WO2013035110A2

WO2013035110A2 - System and method for monitoring and restoring a fault occurring in an electric transmission and distribution network

Info

Publication number: WO2013035110A2
Application number: PCT/IN2012/000592
Authority: WO
Inventors: Surendran NAGILLA
Original assignee: Enersys Astra Limited
Priority date: 2011-09-09
Filing date: 2012-09-06
Publication date: 2013-03-14
Also published as: WO2013035110A3

Abstract

A system and method for monitoring and restoring a fault occurring in an electric transmission and distribution network are disclosed. The system includes a plurality of fault location indicators including a plurality of rechargeable batteries wirelessly charged by radio frequency power, at least one light emitting diode and at least one day visible rotatable flap,communicatively mounted on an overhead line for monitoring and indicating faults occurring in the electric transmission and distribution network, at least one authenticated hand held controller for checking, collecting, configuring, adjusting operating characteristics of the plurality of fault location indicators, at least one data communication gateway for receiving and reporting a fault indication data of the plurality of fault location indicators to a remote control server through a long range communication network, a power management application platform configured in the remote control server for generating a load flow analysis report.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING AND RESTORING A FAULT OCCURING IN AN ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION NETWORK

Technical Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of an electric transmission and distribution monitoring system. More particularly the present invention relates to a system and method for monitoring and restoring a fault occurring in an electric transmission and distribution network.

Background of the Invention

[0002] Generally, power distribution system used by electric utilities experience various faults that disrupt transmission of electricity. It is important for the electric utilities to locate and repair the fault as quickly as possible to restore electrical service within minimal down time. In practice, as the power transmission or distribution system extends over large distances, it is essential for repair crews to patrol entire power line section. Thus, locating the faults is time consuming and expensive due to lost revenue and cost of lengthy trouble shooting.

[0003] Conventionally, with the improved technology various types of power system protective, monitoring, and control devices including protective relays, faulted circuit indicators came into existence. Especially, faulted circuit indicators play a vital role in detecting and indicating the faults and locations of faulted conductors to decrease duration of power outages and improve reliability of the power distribution systems.

[0004] Typically, conventional faulted circuit indicator includes a two-way radio communication which communicates the fault occurrence to an intelligent module installed apart from the faulted circuit indicator. The intelligent module utilizes existing telephone network to communicate the fault occurrence to the remote monitoring site and further triggering dispatch of a team to the fault site. However, this system is vulnerable to phone network outages. It is mandatory for the crew dispatched to the fault site to monitor a readout located on the intelligent module to ensure that the fault is properly cleared.

[0005] Conventionally, existing fault locating systems include stand-alone fault detection devices deployed on distribution feeders that emit light or audible alarm signal on detecting an abnormal high current magnitude. But, this approach does not eliminate the need for repair crews to examine long stretches of power line as part of troubleshooting a line fault. The existing fault monitoring systems sometimes indicates a momentary imbalance of the power distribution circuit as an actual fault due to improper monitoring elements. The existing fault monitoring systems requires a crew to visit and set/ reset operating characteristics of the fault location monitoring devices installed on the overhead line and it is highly a tedious and time consuming process. Additionally, the fault location indicator (FLI) displays a binary result indicating the existence of the fault but fails to display a present status of the power ti'ansmission line. Prior FLIs are reset by a manual trigger which requires a technician to manually manipulate the FLI to remove the fault indication. But, a false fault indication increases amount of time necessary for a technician to diagnose and repair an actual fault.

[0006] Typically, the fault location indicators are powered through current passing in transmission line, a battery which harvests energy from the current in the transmission line by using a current transformer, sources including solar, inductive, biological, or mechanical means. However, inconsistent nature of these sources requires the FLIs to capture the energy and store it for later use.

[0007] Conventionally, difficulties in powering FLIs include a problem limiting the FLIs lifespan and usefulness. The possibility in obtaining power from the current transformer becomes limited with the occurrence of the fault in the power transmission. Powering of the FLIs using supercapacitors is a conventional solution as the supercapacitors work well only in applications that operate in environments close to 25 degrees Celsius. Thus, the supercapacitors fail to provide necessary functionality in extreme environments of remote sensing applications. [0008] Typically, conventional FLIs cannot monitor the conditions on a transmission line that increases risks to the life or performance of the transmission line. As power surges at certain levels are not sufficient to result in a fault condition indicated by the existing FLIs and occurrence of the surges shortens the life of a transmission line and any transformers or other equipment attached to the transmission line. Additionally, the conventional FLIs are unable to detect conditions such as excess heat or vibration on the transmission line which indicates a problem on a transmission line until a fault occurs. As a result, this inability results in a loss of service for customers which may be avoided through an early diagnosis of the condition. The conventional fault monitoring systems are unable to accurately analyze an exact power utilization and load of the monitored power transmission line.

