Electric Network Phase Mapping via Dynamic Topology Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for managing electric energy distribution in networks face challenges due to mismatched phase topologies between consumers and management units, leading to inefficiencies and incorrect control commands when supplying electric current or voltage.

Innovation Solution

A method that dynamically manages electric energy by determining and mapping the phases used to supply consumers through predefined consumption patterns transmitted via communication interfaces, using sensors to capture changes in voltage and current, and creating a network map to ensure accurate phase assignment and energy distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a management unit uses a fixed topology assumption to control phase supply, then control simplicity is improved, but phase assignment accuracy deteriorates when consumer topology differs from assumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidphase assignment accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static topology assumption to a dynamic topology detection approach. The management unit actively probes the consumer device by sending test signals on different phases and observes the responses to dynamically determine the actual phase connections. This allows the system to adapt to any consumer topology configuration rather than relying on fixed assumptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by having the consumer device respond to management unit probes with information about its phase connections. The management unit sends test signals and receives feedback about which phases are actually connected to the consumer, allowing it to update its topology understanding and make accurate control decisions based on real consumer configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If phase topology is not dynamically determined, then system complexity is reduced, but energy distribution efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidenergy distribution efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing topology detection before actual energy distribution begins. The management unit sends probe signals and determines phase connections in advance, creating an accurate topology map that guides subsequent energy distribution decisions. This preliminary characterization enables efficient energy distribution without requiring complex real-time analysis during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If consumption patterns are transmitted to consumers, then energy distribution optimization is improved, but communication overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy distribution optimizationVSAvoidcommunication data volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by transmitting customized consumption patterns specifically tailored to each consumer device and its detected topology characteristics. Rather than broadcasting generic patterns to all devices, the management unit sends targeted patterns that match the specific phase connections and operational characteristics of each consumer, making the communication highly relevant and efficient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10886779B2Method and device for managing an electricity supply through an electric network and for controlling an electrical supply to a consumer of electricity
Publication Date: 2021.01.05 DR ING H C F PORSCHE AG
  • US10886779B2 patent drawing
  • US10886779B2 patent drawing
  • US10886779B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for controlling a supply of at least one load with voltage and/or electric current through an electric network.