Automatic analysis of phase rotation and phase relationships

Abstract

Systems and methods described herein allow for correct processing and interpretation of input and feedback signals in the operation and controlled switching of high-voltage circuit breakers. In various examples, this is accomplished by automated real-time monitoring, analysis, and corrective action. Advantageously, such intelligent diagnostics increase the reliability and efficiency of critical components in high-voltage electrical systems, thereby protecting against premature wear and tear, electrical failure, or physical damage.

Description

AUTOMATIC ANAEYSIS OF PHASE ROTATION AND PHASE REEATIONSHIPSBACKGROUNDField

[0001] The present disclosure is generally directed to controlled switching systems, and more specifically, to systems and methods for automatic diagnostic signal analysis that aid in identifying and resolving issues in system operation and similar tasks.Background

[0002] Managing and operating modern high-voltage systems requires precise targeting of controlled switching devices such as circuit breakers. Targeting involves making timing decisions about when to open and close circuit breakers to avoid unwanted side-effects to an electrical load and / or the breaker to promote efficiency, longevity, and safe operation. Undesired side-effects include transient generation, harmonic distortion, arcing, and mechanical wear. Successfully controlled switching in the context of targeting and performance review benefits greatly from accurate detection and analysis of analog signals. Some traditional systems monitor input signals in preparation for operating a breaker, but they suffer from an inability to correctly determine signal types and phase rotations, and they do not correlate input and feedback signals. This leads to challenges that are exacerbated by poor signal quality and installation errors, which are particularly common among less experienced installers.

[0003] In addition, misunderstanding and incorrect application of voltage transformer details oftentimes leads to improper targeting decisions by controlled switching devices. This includes misinterpretations of voltage signals, such as confusing line-to-ground with line-to-line voltage, and may lead to repeated operational errors and poor performance. Moreover, inaccuracies in signal processing may result, in the worst-case, in catastrophic equipment failure that may create safety hazards.

[0004] Resolving issues related to signal processing (e.g., those stemming from phase rotation errors and wiring mistakes) can be time-consuming and costly. In practice, this not only results in undesirable equipment downtime, but also exerts pressure on equipment owners and OEMinstallers to seek adequate solutions. Accordingly, what is needed are systems and methods that overcome the shortcomings of existing high-voltage systems and extend their lifespan.SUMMARY

[0005] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the techniques described herein relate to a multi-phase AC power system comprising: a controller including one or more processors; and a set of switching devices coupled to one or more processors. Each switching device may comprise electro-mechanical components controlled by the controller to open and close a phase of the multiphase AC power system, the controller performing steps comprising: for each phase in the multiphase AC power system, obtaining diagnostic data including at least a set of analog signals that includes one or more feedback signals; using the diagnostic data to determine a set of electrical characteristics that includes a set of phase angles, each phase angle being associated with a voltage or a current; using the set of phase angles to determine a set of phase relationships between voltages, currents, or between a voltage and a current; evaluating whether a phase relationship in the set of phase relationships is indicative of a phase misalignment; and in response to determining that the phase misalignment is present, communicating one or more instructions to one or more components in the multi-phase AC power system, such as protective or interlocking relays coupled to loads (e.g., generators or transformers), to initiate an action. Phase misalignment represents a deviation from a predetermined phase relationship.

[0006] Aspects of the present disclosure can involve using the set of phase angles to determine a phase rotation error that is indicative of a fault in wiring. In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein determining the phase relationship may comprise comparing phase relationships between all phases in the system, e.g., by comparing waveform data from at least one line-side voltage transformer, one load-side voltage transformer, and current waveform data to identify a phase rotation. Determining a phase relationship may further comprise determining a timing difference between waveforms including at least one of a voltage or a current.

[0007] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a method, wherein communicating the one or more instructions includes generating at least one of an interrupt, a fault warning, or a remapped signal. Various measurements may comprise detecting a type of a voltage signal as line-to-linesignal or line-to-ground signal. Measurements may be performed in real-time, e.g., by a voltage transformer or a current transformer.

