Coalescence Power Supply Output Switching for Fast Fault Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for separating oil and water in multi-phase liquid mixtures, particularly in the petroleum industry, are inefficient and require specialized technicians and tools for troubleshooting, as they involve physically disconnecting high voltage cables to isolate faults, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A power supply device with an output switch that allows electrical isolation of the power supply from a vessel without disconnecting high voltage cables, enabling quick troubleshooting and fault replication by switching between load, short-circuit, and no-load positions, reducing the need for specialized tools and personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical disconnection of high voltage cables is used to isolate faults, then electrical isolation is achieved, but troubleshooting time and labor increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-installing an output switch device with multiple positions (load position, short-circuit position, no-load position) that enables quick electrical isolation without physical cable disconnection. This preliminary setup allows operators to rapidly transition between operational states during troubleshooting, eliminating time-consuming manual disconnection procedures while maintaining reliable electrical isolation when needed.
2Reliability
If physical disconnection of high voltage cables is used to isolate faults, then electrical isolation is achieved, but labor intensity increases due to specialized tools and personnel requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by designing the output switch device to be manually operable by standard personnel without requiring specialized tools or highly trained technicians. The device provides self-contained electrical isolation capability through its integrated switch mechanism, allowing operators to perform troubleshooting and isolation tasks independently without external assistance or complex tooling, thereby reducing labor intensity and operational complexity.
3Productivity
If multi-position output switch is implemented, then troubleshooting efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-position output switch device that performs multiple functions: it serves as a normal operational switch in the load position, provides electrical isolation in the no-load position, and enables fault replication in the short-circuit position. This multi-functional design consolidates several troubleshooting and operational capabilities into a single device, improving productivity without proportionally increasing complexity, as the additional functions are integrated into one unified mechanism.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces troubleshooting time and labor by allowing electrical isolation of the power supply from the vessel without physical disconnection of high voltage cables, facilitating faster maintenance and fault determination.
Implementation Method 1
A practical application involves coalescence of water droplets in an oil/water multi-phase liquid mixture for separation of oil and water
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply device includes a power conversion circuit configured to convert an input voltage into an output voltage, a controller, and an output switch. The controller is coupled to the power conversion circuit and configured to control the power conversion circuit to generate the output voltage for causing electrical coalescence of a multi-phase liquid mixture when the output voltage is applied to the multi-phase liquid mixture. The output switch is coupled between an output of the power conversion circuit and a terminal of the power supply device. The output switch is switchable among a first position at which the output of the power conversion circuit is coupled to the terminal, a second position at which the output of the power conversion circuit is grounded, and a third position at which the output of the power conversion circuit is electrically isolated from the terminal and the ground.