[0009] There exists a need to develop a system and method for a real time detection and analysis of fault occurrences and restoration of an electric transmission and distribution network which eliminate aforementioned drawbacks.

Brief Summary of the Invention

[0010] The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding to the reader. This summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure and it does not identify key/critical elements of the invention or delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts disclosed herein in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0011] A more complete appreciation of the present invention and the scope thereof can be obtained from the accompanying drawings which are briefly summarized below and the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments.

[0012] A system and method for monitoring and restoring a fault occurring in an electric transmission and distribution network are disclosed. According to a first aspect of the present invention, the system for monitoring and restoring the fault occurring in the electric transmission and distribution network includes a plurality of fault location indicators each assigned with an unique identification code including a plurality of rechargeable batteries wirelessly charged by radio frequency power, at least one light emitting diode, and at least one day visible rotatable flap, communicatively mounted on an overhead line for monitoring and indicating faults occurring in the electric transmission and distribution network. The plurality of fault location indicators powered by at least one of an inductive pick up from high voltage conductor, a rechargeable battery, a solar panel and a current passing through the electric transmission line. The plurality of rechargeable batteries wirelessly charged by the radio frequency power generated from the at least one data communication gateway. The at least one light emitting diode and the at least one day visible rotatable flap indicates the occurrence of the fault in the electric transmission and distribution network.

[0013] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the system for monitoring and restoring the fault occurring in the electric transmission and distribution network includes at least one authenticated hand held controller for checking, collecting, configuring, adjusting operating characteristics of the plurality of fault location indicators, whereby the plurality of fault location indicators assigned with an unique operating code to communicate with the at least one authenticated hand held controller.

[0014] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the system for monitoring and restoring the fault occurring in the electric transmission and distribution network includes at least one data communication gateway for receiving and reporting a fault indication data of the plurality of fault location indicators to a remote control server through a long range communication network, whereby the at least one data communication gateway including at least one fault location indicator positioning receiver for determining geographical coordinates corresponding to the plurality of fault location indicators and at least one four quadrant metering device for identifying the fault occurring in the electric transmission and distribution network. The fault indication data includes at least one of the fault occurred in the electric transmission and distribution network, an operating flow of current passing in the electric transmission and distribution network, the operating flow of voltage passing in the electric transmission and distribution network and a status of the rechargeable battery. The at least one data communication gateway further reports the geographical coordinates corresponding to the plurality of fault location indicators to the remote control server. The unique identification code and the geographical coordinates corresponding to the plurality of fault location indicators enables the remote control server to determine a fault location. The at least one data communication gateway receives the fault indication data and further checks, collects, configures, adjusts the operating characteristics of the plurality of fault location indicators through a short range communication network. The long range communication network includes at least one of a global system for mobile communication (GSM) network, a general packet radio service (GPRS) network, a public switched telephone network (PSTN), a broadband over power line, a wi max network and a Wi-Fi network. The short range communication network includes at least one of a radio frequency network, a Wi-Fi network, a 61owPAN network, a zigbee network and a power line carrier communication (PLCC) network.

[0015] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the system for monitoring and restoring the fault occurring in the electric transmission and distribution network includes a power management application platform configured in the remote control server for generating a load flow analysis report by analyzing the fault indication data of the plurality of fault location indicators reported by the at least one data communication gateway, whereby the power management application platform calculates VAR component through the fault indication data reported by the at least one data communication gateway and accordingly switching capacitor banks to improve efficiency of the electric transmission and distribution network. The power management application platform configures the at least one data communication gateway through the long range communication network.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for monitoring and restoring a fault occurring in an electric transmission and distribution network includes a step of monitoring and indicating faults occurring in the electric transmission and distribution network through a plurality of fault location indicators each assigned with an unique identification code. [0017] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the method for monitoring and restoring the fault occurring in the electric transmission and distribution network includes a step of checking, collecting, configuring, adjusting operating characteristics of the plurality of fault location indicators by at least one authenticated hand held controller, whereby the plurality of fault location indicators assigned with an unique operating code to communicate with the at least one authenticated hand held controller.