[0008] Aspects of the present disclosure further include analyzing the diagnostic data to detect a trend or pattern in the diagnostic data. Electric characteristics may comprise a harmonic indicative of a phase mismatch, and determining such characteristics may comprise analyzing a set of waveforms, which may be obtained from a set of sensors, such as an electrically isolated voltage transformer or a current transformer. A proper analysis may further comprise comparing phase data associated with an input signal with predefined data including at least one of model data, data expected according to a pattern, rated data, or ratios of the diagnostic data.

[0009] Aspects of the present disclosure can involve systems comprising means for performing steps comprising: for each phase in the multi-phase AC power system, obtaining diagnostic data including at least a set of analog signals that includes one or more feedback signals; using the diagnostic data to determine a set of electrical characteristics that includes a set of phase angles, each phase angle being associated with a voltage or a current; using the set of phase angles to determine a set of phase relationships between voltages, currents, or between a voltage and a current; evaluating whether a phase relationship in the set of phase relationships is indicative of a phase misalignment; and in response to determining that the phase misalignment is present, communicating one or more instructions to one or more components in the multi-phase AC power system, such as protective or interlocking relays coupled to loads (e.g. , generators or transformers), to initiate an action. Phase misalignment represents a deviation from a predetermined phase relationship.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 shows phase relations for current onset times of a solidly grounded capacitor bank, in accordance with an example implementation.

[0011] FIG. 2 shows phase relations for current onset times of an ungrounded system, in accordance with an example implementation.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for analyzing current onset events, in accordance with an example implementation.

[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates phase relationships in an exemplary three-phase system, in accordance with an example implementation.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for analyzing phase relationships, in accordance with an example implementation.

[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates the detection of an improper selection of transformer input voltage ratios, in accordance with an example implementation.

[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates a comparison of line-to-ground and line-to-line inputs indicating an improper voltage transformer type selection, in accordance with an example implementation.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for analyzing transformer types, in accordance with an example implementation.

[0018] FIG. 9 illustrates a comparison of line-to-ground voltage to transformer current, in accordance with an example implementation.

[0019] FIG. 10 illustrates a comparison of line-to-line voltage to transformer current in accordance with an example implementation.

[0020] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating another exemplary process for analyzing transformer types, in accordance with an example implementation.

[0021] FIG. 12 illustrates a multi-phase AC power system in accordance with an example implementation.

[0022] FIG. 13 illustrates a plurality of physical systems that are networked to a management apparatus, in accordance with an example implementation.

[0023] FIG. 14 illustrates an example computing environment with an example computer device suitable for use in some example implementations.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The following description provides details of the figures and example implementations of the present application. Reference numerals and descriptions of redundant elements between figures are omitted for clarity. Terms used throughout the description are provided as examples and are not intended to be limiting. For example, the use of the term “automatic” may involve fully automatic or semi-automatic implementations involving user or administrator control over certain aspects of the implementation, depending on the desired implementation of one of ordinary skill in the art practicing implementations of the present disclosure. Selection can be conducted by a user through a user interface or other input means, or can be implemented through a desired algorithm. Example implementations as described herein can be utilized either singularly or in combination and the functionality of the example implementations can be implemented through any means according to the desired implementations.

[0025] The common three-phase nature of high voltage switching requires controlled switching devices to determine phase rotations of their input signals that correspond to physical breaker poles — or paths associated with a phase of the power supply. Ideally, equipment owners and OEM installers of high-voltage circuit breakers and similar controlled switching devices would identify and utilize phase rotations of the input signals and phase relationships between them and feedback signals. Today, while some efforts are undertaken, these are typically limited to the initial commissioning of such devices, routine maintenance, or in response to poor performance. For example, physical verification of wirings, temporary meters, and manual operation analysis are techniques used by equipment owners and OEM installers to ensure proper wiring and configuration.

[0026] Systems and methods herein take advantage of the capabilities of modern controlled switching devices to embed various disclosed examples into the core function of such devices. In this manner, input and feedback signal diagnostic and maintenance approaches may be optimized, e.g., by utilizing real-time monitoring of analog inputs and key parameters and appropriate analysis of the measured data. Advantageously, this allows for the identification of an applied voltage signal type (line-to-line, line-to-ground, etc.), the verification of proper phase rotations, and automatic analysis and comparison of input signals and feedback signals, and the like, e.g., to qualify phase relationships uncover potential mismatch or misalignment conditions.

