Correlation between corona current and radio interference due to high voltage insulator string

The Radio Interference (RI) from electric power transmission line hardware, if not controlled, poses serious electromagnetic interference to system in the vicinity. The present work mainly concerns with the RI from the insulator string along with the associated line hardware. The laboratory testing for the RI levels are carried out through the measurement of the conducted radio interference levels. However such measurements do not really locate the coronating point, as well as, the mode of corona. At the same time experience shows that it is rather difficult to locate the coronating points by mere inspection. After a thorough look into the intricacies of the problem, it is ascertained that the measurement of associated ground end currents could give a better picture of the prevailing corona modes and their intensities. A study on the same is attempted in the present work. Various intricacies of the problem,features of ground end current pulses and its correlation with RI are dealt with. Owing to the complexity of such experimental investigations, the study made is not fully complete nevertheless it seems to be first of its kind.

Simulation of potential and electric field across faulty ceramic disc insulator string

Ceramic/Porcelain insulators are widely used in power transmission lines to provide mechanical support for High voltage conductors in addition to withstand electrical stresses. As a result of lightning, switching or temporary over voltages that could initiate flashover under worst weather conditions, and to operate within interference limits. Given that the useful life in service of the individual insulator elements making up the insulator strings is hard to predict, they must be verified periodically to ensure that adequate line reliability is maintained at all times. Over the years utilities have adopted few methods to detect defective discs in a string, subsequently replacement of the faulty discs are being carried out for smooth operation. But, if the insulator is found to be defective in a string at some location that may not create any changes in the field configuration, there is no need to replace to avoid manpower and cost of replacement. Due to deficiency of electric field data for the existing string configuration, utilities are forced to replace the discs which may not be essentially required. Hence, effort is made in the present work to simulate the potential and electric field along the normal and with faults induced discs in a string up to 765 kV system voltages using Surface Charge Simulation Method (SCSM). A comparison is made between simulated results, experimental and field data and it was found that the computed results are quite acceptable and useful.

Optical read-out scheme based on Grated Waveguide Cantilever cavity resonance for interrogation of cantilever sensor arrays

The design and analysis of an optical read-out scheme based on a grated waveguide (GWG) resonator for interrogating microcantilever sensor arrays is presented. The optical system consisting of a micro cantilever monolithically integrated in proximity to a grated waveguide (GWG), is realized in silicon optical bench platform. The mathematical analysis of the optical system is performed using a Fabry-Perot interferometer model with a lossy cavity formed between the cantilever and the GWG and an analytical expression is derived for the optical power transmission as a function of the cantilever deflection which corresponds to cavity width variation. The intensity transmission of the optical system for different cantilever deflections estimated using the analytical expression captures the essential features exhibited by a FDTD numerical model.

Effect of Coldfog on the Corona Induced Degradation of Silicone Rubber Samples

Corona is an unavoidable phenomena in high voltage power transmission system, in spite of suitably designed insulator accessories and transmission line hardware. It is a proven fact that the continuous occurrence of corona can subject the polymeric insulator to a severe degradation. Further, moisture in the air has a positive influence on the corona activity. This paper presents the methodology to evaluate the corona performance of the silicone rubber housing material with simultaneous application of cold fog. Analysis conducted after corona treatment by the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) present an interesting results showing a higher hydroxylation of sample surface under the moisture application than in the normal condition for both AC and DC excitation. FTIR spectrum also indicates the presence of nitric acid on the treated surface with coldfog application. Results obtained from SEM analysis are also presented.

