Transformer DC magnetization detection and mitigation by vibration measurements.

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method for detecting DC magnetization in a transformer and controlling the transformer, the method including: detecting 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 using at least one vibration sensor, measuring the detected 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. The present disclosure also relates to respective apparatus and systems.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to methods, apparatus, and systems for detecting DC magnetization in transformers, particularly MFTs, and for controlling the transformers. [Background technology]

[0002] In transformers, especially large ones, DC magnetization caused by fields external to the transformer can drive the core into saturation, resulting in a dramatic increase in the level of high-order harmonics due to high nonlinearity. In contrast, medium-frequency transformers (MFTs), which operate using transformer excitation signals typically having frequencies between 1 and 75 kHz, generate, among other things, high levels of fundamental frequency components in the transformer excitation signal, resulting in considerable objectionable 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 such a solution is impractical due to the bulkiness of high-current capacitors. Alternatively, acoustic sensors may be considered to detect saturation. The measured data can be used to adjust the transformer excitation signal. However, challenges are presented when several MFTs operate simultaneously in close proximity, as acoustic sensors can be sensitive to vibrations and / or ambient noise generated by adjacent transformers. In such situations, it is important to locate the source of the vibration in order to apply appropriate control mitigation measures.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for improved methods, apparatus, and systems for detecting DC magnetization in transformers, particularly MFTs, and controlling the transformers accordingly. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present disclosure relates to methods, apparatus, and systems for detecting DC magnetization in transformers, particularly MFTs, and controlling the transformers accordingly.

[0006] Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure disclosed herein are intended to provide additional features that will become readily apparent from a review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In accordance with various embodiments, exemplary systems, methods, and apparatuses are disclosed herein. It is understood, however, that these embodiments are presented by way of example and not limitation, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure that various modifications to the disclosed embodiments may be made while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0007] Thus, the present disclosure is not limited to the example embodiments and applications described and illustrated herein. Additionally, the specific order and / or hierarchy of steps in the methods disclosed herein is merely example approaches. Based on design preferences, the specific order or hierarchy of steps in a disclosed method or process may be rearranged while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, those skilled in the art will understand that the methods and techniques disclosed herein present various steps or operations in a sample order, and that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented, unless otherwise stated.

[0008] These and other aspects and implementations thereof are described in more detail in the drawings, the specification, and the claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a flowchart of a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 illustrates measurements obtained using a piezoelectric sensor used in a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 illustrates vibration measurements obtained using a piezoelectric sensor attached to a transformer, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5a)] 1 illustrates an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5b] 1 illustrates an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5c] FIG. 1 illustrates a system according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. It should be noted that some aspects of any one of the described embodiments may also be found in some other embodiments unless otherwise specified or obvious. However, for the purpose of improving comprehension, each aspect will be described in detail only when first mentioned, and any repeated description of the same aspect will be omitted.

[0011] The present disclosure relates to a method for detecting DC magnetization in a transformer and controlling the transformer, the method including: detecting 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 using at least one vibration sensor; measuring the detected 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.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the vibration sensor is a piezoelectric sensor, in particular a piezoelectric accelerometer. According to one embodiment, the at least one vibration is generated by a transformer.

[0013] According to one embodiment, detecting DC magnetization in the transformer includes identifying, from the at least one measured oscillation, a first signal oscillating at a first frequency and / or a second signal oscillating at a second frequency.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the first frequency is a fundamental frequency of the AC signal on the primary side of the transformer and / or the secondary side of the transformer, and the second frequency is a second harmonic of the AC signal on the primary side of the transformer and / or the secondary side of the transformer.

[0015] According to one embodiment, controlling the transformer includes modifying a pulse pattern of an AC signal on the primary side of the transformer and / or the secondary side of the transformer.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises calculating at least one parameter, in particular an error correction coefficient.

[0017] According to one embodiment, controlling the transformer is or includes controlling at least one of a voltage, particularly a voltage applied to the transformer, a magnetic flux, particularly a magnetic flux through the core of the transformer, or a current. According to one embodiment, controlling the transformer is or includes generating at least one signal that is an input to the transformer. According to one embodiment, controlling the transformer is or includes generating at least one signal that is an input to a control loop including a model, particularly a mathematical model, more particularly a transfer function, describing the electrical behavior characteristics of the transformer. According to one embodiment, generating at least one signal is or includes adjusting at least one signal based on acquired and / or determined data. According to one embodiment, the at least one signal is at least one of a voltage, particularly a voltage applied to the transformer, a magnetic flux, particularly a magnetic flux through the core of the transformer, or a current.

