US5206595A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Advanced cable fault location
Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute
•
Filing: 1991-09-10
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Granted: 1993-04-27
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Expires: 2011-09-10
Abstract
Abstract A simple and inexpensive device which is suited for real-time location of a fault occurring anywhere in a residential distribution system by analysis of the propogating fault signal considering the predetermined propagating velocity of the cable.
Inventors
- 👤 Carl M. Wiggins
- 👤 Frank S. Nickel
- 👤 David E. Thomas
- 👤 Stephen J. Halko
- 👤 Thomas M. Salas
- 👤 Gary H. Shapiro
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 06:12
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01R; G01R31/00; G01R31/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 58
Claim 1
Independent Claim
126 words
A method for locating a fault occurring in an underground residential power distribution (URD) circuit having a predetermined propagation velocity, comprising: positioning a sensor proximate to an open point in said power distribution circuit; sensing a first electrical signal propagating from a line fault using said a sensor; sensing a second electrical signal with said sensor, said second signal being produced by said first signal reflecting from said open point to said fault and back to said sensor; measuring a time interval occurring between sensing of said first and second electrical signals; determining a distance of said fault from said sensor based on said time interval and predetermined propagation velocity; and indicating said distance of said fault from said sensor to allow location of said fault.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
126 words
A method for locating a fault occurring in an underground residential power distribution (URD) circuit having a predetermined propagation velocity, comprising: positioning a sensor proximate to an open point in said power distribution circuit; sensing a first electrical signal propagating from a line fault using said a sensor; sensing a second electrical signal with said sensor, said second signal being produced by said first signal reflecting from said open point to said fault and back to said sensor; measuring a time interval occurring between sensing of said first and second electrical signals; determining a distance of said fault from said sensor based on said time interval and predetermined propagation velocity; and indicating said distance of said fault from said sensor to allow location of said fault.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method according to claim 1, wherein said electrical signals are current waveforms.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method according to claim 3, wherein said sensor is a replica response current sensor.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method according to claim 1, wherein said electrical signals are voltage waveforms.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method according to claim 5, wherein said sensor is a derivative response voltage sensor.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method according to claim 1, wherein said distance is determined by multiplying a cable propagation velocity by one-half of said time interval.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method according to claim 1, wherein said calculated distance of said fault from said sensor is within a 2% error.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of installing a surge arrestor at said open point for increasing a range within which a fault can be located.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
145 words
A method for locating a fault occurring in an underground residential power distribution (URD) circuit, comprising: storing a propagation velocity in a memory, said propagation velocity being characteristic of a type of cable used in said power distribution circuit; positioning a sensor proximate to an open point in said power distribution circuit; sensing a first electrical signal propagating from a line fault using said sensor; sensing a second electrical signal with said sensor, said second signal being produced by said first signal reflecting from said open point to said fault and back to said sensor; measuring a time interval occurring between sensing a said first and second electrical signals; calculating a distance of said fault from said sensor by multiplying said stored propagation velocity by said measured time interval and dividing by two; and indicating a location of said fault based upon said calculated distance.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
145 words
A method for locating a fault occurring in an underground residential power distribution (URD) circuit, comprising: storing a propagation velocity in a memory, said propagation velocity being characteristic of a type of cable used in said power distribution circuit; positioning a sensor proximate to an open point in said power distribution circuit; sensing a first electrical signal propagating from a line fault using said sensor; sensing a second electrical signal with said sensor, said second signal being produced by said first signal reflecting from said open point to said fault and back to said sensor; measuring a time interval occurring between sensing a said first and second electrical signals; calculating a distance of said fault from said sensor by multiplying said stored propagation velocity by said measured time interval and dividing by two; and indicating a location of said fault based upon said calculated distance.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method according to claim 9, wherein said electrical signals are current waveforms.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method according to claim 10, wherein said sensor is a replica response current sensor.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method according to claim 9, wherein said electrical signals are voltage waveforms.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method according to claim 12, wherein said sensor is a derivative response voltage sensor.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method according to claim 9, wherein said calculated distance of said fault from said sensor is within a 2% error.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method according to claim 9, further comprising the step of installing a surge arrestor at said open point for increasing a range within which a fault can be located.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method according to claim 9, further comprising the step of communicating said calculated distance to a control center.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
