Description:Field of the invention
The present invention relates the challenges in locating faults in underground power cables, which are otherwise difficult to detect using traditional methods. It uses sensors to identify faults based on variations in voltage and current. The system calculates the distance to the fault and transmits the data via GSM to maintenance teams. This reduces the time and effort needed to identify fault locations. The innovation enhances accuracy in fault detection and minimizes service downtime. It is especially valuable in urban areas where underground cabling is common. Overall, this project supports smarter power distribution and maintenance systems.
Objectives of the invention
The objective of the inventionare to detect faults in underground power cables quickly and accurately. It aims to locate the exact distance of the fault from the base station. The system seeks to reduce the time and effort required for manual fault detection. It provides real-time alerts using GSM communication. Ultimately, the goal is to improve power system reliability and maintenance efficiency.
Background of the invention
In recent years, there has been a growing shift toward using underground power cables in urban and industrial areas due to their safety, aesthetic appeal, and reliability compared to overhead lines. Unlike overhead systems, underground cables are less exposed to environmental factors such as storms, falling trees, and physical damage. However, despite these advantages, underground cable systems present a significant challenge when it comes to detecting and repairing faults. Locating faults in underground cables is time-consuming, often requires extensive digging, and disrupts both road traffic and power supply. These issues have prompted the development of more efficient and accurate cable fault detection systems.
Traditional fault detection methods involve manual labour, time-intensive testing, and often require trial-and-error approaches to determine the fault location. Common practices include using time-domain reflectometry, bridge methods, or surge generators to identify fault points. While these methods can be accurate, they are costly, require skilled personnel, and may not provide real-time results. Furthermore, they lack the capability of remote fault monitoring and alerting, which are crucial in today’s fast-paced and connected world. This gap in fault detection technology highlights the need for an automated, cost-effective, and real-time solution.
The idea of integrating communication technologies like GSM (Global System for Mobile communication) with electrical fault detection systems emerged as a way to address these limitations. GSM provides a robust and widely available wireless communication infrastructure that can transmit fault information instantly to relevant maintenance teams. By using GSM, the system can send SMS alerts with details such as the type of fault and the distance from the base station to the fault location. This immediate notification enables quicker response times and minimizes the duration of power outages.
The utility model CN206379209U discloses a power cable, along with a monitoring device and system, relevant to cable technology. The power cable comprises a core, protective layers, a sheath, a metal screen, armor, an outer jacket, and an optical fiber embedded within the metal screen layer. The core features a conductor made of carbon fiber wire wrapped with copper stranded conductors and is insulated with materials such as magnesia, silica gel, or thermoplastic polyester elastomer. The inclusion of optical fiber enables real-time fault detection by identifying signal disruptions when physical damage occurs. This system allows for fast and accurate localization of faults within the cable.
Similarly, the invention CN116148588A introduces a method for investigating power cable faults, falling under the field of power equipment technology. The process begins by disconnecting the faulty cable from the power supply system and using a cable fault detector to locate the faulty section. A pulse current is then applied to one end of a non-grounding phase, while the other end is grounded to form a loop. Currents in various cables are measured using a clamp ammeter and compared with test currents to identify the fault. This method enables quick, accurate fault detection, reduces repair time, and enhances safety for maintenance personnel.
Further innovations, such as the US8474320B2 describes a method and apparatus for locating faults in underground electrical cables. When an electrical pulse is introduced into the cable, it generates an acoustic signal at the fault site, such as arc-over or discharge noise. This signal helps identify the fault location but often comes mixed with interference noise. To resolve this, the method compares the received acoustic signal with predefined sample data to distinguish the actual fault signal. This approach improves fault detection accuracy by filtering out unwanted noise.
JP2024021088A discloses a method, apparatus, and system for wireless monitoring to ensure security. The invention utilizes wireless signals to detect and monitor movements within a designated area, enhancing security measures. By analyzing variations in wireless signals caused by motion, the system can identify and track human presence without the need for wearable devices or cameras. This approach offers a non-intrusive means of surveillance, providing real-time monitoring capabilities while maintaining individual privacy. The technology is particularly useful in environments where traditional monitoring methods are impractical or invasive.
In the educational and developmental context, this invention serves as an excellent model for engineering students and enthusiasts to understand the application of embedded systems, electrical engineering principles, and wireless communication. It bridges the gap between academic theory and real-world application, providing a foundation for future innovations in smart electrical systems and automation.
Summary of the invention
The GSM Based Underground Cable Fault Detection with Distance Locator is an innovative system designed to detect and locate faults in underground power cables with high accuracy and efficiency. Traditional fault detection methods are time-consuming, expensive, and often require digging and manual labor. This invention addresses those challenges by using a microcontroller-based circuit that continuously monitors voltage and current levels in the cable. When a fault occurs, the system calculates the exact distance to the fault using basic electrical formulas and then sends the location details via GSM to maintenance personnel through SMS alerts.
This automated, real-time detection significantly reduces the time taken to identify and repair faults, minimizes service interruptions, and enhances the reliability of the power supply network. The system includes an LCD display for real-time updates and supports various types of faults such as short circuit, open circuit, and earth faults. Its cost-effectiveness, ease of installation, and adaptability to different cable systems make it suitable for both urban and industrial applications. Moreover, it promotes safer maintenance practices and supports the broader goal of smart grid implementation. Overall, the invention improves the monitoring, maintenance, and management of underground electrical distribution systems.
