodiments of the disclosed invention are illustrated by way of example.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a Low-tension Line self-diagnostic safety system. The present invention includes a low tension load line, a switch module, a signal analysing unit, a current limiting sensor, an indicator, and a locking unit. The low tension load line includes a R-phase line, a Y-phase line, a B-phase line, and a N-line. The switch module includes an output of switch module, and an input line. The output of the switch module is connected to a low tension load line that is connected to a load. The input line is connected to the current source. The signal analysing unit includes a single board computer, a R-phase switch, a Y-phase switch, a B-phase switch, a N-line switch and an output switch. The single board computer includes a microcontroller. The R-phase switch is connected to the R-phase line. The Y-phase switch is connected to the Y-phase line. The B-phase switch is connected to the B-phase line. The N-line switch is connected to the N-line. The least one output switch is connected to the output of switch module. Herein, the single board computer, the R-phase switch, the Y-phase switch, the B-phase switch, and the least one output switch are enclosed in box that is the signal analysing unit. The current limiting sensors is connected in series with the low tension load line. The indicator is connected to the single board computer of the signal analysing unit. The least one indicator indicates the status of the fault of the low tension load line. The locking unit is connected to the single board computer of the signal analysing unit. The locking unit is installed with the switch module and controls the lever of the switch module. Thus the lever of the switch module is controlled by the signal analysing unit. The signal analysing unit with help of the current limiting sensors analysis the impedances between the R-phase line and the N-line, between the Y-phase line and the N-line, between the B-phase line and the N-line, the R-phase line and the Y-phase line, between the Y-phase line and the B-phase line, between the R-phase line and the B-phase line. The signal analysing unit with help of the current limiting sensors analysis the impedances by switching on-off the R-phase switch, the Y-phase switch, the B-phase switch, and N-line switch in sequence. The signal analysing unit compares the calculated impedance with the threshold impedance of the low tension load line. In case the calculated impedance is less than the threshold impedance of the low tension load line then the single board computer of the signal analysing unit indicates the fault through the indicator. In case of fault, the single board computer of the signal analysing unit does not allow the operator to switch on the switch module by using the locking unit.
The main advantage of the present invention is that the present invention offers increased reliability, reduced maintenance requirements, and enhanced efficiency in low tension power transmission while minimizing disruptions to electrical service.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the present invention tests the low tension network automatically before energizations.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is in case of fault in the line, it does not allow the operator to switch on the LT ACB, hence saving the life of operator and equipment’s as well.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the present invention is equipped with clear indications and safety interlocks to safeguard the operator and equipment.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the present invention self-diagnoses the network condition and control the operation itself.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the present invention analyses the health of the network for every phase, neutral, phase-phase combination, to provide indication of fault.
Further objectives, advantages, and features of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided herein below, in which various embodiments of the disclosed invention are illustrated by way of example.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Definition
The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or as more than one. The term “plurality”, as used herein, is defined as two as or more than two. The term “another”, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having”, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled”, as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.
The term “comprising” is not intended to limit inventions to only claiming the present invention with such comprising language. Any invention using the term comprising could be separated into one or more claims using “consisting” or “consisting of” claim language and is so intended. The term “comprising” is used interchangeably used by the terms “having” or “containing”.
Reference throughout this document to “one embodiment”, “certain embodiments”, “an embodiment”, “another embodiment”, and “yet another embodiment” or similar terms means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of such phrases or in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics are combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments without limitation.
The term “or” as used herein is to be interpreted as an inclusive or meaning any one or any combination. Therefore, “A, B or C” means any of the following: “A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C”. An exception to this definition will occur only when a combination of elements, functions, steps or acts are in some way inherently mutually exclusive.
As used herein, the term "one or more" generally refers to, but is not limited to, singular as well as the plural form of the term.