185 words
A method for locating a fault occurring in an underground residential power distribution (URD) circuit, said distribution circuit having an open point, the method comprising the steps of: positioning a sensor proximate to an open point in said power distribution circuit; storing a propagation velocity in a memory, said propagation velocity being characteristic of a type of cable used in said power distribution circuit; injecting an electrical signal in said power distribution circuit at a point opposite said open point; sensing a first reflection of said signal propagating from a line fault by means of said sensor; sensing a second reflection of said signal, said second reflection being created by said first signal reflecting from said open point to said fault and back to said sensor, and said second signal being of opposite polarity than said first electrical signal; measuring a time interval occurring between sensing of said first and second reflections; calculating a distance of said fault from said sensor by multiplying said propagation velocity by said time interval and dividing by two; and indicating a location of said fault based upon said distance.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
185 words
A method for locating a fault occurring in an underground residential power distribution (URD) circuit, said distribution circuit having an open point, the method comprising the steps of: positioning a sensor proximate to an open point in said power distribution circuit; storing a propagation velocity in a memory, said propagation velocity being characteristic of a type of cable used in said power distribution circuit; injecting an electrical signal in said power distribution circuit at a point opposite said open point; sensing a first reflection of said signal propagating from a line fault by means of said sensor; sensing a second reflection of said signal, said second reflection being created by said first signal reflecting from said open point to said fault and back to said sensor, and said second signal being of opposite polarity than said first electrical signal; measuring a time interval occurring between sensing of said first and second reflections; calculating a distance of said fault from said sensor by multiplying said propagation velocity by said time interval and dividing by two; and indicating a location of said fault based upon said distance.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method according to claim 17, wherein said electrical signal is a single high voltage pulse from a pulse generator.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method according to claim 17, wherein said calculated distance of said fault from said sensor is within a 2% error.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method according to claim 17, further comprising the step of installing a surge arrestor at said open point for increasing a range within which a fault can be located.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
155 words
A method for locating a fault occurring in an underground residential power distribution (URD) circuit, comprising: positioning a sensor proximate to an open point in said power distribution circuit; storing a propagation velocity in a memory, said propagation velocity being characteristic of a type of wire used in said power distribution circuit; sensing a first reflection of said signal propagating from a line fault by means of said sensor; sensing a second reflection of said signal, said second reflection created by said first signal reflecting from said open point to said fault and back to said sensor, and said second signal being of opposite polarity than said first electrical signal; measuring a time interval occurring between sensing of said first and second reflections; calculating a distance of said fault from said sensor by multiplying said stored propagation velocity by said time interval and dividing by two; and communicating fault location information to a control center.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
155 words
A method for locating a fault occurring in an underground residential power distribution (URD) circuit, comprising: positioning a sensor proximate to an open point in said power distribution circuit; storing a propagation velocity in a memory, said propagation velocity being characteristic of a type of wire used in said power distribution circuit; sensing a first reflection of said signal propagating from a line fault by means of said sensor; sensing a second reflection of said signal, said second reflection created by said first signal reflecting from said open point to said fault and back to said sensor, and said second signal being of opposite polarity than said first electrical signal; measuring a time interval occurring between sensing of said first and second reflections; calculating a distance of said fault from said sensor by multiplying said stored propagation velocity by said time interval and dividing by two; and communicating fault location information to a control center.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method according to claim 21, wherein said electrical signals are current waveforms.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method according to claim 22, wherein said sensor is a replica response current sensor.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method according to claim 21, wherein said electrical signals are voltage waveforms.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method according to claim 24 wherein said sensor is a derivative response voltage sensor.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method according to claim 21, wherein said calculated distance of said fault from said sensor is within a 2% error.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method according to claim 21, further comprising the step of installing a surge arrestor at said open point for increasing a range within which a fault can be located.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