[0018] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the method for monitoring and restoring the fault occurring in the electric transmission and distribution network includes a step of receiving and reporting a fault indication data of the plurality of fault location indicators to a remote control server by at least one data communication gateway through a long range communication network. The method includes a step of receiving the fault indication data of the plurality of fault location indicators by the at least one data communication gateway through a short range communication network and a step of reporting the geographical coordinates of each of the plurality of fault location indicators to the remote control server by the at least one data communication gateway.

[0019] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the method for monitoring and restoring the fault occurring in the electric transmission and distribution network includes a step of determining geographical coordinates corresponding to the plurality of fault location indicators by at least one fault location indicator positioning receiver in the at least one data communication gateway.

[0020] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the method for monitoring and restoring the fault occurring in the electric transmission and distribution network includes a step of identifying the fault occurring in the electric transmission and distribution network by at least one four quadrant metering device in the at least one data communication gateway.

[0021] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the method for monitoring and restoring the fault occurring in the electric transmission and distribution network includes a step of generating a load flow analysis report by a power management application platform configured in the remote control server by analyzing the fault indication data of the plurality of fault location indicators reported by the at least one data communication gateway

[0022] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the method for monitoring and restoring the fault occurring in the electric transmission and distribution network includes a step of calculating VAR component by the power management application platform through the fault indication data reported by the at least one data communication gateway and accordingly switching capacitor banks to improve efficiency of the electric transmission and distribution network.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this present disclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the present disclosure will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the present disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0024] FIG. 1 is a diagram depicting an overview of a system for monitoring and restoring a fault occurring in an electric transmission and distribution network

[0025] FIG. 2 is a diagram depicting a fault location indicator.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a diagram depicting a system for management of a fault location indicator.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0027] It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0028] The use of "including", "comprising" or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. The terms "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. Further, the use of terms "first", "second", and "third", and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. For a better understanding, components of the described embodiment are labeled with three digit component numbers. In general, the same first digit is used throughout the entire component numbers numbered and labeled within a figure. Like components are designated by like reference numerals throughout the various figures.

[0029] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed towards a system and method for monitoring and restoring a fault occurring in an electric transmission and distribution network. According to a first aspect of the present invention, the system for monitoring and restoring the fault occurring in the electric transmission and distribution network includes a plurality of fault location indicators each assigned with an unique identification code including a plurality of rechargeable batteries wirelessly charged by radio frequency power, at least one light emitting diode, and at least one day visible rotatable flap, communicatively mounted on an overhead line for monitoring and indicating faults occurring in the electric transmission and distribution network. The plurality of fault location indicators powered by at least one of an inductive pick up from high voltage conductor, a rechargeable battery, a solar panel and a current passing through the electric transmission line. The plurality of rechargeable batteries wirelessly charged by the radio frequency power generated from the at least one data communication gateway. The at least one light emitting diode and the at least one day visible rotatable flap indicates the occurrence of the fault in the electric transmission and distribution network. [0030] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the system for monitoring and restoring the fault occurring in the electric transmission and distribution network includes at least one authenticated hand held controller for checking, collecting, configuring, adjusting operating characteristics of the plurality of fault location indicators, whereby the plurality of fault location indicators assigned with an unique operating code to communicate with the at least one authenticated hand held controller.

[0031] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the system for monitoring and restoring the fault occurring in the electric transmission and distribution network includes at least one data communication gateway for receiving and reporting a fault indication data of the plurality of fault location indicators to a remote control server through a long range communication network, whereby the at least one data communication gateway including at least one fault location indicator positioning receiver for determining geographical coordinates corresponding to the plurality of fault location indicators and at least one four quadrant metering device for identifying the fault occurring in the electric transmission and distribution network. The fault indication data includes at least one of the fault occurred in the electric transmission and distribution network, an operating flow of current passing in the electric transmission and distribution network, the operating flow of voltage passing in the electric transmission and distribution network and a status of the rechargeable battery. The at least one data communication gateway further reports the geographical coordinates corresponding to the plurality of fault location indicators to the remote control server. The unique identification code and the geographical coordinates corresponding to the plurality of fault location indicators enables the remote control server to determine a fault location. The at least one data communication gateway receives the fault indication data and further checks, collects, configures, adjusts the operating characteristics of the plurality of fault location indicators through a short range communication network. The long range communication network includes at least one of a global system for mobile communication (GSM) network, a general packet radio service (GPRS) network, a public switched telephone network (PSTN), a broadband over power line, a wi max network and a Wi-Fi network. The short range communication network includes at least one of a radio frequency network, a Wi-Fi network, a 61owPAN network, a zigbee network and a power line carrier communication (PLCC) network.

