Leakage Current Detection System for Insulated Boom

Trucks

Team:Josh Struble (EE)Eli Forney (EE)

Chris Hulsebus (EE)Lynn Nguyen (EE)

Advisors:Glen HilleslandJohn Lamont

Robert WeberRalph E. Patterson

III

Client:Skarshaug Testing Laboratory, Ames IA

May01-12

Presentation Outline

Problem Statement Design Objectives End-Product Description Assumptions and Limitations Project Risks and Concerns Technical Approach Evaluation of Project Success Recommendations for Further Work Human and Financial Budgets Lessons Learned Closing Summary Questions

Problem Statement

To design a system for

testing the insulation integrity of boom trucks to assure

workmen they are insulated from ground when

working from the bucket.

What you don’t want to happen!!

Design Objectives

To View Current Remotely Use Existing Current Sensing System

and Techniques Process Current Using State of the

Art Components Produce Read Out on Hand Held LED Eliminate Pull Cord Low Battery Detection

End-Product Description

Simple attachment to present device Battery operated Transmitter and Receiver

with a range of 150 Ft Handheld Receiver with LED display

Assumptions and Limitations

Assumptions: The leakage current

will not exceed 2000 micro amps

The boom truck will only be in contact with one line at a time

The kV value and allowable current for the line is known

The appropriate safety procedures are followed

Limitations: The current will

range from 0 to 2000 micro amps

The receiver will be within 150 ft of the boom truck

Will only work in fair weather conditions

The duty cycle is limited to the battery life

Risks and Concerns

Limited amount of time for project completion.

Testing to insure accuracy.

Interference Ease of use

Technical Approach - Transmitter

Technical Approach - Receiver

Evaluation of Project Success

Interface with present unit.

Data input to programmable unit

RF Transmission/Reception

Receiver display interface

Further Work

Adding a speaker or light system Resizing the probe assembly to

make it smaller. Design a stationary mounting point

for the receiver on the truck. Find lower cost devices for mass

production.

Financial Budget

Display Parts13%

Poster18%

RF Parts56%

Other Parts13%

Total Cost: $260.00

Human Budget

Meetings21%

Presentation8%

Poster17%

Documen-tation44%

Other10%

Total Hours: 214 Hours

What We Have Learned

Meet with team members and advisors regularly

Review parts to be ordered carefully Keep group members involved Basic Stamp Technology RF Communications Testing procedures for Boom Trucks

Summary and Questions???

Our wireless detection

system will make it easier and safer for linemen to

determine the insulation

integrity of aboom truck to

insure their safety.