AC Line Circuit Characterization via Current Signatures
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for characterizing circuits coupled to AC lines are manual and intensive, posing safety hazards due to potential improper installation of data acquisition equipment, which is critical for monitoring electrical parameters and compliance with regulatory requirements like IEEE-1547.
Innovation Solution
A consumption measurement unit (CMU) that automatically determines circuit characteristics by generating current signatures from AC line samples, identifying source or load profiles, and voltage characteristics, independent of voltage and current polarity, facilitating accurate monitoring and safety compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual installation of data acquisition equipment is used, then installation flexibility is maintained, but installation time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-characterization by automatically detecting circuit parameters and generating appropriate measurement configurations without requiring manual setup. The discovery module autonomously identifies circuit type, voltage characteristics, and configures the data acquisition equipment accordingly, eliminating the need for manual installation procedures.
2Ease of operation
If manual characterization of circuit type and voltage characteristics is performed, then installation flexibility is maintained, but safety risks increase due to potential improper connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical connection and characterization procedures with an automated electronic discovery process. The system uses electrical measurements and signal analysis to automatically identify circuit characteristics, eliminating the safety risks associated with manual lead connection and human error in circuit identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The discovery module continuously monitors electrical parameters and uses feedback from the measured signals to automatically adjust and verify the measurement configuration. This closed-loop approach ensures that the system correctly identifies circuit type and voltage characteristics before proceeding with data acquisition, thereby ensuring safety and reliability.
3Reliability
If automated data acquisition is implemented, then safety and accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The discovery module serves multiple functions: it characterizes circuit type, determines voltage characteristics, configures measurement parameters, and validates connections. By consolidating these functions into a single automated module, the system achieves high measurement accuracy without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for characterizing a circuit coupled to an AC line. The apparatus comprises a consumption measurement unit (CMU), adapted for coupling, independent of voltage and current polarity, to the AC line and the circuit. The CMU comprises a discovery module adapted for (i) generating a circuit current signature based on current samples representative of current on a phase of the circuit, (ii) generating at least one AC line current signature based on AC line current samples representative of current on each phase of the AC line, and (iii) determining, based on the circuit current signature, the at least one AC line current signature, and at least one of a source profile or a load profile, at least one of a type or a voltage characteristic for the circuit.