129 words
An apparatus for locating a fault occurring in a power distribution circuit, comprising: electrical sensing means positioned proximate to an open point along an underground residential power distribution (URD) circuit for sensing a first electrical signal propagating from a line fault, and for sensing a second electrical signal which is a reflection of said first signal from said open point to said fault and back to said sensor, said second signal being of opposite polarity than said first electrical signal; timing means connected to said sensing means for measuring a time interval occurring between sensing of said first and second electrical signals; processing means for determining a distance of said fault from said sensor based on said time interval; and indicating means for displaying a location of said fault.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
129 words
An apparatus for locating a fault occurring in a power distribution circuit, comprising: electrical sensing means positioned proximate to an open point along an underground residential power distribution (URD) circuit for sensing a first electrical signal propagating from a line fault, and for sensing a second electrical signal which is a reflection of said first signal from said open point to said fault and back to said sensor, said second signal being of opposite polarity than said first electrical signal; timing means connected to said sensing means for measuring a time interval occurring between sensing of said first and second electrical signals; processing means for determining a distance of said fault from said sensor based on said time interval; and indicating means for displaying a location of said fault.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus according to claim 28, wherein said power distribution circuit is an underground residential power distribution circuit.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus according to claim 28, wherein said first and second electrical signals are current waveforms.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method according to claim 30, wherein said sensing means is a replica response current sensor.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus according to claim 28, wherein said first and second electrical signals are voltage waveforms.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method according to claim 32, wherein said sensing means is a derivative response voltage sensor.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus according to claim 28, wherein said processing means determines said distance by multiplying a cable propagation velocity by one-half of said time interval.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus according to claim 34, further comprising a surge arrestor for increasing a range within which a fault can be located.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
160 words
A device for locating a fault occurring in an underground residential power distribution (URD) system, comprising: electrical sensing means positioned proximate to an open point along a power distribution system for sensing a first electrical signal propagating from a line fault, and for sensing a second electrical signal caused by said first signal reflecting from said open point to said fault and back to said sensor; timing means connected to said sensing means for measuring a time interval occurring between said first and second electrical signals; processing means for determining a location of said fault based on said time interval, said processing means including a memory for storing a propagation velocity characteristic of a type of cable used in said power distribution system, whereby said processing means determines said fault location by multiplying said stored propagation velocity by said time interval and dividing by two; and a display connected to said processing means for indicating a location of said fault.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
160 words
A device for locating a fault occurring in an underground residential power distribution (URD) system, comprising: electrical sensing means positioned proximate to an open point along a power distribution system for sensing a first electrical signal propagating from a line fault, and for sensing a second electrical signal caused by said first signal reflecting from said open point to said fault and back to said sensor; timing means connected to said sensing means for measuring a time interval occurring between said first and second electrical signals; processing means for determining a location of said fault based on said time interval, said processing means including a memory for storing a propagation velocity characteristic of a type of cable used in said power distribution system, whereby said processing means determines said fault location by multiplying said stored propagation velocity by said time interval and dividing by two; and a display connected to said processing means for indicating a location of said fault.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device according to claim 36, wherein said first and second electrical signals are current waveforms.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device according to claim 37, wherein said sensing means is a replica response current sensor.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device according to claim 36, wherein said first and second electrical signals are voltage waveforms.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method according to claim 39, wherein said sensing means is a derivative response voltage sensor.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device according to claim 36, further comprising a surge arrestor for increasing a range within which a fault can be located.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
30 words
The device according to claim 36, wherein said processing means further comprises an interface for allowing an operator to specify said type of cable used in said power distribution circuit.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
180 words
