Drive Controller Self-Parameterization for Easier Commissioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

The commissioning of electric drives is complex and error-prone, especially in larger systems, and existing methods for parameterization are not easily adaptable or optimizable, leading to suboptimal performance and difficulty in updating settings over the drive's life cycle.

Innovation Solution

An operating method for a drive controller that retrieves a project-specific parameter set from a data pool via a computer-computer interface, allowing for self-parameterization and automatic updates, with the option to store and retrieve configuration identifiers and operating data for optimal control of the power unit based on target control states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual parameter adjustment is performed on site using software tools, then the parameterization can be adapted to specific applications, but the commissioning process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter adaptabilityVSAvoidcommissioning complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Parameter sets are prepared and stored in advance in a data pool before the commissioning phase. The drive controller automatically retrieves and applies the appropriate parameter set during commissioning, eliminating the need for manual on-site parameter adjustment while maintaining adaptability to specific applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The drive controller performs self-parameterization by automatically retrieving the appropriate parameter set from the data pool based on identification data and applying it to configure the power unit. This self-service mechanism eliminates manual commissioning operations while ensuring correct parameterization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If parameter sets are prepared in advance and transmitted to the manufacturer, then the user is relieved of commissioning tasks, but the correct drive control must be ensured at every location and parameterization cannot be easily changed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommissioning easeVSAvoidparameter reconfigurability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static pre-configured parameter sets to dynamic adaptive parameterization. The drive controller automatically retrieves appropriate parameter sets from a centralized data pool during operation and can update parameters based on identification data, enabling both ease of operation and flexible reconfiguration throughout the drive's lifecycle

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses identification data as feedback to automatically select and retrieve the correct parameter set from the data pool. This feedback mechanism ensures the right parameters are applied to the right drive while maintaining the ability to adapt to changing operational requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If individual manual parameter adjustment is performed, then parameters can be customized for specific applications, but the process becomes error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter customizationVSAvoidcommissioning reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of manual parameter entry, the system uses pre-validated parameter sets stored in the data pool as templates. The drive controller automatically copies and applies the appropriate parameter set to the specific drive configuration, ensuring consistency and eliminating manual entry errors while maintaining application-specific customization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP3724730B1Simplified adjustment of the parameters of a drive control
Publication Date: 2021.09.01 SIEMENS AG
  • EP3724730B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3724730B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3724730B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

An electric drive (1) comprises a power component (2) and an electric machine (3) which is supplied with electrical energy via the power component (2). The power component (2) is embodied as an inverter. When a starting condition is met, a drive controller (5) for controlling the electric drive (1) retrieves a project-planning-specific parameter set (PS) from a data pool (11) via a computer-computer interface (10), parameterises itself in accordance with the retrieved parameter set (PS) and then determines control commands (C) for the power component (2) as a function of setpoint actuation states (A*) predefined for the drive controller (5), taking into account their parameterisation, and actuates the power component (2) correspondingly. The setpoint actuation states (A*) are setpoint currents.