METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR REAL-TIME MULTI-DIMENSIONAL MODELLING OF TRANSMISSION TOWERS

A method and system for real-time multi-dimensional modelling of transmission towers. The system 100 includes a processing subsystem hosted on a server. The processing subsystem includes an input module to receive input data from a user. The input data includes information of a plurality of parameters and count of slopes required to model a transmission tower. Further, the processing subsystem includes a generating module to generate a parameter table, panel information table, a multi-dimensional model and a plurality of output files of the transmission tower. Furthermore, the processing subsystem includes a pattern generation module to construct one or more patterns of the multi-dimensional model. Moreover, the processing subsystem includes a display module to present the multi-dimensional model along with the one or more patterns to the user.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from a patent application filed in India having Patent Application No. 202241048313, filed on Aug. 24, 2022, and titled “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR REAL-TIME MULTI-DIMENSIONAL MODELLING OF TRANSMISSION TOWERS.”

FIELD OF INVENTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the field of power engineering, and more particularly, a system and a method for multi-dimensional modelling of transmission towers in real-time.

BACKGROUND

Transmission towers is a structure set up for the purpose of transmitting and receiving power, radio, telecommunication, electrical, television and other electromagnetic signals. The transmission towers support the high-voltage conductors of overhead power lines. Typically, the transmission towers are tall structures, their height being much more that their lateral dimensions. The height of the transmission towers is fixed by a user and the structural designer has the task of designing the general configuration, member, and the joint details.

A high voltage transmission line structure is a complex structure, and its design (also referred to ‘tower geometry’) is characterized by special requirements to be met from both electrical and structural points of view. The user decides the general shape of the tower in respect of its height and the length of its cross arms that carry electrical conductors. Further, the shape, height and sturdiness (mechanical strength) depend on the stresses to which they are exposed.

Typically, tower geometry is time consuming and increases with the complexity of its design. Additionally, body wind load calculations are also time consuming both in creation and modification. To achieve accurate and optimized tower design, several geometry configurations need to be analyzed thus making the designer spend additional time in geometry, body wind loads and weight calculation.

Currently, the increasing demand for electrical energy can be met by developing different configurations of transmission line towers. However, the modelling of the transmission towers remains a challenge. The manual effort for creating the complex structure is a tedious process.