[0027] Unlike existing approaches that rely on post-process, manual analyses of phase rotation data to perform error detection and gain insight into system behavior, systems and methods herein provide for accurate and reliable troubleshooting tools that can easily perform tasks, such as detecting phase rotation discrepancies and comparing line and load side voltage transformer data to the current waveforms. Advantageously, this allows for the generation of recommendations for a wiring change and / or the generation of a test feature for momentarily remapping signals, e.g., to illustrate the effect of rewiring on a system in terms of phase rotations, and the like.

[0028] FIG. 1 shows phase relations for current onset times of a solidly grounded capacitor bank, in accordance with an example implementation. FIG. 2 shows phase relations for current onset times of an ungrounded system, in accordance with an example implementation. It is understood that any type of measurement device and technique known in the art, including a combination of network analyzers, zero-cross detection, harmonic analysis, and so on, may be employed to measure and / or derive circuit parameters and characteristics, such as phase relationships (e.g., when determining the type of voltage signal).

[0029] Plot 100 in FIG. 1 shows the current signature of a solidly grounded capacitor bank load as having three independent current onset times 108, 110, and 112, one for each of three respective phases 102, 104, and 106, which are applied to the load at separate times. Conversely, the current sequence of the ungrounded system in plot 200 in FIG. 2 is characterized by two phases, respective phases 202 and 204, which are simultaneously energized at the same time, resulting in simultaneous and opposite current inceptions. This scenario may occur in systems that are programmed as operating in a grounded environment when, in reality, the load is ungrounded, causing the controller to continuously speed up one phase relative to the other based on faulty feedback information. Similarly, a controller programmed as operating in an ungrounded environment that, in fact, is grounded may result in a current signature exhibiting a 90-degree phase offset. The resulting improper targeting may cause relatively high stress or strain on interrupter contacts that may lead to premature mechanical aging and, again, degrade system performance.

[0030] As will be apparent to one of skill in the art, such transient events may advantageously be used in diagnosing potential issues in accordance with the present disclosure. For example, anautomatic detection or monitoring circuit may be used to perform a comparative review of settings to onset times that may be utilized to prompt a user to verify connections, parameter settings, or the integrity of the grounding of the load being switched. In addition, phase relationships may be analyzed to determine proper connections of command outputs, input voltage signals, and feedback inputs. Furthermore, a controller may automatically adjust its existing (e.g., preprogrammed) settings to correct for any number of detected errors.

[0031] In examples, phase relationships may be reviewed for any desired operation. A sequence of measured signals may provide a baseline for an analysis. An exemplary analysis may focus on disturbances to voltage signals to identify one or more fault conditions. In examples, analysis may comprise a correlation between any number of signals to generate a prediction of a correct wiring scheme or changes to an existing wiring scheme. A process comprising an analysis of current onset events and other transient analysis parameters and tools may be used to determine a potential misidentification of load types or, in some examples, examine the adequacy of system responses related to such events.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for analyzing current onset events, in accordance with an example implementation. Process 300 may be used as a diagnostic method to identify errors in load type and predict future equipment malfunctions in a multi-phase AC power system that comprises controlled switching devices. At step 302 of process 300, a set of input signals and a set of feedback signals may be obtained, e.g., at a controller. Such signals may be obtained in real-time by a sensing device, such as electrically isolated voltage or current transformers, and comprise any combination of analog and binary signals, including measured and derived load current signals, phase signals, harmonics, onset and delay times, and other electromechanical information.

[0033] At step 304, at least some of the obtained signals are used to identify a load type and, at step 306, information associated with a predetermined or expected load type may be obtained, e.g., retrieved from memory. At step 308, an error or a discrepancy between the load type and the expected load type, which may have been preprogrammed, is determined, e.g., by way of waveform analysis. Exemplary errors include errors that are indicative of a fault in wiring, which may be derived using phase angle or phase rotation information. It is understood that any numberof phases in a system may be compared to each other, for example by comparing with form data obtained from line-side and / or load-side voltage transformers, current waveform data, timing information, etc. At step 310, based on that determination, instructions for performing some action, such as generating and communicating an alarm, blocking an operation, or automatically reprogramming a set of parameters, e.g., control parameters may be performed. In addition, any data herein, whether obtained by measurement or calculation, may be used to detect a trend or pattern in the data, e.g., by comparison to model data.

