Conductor Phase Identification Using Synchronous Network Measurements

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for conductor phase identification in power networks are complex, require manual intervention, and are prone to errors due to the need for user-created measurement files, which can lead to inconsistent phase determinations and potential equipment damage.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a server-connected reference and field devices with a network model database that automatically calculates phase offsets based on transformer and connectivity information, eliminating the need for manual measurement files and ensuring real-time phase identification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If synchrophasor measurements are used to compare instantaneous phase measurements at two different locations, then conductor phase identification can be achieved, but the system becomes complex and requires manual management of phase offsets and measurement files

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconductor phase identification accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a server as an intermediary component that hosts a database of measurement files and provides automated phase offset calculations. This server acts as a mediator between reference devices and field devices, eliminating the need for manual phase offset management at the field device level. The server stores measurement files from reference devices and automatically retrieves and applies the correct phase offsets based on the field device's location and timestamp, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The field device is designed to automatically query the server for measurement files and phase offset information based on its timestamp and location data. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention in phase offset management. The field device autonomously retrieves the appropriate measurement file, extracts the phase offset, and applies it to the instantaneous phase measurements, thereby simplifying the overall system operation while maintaining accurate phase identification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If manual management of phase offsets and measurement files is required, then phase identification can be performed, but errors increase and operational efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase identification accuracyVSAvoidoperational reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the field device continuously queries the server for updated measurement files and phase offset information based on its current timestamp and location. This feedback loop ensures that the field device always uses the most current and accurate phase offset data, automatically correcting for any changes in the power network configuration. This eliminates manual errors and improves operational reliability while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Reference devices perform preliminary measurements and store their data in measurement files on the server before field devices need them. These measurement files contain pre-calculated phase offset information that is ready for immediate retrieval and application. By performing this action in advance, the system eliminates the need for real-time manual calculations and reduces the risk of errors during field operations, thereby improving both reliability and operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If measurement files are stored and provided by field client or server, then phase offset complexity is reduced, but additional steps in the process are introduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase offset management easeVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of measurement file storage, phase offset calculation, and field device communication into a single centralized server. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate field clients to manage measurement files locally and reduces the process complexity by providing a unified interface. The server handles all queries from field devices, automatically retrieves the appropriate measurement files, and provides the necessary phase offset information, thereby improving ease of operation without significantly increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4306973B1A system and a method for energised conductor phase identification based on synchronous measurements using a network model
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 GRID INSTR D O O
  • EP4306973B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP4306973B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP4306973B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

The method for energised conductor phase identification based on synchronous measurements using network model is performed with a system comprising a field device, a reference device and a server unit connectable to said reference and field devices, wherein the server is provided with a network model comprising information about connectivity, locations of network nodes, busbars, transformer units, field rotation, transformer vector groups and information about other phase shifting devices present in the network. In comparison to known methods, no measurements files are needed, but the identification of conductor phase is performed by matching the field device measurements to the selected reference device measurements, followed by application of the existing knowledge about network model (identification of transformers, field rotation, and connectivity in the network) and calculation of the phase shift from installed reference devices to all or selected busbars in the network model by a software installed and running either on the server, and/or the field device and/or the reference device.