Hence, there is a need for an improved system and method for a faster and easier multi-dimensional modelling of transmission towers in real-time which addresses the aforementioned issue(s).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for multi-dimensional modelling of transmission towers in real-time is provided. The system includes a processing subsystem hosted on a server. The processing subsystem is configured to execute on a network to control bidirectional communications among a plurality of modules. The processing subsystem includes an input module operatively coupled with a user interface. The input module is configured to receive input data comprising of a plurality of parameters in succession and a count of a plurality of slopes required to model a transmission tower from a user. The plurality of parameters comprises information of the plurality of slopes, base width and top width of the plurality of slopes and information of a plurality of panels. Further, the processing subsystem includes a generating module operatively coupled to the input module configured to: generate a parameter table in response to the user selecting a base shape of the transmission tower, wherein the parameter table is generated by auto-calculation of values corresponding to the plurality of slopes and the plurality of parameters received from the user, generate a panel information table based on the generated parameter table and generate a multi-dimensional model of the transmission tower in real-time based on the panel information table along with a plurality of output files. Furthermore, the processing subsystem includes a pattern generation module operatively coupled to the generating module, wherein the pattern generation module is configured to construct one or more patterns of the multi-dimensional model of the transmission tower and subsequently the one or more patterns is stored in a database. Moreover, the processing subsystem includes a display module to present the multi-dimensional model of the transmission tower along with the one or more patterns to the user. The processing subsystem also includes an optimizing module operatively coupled to the generating module and configured to receive optimization parameters for the generated multi-dimensional model of the transmission tower based on one or more natural factors, wherein the natural factors comprise of wind loads and weight of the plurality of structures. The processing subsystem also includes a recommendation module operatively coupled with the pattern generation module and configured to: validate the geometry data for overloading conditions and subsequently rendering suggestions to withstand the overloading conditions by altering the geometry data and validate the geometry data for overloading conditions and subsequently rendering suggestions to withstand the overloading conditions by altering the geometry data.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for multi-dimensional modelling of transmission towers in real-time is provided. The method includes receiving input data comprising of a plurality of parameters in succession and a plurality of slopes required to model a transmission tower from a user, wherein the plurality of parameters comprises information of the plurality of slopes, base width, and top width of the plurality of slopes and information of a plurality of panels. The method also includes generating a parameter table in response to the user selecting a base shape of the transmission tower, wherein the parameter table is generated by auto-calculation of values corresponding to the plurality of slopes and the plurality of parameters received from the user. The method also includes generating a panel information table based on the generated parameter table. The method also includes generating a multi-dimensional model of the transmission tower in real-time based on the panel information table along with a plurality of output files. Further, the method includes constructing one or more patterns of the multi-dimensional model of the transmission tower. Furthermore, the method includes presenting the multi-dimensional model of the transmission tower along with the one or more patterns to the user. Moreover, the method includes validating the geometry data for overloading conditions and subsequently rendering suggestions to withstand the overloading conditions by altering the geometry data. The method also includes recommending one or more combinations of assembling the transmission tower based on geographical and climatic conditions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a system and a method for multi-dimensional modelling of transmission towers in real-time. The system includes a processing subsystem hosted on a server. The processing subsystem is configured to execute on a network to control bidirectional communications among a plurality of modules The processing subsystem includes an input module operatively coupled with a user interface. The input module is configured to receive input data comprising of a plurality of parameters in succession and a count of a plurality of slopes required to model a transmission tower from a user. The plurality of parameters comprises information of the plurality of slopes, base width and top width of the plurality of slopes and information of a plurality of panels. Further, the processing subsystem includes a generating module operatively coupled to the input module configured to: generate a parameter table in response to the user selecting a base shape of the transmission tower, wherein the parameter table is generated by auto-calculation of values corresponding to the plurality of slopes and the plurality of parameters received from the user, generate a panel information table based on the generated parameter table and generate a multi-dimensional model of the transmission tower in real-time based on the panel information table along with a plurality of output files. Furthermore, the processing subsystem includes a pattern generation module operatively coupled to the generating module, wherein the pattern generation module is configured to construct one or more patterns of the multi-dimensional model of the transmission tower. Moreover, the processing subsystem includes a display module to present the multi-dimensional model of the transmission tower along with the one or more patterns to the user. The processing subsystem also includes an optimizing module operatively coupled to the generating module and configured to receive optimization parameters for the generated multi-dimensional model of the transmission tower based on one or more natural factors, wherein the natural factors comprise of wind loads and weight of the plurality of structures. The processing subsystem also includes a recommendation module operatively coupled with the pattern generation module and configured to: validate the geometry data for overloading conditions and subsequently rendering suggestions to withstand the overloading conditions by altering the geometry data and validate the geometry data for overloading conditions and subsequently rendering suggestions to withstand the overloading conditions by altering the geometry data.

FIG.1is a block diagram representation of a system100for real-time multi-dimensional modelling of transmission towers in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system100includes a processing subsystem105hosted on a server108. In one embodiment, the server108may include a cloud-based server. In another embodiment, parts of the server108may be a local server coupled to a user device (not shown inFIG.1). The processing subsystem105is configured to execute on a network115to control bidirectional communications among a plurality of modules. In one example, the network115may be a private or public local area network (LAN) or Wide Area Network (WAN), such as the Internet. In another embodiment, the network115may include both wired and wireless communications according to one or more standards and/or via one or more transport mediums. In one example, the network115may include wireless communications according to one of the 802.11 or Bluetooth specification sets, or another standard or proprietary wireless communication protocol. In yet another embodiment, the network115may also include communications over a terrestrial cellular network, including, a global system for mobile communications (GSM), code division multiple access (CDMA), and/or enhanced data for global evolution (EDGE) network.

The processing subsystem105is configured with a machine-readable program (herein referred as “TowGeom”) that can execute an advanced 3D graphics tool to perform the method disclosed herein. The tool generates the geometry of transmission towers in a very minimal time (for instance, ten minutes), creates body wind loads and tower weights. It is to be noted that currently the tool supports for PLS-Tower, however, should not be limited to the said.

The system100includes an input module110configured to receive input data from a user. The input data comprises a plurality of parameters in succession and a count of a plurality of slopes required to model a transmission tower. Further, the plurality of parameters comprises information of the plurality of slopes, base width and top width of the plurality of slopes and information of a plurality of panels.

