Automated Electrical Consumption Analysis Using Fourier Transform
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for analyzing electrical consumption in sites with multiple equipment are not robust, as they rely on periodic signature recognition, which can lead to masking and confusion between similar signatures, and require tedious local parameterization by a human operator, failing to account for continuous operation and supply voltage disturbances.
Innovation Solution
A method involving periodic measurement of current and voltage upstream of the electrical network, applying Fourier transforms, and forming a database of signatures through auto-configuration, allowing for automated signature creation and decomposition of current waveforms into individual equipment consumption, accounting for supply voltage variability and activation cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If periodic signature recognition is used to analyze electrical consumption, then equipment consumption can be identified, but masking and confusion between similar signatures occur reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The current waveform is segmented into multiple frequency components through Fourier transform, allowing each equipment signature to be analyzed in the frequency domain where similar signatures can be differentiated. This segmentation resolves the masking effect by separating overlapping temporal signatures into distinct frequency components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent analyzes not just the fundamental frequency but also harmonic components (excessive action) to create more distinctive equipment signatures. By examining multiple frequency components beyond the basic periodic signal, the system achieves better differentiation between similar equipment and reduces signature confusion.
2Measurement precision
If manual local parameterization is performed by human operators, then signature databases can be created, but the process becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic signature extraction and database creation by analyzing measured current waveforms and supply voltage data. The Fourier transform process automatically generates equipment signatures without requiring manual parameterization by operators, thereby eliminating time loss while maintaining accuracy through mathematical decomposition of the signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of operator parameterization is replaced by an automated computational system using Fourier transform algorithms. This substitution eliminates human intervention in signature creation, reducing time loss while maintaining or improving accuracy through consistent mathematical processing.
3Productivity
If traditional signature matching is used, then equipment consumption can be estimated, but continuous operation and supply voltage disturbances are not accounted for reducing measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates supply voltage as a varying parameter in the analysis by measuring both current and voltage waveforms. The Fourier transform is applied to both signals, and the equipment signature is determined as a function of voltage conditions. This allows the system to account for voltage disturbances and continuous operation variations, maintaining measurement precision while preserving analysis speed through efficient computational methods.
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
This approach enhances the robustness of electrical consumption analysis by reducing operator intervention, accurately identifying equipment through automated signature creation and decomposition, and effectively handling continuous operation and supply voltage disturbances.
Implementation Method 1
applying a Fourier transform to each fundamental period of the current signal
Data Source
AI summary
A system for analyzing electrical consumption of a site equipped with a plurality electrical equipment. The system comprises at least one sensor for periodic measurement of global consumption of the site by measuring current and voltage signals on at least one of the electrical phases upstream of the supply network for the site. The system comprises a processor for decomposing the global consumption of the site to individual consumption of each kind of electrical equipment based on a set of signatures with each signature has power load coefficients representing power loads of the corresponding electrical equipment. The system comprises a processor for optimizing the set of signatures and power load coefficients in comparing a calculated recomposition of the individual consumption with the measured global consumption to have a smallest difference of the comparison result, while respecting physical constraints of the set of signatures and the power load coefficients.