Automated Emergency Power Supply Testing via Exhaust Temperature

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual testing of emergency power supply systems (EPSS) is inefficient and costly, often leading to insufficient maintenance, which can result in failures during emergencies due to issues like wet stacking, and poses risks to human life and revenue loss.

Innovation Solution

An automated EPSS testing system that continuously monitors and records engine and electrical parameters, including exhaust temperature, load percentage, and battery health, using intelligent electronic devices and a network to initiate tests, evaluate results, and provide alerts for maintenance, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If manual testing procedures are used for EPSS, then personnel can perform tests with basic equipment, but the testing process becomes time-consuming and ties up significant personnel resources

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of testing setupVSAvoidtesting duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical testing procedures with an automated computer-controlled system that electronically monitors and records test parameters, eliminating the need for manual operation while significantly reducing testing time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The automated testing system performs self-monitoring and self-recording of test parameters, allowing the system to conduct tests independently without requiring continuous human intervention or supervision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If traditional manual monitoring methods are used, then equipment complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and traceability of test parameters deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of monitoring systemVSAvoidaccuracy of parameter recording

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual observation and recording methods with electronic sensors and computer-based monitoring systems that continuously and accurately record test parameters, significantly improving measurement precision and data traceability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous electronic feedback monitoring of test parameters, automatically recording data and providing real-time information to ensure accurate measurement and documentation of all critical parameters

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If comprehensive manual testing is performed, then more parameters can be evaluated, but coordination difficulty and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethoroughness of testingVSAvoidcomplexity of test coordination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated testing system performs multiple testing functions simultaneously through a single integrated platform, evaluating various parameters including exhaust temperature, load percentage, and operational status without requiring separate manual procedures for each parameter

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex manual coordination of multiple testing parameters with an automated computer-controlled system that manages all test aspects simultaneously, reducing coordination complexity while maintaining comprehensive evaluation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Device complexity

If engine testing is performed without monitoring exhaust temperature, then testing procedure is simpler, but wet stacking conditions develop causing engine damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of testing procedureVSAvoidengine operational reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements continuous feedback monitoring of exhaust temperature during engine operation, automatically detecting when the engine reaches appropriate operating temperature to prevent wet stacking conditions while maintaining straightforward testing procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual temperature monitoring and judgment with automated electronic exhaust temperature sensors and computer-based analysis, eliminating the need for complex manual monitoring while ensuring engine reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9103895B2Automated emergency power supply test using engine exhaust temperature

Publication Date: 2015.08.11 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC USA INC

AI summary

An automated emergency power supply system (EPSS) and testing solution that records generator load values and engine exhaust temperature values to evaluate whether an EPSS test satisfies legislated test criteria. The EPSS test is carried out under software control, which initiates a test by instructing an automatic transfer switch (ATS) to change its status to a test status, causing the essential loads to be powered by a generator instead of a main utility power source. Power monitors record the ATS and generator status during the test as well as electrical parameter data from the ATS and generator and exhaust temperature data and other engine parameter data from the generator. When the test is concluded, the ATS is instructed to return the status to normal so that power delivery is resumed from the main power source. The electrical and engine parameter data is analyzed and compared against legislated test criteria to determine a pass/fail result of the EPSS test.