[0018] The present 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 detect 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 detected 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.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the vibration sensor is a piezoelectric sensor, in particular a piezoelectric accelerometer. According to one embodiment, the at least one vibration is generated by a transformer.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the processor is configured to detect DC magnetization in the transformer by identifying, from the at least one measured vibration, a first signal oscillating at a first frequency and / or a second signal oscillating at a second frequency.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the first frequency is a fundamental frequency of the AC signal on the primary side of the transformer and / or the secondary side of the transformer, and the second frequency is a second harmonic of the AC signal on the primary side of the transformer and / or the secondary side of the transformer.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the processor is configured to control the transformer by modifying a pulse pattern of an AC signal on the primary side of the transformer and / or the secondary side of the transformer.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the processor is further configured to calculate at least one parameter, in particular an error correction coefficient.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the processor is configured to control the transformer by controlling at least one of the voltage, in particular the voltage applied to the transformer, the magnetic flux, in particular the magnetic flux through a core of the transformer, or the current.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the processor is configured to control the transformer by generating at least one signal that is an input to the transformer. According to one embodiment, the processor is configured to control the transformer by generating at least one signal that is an input to a control loop including a model, particularly a mathematical model, more particularly a transfer function, describing the electrical behavior characteristics of the transformer. According to one embodiment, the processor is configured to generate the at least one signal by adjusting the at least one signal based on acquired and / or determined data. According to one embodiment, the at least one signal is at least one of a voltage, particularly a voltage applied to the transformer, a magnetic flux, particularly a magnetic flux through a core of the transformer, or a current.

[0026] The present 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 detect 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 measurement unit configured to measure the detected 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.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the vibration sensor is a piezoelectric sensor, in particular a piezoelectric accelerometer. According to one embodiment, the at least one vibration is generated by a transformer.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the detection unit is configured to detect DC magnetization in the transformer by identifying, from the at least one measured oscillation, a first signal oscillating at a first frequency and / or a second signal oscillating at a second frequency.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the first frequency is a fundamental frequency of the AC signal on the primary side of the transformer and / or the secondary side of the transformer, and the second frequency is a second harmonic of the AC signal on the primary side of the transformer and / or the secondary side of the transformer.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the transformer by modifying a pulse pattern of an AC signal on the primary side of the transformer and / or on the secondary side of the transformer.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the device further comprises a calculation unit configured to calculate at least one parameter, in particular an error correction coefficient.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the transformer by controlling at least one of the voltage, in particular the voltage applied to the transformer, the magnetic flux, in particular the magnetic flux through a core of the transformer, or the current.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the transformer by generating at least one signal that is input to the transformer.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the transformer by generating at least one signal that is input to a control loop comprising a model, in particular a mathematical model, more particularly a transfer function, describing the electrical behavior characteristics of the transformer.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the control unit is configured to generate the at least one signal by adjusting the at least one signal based on the acquired and / or determined data.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the at least one signal is at least one of a voltage, in particular a voltage applied to a transformer, a magnetic flux, in particular a magnetic flux through a core of a transformer, or a current.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the transformer by controlling at least one of a voltage, particularly a voltage applied to the transformer, a magnetic flux, particularly a magnetic flux through the core of the transformer, or a current. According to one embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the transformer by generating at least one signal that is an input to the transformer. According to one embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the transformer by generating at least one signal that is an input to a control loop including a model, particularly a mathematical model, more particularly a transfer function, describing the electrical behavior characteristics of the transformer. According to one embodiment, the control unit is configured to generate the at least one signal by adjusting the at least one signal based on acquired and / or determined data. According to one embodiment, the at least one signal is at least one of a voltage, particularly a voltage applied to the transformer, a magnetic flux, particularly a magnetic flux through the core of the transformer, or a current.

