Dual Feeder Sensor Comparison for Fast Generator Trim Correction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fault detection systems for generator control are inadequate for rapid detection and correction, leading to potential generator shutdowns due to defective sensors, necessitating improved methods for faster fault identification and minimal resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing two sensors configured to sense voltage and/or current in three phases of a feeder, with one sensor closer to the generator and the other closer to the load, employing Alpha-Beta coordinate transformation and filtering techniques to quickly identify discrepancies and switch off faulty feedback, allowing continuous generator operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional fault detection systems are used for generator control, then the system structure is simple, but the fault detection speed is slow and generator shutdown occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fault detection function into two separate sensors positioned at different locations along the feeder. The first sensor is electrically closer to the generator while the second sensor is closer to the load end. This segmentation allows parallel fault detection and rapid identification of which sensor or the GCU is defective, dramatically improving fault detection speed without requiring a completely complex new system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary comparison mechanism within the GCU that compares feedback signals from both sensors. When discrepancies are detected, the system uses logical analysis to determine whether the fault lies in the first sensor, second sensor, or GCU itself. This intermediary comparison approach enables fast fault identification while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure.
2Measurement precision
If two sensors are used for fault detection, then the fault detection accuracy is improved, but the resource usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
Both sensors serve multiple functions: they monitor feeder conditions for normal operation, provide redundant fault detection capability, and enable rapid fault localization when discrepancies occur. The GCU also performs multiple functions including comparing sensor readings, determining fault locations, and controlling the generator. This multi-functionality justifies the use of two sensors by maximizing their utility beyond simple redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-diagnosis through the comparison mechanism. When a fault occurs, the GCU automatically compares feedback from both sensors, identifies the discrepancy, and determines which component (first sensor, second sensor, or GCU) is defective without external intervention. This self-service capability improves detection accuracy while minimizing the need for additional diagnostic resources or manual inspection.
3Reliability
If sensor feedback is continuously monitored, then the reliability is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous monitoring of feedback from both sensors during generator operation, ensuring uninterrupted fault detection capability. This continuous action improves reliability by enabling real-time fault identification. The energy consumption is managed efficiently by only performing full comparison and fault determination when discrepancies are detected, rather than continuously analyzing all sensor data.
Solution Approach 2:
The GCU performs periodic comparison of sensor feedback signals during normal operation. When the periodic comparison detects a discrepancy between the first and second sensor readings, the system then activates the fault determination logic. This periodic action maintains high reliability through continuous monitoring while reducing energy consumption by only processing fault analysis when necessary, rather than continuously executing full diagnostic routines.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A system comprises a generator control unit (GCU) (102) configured to control a generator (104). The system includes a first sensor (106) connected to provide feedback to the GCU for generator control. The first sensor is configured to connect to sense at least one of voltage and/or current in a feeder (108) connecting between the generator and a load (110). The system also includes a second sensor (112) connected to provide feedback to the GCU for generator control. The second sensor is configured to sense at least one of voltage and/or current in a feeder connecting between the generator and the load. The first and second sensors are configured to connect to the feeder apart from one another with feeder impedance therebetween.