Technical Field

The present invention relates to a diagnostic system for power lines.

Background Art

Several diagnostic systems for power lines are known with the aim of monitoring the state of the power line.

Generally, the diagnostic systems of known type use sensors which allow assessing the conditions of the power line on which they are installed.

In more detail, these sensors are mounted on a special device which attaches to the power line to be monitored and transmits the collected data to a data collection unit.

Generally, the data collection unit is mounted on a trellis and is provided with additional sensors which allow monitoring certain environmental parameters in the proximity of the trellis itself.

In addition, the known systems use a plurality of devices, mounted on different power lines and reporting to the same data collection unit.

In particular, it is known to provide such devices with temperature sensors which allow monitoring the temperature of the power line.

In this way, the systems of known type employ the devices to monitor the temperature of one or more power lines and the collection unit to monitor the environmental conditions in the proximity of the trellis.

However, this type of systems has some drawbacks.

Specifically, each device used by the known systems is provided with a battery which enables the operation thereof and which, therefore, must be replaced periodically.

This drawback significantly complicates and intensifies the maintenance jobs of the system, proportionally to the number of devices employed by the system itself.

In addition, the devices employed by known systems allow only the temperature of the power line to be measured, while other environmental parameters are measured only at the trellis. In addition, the devices employed by known systems do not allow for the measurement of mechanical parameters of the line and/or of the trellis.

This drawback limits the monitoring of the power line and makes its diagnostics sloppy, incomplete and inefficient.

Therefore, the systems of known type prove to be inconvenient and complex to use.

Description of the Invention

The main aim of the present invention is to devise a self-powered diagnostic system for power lines without making the use of a power supply battery essential.

A further object of the present invention is to devise a self-powered diagnostic system for power lines which enables comprehensive monitoring of the power line and obtaining efficient environmental and mechanical diagnostics.

An additional object of the present invention is to devise a self-powered diagnostic system for power lines which enables constant power line monitoring. Another object of the present invention is to devise a self-powered diagnostic system for power lines which can overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art within the framework of a simple, rational, easy and efficient to use as well as cost-effective solution.

The aforementioned objects are achieved by this system having the characteristics of claim 1.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a self-powered diagnostic system for power lines, illustrated by way of an indicative, yet non-limiting example in the accompanying tables of drawings in which:

Figure 1 is an exploded schematic view of the system according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic view of the system in an assembly configuration according to the invention; Figure 3 is a schematic view of some components of the system according to the invention;

Figure 4 is a schematic view of the system according to the invention.

Embodiments of the Invention

With particular reference to these figures, reference numeral 1 globally denotes a self-powered diagnostic system for power lines.

The self-powered diagnostic system 1 for power lines comprises at least one diagnostic device 2, provided with at least one supporting body 3 mounted, in use, along a power line 4.

Preferably, the power line 4 means an electric line traversed by alternating current for the transmission and distribution of electric energy.

Advantageously, the device 2 is directly mounted in contact with the power line 4.

According to the invention, the device 2 comprises sensor means 5, mounted on the supporting body 3 and configured to detect at least one diagnostic parameter of the power line 4 and/or of the environment surrounding the latter.

Specifically, the diagnostic parameter detected by the sensor means 5 is selected from the list comprising: the temperature of the power line 4; the temperature of the environment surrounding the power line 4; the humidity of the environment surrounding the power line 4; the solar radiation irradiating the power line 4; the speed of the wind blowing the power line 4; the acceleration of displacements of the power line 4; the geographical location of the power line 4; the arrow of the power line 4; a video and/or photographic image of the power line 4; a video and/or photographic image of the environment surrounding the power line 4.

Advantageously, the sensor means 5 are configured to detect a plurality of diagnostic parameters of the power line 4 and/or of the environment surrounding the latter.

In more detail, the sensor means 5 are configured to detect any combination of diagnostic parameters of the power line 4 and/or of the environment surrounding the latter.