[0032] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the system for monitoring and restoring the fault occurring in the electric transmission and distribution network includes a power management application platform configured in the remote control server for generating a load flow analysis report by analyzing the fault indication data of the plurality of fault location indicators reported by the at least one data communication gateway, whereby the power management application platform calculates VAR component through the fault indication data reported by the at least one data communication gateway and accordingly switching capacitor banks to improve efficiency of the electric transmission and distribution network. The power management application platform configures the at least one data communication gateway through the long range communication network.

[0033] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for monitoring and restoring a fault occurring in an electric transmission and distribution network includes a step of monitoring and indicating faults occurring in the electric transmission and distribution network through a plurality of fault location indicators each assigned with an unique identification code.

[0034] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the method for monitoring and restoring the fault occurring in the electric transmission and distribution network includes a step of checking, collecting, configuring, adjusting operating characteristics of the plurality of fault location indicators by at least one authenticated hand held controller, whereby the plurality of fault location indicators assigned with an unique operating code to communicate with the at least one authenticated hand held controller.

[0035] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the method for monitoring and restoring the fault occurring in the electric transmission and distribution network includes a step of receiving and reporting a fault indication data of the plurality of fault location indicators to a remote control server by at least one data communication gateway through a long range communication network. The method includes a step of receiving the fault indication data of the plurality of fault location indicators by the at least one data communication gateway through a short range communication network and a step of reporting the geographical coordinates of each of the plurality of fault location indicators to the remote control server by the at least one data communication gateway.

[0036] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the method for monitoring and restoring the fault occurring in the electric transmission and distribution network includes a step of determining geographical coordinates corresponding to the plurality of fault location indicators by at least one fault location indicator positioning receiver in the at least one data communication gateway.

[0037] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the method for monitoring and restoring the fault occurring in the electric transmission and distribution network includes a step of identifying the fault occurring in the electric transmission and distribution network by at least one four quadrant metering device in the at least one data communication gateway.

[0038] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the method for monitoring and restoring the fault occurring in the electric transmission and distribution network includes a step of generating a load flow analysis report by a power management application platform configured in the remote control server by analyzing the fault indication data of the plurality of fault location indicators reported by the at least one data communication gateway.

[0039] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the method for monitoring and restoring the fault occurring in the electric transmission and distribution network includes a step of calculating VAR component by the power management application platform through the fault indication data reported by the at least one data communication gateway and accordingly switching capacitor banks to improve efficiency of the electric transmission and distribution network. [0040] Referring to FIG.l is a diagram 100 depicting an overview of a system for monitoring and restoring a fault occurring in an electric transmission and distribution network. According to a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the system includes multiple fault location indicators 102a, 102b, 102c, a GSM/GPRS (global system for mobile communication/ general packet radio service) communication gateway 104, and a remote control server 106. The multiple fault location indicators 102a, 102b, 102c are communicatively mounted on an overhead line for monitoring and indicating faults occurring in the electric transmission and distribution network. Each of the multiple fault location indicators 102a, 102b, 102c includes light emitting diodes, a day visible rotatable flap and multiple rechargeable batteries. The light emitting diodes and the rotation of the day visible rotatable flap indicates the occurrence of the fault in the transmission and distribution network.

[0041] In accordance with a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, each of the multiple fault location indicators 102a, 102b, 102c is powered by an inductive pick up from high voltage conductor, the multiple rechargeable batteries, a solar panel and a current passing through the electric transmission line. The multiple rechargeable batteries are charged by a radio frequency power generated from the GSM/GPRS communication gateway 104. Each of the multiple fault location indicators 102a, 102b, 102c is hermetically sealed for protection from adverse environmental effects. The multiple fault location indicators 102a, 102b, 102c each assigned with an unique identification code.

