Method for Localization Aerial Target in AC Electric Field Based on Sensor Circular Array.

Area of Science:

• Electrical Engineering
• Electromagnetics
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• Traditional electric field sensors struggle to measure the distance to dangerous electrical sources, limiting early warning capabilities for power safety.
• Existing methods lack the precision required for accurate localization of aerial AC targets in high-voltage environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel method for localizing aerial AC targets using a capacitive one-dimensional spherical electric field sensor circular array.
• To enable direct measurement of distance, elevation, and azimuth from dangerous AC electric field sources.
• To establish an optimal sensor layout for minimizing localization error and interference.

Main Methods:

• A mathematical model was created by integrating spherical electric field sensor principles with circular array theory.
• Localization error was simulated using Gaussian noise and analyzed for various layout parameters.
• A genetic algorithm was employed to optimize sensor layout based on mutual interference, minimum induced charge, and localization error.

Main Results:

• The optimized sensor layout (4 sensors, 20 cm array radius, 1.5 cm sensor radius) achieved an 8.4% ranging error.
• Experimental verification at 10 kV and 35 kV alarm distances demonstrated low localization errors (e.g., 0.18 m distance error at 10 kV).
• The developed detector met safety distance warning requirements for 10 kV and 35 kV voltage levels.

Conclusions:

• The proposed capacitive spherical electric field sensor circular array method accurately localizes aerial AC targets.
• The system provides reliable distance, elevation, and azimuth data, crucial for electric power safety early warning.
• The optimized sensor layout and developed detector fulfill the practical requirements for monitoring safety distances in high-voltage applications.