[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates phase relationships in an exemplary three-phase system, in accordance with an example implementation. FIG. 4 depicts a timing sequence of command signals 402; coil activation commands 404 for signals 406-410 that activate switching devices such as electromechanical circuit breakers whose electrical contacts, in turn, are mechanically activated by coils or solenoids based on a stored energy system; auxiliary signal 418; phase signals 420 for voltages, and phase signals 430 for currents and their respective current phase signals 442, 444, 446.

[0035] As indicated by the respective coil line signal 406 shown in FIG. 4 going high, the operational sequence commences when a corresponding activation command 404 is used to energize a first coil. As expected, at time 452, corresponding voltage phase signal 422 of the resulting current is detected first. However, onset time 452 does not align with the zero-crossing of voltage phase signal 422. Upon further analysis of voltage phase signal plot 420, it becomes apparent that the timing of disturbance 424 captured in voltage phase signal 422 aligns with onset time 450 of current phase signal 444 rather than with onset time 452 of current phase signal 442. Advantageously, this and similar observations may be used to assess the mechanical and electrical conditions of the system, draw conclusions, and initiate appropriate actions. As an example, the observed behavior in FIG. 4 is indicative of incorrect input voltage connections that may result in poor system performance and have other previously mentioned drawbacks. Thus, analysis steps may be performed to determine proper connections of load voltages and switches, including auxiliary switches in the system such as to ensure favorable switching conditions. This may be accomplished, for example, by embedding intelligent switching into the firmware of a switching controller that takes into account operating times for each switch and utilizes feedback algorithms to enable adaptive timing refinements, thereby improving system performance.

[0036] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for analyzing phase relationships, in accordance with an example implementation. Similar to process 300, process 500 in FIG. 5 may start when a controller, at step 502, obtains for each phase in a multi-phase AC power system analog and / or binary input and feedback signals, e.g., phase angles, load currents, coil energization signals, auxiliary switch signals, and other electrical characteristics. At step 504, at least some of the obtained signals are used to determine a set of phase relationships, e.g., between voltages, currents, or between a voltage and a current. At step 506, it is determined whether the set of phase relationships corresponds to an expected set of phase relationships or is indicative of a phase misalignment. At step 508, based on the determination, an appropriate action, e.g., generating and communicating an alarm, block operation, blocking an operation, automatically reprogramming a set of parameters or reassigning signals, providing discrepancy information to a user, etc., may be initiated.

[0037] Plot 600 in FIG. 6 illustrates the detection of an improper selection of transformer input voltage ratios, in accordance with an example implementation. Transformer input voltages 602, 604 are shown for the same line (or phase) for both a line-side voltage transformer and a sourceside voltage transformer. As can be seen in FIG. 6, the input voltages are in phase with each other; however, their amplitudes are not aligned. In example implementations, this mismatch may be utilized as an indication that the ratio of the transformer voltages may have been set incorrectly.

[0038] Plot 700 in FIG. 7 illustrates a comparison of line-to-ground and line-to-line inputs indicating an improper voltage transformer type selection, in accordance with an example implementation. As in FIG. 6, for the same line, transformer input voltages 702, 704 are shown for both a line-side voltage transformer and a source-side voltage transformer. The difference in voltage amplitude and phase shift depicted in FIG. 7 is indicative of an L-L or an L-G misapplication.

[0039] In examples herein, upon detection of a mismatch condition between input, output, and / or feedback signals, e.g., between an applied voltage signal and a predetermined voltage signal configuration, a controller may perform data analysis to identify a problem and inform an end user of a potential conflict or fault and propose modifications to existing settings of configuration parameters. As an example, voltage signals may be compared to rated voltages, voltage ratiossupplied, and current signals to aid in diagnosing potential electrical and / or mechanical issues, for example, to accurately identify those signals associated with the faulty wiring.

