Asynchronous AC Measurement System for Grid Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing complexity of power transmission and distribution networks due to multiple, unpredictable power sources and loads complicates accurate AC measurements, making it difficult to maintain power quality and grid management, and existing measurement systems are costly and complex.
Innovation Solution
An asynchronous AC measurement system with isolated current and voltage channel converters that can digitally sample independently, process digital representations of voltage and current, and employ non-linear data integration methodologies to handle non-stationary signals, allowing for precise measurements across a wide range of currents and voltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional synchronous sampling methods are used to ensure measurement precision, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement system into independent current and voltage channel converters that sample asynchronously, eliminating the need for complex synchronous sampling coordination. Each channel operates independently with its own ADC, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining measurement accuracy through separate processing of current and voltage waveforms.
2Reliability
If high precision measurement systems are deployed to meet Class A requirements, then measurement reliability is improved, but the cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental sampling parameter from synchronous to asynchronous, allowing each channel to sample at its own rate independent of the other. This parameter change enables the system to achieve Class A measurement reliability through mathematical processing of asynchronous samples rather than through complex synchronous sampling hardware and coordination mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If conventional measurement systems are used to handle predictable power loads, then measurement simplicity is maintained, but the ability to handle non-stationary signals deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic sampling where the current and voltage channels can independently adapt their sampling rates and timing based on the characteristics of the signals they are measuring. This dynamic approach allows the system to effectively handle non-stationary signals with varying frequencies and amplitudes while maintaining measurement simplicity through independent channel operation rather than complex coordinated control.
Data Source
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AI summary
Accurate measurements of electrical power at various points of a power grid is becoming more important and, at the same time, is getting more difficult as the old power distribution model of a few, large power generating stations and a multitude of relatively linear loads is replaced by a newer model containing a multitude of smaller, and to some degree unpredictable power sources, as well as a multitude of not always linear and often smart (essentially also unpredictable) loads. Embodiments of the invention provide for high accuracy voltage, current and power measurements of quasi-stationary and stationary waveforms in single and multiple phase power systems. Precision AC voltage, current, phase, power and energy measurements in power networks may be measured with current ranges from 1mA to 20kA and voltage ranges from 1V to 1000kV and in a frequency range from a few hertz to one hundred kilohertz.