[0038] The present disclosure further relates to a system comprising: a transformer; and an apparatus for detecting DC magnetization in the transformer and controlling the transformer, the apparatus comprising: a sensor configured to detect 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 detected 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.

[0039] The present disclosure further relates to a system comprising: a transformer; and an apparatus for detecting DC magnetization in the transformer and controlling the transformer, the apparatus comprising: a vibration sensor configured to detect 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 measurement unit configured to measure the detected 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.

[0040] Typical medium-frequency transformers (MFTs) are designed for low core losses, so that the MFT remains within its linear magnetizing range and maintains more margin for the saturation portion of the BH curve than typically applies to larger transformers, thereby preventing the dc magnetizing current from immediately driving the core into saturation, at least at a relatively small value compared to the design peak ac magnetizing current, e.g., 10% of the peak ac magnetizing current. DC magnetization is often observed in transformers with substantial air gaps, where asymmetric magnetization causes oscillations at the fundamental excitation frequency. This DC magnetizing current is generated when small, nonideal control conditions exist, including non-uniform time delays in the MFT switching pulse distribution, causing voltage-second imbalances and small DC voltage components, among other situations. This DC magnetizing current can lead to saturation of the MFT, 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, which includes the human audible frequency range, a saturated MFT will emit a fairly annoying noise.

[0041] In the case of a 50Hz / 60Hz transformer, such low frequencies are not weighted very highly on the dBA scale. However, the increased amplitude of the fundamental frequency component of an MFT operating at, say, 3kHz, which is weighted very highly in the audible spectrum compared to the usual lowest frequency of 6kHz, can cause noise contamination.

[0042] Conversely, when the MFT operates in a non-saturated state, significantly less second harmonics are generated, among other things.One embodiment of a method for detecting DC magnetization in a transformer, particularly an MFT, and controlling the transformer is shown in FIG.

[0043] 1 shows a flowchart of a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Block S101 implements detecting at least one vibration on at least one surface of a transformer or on at least one surface of a component connected to the transformer. Block S102 implements measuring the detected at least one vibration. Block S103 implements detecting DC magnetization in the transformer based on the measured at least one vibration. Block S104 implements controlling the transformer based on the detected DC magnetization.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the at least one vibration is generated by a transformer. According to one embodiment, detecting DC magnetization in the transformer includes identifying, from the at least one measured oscillation, a first signal oscillating at a first frequency and / or a second signal oscillating at a second frequency.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the first frequency is a fundamental frequency of the AC signal on the primary side of the transformer and / or the secondary side of the transformer, and the second frequency is a second harmonic of the AC signal on the primary side of the transformer and / or the secondary side of the transformer.

[0046] According to one embodiment, controlling the transformer includes modifying a pulse pattern of an AC signal on the primary side of the transformer and / or the secondary side of the transformer.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises calculating at least one parameter, in particular an error correction coefficient.

[0048] According to one embodiment, controlling the transformer is or includes controlling at least one of a voltage, particularly a voltage applied to the transformer, a magnetic flux, particularly a magnetic flux through the core of the transformer, or a current. According to one embodiment, controlling the transformer is or includes generating at least one signal that is an input to the transformer. According to one embodiment, controlling the transformer is or includes generating at least one signal that is an input to a control loop including a model, particularly a mathematical model, more particularly a transfer function, describing the electrical behavior characteristics of the transformer. According to one embodiment, generating at least one signal is or includes adjusting at least one signal based on acquired and / or determined data. According to one embodiment, the at least one signal is at least one of a voltage, particularly a voltage applied to the transformer, a magnetic flux, particularly a magnetic flux through the core of the transformer, or a current.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the at least one vibration sensor is a piezoelectric sensor, particularly a piezoelectric accelerometer, located on a mechanical component attached to at least one surface of a vibrating object, such as a transformer, particularly the core of an MFT. According to one embodiment, the at least one vibration sensor is any other sensor that is relatively more sensitive to vibrations of the component to which it is attached than to vibrations propagating through the air. According to one 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 that occurs at the switching frequency of the voltage applied to the MFT, particularly the primary and secondary sides. When the MFT core is in a saturated state, particularly a DC magnetized state, a strong fundamental frequency can be detected, while a non-saturated core only sees a small second harmonic, as shown in Figure 2. According to one embodiment, DC magnetization is caused by a field external to the transformer that drives the MFT core into saturation, resulting in increased levels of higher-order harmonics due to high nonlinearity.