Detailed description of the invention
The GSM Based Underground Cable Fault Detection with Distance Locator is a system designed to automatically detect faults in underground electrical cables and determine the exact distance of the fault from the monitoring point. The invention addresses the challenge of identifying and locating cable faults, which is especially difficult in underground systems where physical inspection is not feasible without digging or dismantling sections of the cable line.
At the core of this invention is a microcontroller-based fault detection system. The system monitors the electrical parameters of the underground cable — primarily voltage and current. It works on the principle that any fault (such as open circuit, short circuit, or earth fault) alters the current flow or voltage level in the cable. The microcontroller receives real-time data from sensors placed along the cable line. When it detects a variation beyond the preset threshold, it identifies that a fault has occurred.
To determine the location of the fault, the system uses a simple calculation based on Ohm’s Law. By knowing the resistance per unit length of the cable and measuring the voltage drop or current interruption, the system can calculate the distance to the fault. This is especially useful in long cable runs where manually identifying the fault location would be time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Once a fault is detected and the distance is calculated, the system sends an alert to maintenance personnel using GSM (Global System for Mobile communication) technology. A GSM module integrated into the system sends an SMS message to a predefined mobile number. This message includes the type of fault, the distance of the fault from the base station, and potentially other cable status information. This real-time alert enables quick response and repair, significantly reducing power downtime.
The system is also equipped with an LCD display that shows real-time data, including fault status and distance, so that it can also be monitored locally by maintenance staff. The use of the microcontroller enables real-time processing, automatic decision-making, and user interface integration, all while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Brief description of Drawing
The invention will be described in detail concerning the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures wherein:
Figure 1 Block Diagram for the proposed system
Figure 2 Hardware Model of the proposed System
Detailed description of the drawing
The block diagram Figure 1 represents a 3-phase power monitoring and alert system using an Arduino Uno(1a). This setup is designed to monitor the status of the three-phase power supply(1b)—R (Red), Y (Yellow), and B (Blue) phases—and alert users in case of a phase failure or abnormal condition.Each phase line is connected through relays (Relay 1, Relay 2, and Relay 3), which serve as interfacing switches to detect the presence or absence of voltage in each phase. The relays feed status signals into the Arduino Uno, which acts as the central controller. The Arduino is powered through a regulated power supply and is responsible for processing the signals received from the relays. Based on the input, it provides visual feedback via a (1c)16x2 LCD display, which shows the real-time status of each phase. In case of any abnormality (such as phase loss or imbalance), the Arduino activates a buzzer to alert nearby personnel through an audible signal. Additionally, the system includes a GSM module (SIM800C)(1d), which enables remote alerts by sending SMS notifications to a predefined mobile number. This ensures users are informed even when they are not physically present at the site. Overall, this system is ideal for monitoring critical three-phase power systems in industrial or commercial settings, offering both local and remote notifications for quick response and maintenance. , Claims:Claims:
1. The GSM-based underground cable fault detection system with distance locator an underground cable fault detection system, comprising:
a. An Arduino microcontroller unit (1) configured to continuously acquire analog inputs from a resistive network corresponding to different cable phases, calculate voltage drop patterns, and compute fault distances using pre-programmed formulas. A resistor network and switch combination module (2) representing the three-phase power cable (R, Y, B), simulating different fault types (open, short, and earth fault) by altering the path resistance to the analog input pins of the microcontroller.
b. A relay module (3) consisting of individual relays for each phase, allowing the system to isolate the faulty cable section upon detection of a fault, thereby protecting downstream equipment.A buzzer module (4) activated by the microcontroller to provide immediate audible alerts in the presence of a fault in any of the cable phases.
c. A LCD display module (5) configured to show real-time system diagnostics, including fault detection alerts and the exact distance to the fault location from the source, thereby assisting in quicker field response. A GSM communication module (SIM900) (6) connected to the microcontroller via serial communication pins (TX/RX), used to transmit SMS notifications to registered mobile numbers containing fault type, affected phase, and fault location distance. A power supply circuit (7), providing regulated 5V DC to all modules using an external AC-to-DC adapter or battery-based source, ensuring reliable system operation in field conditions. A Pull-down resistor circuits (8) associated with each analog input line, ensuring stable reference readings and reducing signal noise for accurate fault localization.
2. As mentioned in claim 1, the Arduino microcontroller executes a mathematical algorithm based on Ohm’s Law and known cable resistance per unit length, comparing analog voltage readings across the resistor network to estimate the distance to the fault. The system enables real-time fault type classification (line-to-line, line-to-ground, or open circuit) using comparative analysis of phase readings, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and fault specificity.
3. As mentioned in claim 1, As mentioned in claim 1, the GSM module provides wireless communication capabilities, allowing the cable fault detection system to function effectively in remote or inaccessible underground cable installations without requiring manual intervention. the LCD module provides localized on-site monitoring capability, allowing maintenance teams to visualize phase status, fault type, and distance without requiring external tools or systems.