[0040] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for analyzing transformer types, in accordance with an example implementation. At step 802 of process 800, a controller may obtain a set of analog source-side voltage phase signals and a set of analog line-side voltage phase signals. At step 804, source-side voltage transformer type information and line-side voltage transformer type information are obtained. At step 806, at least some of the obtained signals and the voltage transformer type information may be used to perform a voltage transformer type analysis. Finally, at step 808, based on the analysis, an appropriate action may be taken.

[0041] Generally, voltages in a high-voltage system are measured using isolated voltage transformers that provide safe, scaled-down representations of the actual voltage in power lines. In example implementations, improper settings of input voltage transformer ratios may be detected and, e.g., differentiated from an incorrect selection of Line-to-Line (L-L) or Line-to-Ground (L- G) voltage transformers. Typically, an L-L voltage is measured by connecting a transformer across two lines, i.e., two phases, whereas L-G voltage is measured by connecting the transformer between a line and a ground connection or neutral point to measure the voltage of a phase relative to the reference ground. As is known in the art, for line-to-line voltages, phase angle difference between voltage waveforms in balanced three-phase systems is 120 degrees. In comparison, line- to-ground voltages have varying phase relationships depending on system design. In example implementations, such relationships may be used to identify the type of AC voltage present in a system.

[0042] In scenarios where only a source-side voltage transformer is available, a comparison of zero-crossings of the voltage and current signals may be employed to determine the type of voltage transformer present in the system. As depicted in FIG. 9, which shows plot 900 comparing line- to-ground voltage 902 to transformer current 904, in accordance with an example implementation, an L-G transformer voltage will exhibit zero-voltage crossings that are offset by 90 degrees relative to the zero-current crossings. Contrariwise, as depicted in FIG. 10 that shows plot 1000 comparing line-to-line voltage 1002 to transformer current 1004 in accordance with an exampleimplementation, an L-L voltage transformer will exhibit zero-voltage crossings that are separated by 60 degrees relative to zero-current crossings.

[0043] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating another exemplary process for analyzing transformer types, in accordance with an example implementation. A controller may obtain a set of analog source-side voltage phase signals and a set of analog current transformer signals, at step 1102 of process 1100, and obtain source-side voltage transformer type information at step 1104. For example, a type of a voltage signal may be detected as line-to-line signal or as line-to-ground signal. At step 1106, at least some of the obtained voltage phase signals and the current transformer signals may be used to perform a voltage transformer type analysis. Finally, at step 1108, based on the analysis, an action may be performed.

[0044] FIG. 12 illustrates a multi-phase AC power system in accordance with an example implementation. System 1200 may comprise controller 1202, source-side voltage transformers (e.g., 1204) that measure source-side voltages (e.g., 1206); load-side voltage transformers (e.g., 1214) that measure load-side voltages; auxiliary current transformers (e.g., 1220), output coils (e.g., 1232); transformer 1234; circuit breaker poles (e.g., 1236); and auxiliary switch connections (e.g., 1230) that switch in relative relation to the circuit breaker main contact. As depicted, controller 1202 in FIG. 12 may receive, e.g., at respective interfaces, close command 1240; input current 1242; coil output signals 1244; load-side voltages 1216; source-side voltages 1246; and auxiliary switch inputs signals 1210.

[0045] Controller 1202 may further be coupled to any number of devices and tools, such as memory and processors that perform one or more of the functions and process steps described with reference to the figures presented herein.

[0046] FIG. 13 illustrates a plurality of physical systems that are networked to a management apparatus, in accordance with an example implementation. One or more physical systems 1321 (e.g., transformers, switches, etc.) are communicatively coupled to a network 1320 (e.g., local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN)) through the corresponding network interface of the physical systems 1321, which is connected to a management apparatus 1322 configured to facilitate the functionality of a controller of the physical systems 1321. The one or more systems 1321 may be associated with sensors, depending on the desired implementation. The managementapparatus 1322 manages database 1323, which contains historical data collected from the sensor systems from each of the physical systems 1321. In alternate example implementations, the data from the sensor systems of the physical systems 1321 can be stored in a central repository or central database such as proprietary databases that intake data from the physical systems 1321, or systems such as enterprise resource planning systems, and the management apparatus 1322 can access or retrieve the data from the central repository or central database. The sensor systems of the physical systems 1321 can include any type of sensors to facilitate the desired implementation and provide internal status machine data, such as thermometers, humidity gauges, sensors, and so on. As described herein, the management apparatus 1322 can also be connected to one or more cameras (not illustrated) that monitor the external status of the machines of the physical systems 1321.