Appropriately, the sensor means 5 comprise at least one of: at least one line temperature sensor 6, arranged, in use, in the proximity, preferably in contact, of the power line 4 and configured to measure the temperature of the latter; at least one ambient temperature sensor 7, configured to measure the temperature of the environment surrounding the power line 4 and preferably arranged spaced apart, in use, from the power line 4; at least one humidity sensor 8, configured to measure the humidity of the environment surrounding the power line 4; at least one solarimeter 9, configured to measure the solar radiation irradiating the power line 4; at least one anemometer 10, configured to measure the wind speed blowing the power line 4; at least one accelerometer 11, preferably three-axis, configured to measure the acceleration of displacements of the power line 4; at least one locator 12, configured to detect the geographical location and/or the arrow of the power line 4; at least one image capturing device 13, configured to capture at least one image of the conductors of the power line 4 and/or of the environment surrounding the power line 4.

Advantageously, the image capturing device 13 is remotely movable, e.g. by means of appropriate movement means, to allow images/videos, preferably in real time, to be captured of the power line 4 and of the environment surrounding the same.

Preferably, the system 1 comprises at least two line temperature sensors 6 and/or at least two ambient temperature sensors 7.

This expedient increases the overall reliability of the system 1 so that maintenance jobs are minimized.

Such interventions, in fact, are particularly complex both because of the need to de-energize the line 6 and because of the elevated position from the ground of the system 1.

Conveniently, one or more of the parameters detected by the sensor means 5 are used to determine and, if necessary, to adjust one or more operating parameters of the power line 4.

For example, depending on the temperature of the line and of the temperature of the environment surrounding the same, it is possible to determine, preferably through the system 1, the maximum allowable current value from the power line. In addition, it is possible to determine, preferably through the system 1 : the formation of snow or ice elements along the line 6, depending on the measured temperature and/or humidity; and/or the rocking of the line 6 depending on the measured acceleration and/or wind speed; the increase of the arrow of the line 6, e.g. beyond a minimum distance from the ground, depending on the measured temperature and/or on the detected position; the displacement of the line 6, e.g., if fallen to the ground (by crashing trees in the proximity of the line itself or otherwise), depending on the measured acceleration and/or on the detected position; the state of the line 6, e.g. the point of failure or of breakage, depending on the captured image; the galopping of the line 6 depending on the measured acceleration, on the detected position and/or on the captured image.

In this regard, the device 2 comprises data processing means 14 configured to process one or more diagnostic parameters detected by the sensor means 5.

Preferably, the data processing means 14 are of the type of an electronic board, a PCB, a microcontroller or the like.

According to the invention, the device 2 comprises induction power means 15, 16, 23, 24, mounted on the supporting body 3 and adapted, in use, to be electromagnetically coupled to the power line 4 to electrically supply the device 2.

In this way, the device 2 is supplied electrically, inductively, directly from the power line 4 on which it is mounted, without making the use of other power sources essential.

Conveniently, the power means 15, 16, 23, 24 are of the type of a magnetic circuit, inductively coupled to the electric line as a result of the variable magnetic field generated by the alternating current flowing along the line itself

Specifically, the power means 15, 16, 23, 24 comprise: at least one holding body 15, made of ferromagnetic material and arranged, in use, to surround at least partly the power line 4; at least one conducting body 16, wrapped around the holding body 15 to make a winding 17.

Advantageously, an electromotive force is generated at the ends of the winding 17, induced by the variable magnetic field generated by the current flowing along the power line 4.

Specifically, the holding body 15 defines a lower reluctance path than the surrounding environment and, therefore, constrains the magnetic field lines generated by the power line 4 to flow within the holding body 15 and thus involving the winding 17.

Thus, almost all of the lines in that field contribute to inducing the electromotive force at the ends of the winding 17.

Preferably, in use, the holding body 15 substantially completely surrounds the power line 4.

Conveniently, the holding body 15 has a substantially ring conformation.

Advantageously, the holding body 15 comprises at least a first encircling element 18 and at least a second encircling element 19, arranged, in use, close together, each to surround a portion of the power line 4 to make the holding body 15.

This arrangement facilitates the assembly of the device 2 along the power line 4. In fact, it is sufficient to approach the encircling elements 18, 19 to the power line 4, substantially surrounding it, to make the holding body 15 directly around the line itself.

Advantageously, in use, the first encircling element 18 and the second encircling element 19 surround the power line 4 by substantially explementary angles to each other, respectively.