Fig 1 illustrates block diagram of a Low-tension Line self-diagnostic safety system(100). The present invention includes a low tension load line(122), a switch module(116), a signal analysing unit(102), an current limiting sensors(126), an indicator(136), and a locking unit(134). The low tension load line(122) includes a R-phase line(124), a Y-phase line(126), a B-phase line(128), and a N-line(130). The switch module(116) includes an output of switch module(138) , and an input line(120). The output of the switch module(116) is connected to a low tension load line(122) that is connected to a load. The input line(120) is connected to the current source. The signal analysing unit(102) includes a single board computer(104), a R-phase switch(108), a Y-phase switch(110), a B-phase switch(112), a N-line switch(114) and an output switch(132). The single board computer(104) includes a microcontroller(106).The R-phase switch(108) is connected to the R-phase line(124). The Y-phase switch(110) is connected to the Y-phase line(126). The B-phase switch(112) is connected to the B-phase line(128). The N-line switch(114) is connected to the N-line(130). The least one output switch(132) is connected to the output of switch module(138). The current limiting sensors(126) is connected in series with the low tension load line(122). The indicator(136) is connected to the single board computer(104) of the signal analysing unit(102). The locking unit(134) is connected to the single board computer(104) of the signal analysing unit(102). The locking unit(134) is installed with the switch module(116) and controls the lever of the switch module(116).

The drawings featured in the figures are to illustrate certain convenient embodiments of the present invention and are not to be considered as a limitation to that. The term "means" preceding a present participle of an operation indicates the desired function for which there is one or more embodiment, i.e., one or more methods, devices, or apparatuses for achieving the desired function and that one skilled in the art could select from these or their equivalent is given the disclosure herein and use of the term "means" is not intended to be limiting.
The present invention relates to a Low-tension Line self-diagnostic safety system. The present invention includes a low tension load line, a switch module, a signal analysing unit, a current limiting sensor, an indicator, and a locking unit. The low tension load line includes a R-phase line, a Y-phase line, a B-phase line, and a N-line. The switch module includes an output of switch module, and an input line. In an embodiment, the switch module is including but is not limited to a Vaccum Circuit breaker, an Air circuit breaker, an oil circuit breaker, a miniature circuit breaker, a moulded case circuit breaker. The output of the switch module is connected to a low tension load line that is connected to a load. In an embodiment, the load is an electricity consumer that includes but is not limited, a home, industrial, hospital, corporate building, an education institution. The input line is connected to the current source. In an embodiment, the source is the electricity grid. The signal analysing unit includes a single board computer, a R-phase switch, a Y-phase switch, a B-phase switch, a N-line switch and an output switch. In an embodiment, the R-phase switch, the Y-phase switch, the B-phase switch, and the least one output switch are electromagnetic two pole switches. The single board computer includes a microcontroller. In an embodiment, the single board computer of the signal analysing unit is including but is not limited to, a raspberry pi, an avr microcontroller development board, and Arduino. The R-phase switch is connected to the R-phase line. The Y-phase switch is connected to the Y-phase line. The B-phase switch is connected to the B-phase line. The N-line switch is connected to the N-line. The least one output switch is connected to the output of switch module. Herein, the single board computer, the R-phase switch, the Y-phase switch, the B-phase switch, and the least one output switch are enclosed in box that is the signal analysing unit. The current limiting sensors is connected in series with the low tension load line. The indicator is connected to the single board computer of the signal analysing unit. The least one indicator indicates the status of the fault of the low tension load line. In an embodiment, the indicator is including but is not limited a buzzer, a LED indicator, a speaker, a display unit. The locking unit is connected to the single board computer of the signal analysing unit. The locking unit is installed with the switch module and controls the lever of the switch module. In an embodiment, the locking unit is including but is not limited a mechanical actuator, a servo motor based lock. Thus the lever of the switch module is controlled by the signal analysing unit. The signal analysing unit with help of the current limiting sensors analysis the impedances between the R-phase line and the N-line, between the Y-phase line and the N-line, between the B-phase line and the N-line, the R-phase line and the Y-phase line, between the Y-phase line and the B-phase line, between the R-phase line and the B-phase line. The signal analysing unit with help of the current limiting sensors analysis the impedances by switching on-off the R-phase switch, the Y-phase switch, the B-phase switch, and N-line switch in sequence. The signal analysing unit compares the calculated impedance with the threshold impedance of the low tension load line. In case the calculated impedance is less than the threshold impedance of the low tension load line then the single board computer of the signal analysing unit indicates the fault through the indicator. In case of fault, the single board computer of the signal analysing unit does not allow the operator to switch on the switch module by using the locking unit. In an embodiment, the single board computer of the signal analysing unit also includes a memory unit that stores data related analysis of impedances.
