Energy Management Unit Wiring Anomaly Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wiring errors, such as reversing the pilot wire and phase wire during setup or renovation of domestic installations managed by pilot wire, can lead to malfunctions and short circuits, which are not effectively detected by existing systems.

Innovation Solution

A method and energy management unit that control channels in different energy consumption modes to detect anomalies by using a man-machine interface with status indicators and a circuit breaker system, allowing for automatic detection of channel cuts and preventing long-term damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If wiring is performed during setup or renovation without detection system, then installation can be completed quickly, but wiring errors such as reversed pilot wire and phase wire cause short circuits and malfunctions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidwiring correctness
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of wiring correctness by controlling channels in different energy consumption modes before full operation begins. The detection method identifies potential wiring errors early in the setup process, allowing correction before malfunctions occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback through status indicators on the man-machine interface that show the detection results of each channel. This feedback mechanism allows installers to identify and correct wiring errors systematically, ensuring reliable installation without sacrificing speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If existing detection systems are used, then system operation continues, but wiring errors and short circuits are not effectively detected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem operation continuityVSAvoidwiring error detection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The detection method works by changing the energy consumption mode parameter of channels and observing the responses. By switching between different modes (first mode with zero amplitude signal, second mode with full-wave alternating signal), the system can detect wiring errors that would not be apparent in normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system periodically tests channels by controlling them in different energy consumption modes. This periodic detection action allows continuous monitoring for wiring errors without interrupting overall system operation, maintaining productivity while improving detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If circuit breaker cycles are allowed to operate repeatedly, then automatic protection is provided, but long-term damage can occur to the installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic protectionVSAvoidinstallation lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system takes preliminary anti-action by identifying wiring errors before they cause repeated circuit breaker cycling. By detecting the anomaly early, the system prevents the harmful effect of repeated cycling that would otherwise occur, thereby protecting the installation from long-term damage while maintaining automatic protection capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentEP2045688B1Method of detecting an anomaly in a household installation and power management unit for implementing said method.
Publication Date: 2010.03.03 DELTA DORE SA
  • EP2045688B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2045688B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2045688B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The method involves controlling paths of an energy management unit (2') of a household installation in an energy consumption mode using a control unit (223'), and selecting a path using a path selection unit (224'). The selected path is controlled in another energy consumption mode. An state indicator (2116'i) of the selected path is controlled in one state if a circuit-breaker (221') e.g. automatic resetting circuit-breaker, is not coupled with the path or in another state if the circuit-breaker is coupled with the path. An independent claim is also included for an energy management unit comprising a set of apparatuses and/or electrical apparatus groups.