Design Optimization of Thin-Film Transistors Based on a Metal-Substrate-Semiconductor Architecture for High DC Voltage Sensing

We discuss the potential application of high dc voltage sensing using thin-film transistors (TFTs) on flexible substrates. High voltage sensing has potential applications for power transmission instrumentation. For this, we consider a gate metal-substrate-semiconductor architecture for TFTs. In this architecture, the flexible substrate not only provides mechanical support but also plays the role of the gate dielectric of the TFT. Hence, the thickness of the substrate needs to be optimized for maximizing transconductance, minimizing mechanical stress, and minimizing gate leakage currents. We discuss this optimization, and develop n-type and p-type organic TFTs using polyvinyldene fluoride as the substrate-gate insulator. Circuits are also realized to achieve level shifting, amplification, and high drain voltage operation.

Multi-agent modelling for the simulation of a simple smart microgrid

The smart grid is a highly complex system that is being formed from the traditional power grid, adding new and sophisticated communication and control devices. This will enable integrating new elements for distributed power generation and also achieving an increasingly automated operation so for actions of the utilities as for customers. In order to model such systems a bottom-up method is followed, using only a few basic elements which are structured into two layers: a physical layer for the electrical power transmission, and one logical layer for element communication. A simple case study is presented to analyse the possibilities of simulation. It shows a microgrid model with dynamic load management and an integrated approach that can process both electrical and communication flows.

Challenges in the Silent Aircraft engine design

The Silent Aircraft Initiative goal is to design an aircraft that is imperceptible above background noise outside the airport boundary. The aircraft that fulfils this objective must also be economically competitive with conventional aircraft of the future and therefore fuel consumption and mechanical reliability are key considerations for the design. To meet these ambitious targets, a multi-fan embedded turbofan engine with boundary layer ingestion has been proposed. This configuration includes several new technologies including a variable area nozzle, a complex high-power transmission system, a Low Pressure turbine designed for low-noise, an axial-radial HP compressor, advanced acoustic liners and a low-speed fan optimized for both cruise and off-design operation. These technologies, in combination, enable a low-noise and fuel efficient propulsion system but they also introduce significant challenges into the design. These challenges include difficulties in predicting the noise and performance of the new components but there are also challenges in reducing the design risks and proving that the new concepts are realizable. This paper presents the details of the engine configuration that has been developed for the Silent Aircraft application. It describes the design approach used for the critical components and discusses the benefits of the new technologies. The new technologies are expected to offer significant benefits in noise reduction without compromising fuel burn. However, more detailed design and further research are required to fully control the additional risks generated by the system complexity.

Modified water spray chumming system for pole and line fishing of tuna

A water spray chumming system consisting of a 65 x 50 mm centrifugal pump driven by the propulsion engine through a PTO clutch and 'V' pulley power transmission system has been developed for the pole and line fishing of tuna. Water is sprayed through pipe loop system fitted on the edge of the fishing platform of the boat through small holes. The distance of the spray length can be adjusted by controlling the flow of the pump discharge water through a wheel valve.

一种输电线路巡检机器人控制系统的设计与实现

介绍了一种超高压输电线路巡检机器人控制系统的设计与实现方法.根据巡检作业任务的要求,采用遥控与局部自主相结合的控制模式实现巡检机器人沿线行走及跨越障碍.设计了巡检机器人有限状态机模型,实现了机器人遥控与局部自主控制的有机结合.采用基于激光传感器定位的方法实现了巡检机器人的自主越障控制.实验结果表明,该机器人可实现沿线行走及自主跨越障碍,从而验证了控制系统设计的有效性与合理性.

基于视觉伺服的输电线巡检机器人抓线控制

巡检机器人在越障时,需要完成机器人手臂的准确抓线控制.结合输电线的几何特征和摄像机成像原理,提出了一种基于单摄像机的立体视觉方法来确定输电线的位置和姿态.基于该定位方法及视觉伺服理论,建立机械手抓线伺服控制模型.利用自行研制的巡检机器人进行了视觉伺服抓线实验;实验结果验证了该方法的有效性.