[0047] FIG. 14 illustrates an example computing environment with an example computing device suitable for use in some example implementations, such as the management apparatus 1322 in FIG. 13 to facilitate the functionality of the controller for the switching system. Computing device 1405 in computing environment 1400 can include one or more processing units, cores, or processors 1410, memory 1415 (e.g., read access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), and / or the like), internal storage 1420 (e.g., magnetic, optical, solid-state storage, and / or organic), and / or input / output (I / O) interface 1425, any of which can be coupled on a communication mechanism or bus 1430 for communicating information or embedded in the computing device 1405.

[0048] Computing device 1405 can be communicatively coupled to input / user interface 1435 and output device / interface 1440. Either one or both of input / user interface 1435 and output device / interface 1440 can be a wired or wireless interface and can be detachable. Input / user interface 1435 may include any device, component, sensor, or interface, physical or virtual, that can be used to provide input (e.g., buttons, touch-screen interface, keyboard, a pointing / cursor control, microphone, camera, braille, motion sensor, optical reader, and / or the like). Output device / interface 1440 may include a display, television, monitor, printer, speaker, braille, or the like. In some example implementations, input / user interface 1435 and output device / interface 1440 can be embedded with or physically coupled to the computing device 1405. In other example implementations, other computing devices may function as or provide the functions of input / user interface 1435 and output device / interface 1440 for a computing device 1405.

[0049] Examples of computing device 1405 may comprise highly mobile devices (e.g., smartphones, devices in vehicles and other machines, devices carried by humans and animals, and the like), mobile devices (e.g., tablets, notebooks, laptops, personal computers, portable televisions, radios, and the like), and devices not designed for mobility (e.g., desktop computers, other computers, information kiosks, televisions with one or more processors embedded therein and / or coupled thereto, radios, and the like).

[0050] Computing device 1405 can be communicatively coupled (e.g., via I / O interface 1425) to external storage 1445 and network 1450 for communicating with any number of networked components, devices, and systems, including one or more computing devices of the same or different configurations. Computing device 1405 or any connected computing device can be functioning as, providing services of, or referred to as a server, client, thin server, general machine, special-purpose machine, or another label.

[0051] I / O interface 1425 may comprise wired and / or wireless interfaces using any communication or I / O protocols or standards (e.g., Ethernet, 802.1 lx, Universal System Bus, WiMax, modem, a cellular network protocol, and the like) for communicating information to and / or from at least all the connected components, devices, and network in computing environment 1400. Network 1450 can be any network or combination of networks (e.g., the Internet, local area network, wide area network, a telephonic network, a cellular network, satellite network, and the like).

[0052] Computing device 1405 can use and / or communicate using computer-usable or computer-readable media, including transitory media and non-transitory media. Transitory media include transmission media (e.g., metal cables, fiber optics), signals, carrier waves, and the like. Non-transitory media include magnetic media (e.g., disks and tapes), optical media (e.g., CD ROM, digital video disks, Blu-ray disks), solid-state media (e.g., RAM, ROM, flash memory, solid-state storage), and other non-volatile storage or memory.

[0053] Computing device 1405 can be used to implement techniques, methods, applications, processes, or computer-executable instructions in some example computing environments. Computer-executable instructions can be retrieved from transitory media, and stored on and retrieved from non-transitory media. The executable instructions can originate from one or moreof any programming, scripting, and machine languages (e.g., C, C++, C#, Java, Visual Basic, Python, Perl, JavaScript, and others).

[0054] Processor(s) 1410 can execute under any operating system, in a native or virtual environment. One or more applications can be deployed that include logic unit 1460, application programming interface (API) unit 1465, input unit 1470, output unit 1475, and inter-unit communication mechanism 1495 for the different units to communicate with each other, with the OS, and with other applications (not shown). The described units and elements can be varied in design, function, configuration, or implementation and are not limited to the descriptions provided. Processor(s) 1410 can be in the form of hardware processors such as central processing units (CPUs) or a combination of hardware and software units.

