Converter Switch Voltage Pulse for Connection Set Parameter Determination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining characteristic parameters of a connection set between a converter and an electric machine are cumbersome and do not account for changes due to aging or system modifications, such as capacitance degradation and cable length variations.

Innovation Solution

An electronic determination device that uses converter switches to generate a voltage pulse through the connection set, measuring currents and voltages to calculate characteristic parameters like impedance, propagation time, capacitance, and resonance frequency, allowing for real-time and convenient parameter determination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If beforehand determination of characteristic parameters is performed using manufacturing data or initial measurements, then the determination process is simple and quick, but the accuracy deteriorates due to aging and system modifications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetermination timeVSAvoidparameter accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary determination of characteristic parameters during the commissioning phase using TDR measurements and initial impedance analysis. This preliminary action establishes baseline values that are later used for comparison during online monitoring, combining the speed of preliminary measurement with the accuracy of ongoing updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous online monitoring that compares current characteristic parameters against reference values established during commissioning. When deviations exceed thresholds, the system triggers alerts or automatic adjustments, creating a feedback loop that maintains accuracy without requiring continuous full-scale measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If impedance analyzer and TDR device are used to determine characteristic parameters, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and operational burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple measurement functions into the existing converter control unit. The same control unit that manages the converter switches also performs TDR measurements, impedance analysis, and parameter determination, eliminating the need for separate dedicated measurement devices and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the measurement and control functions into a single integrated system. The control unit serves dual purposes: controlling the converter operation and performing all characteristic parameter measurements, thereby merging what would traditionally be separate devices into one unified system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If converter switches are used to generate voltage pulses for parameter determination, then the ease of operation is improved by using existing components, but the reliability may be affected by additional switching operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetermination convenienceVSAvoidsystem reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the converter switches serve dual functions: their primary role in power conversion and their secondary role in generating test pulses for parameter measurement. By using existing components for measurement purposes, the system achieves self-service capability without adding external test equipment, while the measurement operations are performed during idle or low-load periods to minimize impact on reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables easier and more accurate determination of connection set parameters, accounting for changes over time and system modifications, improving the efficiency and reliability of the power supply chain.

Implementation Method 1

controlling the converter switches (36) of the converter (14) in an appropriate manner, in order to generate a voltage pulse (54) through the connection set (18)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSwitching operation:

Implementation Method 2

measuring respective current(s) and voltage(s) through the filter (38), further to the generation of the voltage pulse (54)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical measurement:

Data Source

PatentEP3823145B1Electronic device and method for determining at least one characteristic parameter of a connection set connected between a converter and an electric machine, related power supply chain and computer program
Publication Date: 2023.03.29 SCHNEIDER TOSHIBA INVERTER EUROPE SAS
  • EP3823145B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3823145B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3823145B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

An electronic determination device (20) for determining at least one characteristic parameter of a connection set (18) connected between a converter (14) and an electric machine (12); the converter comprising at least two output terminals (26) and, for each output terminal, a switching branch (28) including at least one converter switch (36); the connection set comprising a filter (38) connected to the output terminals and a cable (40) connected between the filter and the electric machine; the filter including, for each output terminal, a respective electromagnetic coil (44) connected to said output terminal and a respective capacitor (46) connected to said coil; the determination device (20) comprising: - for each output terminal, a device switch (50) configured to be connected to the respective capacitor; - a generation module (52) configured to generate a voltage pulse (54) through the connection set, by controlling the converter switches and each device switch; - an acquisition module (56) configured to acquire measurements of respective current(s) and voltage(s) through the filter, further to the generation of the respective voltage pulse; and - a calculation module (58) configured to calculate at least one characteristic parameter of the connection set according to the respective current(s) and voltage(s) measurements.