Electrical Part Self-Heating Detection Under Variable Thermal Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting thermal issues in electrical systems, such as increased electrical resistance and overheating, are inadequate due to variable heating conditions, leading to delayed detection of faults and inability to track degradation or aging of electrical parts.
Innovation Solution
A method involving obtaining measurement data and characteristic data to determine the self-heating of electrical parts by fitting temperature profiles with exponential functions, distinguishing self-heating from surrounding heating, and using a data processing system for accurate health assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fixed temperature thresholds are used to detect thermal issues, then the detection method is simple, but the detection accuracy is low due to variable heating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the detection approach from using fixed temperature thresholds to using variable thresholds based on operating parameters (current, voltage, frequency). The system dynamically adjusts temperature thresholds according to real-time operating conditions, allowing accurate detection of thermal issues across varying heating conditions without requiring complex additional sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces thermal impedance as an intermediary parameter to detect thermal issues. Instead of directly monitoring temperature alone, the system measures the relationship between power loss and temperature rise, using thermal impedance as a mediator to identify thermal problems before they lead to failures, even under variable operating conditions
2Device complexity
If simple temperature threshold detection is used, then the system complexity is low, but the ability to track degradation or aging of electrical parts is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors thermal impedance and compares it against baseline values. By tracking changes in thermal impedance over time and providing feedback on degradation trends, the system can identify aging and potential failures before they occur, maintaining high reliability with relatively simple system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes baseline thermal impedance values during normal operation and uses these baselines to predict future thermal behavior. By performing preliminary characterization of the electrical part's thermal properties and continuously comparing actual measurements against these baselines, the system can detect degradation trends and take preventive action before failures occur
3Ease of operation
If fixed temperature thresholds are applied, then the detection approach is straightforward, but detection is delayed due to variable heating power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static temperature threshold detection to dynamic threshold adjustment based on real-time operating conditions. The system continuously adapts temperature thresholds according to varying current, voltage, and frequency levels, enabling timely detection of thermal issues regardless of when they occur during operation, thus reducing fault detection time while maintaining operational simplicity
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 precise detection of self-heating and dielectric losses, allowing timely maintenance and improving the reliability and performance of electrical systems by accurately assessing the state of health of electrical components.
Implementation Method 1
a first temperature of the electrical part over time relating to a self-heating due to resistive loss of the electrical part
Implementation Method 2
at least a second temperature over time relating to a heating due to resistive loss of a surrounding portion of the electrical system
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a method (100) for an electrical system (10), the method comprising: - obtaining measurement data indicative of a measured temperature profile at a position of an electrical part (11) of the electrical system (10), wherein the measured temperature profile is based at least on: a first temperature of the electrical part (11) over time relating to a self-heating due to resistive loss of the electrical part (11), and at least a second temperature over time relating to a heating due to resistive loss of a surrounding portion (16) of the electrical system (10), the surrounding portion (16) at least partially surrounding the electrical part (11); - obtaining characteristic data of the electrical part (11), the characteristic data comprising at least one characteristic temperature profile of a temperature of the electrical part (11) over time due to the self-heating of the electrical part (11) or of a temperature of the electrical part (11) over time due to the heating of the surrounding portion (16); and - determining the first temperature of the electrical part (11) overtime based on the measurement data and the characteristic data.