[0055] In some example implementations, when information or an execution instruction is received by API unit 1465, it may be communicated to one or more other units (e.g., logic unit 1460, input unit 1470, output unit 1475). In some instances, logic unit 1460 may be configured to control the information flow among the units and direct the services provided by API unit 1465, input unit 1470, and output unit 1475, in some example implementations described above. For example, the flow of one or more processes or implementations may be controlled by logic unit 1460 alone or in conjunction with API unit 1465. The input unit 1470 may be configured to obtain input for the calculations described in the example implementations, and the output unit 1475 may be configured to provide output based on the calculations described in example implementations.

[0056] Processor(s) 1410 can be configured to execute a method or instructions involving generating interrupts, fault warnings, or remapped signals in response to receiving measurement data and analyzing phase relationships therefrom, wherein the processor(s) 1410 may execute the method to detect a type of a voltage signal as line-to-line signal or line-to-ground signal, as described with respect to FIG. 5 to FIG. 11. Measurements can be performed in real-time, e.g., by a voltage transformer or a current transformer, as described with respect to FIG. 12.

[0057] As described, e.g., with respect to FIG. 3, processor(s) 1410 can be configured to execute a method or instructions involving analyzing diagnostic data, such as waveform data, sensor data, to detect a trend or pattern in the data, e.g., by using electric characteristics such asharmonics and comparing phase data associated with predefined data, such as model data, data expected according to a pattern, rated data, or ratios of the diagnostic data.

[0058] Processor(s) 1410 can further be configured to execute a method or instructions involving analyzing diagnostic data, such as phase relationships between voltages and currents and other electrical characteristics, including feedback data, to determine the presence of a phase misalignment. Based on the determination, processor(s) 1410 can communicate instructions to components in the multi-phase AC power system, such as protective or interlocking relays coupled to loads (e.g., generators or transformers), to initiate an action, as described with respect to FIG. 3 to FIG. 5.

[0059] Some portions of the detailed description are presented in terms of algorithms and symbolic representations of operations within a computer. These algorithmic descriptions and symbolic representations are the means used by those skilled in the data processing arts to convey the essence of their innovations to others skilled in the art. An algorithm is a series of defined steps leading to a desired end state or result. In example implementations, the steps carried out require physical manipulations of tangible quantities for achieving a tangible result.

[0060] Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the discussion, it is appreciated that throughout the description, discussions utilizing terms such as “processing,” “computing,” “calculating,” “determining,” “displaying,” or the like, can include the actions and processes of a computing system or other information processing device that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computing system’s registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computing system’s memories or registers or other information storage, transmission or display devices.

[0061] Example implementations may also relate to an apparatus for performing the operations herein. This apparatus may be specially constructed for the required purposes, or it may include one or more general-purpose computers selectively activated or reconfigured by one or more computer programs. Such computer programs may be stored in a computer-readable medium, such as a computer-readable storage medium or a computer-readable signal medium. A computer- readable storage medium may involve tangible mediums such as optical disks, magnetic disks, read-only memories, random access memories, solid-state devices, and drives, or any other typesof tangible or non-transitory media suitable for storing electronic information. A computer- readable signal medium may include mediums such as carrier waves. The algorithms and displays presented herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other apparatus. Computer programs can involve pure software implementations that involve instructions that perform the operations of the desired implementation.

[0062] Various general-purpose systems may be used with programs and modules in accordance with the examples herein, or it may prove convenient to construct a more specialized apparatus to perform desired method steps. In addition, the example implementations are not described with reference to any particular programming language. It will be appreciated that a variety of programming languages may be used to implement the teachings of the example implementations as described herein. The instructions of the programming language(s) may be executed by one or more processing devices, e.g., CPUs, processors, or controllers.

[0063] As is known in the art, the operations described above can be performed by hardware, software, or some combination of software and hardware. Various aspects of the example implementations may be implemented using circuits and logic devices (hardware), while other aspects may be implemented using instructions stored on a machine-readable medium (software), which if executed by a processor, would cause the processor to perform a method to carry out implementations of the present application. Further, some example implementations of the present application may be performed solely in hardware, whereas other example implementations may be performed solely in software. Moreover, the various functions described can be performed in a single unit, or they can be spread across a number of components in any number of ways. When performed by software, the methods may be executed by a processor, such as a general-purpose computer, based on instructions stored on a computer-readable medium. If desired, the instructions can be stored in the medium in a compressed and / or encrypted format.

