Converter Condition Monitoring via Electrical Waveform Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing condition monitoring systems for wind turbines and similar energy converters face challenges in installation due to the need for vibration sensors to be placed near the source of mechanical vibrations, making it difficult and cumbersome to set up, especially in inaccessible elevated locations.
Innovation Solution
A condition monitoring system that acquires and analyzes waveform data from electrical signals of converters to diagnose faults, using frequency analysis to generate analysis data with multiple variables including frequency, feature quantity, and drive frequency, allowing for remote monitoring without the need for sensors near vibration sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If vibration sensors are installed near the source of mechanical vibrations to achieve accurate condition monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase due to inaccessible elevated locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical vibration sensors with electrical signal-based monitoring. Instead of mechanically sensing vibrations near the source, the system uses electrical signals from the converter to infer mechanical conditions, thereby avoiding the need for complex installation in inaccessible locations while maintaining diagnostic capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrical signals as an intermediary medium. Rather than directly measuring mechanical vibrations, the system uses electrical signals from the converter as a mediator to indirectly monitor mechanical conditions, enabling remote monitoring without physical proximity to vibration sources
2Reliability
If vibration sensors are placed in inaccessible elevated locations to monitor converter conditions, then reliability of condition monitoring is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult installation and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical vibration sensing with electrical signal analysis, allowing monitoring equipment to be installed in accessible locations near electrical connections rather than in inaccessible elevated positions near mechanical components, thereby improving operational ease while maintaining monitoring reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the converter's own electrical signals for self-diagnosis. The converter inherently produces electrical signals that contain information about its mechanical condition, eliminating the need for separate sensing equipment in difficult-to-reach locations
3Measurement precision
If multiple vibration sensors are installed to comprehensively monitor converter conditions, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple sensors and signal processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the electrical signal monitoring system multi-functional. A single electrical signal input serves multiple diagnostic purposes, replacing what would otherwise require multiple specialized vibration sensors and their associated signal processing systems, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple monitoring functions into a single electrical signal analysis system. Instead of separately measuring various mechanical parameters with multiple sensors, the system combines these functions by extracting multiple diagnostic information streams from a single electrical signal source
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 early detection of faults in energy converters, reducing the risk of damage by allowing proactive maintenance and improving operational efficiency without the need for sensors in inaccessible locations.
Implementation Method 1
The generation unit obtains, by frequency analysis, a plurality of combinations, each including a value of a frequency and a value of a feature quantity that is either intensity or phase, based on the waveform data when a value of the drive frequency varies
Data Source
AI summary
The condition monitoring system includes an acquisition unit and a generation unit. The acquisition unit acquires waveform data from a measuring device to measure an electrical signal that is either output or input of a converter. The waveform data represents a waveform of the electrical signal. The generation unit generates, based on the waveform data, analysis data to monitor the condition concerning the converter. The generation unit obtains, by frequency analysis, a plurality of combinations, each including a value of a frequency and a value of a feature quantity that is either intensity or phase, based on the waveform data when a value of the drive frequency varies and thereby generate the analysis data having at least three variables including the frequency, the feature quantity, and the drive frequency.