A device for locating a fault occurring in an underground residential power distribution (URD) circuit, comprising: a high voltage pulse generator for injecting an electrical signal in said power distribution circuit; electrical sensing means positioned proximate to an open point along a power distribution system for sensing a first reflected signal produced from said injected signal reflecting from a line fault, and for sensing a second electrical signal caused by said first signal reflecting from said open point to said fault and back to said sensor; timing means connected to said sensing means for measuring a time interval occurring between said first and second electrical signals; processing means for determining a location of said fault based on said time interval, said processing means including a memory for storing a propagation velocity characteristic of a type of cable used in said power distribution system, whereby said processing means determines said fault location by multiplying said stored propagation velocity by said time interval and dividing by two; and a display connected to said processing means for indicating a location of said fault.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
180 words
A device for locating a fault occurring in an underground residential power distribution (URD) circuit, comprising: a high voltage pulse generator for injecting an electrical signal in said power distribution circuit; electrical sensing means positioned proximate to an open point along a power distribution system for sensing a first reflected signal produced from said injected signal reflecting from a line fault, and for sensing a second electrical signal caused by said first signal reflecting from said open point to said fault and back to said sensor; timing means connected to said sensing means for measuring a time interval occurring between said first and second electrical signals; processing means for determining a location of said fault based on said time interval, said processing means including a memory for storing a propagation velocity characteristic of a type of cable used in said power distribution system, whereby said processing means determines said fault location by multiplying said stored propagation velocity by said time interval and dividing by two; and a display connected to said processing means for indicating a location of said fault.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device according to claim 43, wherein said first and second electrical signals are current waveforms.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device according to claim 44, wherein said sensing means is a replica response current sensor.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device according to claim 43, wherein said first and second electrical signals are voltage waveforms.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method according to claim 46, wherein said sensing means is a derivative response voltage sensor.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device according to claim 43, further comprising a surge arrestor for increasing a range within which a fault can be located.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device according to claim 43, further comprising communication means for communicating fault location information to a control center.
Claim 57
Independent Claim
204 words
An apparatus for locating a fault occurring in a pair of adjacent underground residential power distribution (URD) circuits, comprising: a first electrical sensor positioned proximate to a first open point along a first power distribution circuit; a second electrical sensor positioned proximate to a second open point along a second power distribution circuit; timing means connected to said first sensor and second sensor for measuring a time interval occurring between electrical signals; a processor connected to said timing means; and indicating means for displaying a location of a fault; whereby said first electrical sensor senses a first electrical signal propagating from a line fault in said first distribution circuit and a reflection thereof from said first open point to said fault and back to said first sensor, and said second electrical sensor senses a second electrical signal propagating from a line fault in said second distribution circuit and a reflection thereof from said second open point to said fault and back to said second sensor, said timing means determining a time occurring between said respective electrical signals and reflections thereof and inputting said time to said processor, whereupon said processor calculates a distance to said faults and outputs said distance to said indicating means.
Claim 58
Independent Claim
204 words
An apparatus for locating a fault occurring in a pair of adjacent underground residential power distribution (URD) circuits, comprising: a first electrical sensor positioned proximate to a first open point along a first power distribution circuit; a second electrical sensor positioned proximate to a second open point along a second power distribution circuit; timing means connected to said first sensor and second sensor for measuring a time interval occurring between electrical signals; a processor connected to said timing means; and indicating means for displaying a location of a fault; whereby said first electrical sensor senses a first electrical signal propagating from a line fault in said first distribution circuit and a reflection thereof from said first open point to said fault and back to said first sensor, and said second electrical sensor senses a second electrical signal propagating from a line fault in said second distribution circuit and a reflection thereof from said second open point to said fault and back to said second sensor, said timing means determining a time occurring between said respective electrical signals and reflections thereof and inputting said time to said processor, whereupon said processor calculates a distance to said faults and outputs said distance to said indicating means.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1996-04-26 | 1996-10-26 | 1997-04-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-04-26 | 2000-10-26 | 2001-04-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-04-26 | 2004-10-26 | 2005-04-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |