Detection and mitigation of transformer DC magnetization by measuring vibration

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a method for detecting DC magnetization in a transformer (420) and controlling the transformer, the method comprising: using at least one vibration sensor to sense at least one vibration on at least one surface of the transformer or on at least one surface of a component connected to the transformer (S101); measuring the sensed at least one vibration (S102); detecting DC magnetization in the transformer based on the measured at least one vibration (S103); and controlling the transformer based on the detected DC magnetization (S104). This disclosure also relates to corresponding apparatus (510) and systems (530).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a method, apparatus, and system for detecting DC magnetization in a transformer, particularly an MFT, and for controlling the transformer. Background Technology

[0002] In transformers, especially large transformers, DC magnetization caused by external magnetic fields can drive the core into saturation, leading to a sharp increase in the level of higher harmonics due to high nonlinearity. In contrast, intermediate frequency transformers (MFTs) typically operate using transformer excitation signals with frequencies between 1 and 75 kHz, generating, among other things, a high level of fundamental frequency components in the transformer excitation signal, resulting in rather unpleasant noise in the audible frequency range when the core saturates.

[0003] Saturation can be mitigated by using series-connected capacitors to remove the DC component, but this solution is impractical due to the large size of high-current capacitors. Alternatively, acoustic sensors can be considered to detect saturation. The measured data can be used to adjust the transformer excitation signal. However, this presents a challenge when several MFTs are operating simultaneously in the vicinity, as acoustic sensors may be sensitive to vibrations and / or ambient noise generated by nearby transformers. In such cases, identifying the source of the vibration is crucial for applying appropriate control mitigation actions.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need to improve a method, apparatus, and system for detecting DC magnetization in transformers, particularly MFTs, and controlling the transformer accordingly. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure relates to a method, apparatus, and system for detecting DC magnetization in a transformer, particularly an MFT, and controlling the transformer accordingly.

[0006] The various exemplary embodiments disclosed herein relate to features that will become readily apparent when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and by referring to the following description. Exemplary systems, methods, and apparatuses are disclosed herein according to various embodiments. However, it should be understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example and not limitation, and that various modifications can be made to the disclosed embodiments by those skilled in the art who read this disclosure, while still remaining within the scope of this disclosure.

[0007] Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments and applications described and illustrated herein. Additionally, the specific order and / or hierarchy of steps in the methods disclosed herein are merely exemplary methods. Based on design preferences, the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the disclosed methods or processes may be rearranged while still remaining within the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that the methods and techniques disclosed herein present various steps or behaviors in a sample order, and unless expressly stated otherwise, this disclosure is not limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0008] The above and other aspects and their embodiments are described in more detail in the accompanying drawings, description and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0010] Figure 2 The illustration shows measurement results obtained using a piezoelectric sensor employed in a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 3 The illustration shows vibration measurement results obtained using a piezoelectric sensor attached to a transformer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 4 An exemplary control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0013] Figure 5a) and 5b) An apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. Figure 5c The illustration shows a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0014] In the following, exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will be described. It should be noted that, unless otherwise stated or obvious, some aspects of any of the described embodiments may also be found in some other embodiments. However, for the sake of understanding, each aspect will be described in detail only upon its first mention, and any repeated descriptions of the same aspect will be omitted.

[0015] This disclosure relates to a method for detecting DC magnetization in a transformer and controlling the transformer, the method comprising: using at least one vibration sensor to sense at least one vibration on at least one surface of the transformer or on at least one surface of a component connected to the transformer; measuring the sensed at least one vibration; detecting DC magnetization in the transformer based on the measured at least one vibration; and controlling the transformer based on the detected DC magnetization.

[0016] According to an embodiment, the vibration sensor is a piezoelectric sensor, particularly a piezoelectric accelerometer.

[0017] According to an embodiment, the at least one vibration is generated by a transformer.

[0018] According to an embodiment, detecting DC magnetization in a transformer includes: identifying a first signal vibrating at a first frequency and / or a second signal vibrating at a second frequency from at least one measured vibration.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the first frequency is the fundamental frequency of the alternating signal on the primary side and / or the secondary side of the transformer, and the second frequency is the second harmonic of the alternating signal on the primary side and / or the secondary side of the transformer.

[0020] According to an embodiment, controlling the transformer includes: modifying the pulse pattern of the alternating signal on the primary side and / or the secondary side of the transformer.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the method further includes: calculating at least one parameter, in particular an error correction factor.

[0022] According to an embodiment, the control transformer is or includes controlling at least one of the following: voltage, particularly the voltage applied to the transformer; flux, particularly the flux through the transformer core; or current. According to an embodiment, the control transformer is or includes generating at least one signal as an input to the transformer. According to an embodiment, the control transformer is or includes generating at least one signal as an input to a control loop, which includes a model, particularly a mathematical model, and more particularly a transfer function, describing the electrical behavior characteristics of the transformer. According to an embodiment, generating the at least one signal is or includes adjusting the at least one signal based on obtained and / or determined data. According to an embodiment, the at least one signal is at least one of the following: voltage, particularly the voltage applied to the transformer; flux, particularly the flux through the transformer core; or current.

[0023] This disclosure also relates to an apparatus for detecting DC magnetization in a transformer and controlling the transformer, the apparatus comprising: at least one sensor configured to sense at least one vibration on at least one surface of the transformer or on at least one surface of a component connected to the transformer; and a processor configured to: measure the sensed at least one vibration; detect DC magnetization in the transformer based on the measured at least one vibration; and control the transformer based on the detected DC magnetization.

[0024] According to an embodiment, the vibration sensor is a piezoelectric sensor, particularly a piezoelectric accelerometer.

[0025] According to an embodiment, the at least one vibration is generated by a transformer.

[0026] According to an embodiment, the processor is configured to detect DC magnetization in a transformer by means of the following steps: identifying a first signal vibrating at a first frequency and / or a second signal vibrating at a second frequency from at least one measured vibration.

[0027] According to an embodiment, the first frequency is the fundamental frequency of the alternating signal on the primary side and / or the secondary side of the transformer, and the second frequency is the second harmonic of the alternating signal on the primary side and / or the secondary side of the transformer.

[0028] According to an embodiment, the processor is configured to control the transformer by modifying the pulse pattern of the alternating signal on the primary side and / or the secondary side of the transformer.

[0029] According to an embodiment, the processor is further configured to calculate at least one parameter, in particular an error correction factor.

[0030] According to an embodiment, the processor is configured to control the transformer by controlling at least one of the following: voltage, particularly the voltage applied to the transformer; flux, particularly the flux through the core of the transformer; or current.

[0031] According to an embodiment, the processor is configured to control the transformer by: generating at least one signal as an input to the transformer. According to an embodiment, the processor is configured to control the transformer by: generating at least one signal as an input to a control loop, the control loop including a model, particularly a mathematical model, and more particularly a transfer function, describing the electrical behavior characteristics of the transformer. According to an embodiment, the processor is configured to generate the at least one signal by: adjusting the at least one signal based on obtained and / or determined data. According to an embodiment, the at least one signal is at least one of the following: voltage, particularly the voltage applied to the transformer; flux, particularly the flux through the transformer core; or current.

[0032] This disclosure also relates to an apparatus for detecting DC magnetization in a transformer and controlling the transformer, the apparatus comprising: a vibration sensor configured to sense at least one vibration on at least one surface of the transformer or on at least one surface of a component connected to the transformer; a measuring unit configured to measure the sensed at least one vibration; a detection unit configured to detect DC magnetization in the transformer based on the measured at least one vibration; and a control unit configured to control the transformer based on the detected DC magnetization.

[0033] According to an embodiment, the vibration sensor is a piezoelectric sensor, particularly a piezoelectric accelerometer.

[0034] According to an embodiment, the at least one vibration is generated by a transformer.

[0035] According to an embodiment, the detection unit is configured to detect DC magnetization in a transformer by means of the following steps: identifying a first signal vibrating at a first frequency and / or a second signal vibrating at a second frequency from at least one measured vibration.

[0036] According to an embodiment, the first frequency is the fundamental frequency of the alternating signal on the primary side and / or the secondary side of the transformer, and the second frequency is the second harmonic of the alternating signal on the primary side and / or the secondary side of the transformer.

[0037] According to an embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the transformer by modifying the pulse pattern of the alternating signal on the primary side and / or the secondary side of the transformer.

[0038] According to an embodiment, the device further includes a computing unit configured to calculate at least one parameter, in particular an error correction factor.

[0039] According to an embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the transformer by controlling at least one of the following: voltage, particularly the voltage applied to the transformer; flux, particularly the flux through the core of the transformer; or current.

[0040] According to an embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the transformer by the following steps: generating at least one signal as an input to the transformer.

[0041] According to an embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the transformer by the following steps: generating at least one signal as an input to a control loop, the control loop including a model, particularly a mathematical model, and more particularly a transfer function describing the electrical behavior characteristics of the transformer.

[0042] According to an embodiment, the control unit is configured to generate the at least one signal by means of the following steps: adjusting the at least one signal based on the obtained and / or determined data.

[0043] According to an embodiment, the at least one signal is at least one of the following: voltage, particularly the voltage applied to the transformer; flux, particularly the flux through the core of the transformer; or current.

[0044] According to an embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the transformer by controlling at least one of the following: voltage, particularly the voltage applied to the transformer; flux, particularly the flux through the transformer core; or current. According to an embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the transformer by generating at least one signal as an input to the transformer. According to an embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the transformer by generating at least one signal as an input to a control loop, which includes a model, particularly a mathematical model, and more particularly a transfer function, describing the electrical behavior characteristics of the transformer. According to an embodiment, the control unit is configured to generate the at least one signal by adjusting the at least one signal based on obtained and / or determined data. According to an embodiment, the at least one signal is at least one of the following: voltage, particularly the voltage applied to the transformer; flux, particularly the flux through the transformer core; or current.

[0045] This disclosure further relates to a system including a transformer and means for detecting DC magnetization in the transformer and controlling the transformer, the means comprising: a sensor configured to sense at least one vibration on at least one surface of the transformer or on at least one surface of a component connected to the transformer; and a processor configured to: measure the sensed at least one vibration; detect DC magnetization in the transformer based on the measured at least one vibration; and control the transformer based on the detected DC magnetization.

[0046] This disclosure further relates to a system including a transformer and means for detecting DC magnetization in the transformer and controlling the transformer, the means comprising: a vibration sensor configured to sense at least one vibration on at least one surface of the transformer or on at least one surface of a component connected to the transformer; a measuring unit configured to measure the sensed at least one vibration; a detection unit configured to detect DC magnetization in the transformer based on the measured at least one vibration; and a control unit configured to control the transformer based on the detected DC magnetization.

[0047] Typical intermediate frequency transformers (MFTs) are designed to achieve low core losses, which causes the MFT to remain within the linear magnetization range and maintain a larger margin in the saturation portion of the BH curve than is typically applied to large transformers. This prevents the DC magnetizing current from immediately driving the core into saturation, at least for values ​​that are relatively small compared to the design peak AC magnetizing current (e.g., 10% of the peak AC magnetizing current). DC magnetization is common in transformers with substantial air gaps, where asymmetric magnetization causes oscillations at the fundamental excitation frequency. This DC magnetizing current arises when, among other things, small non-ideal control conditions exist, including non-uniform time delays in the MFT switching pulse distribution, resulting in volt-second imbalances and small DC voltage components. This DC magnetizing current can cause MFT saturation, during which, among other things, the amplitude of the fundamental switching frequency (corresponding to the frequency of the excitation signal applied to the transformer) increases. Since MFTs typically operate between 1 and 75 kHz (including the range of frequencies audible to humans), a saturated MFT emits rather unpleasant noise.

[0048] For 50Hz / 60Hz transformers, such low frequencies are not weighted very highly on the dBA scale. However, the increased amplitude of the fundamental component of an MFT operating, for example at 3kHz (which is very high weighted in the audible spectrum compared to the usual lowest frequency of 6kHz), can cause noise pollution.

[0049] In contrast, when the MFT operates in an unsaturated state, it generates a significantly smaller second harmonic, among other things. Figure 1 The figure illustrates an embodiment of a method for detecting DC magnetization in a transformer, particularly in an MFT, and for controlling the transformer.

[0050] Figure 1 A flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. Block S101 performs the function of sensing at least one vibration on at least one surface of the transformer or on at least one surface of a component connected to the transformer. Block S102 performs the function of measuring the sensed at least one vibration. Block S103 performs the function of detecting DC magnetization in the transformer based on the measured at least one vibration. Block S104 performs the function of controlling the transformer based on the detected DC magnetization.

[0051] According to an embodiment, at least one vibration is generated by a transformer.

[0052] According to an embodiment, detecting DC magnetization in a transformer includes: identifying a first signal vibrating at a first frequency and / or a second signal vibrating at a second frequency from at least one measured vibration.

[0053] According to an embodiment, the first frequency is the fundamental frequency of the alternating signal on the primary side and / or the secondary side of the transformer, and the second frequency is the second harmonic of the alternating signal on the primary side and / or the secondary side of the transformer.

[0054] According to an embodiment, controlling the transformer includes: modifying the pulse pattern of the alternating signal on the primary side and / or the secondary side of the transformer.

[0055] According to an embodiment, the method further includes: calculating at least one parameter, in particular an error correction factor.

[0056] According to an embodiment, the control transformer is or includes controlling at least one of the following: voltage, particularly the voltage applied to the transformer; flux, particularly the flux through the transformer core; or current. According to an embodiment, the control transformer is or includes generating at least one signal as an input to the transformer. According to an embodiment, the control transformer is or includes generating at least one signal as an input to a control loop, which includes a model, particularly a mathematical model, and more particularly a transfer function, describing the electrical behavior characteristics of the transformer. According to an embodiment, generating the at least one signal is or includes adjusting the at least one signal based on obtained and / or determined data. According to an embodiment, the at least one signal is at least one of the following: voltage, particularly the voltage applied to the transformer; flux, particularly the flux through the transformer core; or current.

[0057] According to an embodiment, the at least one vibration sensor is a piezoelectric sensor, particularly a piezoelectric accelerometer, which is placed on the vibrating object (e.g., a mechanical component attached to at least one surface of the transformer, particularly at least one surface of the core of the MFT). According to an embodiment, the at least one vibration sensor is relatively more sensitive to the vibration of at least one vibrating component than to any other sensor for vibrations propagating through air. According to an embodiment, the at least one vibration sensor generates an electrical signal reflecting the frequency and amplitude of the vibration. This is typically a fundamental sine wave accompanying the switching frequency of the voltage applied to the MFT, particularly the primary and secondary sides. A strong fundamental frequency can be detected when the MFT core is saturated, particularly DC magnetized, while only small second harmonics are seen in an unsaturated core. Figure 2 As illustrated in the figure. According to an embodiment, DC magnetization is caused by a field outside the transformer, which drives the core of the MFT into saturation and leads to an increase in the level of higher harmonics due to high nonlinearity.

[0058] Figure 2The illustration shows measurement results obtained using a piezoelectric sensor employed in a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. A first measurement result 211 corresponds to the output of the piezoelectric sensor obtained during the saturation period of the MFT core, and a second measurement result 212 corresponds to the output of the piezoelectric sensor obtained during the saturation period of the MFT core. This result demonstrates that operation under saturation conditions can be easily distinguished from unsaturated operation.

[0059] Those skilled in the art should understand that a piezoelectric sensor can be attached to or placed on any vibrating object, wherein the vibration of the vibrating object is directly or indirectly caused by or related to a transformer to be controlled based on the vibration measurement results; that is, the measured vibration is or includes vibration generated by the transformer and / or propagating vibration generated by the transformer. According to an embodiment, the vibrating object is an MFT (Medium-Frequency Tolerancing) sensor.

[0060] Figure 3 The illustration shows vibration measurements obtained using piezoelectric sensors attached to a transformer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, the transformer under consideration is a dual active bridge (DAB) solid-state transformer (SST) operating in a power-reduced back-to-back configuration. The SST includes a first dynamic transition current (MFT) operating at 2 kHz and a second MFT operating at 2.5 kHz. The first MFT is located near the second MFT. Piezoelectric sensors are attached to each of the MFTs within the SST. Figure 3 The illustration shows vibration measurements obtained using piezoelectric sensors attached to each of the MFTs within the SST. Solid line 311 indicates the vibration sensor at the 2.5 kHz MFT, and dashed line 312 indicates the vibration sensor at the 2 kHz MFT. The vibration measurements show that the obtained sinusoidal output waveform oscillates at two distinct frequencies, 2 kHz and 2.5 kHz, without interference between them. Such observations lead to the qualitative conclusion that the piezoelectric sensors are insensitive to noise generated by the neighboring MFTs and the environment, i.e., they are insensitive to noise transmitted through the air.

[0061] Figure 4An exemplary control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. Specifically, this embodiment includes a transformer 420, which is excited by a transformer excitation voltage applied to the primary and secondary sides. This embodiment further includes a vibration sensor, particularly a piezoelectric accelerometer, attached to the transformer. In block S401, a piezoelectric accelerometer 410 is used to sense the vibration of the transformer 420. According to the embodiment, the sensed vibration is measured, particularly using the piezoelectric accelerometer 410. In block S402, the amplitudes of the fundamental frequency and second harmonic frequency of the transformer excitation voltage are detected based on the measured vibration, particularly using a phase-locked loop (PLL). According to the embodiment, DC magnetization in the transformer 420 is determined when the amplitude of the fundamental frequency is higher than a first threshold and / or the amplitude of the second harmonic frequency is lower than a second threshold. Those skilled in the art will understand that the word 'determined' can be used interchangeably with the word 'detected,' etc. Then, in block S403, a correction factor is calculated with respect to the transformer excitation volt-seconds applied to the primary and secondary sides of the transformer. In block S404, the pulse pattern of the transformer excitation voltage applied to the primary and secondary sides is modified. The modified transformer excitation voltage is fed back to the transformer on both the primary and secondary sides to mitigate vibrations, particularly those caused by DC magnetization, and more specifically, those that lead to core saturation.

[0062] Figure 5a The illustration shows an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Apparatus 510 is an apparatus for detecting DC magnetization in a transformer 520 and controlling the transformer 520. The apparatus includes: a vibration sensor 512 configured to sense at least one vibration on at least one surface of the transformer 520 or on at least one surface of a component connected to the transformer 520; and a processor 511 configured to: measure the sensed at least one vibration; detect DC magnetization in the transformer 520 based on the measured at least one vibration; and control the transformer 520 based on the detected DC magnetization.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the at least one vibration sensor is a piezoelectric sensor, particularly a piezoelectric accelerometer.

[0064] According to an embodiment, the at least one vibration is generated by a transformer.

[0065] According to an embodiment, the processor is configured to detect DC magnetization in a transformer by means of the following steps: identifying a first signal vibrating at a first frequency and / or a second signal vibrating at a second frequency from at least one measured vibration.

[0066] According to an embodiment, the first frequency is the fundamental frequency of the alternating signal on the primary side and / or the secondary side of the transformer, and the second frequency is the second harmonic of the alternating signal on the primary side and / or the secondary side of the transformer.

[0067] According to an embodiment, the processor is configured to control the transformer by modifying the pulse pattern of the alternating signal on the primary side and / or the secondary side of the transformer.

[0068] According to an embodiment, the processor is further configured to calculate at least one parameter, in particular an error correction factor.

[0069] According to an embodiment, the processor is configured to control the transformer by controlling at least one of the following: voltage, particularly the voltage applied to the transformer; flux, particularly the flux through the transformer core; or current. According to an embodiment, the processor is configured to control the transformer by: generating at least one signal as an input to the transformer. According to an embodiment, controlling the transformer is or includes: generating at least one signal as an input to a control loop, which includes a model, particularly a mathematical model, and more particularly a transfer function, describing the electrical behavior characteristics of the transformer. According to an embodiment, the processor is configured to generate the at least one signal by: adjusting the at least one signal based on obtained and / or determined data. According to an embodiment, the at least one signal is at least one of the following: voltage, particularly the voltage applied to the transformer; flux, particularly the flux through the transformer core; or current. According to an embodiment, the device further includes a computing unit 517 configured to calculate at least one parameter, particularly an error correction factor.

[0070] Figure 5b The illustration shows an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Apparatus 510 is an apparatus for detecting DC magnetization in a transformer 520 and controlling the transformer 520. The apparatus includes: a vibration sensor 512 configured to sense at least one vibration on at least one surface of the transformer 520 or on at least one surface of a component connected to the transformer 520; a measuring unit 515 configured to measure the sensed at least one vibration; a detection unit 516 configured to detect DC magnetization in the transformer 520 based on the measured at least one vibration; and a control unit 517 configured to control the transformer 520 based on the detected DC magnetization.

[0071] According to an embodiment, the vibration sensor is a piezoelectric sensor, particularly a piezoelectric accelerometer.

[0072] According to an embodiment, the at least one vibration is generated by a transformer.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the detection unit is configured to detect DC magnetization in a transformer by means of the following steps: identifying a first signal vibrating at a first frequency and / or a second signal vibrating at a second frequency from at least one measured vibration.

[0074] According to an embodiment, the first frequency is the fundamental frequency of the alternating signal on the primary side and / or the secondary side of the transformer, and the second frequency is the second harmonic of the alternating signal on the primary side and / or the secondary side of the transformer.

[0075] According to an embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the transformer by modifying the pulse pattern of the alternating signal on the primary side and / or the secondary side of the transformer.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the apparatus further includes a computing unit 517 configured to calculate at least one parameter, particularly an error correction factor.

[0077] According to an embodiment, the control unit configured to control the transformer is configured to control the following: voltage, in particular the voltage applied to the transformer; flux, in particular the flux through the core of the transformer; or current.

[0078] According to an embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the transformer by controlling at least one of the following: voltage, particularly the voltage applied to the transformer; flux, particularly the flux through the transformer core; or current. According to an embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the transformer by generating at least one signal as an input to the transformer. According to an embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the transformer by generating at least one signal as an input to a control loop, which includes a model, particularly a mathematical model, and more particularly a transfer function, describing the electrical behavior characteristics of the transformer. According to an embodiment, the control unit is configured to generate the at least one signal by adjusting the at least one signal based on obtained and / or determined data. According to an embodiment, the at least one signal is at least one of the following: voltage, particularly the voltage applied to the transformer; flux, particularly the flux through the transformer core; or current.

[0079] Those skilled in the art will understand that the measurement unit, detection unit, and control unit can be implemented by one or more integrated circuits (ICs) and / or one or more processors (particularly one or more general-purpose processors). Integrated circuits (ICs) can include general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or other programmable logic devices, or any combination thereof. Logic blocks, units, and circuits may further include antennas and / or transceivers for communication with various components within a network or device. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor, but alternatively, the processor can be any conventional processor, controller, or state machine. The processor can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a DSP core, or any other suitable configuration to perform the functions described herein.

[0080] Figure 5c The figure illustrates a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. System 530 includes a transformer 520 and means 510 for detecting DC magnetization in the transformer 520 and controlling the transformer 520. According to an embodiment, means 510 is... Figure 5a ) device or Figure 5b ) device.

[0081] While various embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example only and not by way of limitation. Similarly, various figures may depict exemplary architectures or configurations, which are provided to enable those skilled in the art to understand the exemplary features and functionality of this disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will understand that this disclosure is not limited to the illustrated exemplary architectures or configurations, but can be implemented using various alternative architectures and configurations. Additionally, as those skilled in the art will understand, one or more features of one embodiment may be combined with one or more features of another embodiment described herein. Therefore, the breadth and scope of this disclosure should not be limited by any of the exemplary embodiments described above.

[0082] It should also be understood that any reference to elements in this document using names such as "first," "second," etc., generally does not restrict the number or order of those elements. Rather, these names may be used as a convenient means of distinguishing two or more elements or instances of elements. Therefore, referring to the first and second elements does not imply that only two elements can be used, or that the first element must somehow precede the second element.

[0083] Additionally, those skilled in the art will understand that information and signals can be represented using any of a variety of different techniques and methods. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, and symbols (e.g., they may be mentioned in the above description) can be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, light fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0084] Those skilled in the art will further understand that any of the various illustrated logic blocks, units, processors, devices, circuits, methods, and functions described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented by electronic hardware (e.g., digital implementation, analog implementation, or a combination of both), firmware, various forms of program or design code incorporating instructions (which may be referred to herein as "software" or "software unit" for convenience), or any combination of these techniques.

[0085] To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware, firmware, and software, various illustrative components, blocks, units, circuits, and steps have been described above generally according to their function. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware, firmware, or software, or a combination of these technologies, depends on the specific application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Those skilled in the art can implement the described functionality in various ways for each specific application, but such implementation decisions will not depart from the scope of this disclosure. According to various embodiments, processors, devices, components, circuits, structures, machines, units, etc., can be configured to perform one or more of the functions described herein. As used herein with respect to a specified operation or function, the terms "configured to" or "configured for" refer to processors, devices, components, circuits, structures, machines, units, etc., that are physically constructed, programmed, and / or arranged to perform the specified operation or function.

[0086] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the various illustrative methods, logic blocks, units, devices, components, and circuits described herein can be implemented within or performed by an integrated circuit (IC), which may include a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, or any combination thereof. Logic blocks, units, and circuits may further include antennas and / or transceivers for communication with various components within a network or device. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but alternatively, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a DSP core, or any other suitable configuration to perform the functions described herein. If implemented in software, these functions may be stored as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Therefore, the steps of the methods or algorithms disclosed herein can be implemented as software stored on a computer-readable medium.

[0087] Computer-readable media include both computer storage media and communication media. Communication media includes any media that can be enabled to transfer computer programs or code from one place to another. Storage media can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example and not limitation, such computer-readable media can include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disc storage devices, magnetic disk storage devices or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer.

[0088] Additionally, memory or other storage devices and communication components may be employed in embodiments of this disclosure. It will be understood that, for clarity, embodiments of this disclosure have been described above with reference to various functional units and processors. However, it will be apparent that any suitable functional distribution among different functional units, processing logic elements, or domains may be used without departing from this disclosure. For example, a function illustrated as being performed by a separate processing logic element or controller may be performed by the same processing logic element or controller. Therefore, references to specific functional units are merely references to suitable means of providing the described functionality and do not indicate a strict logical or physical structure or organization.

[0089] Various modifications to the embodiments described in this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the novel features and principles disclosed herein, as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A method for detecting DC magnetization in a transformer and controlling the transformer, the method comprising: Use at least one vibration sensor to sense at least one vibration on at least one surface of the transformer or on at least one surface of a component connected to the transformer; Measure at least one sensed vibration; The DC magnetization in the transformer is detected based on at least one measured vibration; as well as The transformer is controlled based on the detected DC magnetization. Controlling the transformer includes: generating at least one signal as an input to a control loop, the control loop including a model describing the electrical behavior characteristics of the transformer, and Controlling the transformer includes modifying the pulse pattern of the alternating signal on the primary side and / or the secondary side of the transformer.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one vibration is generated by the transformer.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Detecting the DC magnetization in the transformer includes: identifying a first signal vibrating at a first frequency and / or a second signal vibrating at a second frequency from at least one measured vibration.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, The first frequency is the fundamental frequency of the alternating signal on the primary side and / or the secondary side of the transformer, and the second frequency is the second harmonic of the alternating signal on the primary side and / or the secondary side of the transformer.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: Calculate at least one parameter.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, Controlling the transformer is or includes controlling the following: voltage, flux, or current.

7. The method according to claim 5, wherein, The parameter is an error correction factor.

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The voltage is the voltage applied to the transformer; and / or, The flux is the flux through the core of the transformer.

9. An apparatus for detecting DC magnetization in a transformer and controlling the transformer, the apparatus comprising: A vibration sensor is configured to sense at least one vibration on at least one surface of the transformer or on at least one surface of a component connected to the transformer; The measuring unit is configured to measure at least one sensed vibration; The detection unit is configured to detect the DC magnetization in the transformer based on at least one measured vibration; as well as The control unit is configured to control the transformer based on the detected DC magnetization. The control unit is configured to control the transformer by generating at least one signal as input to a control loop, the control loop including a model describing the electrical behavior characteristics of the transformer, and The control unit is configured to control the transformer by modifying the pulse pattern of the alternating signal on the primary side and / or the secondary side of the transformer.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, The at least one vibration is generated by the transformer.

11. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, The detection unit is configured to detect the DC magnetization in the transformer by means of the following steps: identifying a first signal vibrating at a first frequency and / or a second signal vibrating at a second frequency from at least one measured vibration.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The first frequency is the fundamental frequency of the alternating signal on the primary side and / or the secondary side of the transformer, and the second frequency is the second harmonic of the alternating signal on the primary side and / or the secondary side of the transformer.

13. The apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 12, further comprising a computing unit configured to calculate at least one parameter.

14. The apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein, The control unit is configured to control the transformer by controlling the following: voltage, flux, or current.

15. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein, The parameter is an error correction factor.

16. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein, The voltage is the voltage applied to the transformer; and / or, The flux is the flux through the core of the transformer.

17. A system for detecting DC magnetization in a transformer and controlling the transformer, comprising the transformer and the apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 16.

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