In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a Low-tension Line self-diagnostic safety system. The present invention includes a low tension load line, a switch module, a signal analysing unit, one or more current limiting sensors, one or more indicators, and a locking unit. The low tension load line includes a R-phase line, a Y-phase line, a B-phase line, and a N-line. The switch module includes an output of switch module, and an input line. In an embodiment, the switch module is including but is not limited to a Vaccum Circuit breaker, an Air circuit breaker, an oil circuit breaker, a miniature circuit breaker, a moulded case circuit breaker. The output of the switch module is connected to a low tension load line that is connected to a load. In an embodiment, the load is an electricity consumer that includes but is not limited, a home, industrial, hospital, corporate building, an education institution. The input line is connected to the current source. In an embodiment, the source is the electricity grid. The signal analysing unit includes a single board computer, a R-phase switch, a Y-phase switch, a B-phase switch, a N-line switch, and one or more output switches. In an embodiment, the R-phase switch, the Y-phase switch, the B-phase switch, and the least one output switch are electromagnetic two pole switches. The single board computer includes a microcontroller. In an embodiment, the single board computer of the signal analysing unit is including but is not limited to, a raspberry pi, an avr microcontroller development board, and Arduino. The R-phase switch is connected to the R-phase line. The Y-phase switch is connected to the Y-phase line. The B-phase switch is connected to the B-phase line. The N-line switch is connected to the N-line. The least one output switch is connected to the output of switch module. Herein, the single board computer, the R-phase switch, the Y-phase switch, the B-phase switch, and the least one output switch are enclosed in box that is the signal analysing unit. The one or more current limiting sensors is connected in series with the low tension load line. The one or more indicators is connected to the single board computer of the signal analysing unit. The least one indicator indicates the status of the fault of the low tension load line. In an embodiment, the one or more indicators is including but is not limited a buzzer, a LED indicator, a speaker, a display unit. The locking unit is connected to the single board computer of the signal analysing unit. The locking unit is installed with the switch module and controls the lever of the switch module. In an embodiment, the locking unit is including but is not limited a mechanical actuator, a servo motor based lock. Thus the lever of the switch module is controlled by the signal analysing unit. The signal analysing unit with help of the one or more current limiting sensors analysis the impedances between the R-phase line and the N-line, between the Y-phase line and the N-line, between the B-phase line and the N-line, the R-phase line and the Y-phase line, between the Y-phase line and the B-phase line, between the R-phase line and the B-phase line. The signal analysing unit with help of the one or more current limiting sensors analysis the impedances by switching on-off the R-phase switch, the Y-phase switch, the B-phase switch, and N-line switch in sequence. The signal analysing unit compares the calculated impedance with the threshold impedance of the low tension load line. In case the calculated impedance is less than the threshold impedance of the low tension load line then the single board computer of the signal analysing unit indicates the fault through the one or more indicators. In case of fault, the single board computer of the signal analysing unit does not allow the operator to switch on the switch module by using the locking unit. In an embodiment, the single board computer of the signal analysing unit also includes a memory unit that stores data related analysis of impedances.
