Radar Engineers

John D Sanderson

Forrest Scott Seitz

Jack C Talmadge

A diagnostic instrument distinguishes primary arcs from other electrical discharges in an electric power system based on pulse time density of radio frequency noise caused by the discharges. The instrument counts a maximum number of noise pulses in any small time window over a period, and identifies the discharges as primary arcs if the pulse time density is in a range characteristics of primary arcs.

Identification of power system primary arcs based on pulse density

An ultrasonic RFI source locator implements signal analysis to discriminate ultrasonic shocks emanating from power line equipment sources from ambient and other interference sources, as well as distinguish between specific type interference sources, such as corona and sparking discharge. The locator has a directional or contact ultrasonic sensor for receiving a signal representing the ultrasonic shocks from a targeted source, and includes signal processing circuitry to detect and compare the strengths of portions of the sensed signal that are modulated at whole integer multiples (harmonics) of an electrical power frequency (e.g., at 60 Hz and 120 Hz on a 60 Hz A/C power system, or 50 Hz and 100 Hz on a 50 Hz A/C power system) with each other, with the total signal and with selected non harmonic frequencies. The locator provides an operator indication of the result of this spectral analysis.

Ultrasonic pinpointer for power system sources of interference

When a fault in an energized power distribution cable flashes over, the surge draws charge from both sides of the line. The fault thus produces a pair of current surges that propagate from the fault in opposite directions along the line. These oppositely-directed current surges create pulsed electromagnetic fields of different directions which, in turn, induce voltages of different polarities in a receiving antenna positioned along the line. The polarity of the first such voltage pulse induced in the antenna indicates the direction from the antenna to the fault. In one embodiment, the line is repeatedly 'thumped,' causing flashovers to recur at the fault. By moving the antenna along the line until the polarity of the initial received pulse inverts, the precise location of the fault can be determined. In another embodiment, direction-indicating fault current indicators according to the present invention are permanently placed at numerous locations in an operating AC power distribution system, in anticipation of a fault. When a fault occurs, the polarity of the first received electromagnetic fault pulse at each device indicates the respective direction from the device to the fault.

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Portland, OR, United States of America

John D Sanderson