Exciter Controller Field Winding Resistance Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for detecting faults in synchronous dynamoelectric machine field windings are time-consuming and require on-site manual labor, as they involve measuring resistance at multiple rotor positions to identify deviations indicative of potential faults.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing an exciter controller to monitor resistance values of field windings during low-speed operation, comparing measured resistance data at various rotor positions with a threshold range to detect potential faults, thereby automating the fault detection process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual resistance measurement at multiple rotor positions is performed to detect field winding faults, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault detection accuracyVSAvoidtesting time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement processes with an automated computerized system that uses sensors and processing algorithms to detect field winding faults, eliminating the need for manual resistance measurements at multiple rotor positions while maintaining detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary automated assessments of field winding health by analyzing resistance variations during normal operation, enabling early fault detection without requiring time-consuming manual testing procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If manual resistance measurement at multiple rotor positions is performed to detect field winding faults, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault detection accuracyVSAvoidtesting system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into a single computerized monitoring system that can perform resistance measurements, fault detection, and diagnostic analysis automatically, reducing the need for separate manual testing equipment and procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically monitoring its own measurements and detecting faults without requiring external manual intervention, simplifying the overall testing process while maintaining high measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If manual resistance measurement at multiple rotor positions is performed to detect field winding faults, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault detection accuracyVSAvoidtesting operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual measurement operations with automated computerized monitoring that continuously tracks field winding resistance, eliminating the need for operators to manually measure at multiple rotor positions and significantly improving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides continuous feedback on field winding health status through automated monitoring and alerting, enabling operators to quickly identify faults without performing manual measurements, thereby simplifying the operational process while maintaining detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 reduces the need for manual labor and time-consuming on-site measurements, enabling efficient and automated detection of field winding faults in dynamoelectric machines, improving reliability and maintenance efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

obtaining measured data indicating a resistance of the field winding at a plurality of rotor angular positions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP3232562B1Dynamoelectric machine fault monitoring system and related methods
Publication Date: 2021.11.10 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO
  • EP3232562B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3232562B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3232562B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Various embodiments include a system (100) having: at least one computing device (126) configured to monitor a dynamoelectric machine (1) having a rotor including an exciter (13) electrically coupled with a field winding (7), by performing actions including: obtaining measured data (60) indicating a resistance of the field winding (7) at a plurality of rotor angular positions while the rotor is rotating at a speed below one-hundred revolutions per minute; comparing the measured data (60) indicating the resistance of the field winding (7) at the plurality of rotor angular positions with a threshold resistance range (70); and indicating a potential fault in the field winding (7) in response to determining the measured data (60) indicating the resistance deviates from the threshold resistance range (70).