Automated Electrical Loop Testing via Relay Voltage Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

In electrical power systems, testing electrical switching devices is time-consuming, expensive, and potentially dangerous due to human error and network complexity, often leading to inadequate inspection until a fault occurs, and there is a need to prevent paralleling of phase-shifted power sources to maintain system redundancy.

Innovation Solution

A power system with a computing device that configures and tests electrical loops by adjusting switch operational characteristics, supplying voltage, and detecting faults through relays, allowing for automated identification of improper installations and faults within the control circuit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If physical inspection and testing of electrical switching devices is performed manually, then fault detection capability is improved, but testing time and operational disruption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefault detection capabilityVSAvoidtesting time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables electrical switching devices to self-test automatically through integrated relays and computing devices that monitor loop integrity without human intervention. The relay detects voltage presence/absence and the computing device determines electrical status, allowing the system to self-diagnose faults in electrical loops.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual physical inspection and testing operations are replaced by an automated electronic testing system comprising relays, voltage supply mechanisms, and computing devices. The mechanical act of physically inspecting switches is substituted with electronic voltage application and relay-based detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If comprehensive testing of electrical loops is performed manually, then measurement accuracy is improved, but operator safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical status detection accuracyVSAvoidoperator safety risks

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The relay serves as an intermediary between the voltage supply and the computing device, isolating the operator from direct electrical contact. The relay detects voltage conditions and communicates status to the computing device without requiring operator entry into hazardous electrical zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-testing without operator intervention in hazardous areas. The computing device automatically applies voltage, the relay detects conditions, and faults are identified without operators physically interacting with live electrical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Duration of action of stationary object

If electrical networks are not tested regularly, then system operational time is extended, but undetected faults increase system failure risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem operational timeVSAvoidsystem failure risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The automated testing system enables continuous or frequent monitoring of electrical loop integrity without significant operational disruption. The system can test loops repeatedly over time, maintaining continuous awareness of system status rather than relying on periodic manual inspections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs ongoing self-diagnosis of electrical loops, continuously monitoring for faults without requiring external intervention. This enables extended operational periods with maintained reliability through automatic fault detection.

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 efficient and safe testing of electrical loops, reducing the risk of system failures by identifying and correcting faults, ensuring proper operation and redundancy in power systems.

Implementation Method 1

determining an actual electrical status of the first electrical loop in the first electrical setting based on whether the relay of the return line detects the supplied voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11221378B2Systems, methods, and program products for testing electrical loops included in control circuits of electrical power systems

Publication Date: 2022.01.11 GE INFRASTRUCTURE TECH LLC

AI summary

Power systems are disclosed. The power system may include at least one computing device in communication with a control circuit including a plurality of electrical loops. The computing device(s) may be configured to test each of the plurality of electrical loops of the control circuit by performing processes including configuring a first electrical loop in a first electrical setting by adjusting an operational characteristic of one or more electrical switch(s) of the first electrical loop. The processes may also include determining an actual electrical status of the first electrical loop in the first electrical setting based on whether a relay of a return line in the first electrical loop detects a supplied voltage. Additionally, the computing device(s) may detect a fault in the first electrical loop in response to the determined actual electrical status of the first electrical loop differing from an expected electrical status of the first electrical loop.