[0064] Moreover, other implementations of the present application will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the teachings of the present application. Various aspects and / or components of the described example implementations may be used singly or in any combination. It is intended that the specification and exampleimplementations be considered as examples only, with the true scope and spirit of the present application being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A predictive diagnostic method for a multi-phase AC power system that comprises controlled switching devices, the method comprising: for each phase in the multi-phase AC power system, obtaining diagnostic data comprising at least a set of analog signals that comprises one or more feedback signals; using the diagnostic data to determine a set of electrical characteristics that comprises a set of phase angles, each phase angle being associated with a voltage or a current; using the set of phase angles to determine a set of phase relationships between voltages, currents, or between a voltage and a current; evaluating whether a phase relationship in the set of phase relationships is indicative of a phase misalignment; and in response to determining that the phase misalignment is present, communicating one or more instructions to one or more components in the multi-phase AC power system to initiate an action.

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein communicating the one or more instructions comprises generating at least one of an interrupt, a fault warning, or a remapped signal.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein using the set of phase angles to determine a phase rotation error that is indicative of a fault in wiring.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein determining the phase relationship comprises comparing phase relationships between all phases in the system.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein determining the phase relationship comprises comparing waveform data from at least one line-side voltage transformer, one load-side voltage transformer, and current waveform data to identify a phase rotation.

6. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the phase misalignment represents a deviation from a predetermined phase relationship.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein determining the phase relationship comprises determining a timing difference between waveforms comprising at least one of a voltage or a current.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein measuring comprises detecting a type of a voltage signal as line-to-line signal or line-to-ground signal.

9. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising performing real-time measurements by at least one of a voltage transformer or a current transformer.

10. The method according to claim 1, further comprising analyzing the diagnostic data to detect a trend or pattern in the diagnostic data.

11. A multi-phase AC power system comprising: a controller comprising one or more processors; and a set of switching devices coupled to the one or more processors, each switching device comprising electro-mechanical components controlled by the controller to open and close a phase of the multi-phase AC power system, the controller performing steps comprising:for each phase in the multi-phase AC power system, obtaining diagnostic data comprising at least a set of analog signals that comprises one or more feedback signals; using the diagnostic data to determine a set of electrical characteristics that comprises a set of phase angles, each phase angle being associated with a voltage or a current; using the set of phase angles to determine a set of phase relationships between voltages, currents, or between a voltage and a current; evaluating whether a phase relationship in the set of phase relationships is indicative of a phase misalignment; and in response to determining that the phase misalignment is present, communicating one or more instructions to one or more components in the multi-phase AC power system to initiate an action.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein determining the electrical characteristic comprises analyzing a set of waveforms.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the set of waveforms is obtained from a set of sensors.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein the set of sensors comprises at least one of a voltage transformer or a current transformer.

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein the voltage transformer or current transformer is an electrically isolated device.

16. The system according to claim 11, wherein the electric characteristic comprises a harmonic that is indicative of a phase mismatch.

17. The system according to claim 11, further comprising comparing phase data associated with an input signal with predefined data comprising at least one of model data, data expected according to a pattern, rated data, or ratios of the diagnostic data.

18. The system according to claim 11, wherein the one or more components comprise a generator or a transformer.

19. A controller for multi-phase AC power systems, the controller comprising: memory; and one or more processors coupled to the memory, the one or more processors performing steps comprising: for each phase in the multi-phase AC power system, obtaining diagnostic data comprising at least a set of analog signals that comprises one or more feedback signals; using the diagnostic data to determine a set of electrical characteristics that comprises a set of phase angles, each phase angle being associated with a voltage or a current; using the set of phase angles to determine a set of phase relationships between voltages, currents, or between a voltage and a current; evaluating whether a phase relationship in the set of phase relationships is indicative of a phase misalignment; and in response to determining that the phase misalignment is present, communicating one or more instructions to one or morecomponents in the multi-phase AC power system to initiate an action.