In an embodiment, the present invention is related to a method for Low-tension Line self-diagnostic, the method includes
In case of the fault in the low tension load line, the switch module shut down the supply;
the signal analysing unit with help of the current limiting sensors analysis the impedances between the R-phase line and the N-line, between the Y-phase line and the N-line, between the B-phase line and the N-line, the R-phase line and the Y-phase line, between the Y-phase line and the B-phase line, between the R-phase line and the B-phase line; and
the signal analysing unit with help of the current limiting sensors analyses the impedances by switching on and switching off the R-phase switch, the Y-phase switch, the B-phase switch, and N-line switch in sequence;
the signal analysing unit compares the calculated impedance with the threshold impedance of the low tension load line;
in case the calculated impedance is less than the threshold impedance of the low tension load line then the single board computer of the signal analysing unit indicates the fault through the indicator; and
in case of fault, the single board computer of the signal analysing unit does not allow the operator to switch on the switch module by using the locking unit.
In an embodiment, the present invention is related to a method for Low-tension Line self-diagnostic, the method includes
In case of the fault in the low tension load line, the switch module shut down the supply;
the signal analysing unit with help of the one or more current limiting sensors analysis the impedances between the R-phase line and the N-line, between the Y-phase line and the N-line, between the B-phase line and the N-line, the R-phase line and the Y-phase line, between the Y-phase line and the B-phase line, between the R-phase line and the B-phase line; and
the signal analysing unit with help of the one or more current limiting sensors analyses the impedances by switching on and switching off the R-phase switch, the Y-phase switch, the B-phase switch, and N-line switch in sequence;
the signal analysing unit compares the calculated impedance with the threshold impedance of the low tension load line;
in case the calculated impedance is less than the threshold impedance of the low tension load line then the single board computer of the signal analysing unit indicates the fault through the one or more indicators; and
in case of fault, the single board computer of the signal analysing unit does not allow the operator to switch on the switch module by using the locking unit.
Further objectives, advantages, and features of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided herein below, in which various embodiments of the disclosed present invention are illustrated by way of example and appropriate reference to accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may make modifications resulting in other embodiment employing principles of the present invention without departing from its spirit or characteristics, particularly upon considering the foregoing teachings. Accordingly, the described embodiment are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive, and the scope of the present invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description or drawings. Consequently, while the present invention has been described with reference to a particular embodiment, modifications of structure, sequence, materials, and the like apparent to those skilled in the art still fall within the scope of the invention as claimed by the applicant
, Claims:WE CLAIM
1. A Low-tension Line self-diagnostic safety system(100), the system(100) comprising:
a low tension load line(122), the low tension load line(122) having:
a R-phase line(124),
a Y-phase line(126),
a B-phase line(128), and
a N-line(130);
a switch module(116), the switch module(116) having
an output of switch module(138), the output of switch module(138) is connected to a low tension load line(122) that is connected to a load, and
an input line(120), the input line(120) is connected to the current source;
characterized in that,
a signal analysing unit(102), the signal analysing unit(102) having
a single board computer(104), the single board computer(104) having
a microcontroller(106),
a R-phase switch(108), the R-phase switch(108) is connected to the R-phase line(124),
a Y-phase switch(110), the Y-phase switch(110) is connected to the Y-phase line(126),
a B-phase switch(112), the B-phase switch(112) is connected to the B-phase line(128),
a N-line switch(114), The N-line switch(114) is connected to the N-line(130), and
an at least one output switches(132), the least one output switches(132) is connected to the output of switch module(138) ;
wherein, the single board computer(104), the R-phase switch(108), the Y-phase switch(110), the B-phase switch(112) and the least one output switches(132) are enclosed in box that is the signal analyzing unit(102),
an at least one current limiting sensors(126), the at least one current limiting sensors(126) is connected in series with the low tension load line(122);