In one embodiment, the plurality of parameters includes slopes, panels, members, nodes and extensions of the transmission tower in succession.

In one embodiment, the input data is validated upon receiving to detect the presence of errors and subsequently report the errors to the user.

The system100also includes a generating module120operatively coupled to the input module. The generating module is configured to generate a parameter table in response to the user selecting a base shape of the transmission tower and generate a panel information table based on the generated parameter table. The parameter table is generated by auto-calculation of values corresponding to the plurality of slopes and the plurality of parameters received from the user. The generating module is also configured to generate a multi-dimensional model of the transmission tower in real-time based on the panel information table along with a plurality of output files.

In one embodiment, the multi-dimensional model comprises a two-dimensional (2D) graphical representation and a three-dimensional (3D) graphical representation of the transmission tower. The two-dimensional graphical representation is used for reporting purposes whereas the three-dimensional graphical representation is used to display a precise interpretation of the transmission tower to the user.

In one embodiment, the output files are forwarded to a third-party application. It is to be noted that the third-party application refers to a tower designing application such as PLS-Tower.

The system100also includes a pattern generation module130operatively coupled to the generating module, wherein the pattern generation module is configured to construct one or more patterns of the multi-dimensional model of the transmission tower. In one embodiment, the one or more patterns are created with multiple combinations of extensions associated to the transmission tower.

In one embodiment, the one or more patterns of the multi-dimensional model of the transmission tower is stored in a pattern library, wherein the patten library allows the user to select a desired tower pattern for subsequent modelling process.

The system100also includes an optimization module140operatively coupled to the pattern generation module130and is configured to receive optimization parameters for the generated multi-dimensional model of the transmission tower based on one or more natural factors. The natural factors comprise of body wind loads and weight of the plurality of structures. In one embodiment, the optimization module140automatically computes the body wind area with respect to distribution to wind on levels of a transverse face and longitudinal face. Additionally, the body wind area is calculated for 0-degree wind, 30-degree wind and 45-degree wind. Specifically, the body wind area is automatically updated in response to changes in section size and redundant size which are referred from an angle database170.

The system100also includes a recommendation module150operatively coupled to the pattern generation module130and is configured to validate the geometry data for tower clearances and subsequently rendering suggestions by altering the geometry data. In one embodiment, errors that are identified in the geometry data may be displayed with the aid of visual representations such as red circles. The recommendation module150is also configured to recommend one or more combinations of assembling the transmission tower based on geographical and climatic conditions.

The system100also includes a display module to present the multi-dimensional model of the transmission tower along with the one or more patterns to the user.

FIG.2a-FIG.2eare exemplary models of transmission towers in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG.3is a block diagram of a computer or a server in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The server208includes processor(s)230, and memory210operatively coupled to the bus220. The processor(s)230, as used herein, means any type of computational circuit, such as, but not limited to, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a complex instruction set computing microprocessor, a reduced instruction set computing microprocessor, a very long instruction word microprocessor, an explicitly parallel instruction computing microprocessor, a digital signal processor, or any other type of processing circuit, or a combination thereof.

The memory210includes several subsystems stored in the form of executable program which instructs the processor230to perform the method steps illustrated inFIG.1. The memory210includes a processing subsystem105ofFIG.1. The processing subsystem105further has following modules: an input module110, a generating module120, a pattern generation module130, an optimization module140, a recommendation module150and a display module160.

The input module110is configured to receive input data comprising of a plurality of parameters in succession and a count of a plurality of slopes required to model a transmission tower from a user. The plurality of parameters comprises information of the plurality of slopes, base width and top width of the plurality of slopes and information of a plurality of panels. Further, the generating module120is operatively coupled to the input module configured to: generate a parameter table in response to the user selecting a base shape of the transmission tower, wherein the parameter table is generated by auto-calculation of values corresponding to the plurality of slopes and the plurality of parameters received from the user, generate a panel information table based on the generated parameter table and generate a multi-dimensional model of the transmission tower in real-time based on the panel information table along with a plurality of output files. Furthermore, the pattern generation module130is operatively coupled to the generating module, wherein the pattern generation module is configured to construct one or more patterns of the multi-dimensional model of the transmission tower. In one embodiment, the one or more patterns are created with multiple combinations of extensions associated to the transmission tower. The optimizing module140is operatively coupled to the generating module and configured to receive optimization parameters for the generated multi-dimensional model of the transmission tower based on one or more natural factors, wherein the natural factors comprise of wind loads and weight of the plurality of structures. The recommendation module150is operatively coupled with the pattern generation module and configured to: validate the geometry data for tower clearances and subsequently rendering suggestions to the user by altering the geometry data and validate the geometry data and subsequently rendering suggestions to withstand the overloading conditions by altering the geometry data. Moreover, the display module160is configured to present the multi-dimensional model of the transmission tower along with the one or more patterns to the user.