[0042] According to a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the GSM/GPRS communication gateway 104 receives a fault indication data from the multiple fault location indicators 102a, 102b, 102c through a short range communication network. The fault indication data includes the fault occurred in the electric transmission and distribution network, an operating flow of current passing in the electric transmission and distribution network, the operating flow of voltage passing in the electric transmission and distribution network, a status of the rechargeable battery. [0043] In accordance with a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the GSM/GPRS communication gateway 104 includes a fault location indicator positioning receiver and a four quadrant metering device. The fault location indicator positioning receiver determines geographical coordinates corresponding to the multiple fault location indicators. The four quadrant metering device identifies the fault of the electric transmission and distribution network. The GSM/GPRS communication gateway 104 checks, collects, configures, adjusts operating parameters of the multiple fault location indicators through the at least one short range communication network. The operating parameters include trip current, response delay, reset time delay, reset through recovering net voltage, re closer time, temporary fault indication, transient indication and the like.

[0044] According to a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the GSM/GPRS communication gateway 104 reports the fault indication data and the geographic coordinates corresponding to the multiple fault location indicators to the remote control server 106 through a long range communication network. The GSM/GPRS communication gateway includes a radio frequency module for communicating with the multiple fault location indicators 102a, 102b, 102c and a GSM module for communicating with the remote control server 106.

[0045] In accordance with a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the remote control server 106 is configured with a power management application platform for generating a load flow analysis report and a network diagram of the electric transmission and distribution network by analyzing the fault indication data reported by the GSM/GPRS communication gateway 104. The remote control server 106 identifies a fault location of the multiple fault location indicators through the unique identification code and the geographical coordinates corresponding to the multiple fault location indicators. The power management application platform calculates VAR component through the fault indication data and accordingly switches capacitor banks to improve efficiency of the electric transmission and distribution network. The calculation of the VAR component determines types of loads connected to the electric transmission and distribution network. The analysis of the load flow analysis report facilitates to improve the efficiency of the electric transmission and distribution network.

[0046] According to a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, multiple GSM/GPRS communication gateways are communicatively coupled to the remote control server 106 through the long range communication network for reporting the fault indication data and the geographic coordinates corresponding to the multiple fault location indicators. The power management application platform configures the GSM/GPRS communication gateway 104 with parameters including division name, subdivision name, circle name, substation number, distribution transformer number, customer number, pole number, data centre SIM card number, SDVl number in GSM module.

[0047] In accordance with a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the long range communication network includes a global system for mobile communication (GSM) network, a general packet radio service (GPRS) network, a public switched telephone network (PSTN), a broadband over power line, a wi max network, a Wi-Fi network and the like. The short range communication network includes a radio frequency network, a Wi-Fi network, a 61owPAN network, a zigbee network, a power line carrier communication (PLCC) network and the like.

[0048] Referring to FIG.2 is a diagram 200 depicting a fault location indicator. According to a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a system for monitoring and restoring a fault occurring in an electric transmission and distribution network. The system includes multiple fault location indicators for monitoring and indicating faults occurring in the electric transmission and distribution network. The multiple fault location indicators are communicatively mounted on an overhead line.

[0049] In accordance with a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, each of the multiple fault location indicators is housed with multiple light emitting diodes, a day visible rotatable flap 202, and multiple rechargeable batteries. The multiple light emitting diodes, a day visible rotatable flap 202 indicates the occurrence of the fault in the transmission and distribution network. The multiple fault location indicators are powered by an inductive pick up from high voltage conductor, a rechargeable battery, a solar panel and a current passing through the electric transmission line. Each of the multiple fault location indicators is hermetically sealed for protection from adverse environmental effects. Each of the multiple fault location indicators is assigned with an unique identification code. The multiple light emitting diodes are assigned with an unique operating code to communicate an authenticated hand held controller. The authenticated hand held controller checks, collects, configures, adjusts operating characteristics of the multiple fault location indicators.

[0050] According to a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the multiple fault location indicators transmit a fault indication data to a GSM/GPRS communication gateway through a short range communication network. A fault location indicator positioning receiver of the GSM/GPRS communication gateway determines geographical coordinates corresponding to the multiple fault location indicators. The fault indication data includes the fault occurred in the electric transmission and distribution network, an operating flow of current passing in the electric transmission and distribution network, the operating flow of voltage passing in the electric transmission and distribution network, a status of the rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery is charged by a radio frequency power generated from the GSM/GPRS communication gateway. The GSM/GPRS communication gateway checks, collects, configures, adjusts the operating characteristics of the multiple fault location indicators through the at least one short range communication network. The operating characteristics include trip current, response delay, reset time delay, reset through recovering net voltage, re closer time, temporary fault indication, transient indication and the like.

