I. Current Status of Power Collection Lines at New Energy Stations
Currently, the number of new energy power stations connecting to the grid is growing exponentially, with installed capacity for wind and solar power repeatedly hitting new records.
However, behind this large-scale expansion, the safe operation and maintenance of power collection lines have become a blind spot in power station management. At most power stations, power collection lines are constantly exposed to wind, sun, lightning strikes, and ice accumulation. As a result, cable insulation is prone to cracking and moisture penetration, leading to intermittent discharges or ground faults. These issues often show no obvious warning signs in the early stages but can rapidly escalate into tripping incidents. Given the numerous branches and complex topography of these lines, it is simply unacceptable for fault location to take hours or even days, as this severely impedes the efficiency of renewable energy integration and results in lost power generation. To address this industry challenge, Dingxin Smart Technology Co., Ltd. has launched an online fault monitoring system for power collection lines, providing renewable energy stations with a comprehensive safety protection solution featuring real-time detection, precise localization, and intelligent diagnosis.
II. Solutions
The system consists of two components: an online fault monitoring terminal for catenary lines and a catenary line fault location and control platform. Through the integration of hardware and software, it enables full-lifecycle condition monitoring and fault management of catenary lines.
1. End-user devices, distributed sensing
A complete monitoring system includes three-phase fault detection and diagnostic devices (A, B, and C), which are installed at key points along the collection lines to capture real-time transient current and voltage signals and record waveform data associated with faults caused by lightning strikes, broken wires, phase-to-phase short circuits, and external damage.
2. Management Platform
The platform software features core functions such as automatic fault detection, alarm output, and data file storage, enabling centralized processing and visual management of data collected from terminals. Specifically, it supports real-time recording of line load current and simultaneous monitoring of line lightning current, as well as counting the number of lightning strikes and locating strike points, thereby providing data support for lightning protection upgrades.
III. Key Technical Highlights
1. Dual-end traveling-wave method
When a fault occurs, a transient traveling wave propagates along the line in both directions. The device achieves time synchronization via GPS/Beidou timing, captures the time difference between the wave’s arrival at both ends of the line, and calculates the fault location based on the wave’s propagation speed, with a positioning error of less than 100 meters. This method is unaffected by line branches or load changes, offering extremely high accuracy and rapid response.
2. AI algorithms
By analyzing characteristics such as fault current waveforms, amplitude, and duration, the system can accurately distinguish between fault types such as short circuits, ground faults, and lightning strikes (indirect strikes/counter-strikes).
3. Multiple energy sources ensure reliability
It supports multiple energy harvesting methods, including CT power harvesting and solar power. CT power harvesting utilizes the principle of electromagnetic induction to extract energy from conductors, making it unaffected by day or night or local weather conditions. When combined with a backup energy storage battery, this ensures the device operates continuously and reliably even under adverse environmental conditions such as icing or rainy weather.
4. Secure Communication and Remote Management
4G/APN-based private power grid communication enables remote data transmission; equipped with a domestically produced security chip, it handles key storage, management, and cryptographic operations for terminals, ensuring the security of the communication link between terminals and the master station.
5. Supports parameter configuration and remote upgrades of terminals via the diagnostic system, thereby reducing on-site maintenance costs.
Against the backdrop of the large-scale development of renewable energy, Dingxin Smart Technology’s online monitoring system for collection line faults provides renewable energy power stations with a comprehensive end-to-end solution that integrates monitoring, early warning, location tracking, and analysis. This system safeguards the safe and efficient operation of renewable energy power stations, ensuring the effective utilization of electricity and enhancing the stations’ operational efficiency!