In particular, the first and the second encircling elements 18, 19 are substantially the same and each surrounds the power line 4 by 180°.

Conveniently, the conducting body 16 is wrapped to one of either the first or the second encircling elements 18, 19.

The other encircling element 18, 19, on the other hand, is preferably free from the conducting body 16.

Conveniently, the device 2 comprises coupling means 20, 21, associated with the supporting body 3 and defining at least one housing 22 adapted to house the power line 4.

In particular, the coupling means 20, 21, in use, at least partly surround the power line 4, attaching the supporting body 3 to the latter.

Conveniently, the coupling means 20, 21, in use, substantially surround the power line 4 completely which is contained in the housing 22.

Specifically, the housing 22 is of the type of a channel through which, in use, the power line 4 passes through the supporting body 3.

Preferably, the coupling means 20, 21, in use, abuts at least partly against the power line 4, thus preventing the device 2 from sliding along the same line.

Specifically, the coupling means 20, 21 comprise at least a first coupling body 20 and at least a second coupling body 21, coupleable to each other in a removable maimer.

In this way, the device 2 is coupleable to the power line 4 in a removable manner. Specifically, the coupling bodies 20, 21 are movable between at least one assembly configuration, wherein they are fixed to each other so as to at least partly surround the power line 4, fixing the device 2 to the power line, and at least one free configuration, wherein the coupling bodies 20, 21 are separate and the device 2 is free from the power line 4.

In more detail, in the assembly configuration, the first and the second coupling bodies 20, 21 define the housing 22.

Advantageously, in the assembly configuration, the first coupling body 20 and the second encircling element 19 surround, at least partly, the power line 4 by substantially explementary angles to each other, respectively.

In particular, the first and the second coupling bodies 20, 21 are substantially the same, each surrounding the power line 4 by 180°.

In more detail, in the assembly configuration the encircling elements 18, 19 are moved close together to at least partly surround the power line 4 and to make the holding body 15.

Conveniently, the first encircling element 18 and the second encircling element 19 are associated with the first and with the second coupling bodies 20, 21, respectively.

In this way, the inductive coupling of the power means 15, 16, 23, 24 of the device 2 to the power line 4 occurs simultaneously with the mechanical coupling of the device 2 to the same line.

Appropriately, the power means 15, 16, 23, 24 comprise at least one AC/DC converter assembly 23, connected to the winding 17 and configured to convert the alternating voltage of the electromotive force induced in the same winding to DC voltage.

Preferably, the AC/DC converter assembly 23 comprises at least one diode rectifier bridge connected to a capacitor.

Conveniently, the power means 15, 16, 23, 24 comprise at least one DC/DC converter assembly 24, preferably with high conversion ratio, configured to convert the voltage value at output from the AC/DC converter assembly 23 to another voltage value.

Appropriately, the power means 15, 16, 23, 24 are connected to the sensor means 5 and/or to the data processing means 14 to power them electrically.

Conveniently, the device 2 comprises at least one buffer battery 25 supplying power to the device 2, connected to the power means 15, 16, 23, 24.

In this way, the power means 15, 16, 23, 24 electrically charge the buffer battery 25. Specifically, the buffer battery 25 is configured to electrically power the device 2 in the temporary absence of the power supplied by the power means 15, 16, 23, 24, e.g. in the lack of power along the power line 4, due to a malfunction of the same power means or the like.

Preferably, the buffer battery 25 is a lithium-ion battery.

Advantageously, the device 2 comprises communication means 26, 27, configured to receive/transmit data and provided with: at least one communication group 26, operationally connected to at least one communication group 26 of another device 2 to transmit/receive data to/from the latter; and/or at least one linking group 27, operationally connected to control means 28 to transmit/receive data to/from the latter.

Specifically, the communication means 26, 27 are of the wireless type.

Further embodiments of the system 1 cannot however be ruled out wherein at least one of either the communication group 26 or the linking group 27 are of the wired type.

Conveniently, the communication group 26 is configured to transmit/receive data by means of a plurality of communication protocols.

This arrangement makes the data transmission/reception redundant and increases the reliability of communication between the communication groups 26.