The bus220as used herein refers to be internal memory channels or computer network that is used to connect computer components and transfer data between them. The bus220includes a serial bus or a parallel bus, wherein the serial bus transmits data in bit-serial format and the parallel bus transmits data across multiple wires. The bus220as used herein, may include but not limited to, a system bus, an internal bus, an external bus, an expansion bus, a frontside bus, a backside bus and the like.

FIG.4illustrates a flow chart representing the steps involved in a method300for multi-dimensional modelling of transmission towers in real-time in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The method300includes receiving input data comprising of a plurality of parameters in succession and a plurality of slopes required to model a transmission tower from a user in step310. In one embodiment, the plurality of parameters includes information of the plurality of slopes, base width and top width of the plurality of slopes and information of a plurality of panels. In one embodiment, a text box is displayed to the user on a tab page via a user interface. The user can enter the ‘number of slopes’ associated with the transmission tower. A grid is generated based on the ‘number of slopes’. Subsequently, another tab page is displayed to the user to obtain information of the panels. In one embodiment, the user may enter the number of ‘extensions’ in the transmission tower.

In one embodiment, the input data is validated upon receiving to detect the presence of errors and subsequently report the errors to the user.

The method also includes generating a parameter table in response to the user selecting a base shape of the transmission tower in step320. In one embodiment, the parameter table is generated by auto-calculation of values corresponding to the plurality of slopes and the plurality of parameters received from the user.

The method also includes generating a panel information table based on the generated parameter table in step330.

The method also includes generating a multi-dimensional model of the transmission tower in real-time based on the panel information table along with a plurality of output files in step340. The output files include information of primary nodes and secondary nodes in the transmission tower. In one embodiment, the output files are displayed in Windows Excel sheets. Further, the output files include sections sheet, angle groups, angle members sheet, body wind area calculations, and panel wise information.

In one embodiment, the multi-dimensional model is created by a ‘slice and dice’ approach that typically creates nodes, members, panels, slopes, and then the tower in succession. In other words, the transmission tower is considered to be an assembly of multiple slopes and each slope is considered to be an assembly of multiple panels and each panel is considered to be an assembly of multiple members and multiple nodes called as a pattern.

The method also includes constructing one or more patterns of the multi-dimensional model of the transmission tower in step350. The multi-dimensional models are a 2D model and a 3D model. The patterns are stored in a database (also referred to as ‘pattern library’).

The method also includes presenting the multi-dimensional model of the transmission tower along with the one or more patterns to the user in step360. The one or more patterns are retrieved from a database that stores pre-defined patterns of tower geometry.

The method also includes validating the geometry data and providing tower clearances in step370.

The method also includes recommending one or more combinations of assembling the transmission tower based on geographical and climatic conditions in step380. For instance, a load applied on the transmission tower may tend to bend the said. Therefore, to make the transmission tower withstand the load, the base of the transmission tower needs to be strong. Such kind of recommendations may be proposed to the user.

Further, it is to be noted that the method described herein is not limited to ‘transmission towers’ but can also be implemented for any other suitable tower, such as rectangular towers and the like.

Furthermore, the method disclosed herein may also include a feature to check the minimum height of the transmission towers at a specific location. The method may also consider general practices for safeguarding people while generating the tower models.

Various embodiments of the system and method for real-time multi-dimensional modelling of transmission towers as described above allows tower designers to generate the inputs for tower geometry, tower body wind loads and tower weight very fast and effortlessly. Further, the system and method disclosed herein allows tower designers to focus more on tower design and optimization. Furthermore, comparison of multiple tower weights for various geometry configurations can be performed at ease. Moreover, the inputs for PLS-Tower are generated in less that ten minutes.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.