Adaptive Protection Settings for Electrical Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing protection devices in power generation, transmission, and distribution systems often have incorrectly set parameters due to incomplete or incorrect information, leading to frequent or unwarranted tripping of electrical devices, and these settings may become obsolete over time due to aging or changes in the system, resulting in potential damage to equipment.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that adaptively updates the settings of protection functions in protection devices based on repeatedly estimated physical parameters of electrical machines and power systems, using sensors to monitor operating conditions and determine accurate parameters, which are then used to adjust the protection settings dynamically.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If protection device parameters are set manually based on incomplete or incorrect information, then initial protection settings can be established, but the settings become incorrect over time leading to frequent or unwarranted tripping

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection setting accuracyVSAvoidtime for parameter setting and updates

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The protection device automatically determines its own operating parameters by monitoring electrical quantities (voltage, current, frequency) and applying embedded algorithms. The device self-updates protection settings based on real-time system conditions without requiring external intervention, eliminating manual parameter setting errors and ensuring continuous accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors electrical quantities and compares actual system behavior against protection criteria. When deviations are detected, the device automatically adjusts protection parameters and triggers appropriate responses. This closed-loop feedback ensures settings remain accurate as system conditions change, preventing both false trips and missed faults.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If protection parameters are set based on initial system conditions, then protection functions can operate correctly at commissioning, but settings become obsolete due to aging or system changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection setting relevanceVSAvoidcomplexity of parameter management

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protection device transitions from static, fixed parameters to dynamic, continuously updating parameters. The device adapts protection settings in real-time based on changing system conditions such as load variations, generator aging, and network reconfigurations. This dynamic approach ensures protection relevance without requiring complex external parameter management systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device autonomously tracks system changes and self-updates protection parameters without external intervention. Embedded algorithms continuously analyze electrical quantities and automatically adjust settings to match current system state, eliminating the need for manual parameter reconfiguration as the system ages or changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If manual parameter setting is used, then initial protection coverage can be established, but incomplete or incorrect information leads to improper protection settings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection coverage accuracyVSAvoidease of parameter setting

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The protection device automatically determines all necessary operating parameters by monitoring electrical quantities and applying embedded determination algorithms. This eliminates manual parameter setting entirely, ensuring complete and accurate protection coverage without relying on operator knowledge or external information sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of parameter setting is replaced with automated electronic determination. The device uses embedded algorithms to calculate and set parameters based on real-time electrical measurements, substituting human operator actions with automated computational processes that eliminate errors and ensure completeness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2127063B1Adaptive provision of protection function settings of electrical machines

Publication Date: 2010.12.29 ABB RES LTD

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AI summary

A protection setting determiner (118) adaptively updates settings of protection functions in memory of a protection device (106) that protects a machine (102) that provides power to a power system (104), wherein the settings are updated based at least in part upon sensed data acquired during operation of the machine (102). A physical parameter determiner (110) receives the sensed data, which includes three-phase voltage and three-phase current values at the terminals of the machine (102), and uses any suitable real-time or off-line parameter estimation technique (such as Kalman Filtering for an augmented state) to determine physical parameters of the machine (102) and the power system (104). The protection setting determiner (118) uses the physical parameters to update the protection settings.