Specifically, the communication group 26 is of the type of a wireless communication device, configured to transmit/receive data via the IEEE 802.15.4 protocol, in the 2.4 GHz band.

It cannot, however, be ruled out that in combination with or as an alternative to the above protocol, the communication group 26 may be configured to transmit/receive data via the LoRaWAN protocol, in the Sub-GHz band.

It cannot also be ruled out that in combination with or as an alternative to one or more of the above protocols, the communication group 26 may be configured to transmit/receive data via the Bluetooth standard.

Advantageously, the linking group 27 is a wireless communication device, configured to transmit/receive data through the Internet via the mobile network. Preferably, the linking group 27 is of a modem type, e.g. of the 4G type with automatic reconfiguration to 3G and 2G technology.

Preferably, the device 2 comprises both the communication group 26 and the linking group 27.

Advantageously, the control means 28 are configured to calculate one or more of the operating parameters, i.e., the functional limits of the power line 4, depending on one or more of the diagnostic parameters detected by the sensor means 5. Conveniently, the system 1 comprises a plurality of devices 2.

Advantageously, several devices 2 are mounted along the same power line 4.

According to a possible, but not exclusive, embodiment of the system 1, the same comprises a plurality of devices 2 mounted along a distribution stretch 29, supported by a plurality of trellises dividing the same stretch into different spans, and provided with a plurality of power lines 4.

Specifically, at least one device 2, preferably only one, is mounted on one of the power lines 4 affecting the same span.

In addition, each device 2 is mounted on a different power line 4 with respect to the power line 4 on which another device 2 is mounted, in the span, or in a predetermined number of preceding and/or following spans.

Appropriately, the system 1 comprises the distribution stretch 29 and one or more power lines 4.

Advantageously, the devices 2 are operationally connected to each other through the communication means 26, 27.

Preferably, the devices 2 are operationally connected to each other through their respective communication groups 26.

In fact, the communication groups 26 are configured to make a mesh network the nodes of which correspond to the devices 2 of the system 1.

In particular, the mesh network made in this way is of the Multi-hop type or the like.

According to one possible, but not exclusive, embodiment of the system 1, one or more devices 2 are configured to transmit/receive data to/from one or more local control units 30, arranged in the proximity of at least one device 2 in the mesh network.

Preferably, the control unit 30 is configured to operate as a control gateway, that is, to interface one or more sensor means 5 with the Internet network in order to convey the detections made by one or more of the same sensor means to a local network to communicate with a control center.

Specifically, in this embodiment, only a few devices 2 in the network are in range to communicate with one or more control units 30.

Therefore, the devices 2 transmit/receive data in cascade to/from other intermediate devices 2 until receiving/transmitting data from/to one or more control units 30.

Preferably, the device 2 is configured to communicate with the control unit 30 by means of the communication group 26.

Conveniently, the control unit 30 is configured to transmit/receive data to/from the control means 28.

In fact, the control means 28 are preferably arranged at such a distance from the device 2 so as to allow the communication with the latter only by means of the control unit 30.

Specifically, the control means 28 are configured to: centralize the reception and processing of data transmitted from one or more devices 2 through one or more control units 30; and/or transmit commands to one or more of the devices 2 through one or more control units 30.

Conveniently, the control means 28 comprise at least one data storage unit, not shown in the figures, configured to store the data received from the control means themselves.

Appropriately, the control means 28 comprise a user interface, not shown in the figures, configured to allow one or more users to access one or more of the devices 2 through one or more control units 30 and/or the storage unit.

Advantageously, the system 1 comprises the control means 28 and/or the control unit 30.

It cannot, however, be ruled out that one or more of the devices 2 in the network may be configured to communicate directly with the control means 28 by means of the linking group 27 and/or that the system 1 lacks the control unit 30.

In addition, further embodiments of the system 1, made alternatively or in combination with one or more of the embodiments described above, cannot be ruled out wherein one or more devices 2 coincide with respective control units 30.

It has in practice been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects.

In particular, the fact is emphasized that induction power means allow the diagnostic device to be powered directly through the energy supplied by the same line.

In addition, the sensor means allow for the continuous detection of various mechanical, diagnostic and environmental parameters and for the complete and efficient monitoring of the electric line.