Design and Development of a Fault Identifying Residual Current Device

Cowles, Drew (2020) Design and Development of a Fault Identifying Residual Current Device. [USQ Project]


Abstract

Electrical faults causing a circuit to fail are an ever-present and costly problem in the modern world. As every aspect of life is affected by electricity in some way, the inconvenience of prolonged power outages are felt by everyone. If the approaches to circuit repairs and maintenance were able to be improved, this would be greatly beneficial for many different reasons to many different people.

This project investigates the possibility of circuit protecting that can identify the type of fault that is likely to have occurred. Such a device is the fault identifying residual current device. It adopts many existing electronic techniques that achieve a similar result, however, it’s permanently connected interpretation of circuit characteristics differentiate it from existing designs. By packaging the device into a simplistic and small form factor, one that replicates existing residual current devices, it has a very wide scope of application. Not only will it make fault finding easier and faster for a technician, it will also reduce downtime for time critical circuits, lower repair costs and instigate preventative maintenance. All of these aspects are important to a wide variety of consumers.

This project will examine the feasibility and process of developing a device that can achieve this. By progressing through a methodical approach that provides a strong foundation of information to build upon, a measured and well implemented solution to the problem will be developed. By reviewing the literature surrounding the topics of measurement devices, measurement theory and prototyping, a strong foundation will be achieved. An appreciation for the topic will be gained while pinpointing areas in which a knowledge gap exists. This is where the application of this device will fall within and complement the existing literature. The project will then highlight the methodology used in order to achieve a viable outcome for the device. This includes the aims/objectives, experimentation through prototyping, data collection/analysis, required resources and an intended project timeline.

By following this methodology, this project aims to produce a viable product that operates as intended by providing additional information to a service technician repairing an electrical circuit.


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Item Type: USQ Project
Item Status: Live Archive
Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: Historic - Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (1 Jul 2013 - 31 Dec 2021)
Supervisors: Phythian, Mark
Qualification: Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Electrical and Electronic )
Date Deposited: 24 Aug 2021 01:50
Last Modified: 26 Jun 2023 04:00
URI: https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/43070

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