[0050] 2 shows measurements taken using a piezoelectric sensor used in a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. A first measurement 211 corresponds to the output of the piezoelectric sensor taken while the MFT core is in a saturated state, and a second measurement 212 corresponds to the output of the piezoelectric sensor taken while the MFT core is saturated. The results show that saturated and non-saturated operation can be easily distinguished.

[0051] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the piezoelectric sensor may be attached to or placed on any vibrating object, the vibrations of which are caused by or directly or indirectly related to the transformer that is to be controlled based on the vibration measurements, i.e., the measured vibrations are or include vibrations generated by the transformer and / or propagated vibrations generated by the transformer. According to one embodiment, the vibrating object is an MFT.

[0052] FIG. 3 illustrates vibration measurements obtained using a piezoelectric sensor attached to a transformer, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, the transformer considered is a dual active bridge (DAB), solid-state transformer (SST) operating in a low-power back-to-back configuration. The SST includes a first MFT operating at 2 kHz and a second MFT operating at 2.5 kHz. The first MFT is located near the second MFT. A piezoelectric sensor is attached to each of the MFTs within the SST. FIG. 3 illustrates vibration measurements obtained using a piezoelectric sensor attached to each of the MFTs within the SST. The solid line 311 refers to the vibration sensor on the 2.5 kHz MFT, and the dashed line 312 refers to the vibration sensor on the 2 kHz MFT. The vibration measurements show that the resulting sinusoidal output waveform oscillates at two distinct frequencies, 2 kHz and 2.5 kHz, without any interference between them. Such observations lead to the qualitative conclusion that the piezoelectric sensor is insensitive to noise generated by the adjacent MFT and the environment, i.e., insensitive to noise transmitted through the air.

[0053] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary control method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, this embodiment includes a transformer 420 excited by a transformer excitation voltage applied to the primary and secondary sides. The embodiment further includes a vibration sensor, specifically a piezoelectric accelerometer, attached to the transformer. In block S401, vibrations of the transformer 420 are detected using the piezoelectric accelerometer 410. According to one embodiment, the detected vibrations are measured using the piezoelectric accelerometer 410. In block S402, the magnitudes of the fundamental frequency and the second harmonic frequency of the transformer excitation voltage are detected based on the measured vibrations, specifically using a phase-locked loop (PLL). According to one embodiment, DC magnetization in the transformer 420 is determined when the magnitude of the fundamental frequency is higher than a first threshold and / or the magnitude of the second harmonic frequency is lower than a second threshold. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the term "determined" can be used interchangeably with terms such as "detected." Next, in block S403, a correction factor is calculated for the transformer excitation voltage 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 the primary and secondary sides to mitigate oscillations caused by DC magnetization, particularly those that result in core saturation.

[0054] 5a) illustrates an apparatus 510 for detecting DC magnetization in a transformer 520 and controlling the transformer 520, the apparatus comprising: a vibration sensor 512 configured to detect 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 detected 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.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the at least one vibration sensor is a piezoelectric sensor, in particular a piezoelectric accelerometer.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the at least one vibration is generated by a transformer. According to one embodiment, the processor is configured to detect DC magnetization in the transformer by identifying, from the at least one measured vibration, a first signal oscillating at a first frequency and / or a second signal oscillating at a second frequency.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the first frequency is a fundamental frequency of the AC signal on the primary side of the transformer and / or the secondary side of the transformer, and the second frequency is a second harmonic of the AC signal on the primary side of the transformer and / or the secondary side of the transformer.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the processor is configured to control the transformer by modifying a pulse pattern of an AC signal on the primary side of the transformer and / or the secondary side of the transformer.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the processor is further configured to calculate at least one parameter, in particular an error correction coefficient.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the processor is configured to control the transformer by controlling at least one of a voltage, particularly a voltage applied to the transformer, a magnetic flux, particularly a magnetic flux through the core of the transformer, or a current. According to one embodiment, the processor is configured to control the transformer by generating at least one signal that is an input to the transformer. According to one embodiment, controlling the transformer is or includes generating at least one signal that is an input to a control loop including a model, particularly a mathematical model, more particularly a transfer function, describing the electrical behavior characteristics of the transformer. According to one embodiment, the processor is configured to generate the at least one signal by adjusting the at least one signal based on acquired and / or determined data. According to one embodiment, the at least one signal is at least one of a voltage, particularly a voltage applied to the transformer, a magnetic flux, particularly a magnetic flux through the core of the transformer, or a current. According to one embodiment, the device further comprises a calculation unit 517 configured to calculate at least one parameter, particularly an error correction coefficient.