an at least one indicator(136), the at least one indicator(136) is connected to the single board computer(104) of the signal analysing unit(102), the least one indicator(136) indicates the status of the fault of the low tension load line(122),
a locking unit(134), the locking unit(134) is connected to the single board computer(104) of the signal analysing unit(102) and the locking unit(134) is installed with switch module(116) and controls the lever of the switch module(116) thus the lever of the switch module(116) is controlled by the signal analysing unit(102),
characterized in that, the signal analysing unit(102) with help of the at least one current limiting sensors(126) analysis the impedances between the R-phase line(124) and the N-line(130), between the Y-phase line(126) and the N-line(130), between the B-phase line(128) and the N-line(130), the R-phase line(124) and the Y-phase line(126), between the Y-phase line(126) and the B-phase line(128), between the R-phase line(124) and the B-phase line(128),
characterized in that, the signal analysing unit(102) with help of the at least one current limiting sensors(126) analysis the impedances by switching on-off the R-phase switch(108), the Y-phase switch(110), the B-phase switch(112), and N-line switch(114) in sequence,
characterized in that, the signal analysing unit(102) compared the calculated impedance with the threshold impedance of the low tension load line(122) in case the calculated impedance is less than the threshold impedance of the low tension load line(122) then the single board computer(104) of the signal analysing unit(102) indicates the fault through the at least one indicator(136),
characterized in that, in case of fault, the single board computer(104) of the signal analysing unit(102) does not allow the operator to switch on the switch module(116) by using the locking unit(134).
2. The Low-tension Line self-diagnostic safety system(100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein. the R-phase switch(108), the Y-phase switch(110), the B-phase switch(112) and the least one output switches(132) are electromagnetic two pole switches.
3. The Low-tension Line self-diagnostic safety system(100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the single board computer(104) of the signal analyzing unit(102) is selected from a raspberry pi, an avr microcontroller development board and Arduino.
4. The Low-tension Line self-diagnostic safety system(100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the switch module(116) is selected from a Vaccum Circuit breaker, an Air circuit breaker, an oil circuit breaker, a miniature circuit breaker, a molded case circuit breaker.
5. The Low-tension Line self-diagnostic safety system(100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the load is electricity consumer that is selected from a home, industrial, hospital, corporate building, an education institution.
6. The Low-tension Line self-diagnostic safety system(100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the source is the electricity grid.
7. The Low-tension Line self-diagnostic safety system(100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the single board computer(104) of the signal analysing unit(102) also includes a memory unit(136) that stores data related analysis of impedances.
8. The Low-tension Line self-diagnostic safety system(100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the at least one indicator(136) is selected from a buzzer, a LED indicator, a speaker, a display unit.
9. The Low-tension Line self-diagnostic safety system(100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the locking unit(134) is selected from a mechanical actuators, servo motor based locked.
10. The Low-tension Line self-diagnostic safety system(100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a method for Low-tension Line self-diagnostic, the method comprising:
In case of the fault in the low tension load line(122), the switch module(116) shut down the supply;
the signal analysing unit(102) with help of the at least one current limiting sensors(126) analysis the impedances between the R-phase line(124) and the N-line(130), between the Y-phase line(126) and the N-line(130), between the B-phase line(128) and the N-line(130), the R-phase line(124) and the Y-phase line(126), between the Y-phase line(126) and the B-phase line(128), between the R-phase line(124) and the B-phase line(128); and
the signal analysing unit(102) with help of the at least one current limiting sensors(126) analyses the impedances by switching on and switching off the R-phase switch(108), the Y-phase switch(110), the B-phase switch(112), and N-line switch(114) in sequence;
the signal analysing unit(102) compares the calculated impedance with the threshold impedance of the low tension load line(122);
in case the calculated impedance is less than the threshold impedance of the low tension load line(122) then the single board computer(104) of the signal analysing unit(102) indicates the fault through the at least one indicator(136); and
in case of fault, the single board computer(104) of the signal analysing unit(102) does not allow the operator to switch on the switch module(116) by using the locking unit(134).