超高压输电线路巡检机器人两种越障定位方法比较

将两种基于传感器信息的导线定位方法的特点和差异进行了分析和对比,得出方法Ⅱ的解算能力强于方法Ⅰ的解算能力,但由于方法Ⅱ的定位精度低于方法Ⅰ的定位精度,因此,选用方法Ⅰ进行野外作业。

输电线路巡检机器人越障控制研究

介绍了超高压输电线路巡检机器人越障控制方法。根据巡检作业任务的要求,采用遥控与局部自主控制相结合的方法,实现了巡检机器人沿线行走及跨越障碍的功能。采用基于单目摄像头定位和视觉伺服的方法,实现了巡检机器人的自主越障控制。实验结果表明,该机器人可沿线行走并自主跨越障碍,从而验证了控制系统设计的有效性与合理性。

超高压输电线路巡检机器人越障控制问题的研究

给出了一种超高压输电线路巡检机器人控制系统的设计与实现方法.根据机器人的作业任务,提出了基于传感器信息、约束信息以及动作反馈信息作为输入,产生式系统作为动作输出的越障控制方式.仿真结果表明此方法对于机器人的越障过程是有效的.

基于分布式专家系统的超高压输电线路巡检机器人控制系统的研究

探讨了基于分布式专家系统的超高压输电线路巡检机器人控制系统，给出了一种利用CUPS和C、VC++混合编程构成分布式专家系统作为机器人控制器的方法，并且提出了一种基于规则和证据的可信度(CF)的分布式专家系统的协调算法．经过试验论证，该控制方法能很好地实现超高压输电线路巡检机器人的作业功能。

输电线路巡检机器人的机构、建模与实验研究

输电线路巡检机器人是一种特种作业机器人，具有广阔的输电线路巡检的应用背景，该项研究是机器人学研究领域的前沿课题之一，而越障机构又是巡检机器人的关键技术之一。本文在863课题《超高压输电线路巡检机器人》的资助下，系统地研究了输电线路巡检机器人的移动越障机构及其理论建模，目的是分析综合越障巡检机构，研制新型的越障巡检机构；通过结构优化减小能耗提高机器人巡检线路的实用性。 本文首先系统研究了巡检作业的典型工况，建立巡检目标障碍空间的数学模型，为巡检机器人的越障巡检机构研究与越障规划奠定基础。 第二、建立特殊工况下的设计原则，研究越障巡检机构的分析与综合方法。1、提出一种基于障碍空间分析的越障巡检机构综合方法，在分析多种越障机构的越障原理与越障性能的基础上，基于螺旋理论进行越障巡检机构的型综合与数综合，优化越障巡检机构的自由度与构型，并且设计两种新型越障巡检机构。2、用影响系数法，建立机器人运动学模型，探讨越障巡检机构的运动综合。3、提出线上操作的打滑稳定裕度与摆动稳定裕度，且给出相应的判据。在建立静力学与动力学模型、探讨越障巡检机构的动力性能、分析操作手夹持姿态的稳定性的基础上，拓展夹持稳定性量度，提出打滑裕度与摆动裕度。 第三、建立特殊风载荷工况下，结构参数受风向和风压影响的数学模型，得到不同风荷载的风压对尺寸参数的影响；由风载荷影响操作手夹持稳定性，从而影响行走轮包角参数，分析得到相应的行走轮外缘包络包角范围。根据风荷载阻力与尺寸参数的关系，基于最小能量理论采用积分有限元分析，对机器人的重要零件与部件进行了结构参数优化。 第四、根据环境模型制定越障流程；分析越障过程的三个难点：机构平衡、导线辨识与定位可知，导线定位是越障的关键；并就如何定位导线的越障关键问题，提出一种解析定位方法，对比搜索定位方法可知，解析定位方法优于搜索定位方法。 第五、通过实验验证越障原理、越障规划、定位方法、及系统性能等。在调试和考机合格的基础上，分别在实验环境下验证了线上行走巡检原理的有效性和连续越障的可行性；在野外现场实验验证了越障巡检机器人系统的原理可靠性与越障定位的有效性。