[0061] 5b) shows an apparatus 510 for detecting DC magnetization in a transformer 520 and controlling the transformer 520, the apparatus comprising: a vibration sensor 512 configured to detect 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 measurement unit 515 configured to measure the detected 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.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the vibration sensor is a piezoelectric sensor, in particular a piezoelectric accelerometer. According to one embodiment, the at least one vibration is generated by a transformer.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the detection unit is configured to detect DC magnetization in the transformer by identifying, from the at least one measured oscillation, a first signal oscillating at a first frequency and / or a second signal oscillating at a second frequency.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the first frequency is a fundamental frequency of the AC signal on the primary side of the transformer and / or the secondary side of the transformer, and the second frequency is a second harmonic of the AC signal on the primary side of the transformer and / or the secondary side of the transformer.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the transformer by modifying a pulse pattern of the AC signal on the primary side of the transformer and / or on the secondary side of the transformer.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the device further comprises a calculation unit 517 configured to calculate at least one parameter, in particular an error correction coefficient.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the control unit configured to control the transformer is configured to control the voltage, in particular the voltage applied to the transformer, the magnetic flux, in particular the magnetic flux through the core of the transformer, or the current.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the transformer by controlling at least one of a voltage, particularly a voltage applied to the transformer, a magnetic flux, particularly a magnetic flux through the core of the transformer, or a current. According to one embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the transformer by generating at least one signal that is an input to the transformer. According to one embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the transformer by generating at least one signal that is an input to a control loop including a model, particularly a mathematical model, more particularly a transfer function, describing the electrical behavior characteristics of the transformer. According to one embodiment, the control unit is configured to generate the at least one signal by adjusting the at least one signal based on acquired and / or determined data. According to one embodiment, the at least one signal is at least one of a voltage, particularly a voltage applied to the transformer, a magnetic flux, particularly a magnetic flux through the core of the transformer, or a current.

[0069] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the measurement unit, detection unit, and control unit can be realized by one or more integrated circuits (ICs) and / or one or more processors, particularly one or more general-purpose processors. The 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. The logic blocks, units, and circuits can further include antennas and / or transceivers for communicating with various components within a network or device. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, 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 in combination with a DSP core, or any other suitable configuration for performing the functions described herein.

[0070] Figure 5c) shows a system according to one embodiment of the present invention. System 530 comprises a transformer 520 and an apparatus 510 for detecting DC magnetization in transformer 520 and controlling transformer 520. According to one embodiment, apparatus 510 is the apparatus of Figure 5a) or the apparatus of Figure 5b).

[0071] While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that they are presented by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. Similarly, various figures may depict example architectures or configurations provided to enable those skilled in the art to understand example features and functionality of the present disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the present disclosure is not limited to the example architectures or configurations shown, but may be implemented using a variety of alternative architectures and configurations. Moreover, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, one or more features of one embodiment can be combined with one or more features of another embodiment described herein. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described example embodiments.

[0072] It is also understood that any reference to an element herein using a designation such as "first," "second," etc., generally does not limit the quantity or order of those elements. Rather, these designations may be used herein as a convenient means of distinguishing between two or more elements or instances of an element. Thus, reference to a first element and a second element does not imply that only two elements may be utilized or that the first element must precede the second element in some manner.

[0073] Additionally, those skilled in the art will understand that information and signals may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, the data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, and symbols that may be referenced in the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0074] Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that any of the various illustrative logical blocks, units, processors, means, circuits, methods, and functions described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein may be implemented by electronic hardware (e.g., digital implementations, analog implementations, or a combination of the two), firmware, various forms of program or design code incorporating instructions (which for convenience may be referred to herein as "software" or "software units"), or any combination of these techniques.

