The evolution of the smart grid has significantly improved the precision of locating faults in power lines. This advancement has made life much easier for linemen who previously had to search for fault points in remote and rugged terrains, often relying on flashlights to navigate. Power outages, even when brief, can be quite inconvenient. However, urban power failures are typically resolved quickly by maintenance teams. In contrast, when electricity transmission across areas like the Dashan River to counties or towns is disrupted, linemen must traverse challenging landscapes such as Dahe Mountain. Traditional methods, like ancient beacon towers, have been replaced by modern solutions like radio posts in Mianbian. Similarly, wireless fault indicators now serve as new "beacons" in the smart grid.
Figure 1: Electric tower between the mountains and rivers
China’s suburban and rural areas are expansive and scattered, making the maintenance of central city power transmission lines both risky and costly. These lines often pass through harsh environments, increasing the difficulty and expense of manual upkeep. Over the last three years (2017-2019), the national grid invested 120 billion RMB in grid upgrades, primarily targeting D and E class users (suburban and rural areas). Of this amount, 20 billion RMB was allocated to distribution automation improvements, a trend expected to continue and deepen over the next three years.
Figure 2: Fault indicator for overhead cables
Real-time monitoring of large-scale power grids, accurate identification of fault nodes and types, and the establishment of an automated repair feedback loop directly influence the intelligence level of the smart grid. This presents a massive market opportunity.
### Grid Fault Indication System Structure
The grid fault indication system consists of three main layers: the fault acquisition layer, data transmission layer, and background monitoring layer. Sensors detect current flow through cables, while displays interpret this information to determine fault actions. The judgment results are then transmitted to the background monitoring layer via the data transmission layer, enabling maintenance teams to locate and fix faults efficiently.
Figure 3: Block diagram of the grid fault indication system
Due to the demanding working conditions, fault indicators need specific characteristics:
1. **Long-term Online Operation with Low Power Consumption**
Using protective coatings and durable materials, these devices can withstand immersion in water, exposure to high salt content, extreme temperatures, and other harsh conditions. They are designed to operate outdoors or inside cable junction boxes for extended periods while maintaining minimal power consumption.
2. **Far and Near Distance Fault Indication**
Fault information can be relayed wirelessly to maintenance personnel in the background via gateways. Additionally, high-brightness LEDs provide visibility up to 300 meters away, ensuring accurate fault location even at night.
3. **Automatic Reset After Faults**
Once a fault occurs, the indicator resets automatically once current and voltage are absent. It resets to its normal state upon the next power transmission, sending updates about the fault and reset status to the background via wireless communication.
### Wireless Data Transmission Layer Solution
Figure 5: ZM470SX-L data transmission scheme
### Advantages of ZM470SX-L for Grid Fault Indication Systems
1. **Low Power Consumption**
Integrated with a +12dBm adjustable power amplifier and achieving -110dBm receiving sensitivity, the module offers a robust link budget suitable for most short-range communications. Advanced power control technology minimizes power consumption, making it ideal for low-power applications requiring high performance.
2. **Industrial Quality and Anti-Jamming Capability**
Built to industrial standards, the module can handle harsh environments like coastal high salinity and high humidity, ensuring stable transmission.
3. **Adjustable Transmit Power**
With a power amplifier of up to 12.5dBm and adjustable power levels ranging from -8.5 to 12.5 dBm in 3 dB increments, the module allows flexible signal coverage based on the location of the fault indicator.
### Similar Applications
In addition to being used at the branches of overhead cable feeders, grid fault indicators can also be installed in box-type transformers, various ring network cabinets, cable junction boxes, and substations.
---
Beyond their use in overhead cable branches, these fault indicators can enhance safety and efficiency in diverse power systems, providing reliable support for grid management and maintenance.
Bone Conduction Helmet Bluetooth Speaker
Bone Conduction Helmet Bluetooth Speaker,Music Player Speaker,Waterproof Bone Conduction Headset,Bone Conduction Headset Brand
Shenzhen Lonfine Innovation Technology Co., Ltd , https://www.lonfinesmart.com