[0051] In accordance with a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the GSM/GPRS communication gateway reports the fault indication data and the geographic coordinates corresponding to the multiple fault location indicators to the remote control server through a long range communication network. A power management application platform configured in the remote control server generates a load flow analysis report and a network diagram of the electric transmission and distribution network by analyzing the fault indication data reported by the GSM/GPRS communication gateway. The fault location of the multiple fault location indicators is identified by the remote control server through the unique identification code and the geographical coordinates corresponding to the multiple fault location indicators. The analysis of the load flow analysis report facilitates to improve the efficiency of the electric transmission and distribution network. The power management application platform determines VAR component through the fault indication data and accordingly switches capacitor banks to improve efficiency of the electric transmission and distribution network.

[0052] Referring to FIG.3 is a diagram 300 depicting a system for management of a fault location indicator. According to a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the system includes multiple fault location indicators 302a, 302b, 302c, a GSM/GPRS (global system for mobile communication/ general packet radio service) communication gateway 304, an authenticated hand held controller 306 and a remote control server 308. The multiple fault location indicators 302a, 302b, 302c are communicatively mounted on an overhead line for monitoring and indicating faults occurring in the electric transmission and distribution network. Multiple rechargeable batteries are housed in the multiple fault location indicators 302a, 302b,302c. The multiple fault location indicators 302a, 302b, 302c are powered by multiple rechargeable batteries. Each of the multiple fault location indicators is assigned with an unique identification code and an unique operating code. The multiple rechargeable batteries are charged by a radio frequency power generated from the GSM/GPRS communication gateway 304.

[0053] In accordance with a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the GSM/GPRS (global system for mobile communication/ general packet radio service) communication gateway 304 and the authenticated hand held controller 306 checks, collects, configures, adjusts operating characteristics of the multiple fault location indicators 302a, 302b, 302c. The operating characteristics include trip current, response delay, reset time delay, reset through recovering net voltage, re closer time, temporary fault indication, transient indication and the like. The multiple light emitting diodes 302a, 302b, 302c with the unique operating code communicates with the authenticated hand held controller 306. The authenticated hand held controller 306 further determines a status of the multiple rechargeable batteries 302a, 302b, 302c.

[0054] According to a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the multiple rechargeable batteries 302a, 302b, 302c transmits a fault indication data to the GSM/GPRS communication gateway 304 through a short range communication network. The GSM/GPRS communication gateway 304 includes a fault location indicator positioning receiver for determining geographical coordinates corresponding to the multiple fault location indicators 302a, 302b, 302c. The GSM/GPRS communication gateway 304 reports the fault indication data and the geographical coordinates to the remote control server 308 through a long range communication network.

[0055] In accordance with a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the remote control server 308 includes a power management application platform for generating a load flow analysis report and further determines VAR component through the fault indication data reported the GSM/GPRS communication gateway 304. The load flow analysis report and the VAR component facilitates to improve efficiency of the electric transmission and distribution network. The remote control server 308 determines a fault location of the multiple fault location indicators 302a, 302b, 302c through the unique identification code and the geographical coordinates corresponding to the multiple fault location indicators 302a, 302b, 302c.

[0056] As will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art the present invention provides a variety of advantages. Firstly, present invention provides fault location indicators for efficient monitoring and indicating faults occurring in the electric transmission and distribution network. Secondly, the present invention facilitates installation of the fault location indicators without deactivating the overhead line. Thirdly, the present invention prevents the wrong indication of the fault location indicators by filtering short current peaks occurring in the electric transmission and distribution network. Fourthly, the present invention facilitates rechargeable batteries to be charged by wireless radio frequency power for powering the fault location indicators. Fifthly, the present invention provides a power management application platform for generating a load flow analysis report and further determines VAR component which facilitates to improve efficiency of the electric transmission and distribution network. Sixthly, the present invention improves efficiency of the electric transmission and distribution network by switching capacitor banks with reference to the determined VAR component. Seventhly, the present invention facilitates remotely configuring, checking, adjusting operating characteristics of the fault location indicators through a authenticated hand held controller and a GSM/GPRS communication gateway. Eightly, the present invention provides fault location indicators with multiple light emitting diodes, a day visible rotatable flap indicating the occurrence of the fault in the transmission and distribution network.

[0057] While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in detail to illustrate the inventive principles, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles.