[0075] To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware, firmware, and software, various exemplary components, blocks, units, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware, firmware, or software, or a combination of these techniques, depends on the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Those skilled in the art may implement the described functionality in various ways for each particular application, and such implementation decisions do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure. According to various embodiments, a processor, device, component, circuit, structure, machine, unit, etc. may be configured to perform one or more functions described herein. The terms “configured to” or “configured for,” as used herein with respect to a specified operation or function, refer to a processor, device, component, circuit, structure, machine, unit, etc. that is physically constructed, programmed, and / or configured to perform the specified operation or function.

[0076] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the various example methods, logical blocks, units, devices, components, and circuits described herein can be implemented or performed within 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. The logical blocks, units, and circuits may further include an antenna and / or transceiver for communicating with various components within a network or device. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, or state machine. A 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 in combination with a DSP core, or any other suitable configuration for performing the functions described herein. When implemented in software, the functions may be stored as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Thus, the steps of a method or algorithm disclosed herein may be implemented as software stored on a computer-readable medium.

[0077] Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media, including any medium that can enable a computer program or code to be transferred from one place to another. Storage media can be any available medium 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 disk storage, magnetic disk storage 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.

[0078] Additionally, embodiments of the present disclosure may utilize memory or other storage devices and communication components. It will be appreciated that, for clarity, the above description has described embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to different functional units and processors. However, it will be apparent that any suitable distribution of functionality between different functional units, processing logic elements, or domains may be used without detracting from the present disclosure. For example, functionality shown to be performed by separate processing logic elements or controllers may be performed by the same processing logic element or controller. Thus, references to specific functional units do not indicate a strict logical or physical structure or organization, but merely to suitable means for providing the described functionality.

[0079] Various modifications to the embodiments described in this disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present 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 appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A method for detecting DC magnetization in a transformer and controlling said transformer, 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 detected at least one vibration; detecting the DC magnetization in the transformer based on the measured at least one vibration; controlling the transformer based on the detected DC magnetization; Including, said controlling said transformer includes generating at least one signal that is an input to said transformer using a model that describes electrical behavior characteristics of said transformer; The method, wherein generating the at least one signal includes modifying a pulse pattern of an AC signal on the primary side of the transformer and / or the secondary side of the transformer based on at least one parameter calculated based on the detected DC magnetization.

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

3. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the detecting the DC magnetization in the transformer includes identifying, from the measured at least one oscillation, a first signal oscillating at a first frequency and / or a second signal oscillating at a second frequency.

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

5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising calculating an error correction factor for excitation voltage seconds applied to the primary and secondary sides of the transformer as the at least one parameter.

6. 6. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the controlling the transformer is or includes controlling a voltage applied to the transformer, a magnetic flux through a core of the transformer, or a current.

7. 1. An apparatus for detecting DC magnetization in a transformer and controlling said transformer, 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 measurement unit configured to measure the detected at least one vibration; a detection unit configured to detect the DC magnetization in the transformer based on the measured at least one vibration; a control unit configured to control the transformer based on the detected DC magnetization; and Equipped with the control unit is configured to control the transformer by generating at least one signal that is an input to the transformer using a model that describes electrical behavior characteristics of the transformer; The control unit is configured to control the transformer by modifying a pulse pattern of an AC signal on the primary side of the transformer and / or the secondary side of the transformer based on at least one parameter calculated based on the detected DC magnetization.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the at least one vibration is generated by the transformer.

9. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the detection unit is configured to detect the DC magnetization in the transformer by identifying, from the measured at least one vibration, a first signal oscillating at a first frequency and / or a second signal oscillating at a second frequency.

10. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first frequency is a fundamental frequency of an AC signal on the primary side of the transformer and / or the secondary side of the transformer, and the second frequency is a second harmonic of the AC signal on the primary side of the transformer and / or the secondary side of the transformer.

11. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a calculation unit configured to calculate, as at least one parameter, an error correction factor for excitation voltage seconds applied to the primary and secondary sides of the transformer.

12. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the control unit is configured to control the transformer by controlling a voltage applied to the transformer, a magnetic flux through a core of the transformer, or a current.

13. A system comprising a transformer and a device according to any one of claims 7 to 12.

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