Claims

5. CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A system for monitoring and restoring a fault occurring in an electric transmission and distribution network, comprising: a plurality of fault location indicators each assigned with an unique identification code comprising: a plurality of rechargeable batteries wirelessly charged by radio frequency power; at least one light emitting diode; and at least one day visible rotatable flap; communicatively mounted on an overhead line for monitoring and indicating faults occurring in the electric transmission and distribution network, whereby the plurality of fault location indicators further determines at least one of: a health the plurality of rechargeable batteries; capacity of the plurality of rechargeable batteries; a charging and a discharging current; a direction of current; a charge cycle count; a discharge cycle count; an operating state of current; and an operating state of ^"voltage; at least one authenticated hand held controller for checking, collecting, configuring, adjusting operating characteristics of the plurality of fault location indicators, whereby the plurality of fault location indicators assigned with an unique operating code to communicate with the at least one authenticated hand held controller; at least one data communication gateway for receiving and reporting a fault indication data of the plurality of fault location indicators to a remote control server through a long range communication network, whereby the at least one data communication gateway comprising: at least one fault location indicator positioning receiver for determining geographical coordinates corresponding to the plurality of fault location indicators; and at least one four quadrant metering device for identifying the fault occurring in the electric transmission and distribution network; and a power management application platform configured in the remote control server for generating a load flow analysis report by analyzing the fault indication data of the plurality of fault location indicators reported by the at least one data communication gateway, whereby the power management application platform calculates VAR component through the fault indication data reported by the at least one data communication gateway and accordingly switching capacitor banks to improve efficiency of the electric transmission and distribution network.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of fault location indicators powered by at least one of : an inductive pick up from high voltage conductor; a rechargeable battery; a solar panel; and a current passing through the electric transmission line.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the fault indication data comprises at least one of: the fault occurred in the electric transmission and distribution network; an operating flow of current passing in the electric transmission and distribution network; the operating flow of voltage passing in the electric transmission and distribution network; and a status of the rechargeable battery.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of rechargeable batteries wirelessly charged by the radio frequency power generated from the at least one data communication gateway.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one data communication gateway further reports the geographical coordinates corresponding to the plurality of fault location indicators to the remote control server.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the unique identification code and the geographical coordinates corresponding to the plurality of fault location indicators enables the remote control server to determine a fault location.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the power management application platform configures the at least one data communication gateway through the long range communication network.

8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one data communication gateway receives the fault indication data and further checks, collects, configures, adjusts the operating characteristics of the plurality of fault location indicators through a short range communication network.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the long range communication network comprises at least one of: a global system for mobile communication(GSM) network; a general packet radio service (GPRS) network; a public switched telephone network (PSTN); a broadband over power line; a wi max network; and a Wi-Fi network.

10. The system of claim 1 , wherein the short range communication network comprises at least one of: a radio frequency network; a Wi-Fi network; a 61owP AN network; a zigbee network; and a power line carrier communication (PLCC) network.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one light emitting diode and the at least one day visible rotatable flap indicates the occurrence of the fault in the electric transmission and distribution network.

12. A method for monitoring and restoring a fault occurring in an electric transmission and distribution network, comprising: a step of monitoring and indicating faults occurring in the electric transmission and distribution network through a plurality of fault location indicators each assigned with an unique identification code; a step of checking, collecting, configuring, adjusting operating characteristics of the plurality of fault location indicators by at least one authenticated hand held controller, whereby the plurality of fault location indicators assigned with an unique operating code to communicate with the at least one authenticated hand held controller; a step of receiving and reporting a fault indication data of the plurality of fault location indicators to a remote control server by at least one data communication gateway through a long range communication network; a step of determining geographical coordinates corresponding to the plurality of fault location indicators by at least one fault location indicator positioning receiver in the at least one data communication gateway; a step of identifying the fault occurring in the electric transmission and distribution network by at least one four quadrant metering device in the at least one data communication gateway; a step of generating a load flow analysis report by a power management application platform configured in the remote control server by analyzing the fault indication data of the plurality of fault location indicators reported by the at least one data communication gateway; and a step of calculating VAR component by the power management application platform through the fault indication data reported by the at least one data communication gateway and accordingly switching capacitor banks to improve efficiency of the electric transmission and distribution network.

13. The method of claim 12, comprising a step of receiving the fault indication data of the plurality of fault location indicators by the at least one data communication gateway through a short range communication network.

14. The method of claim 12, comprising a step of reporting the geographical coordinates of each of the plurality of fault location indicators to the remote control server by the at least one data communication gateway.