Generator Auxiliary Equipment Diagnosis via Dc-Link Frequency Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing engine and auxiliary equipment degradation, such as monitoring engine speed, are inadequate and often fail to accurately identify issues in auxiliary equipment, particularly those connected to generators or rotating shafts.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a controller to analyze the frequency content of measured dc-link parameters or rotational speeds over time, employing techniques like Fourier transforms and bandpass filtering to diagnose conditions of engine components and auxiliary equipment, allowing for precise identification of degradation or failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If engine speed monitoring is used to diagnose engine and auxiliary equipment degradation, then the diagnostic system is simple to implement, but the measurement precision and reliability of diagnosis are inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the diagnosis into two distinct pathways: one for engine components (using engine speed frequency analysis) and another for auxiliary equipment (using dc-link parameter frequency analysis). This segmentation allows each pathway to use the most appropriate measurement method, improving overall diagnosis precision while keeping each individual pathway relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces frequency spectrum analysis as an intermediary technique that bridges the gap between simple monitoring and precise diagnosis. By transforming time-domain signals into frequency-domain representations, the system can identify specific degradation patterns without requiring complex sensor installations.
2Reliability
If engine speed analysis is used for diagnosis, then the monitoring approach is straightforward, but it fails to accurately diagnose auxiliary equipment conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The dc-link serves as an intermediary measurement point that reflects the operational status of auxiliary equipment. By analyzing frequency components in the dc-link voltage or current, the system can indirectly diagnose auxiliary equipment conditions without requiring direct sensors on each auxiliary component, thus improving reliability while managing measurement complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed to perform multiple diagnostic functions: it analyzes engine speed for engine component diagnosis and analyzes dc-link parameters for auxiliary equipment diagnosis. This multi-functionality allows a single measurement system to reliably diagnose both engine and auxiliary equipment conditions.
3Measurement precision
If frequency content analysis of dc-link parameters is implemented, then auxiliary equipment diagnosis accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical inspection methods and complex sensor arrays with signal processing techniques. By using Fourier transforms and frequency spectrum analysis on existing electrical measurements (dc-link parameters), the system achieves precise auxiliary equipment diagnosis without adding mechanical complexity or numerous sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller utilizes existing measurements (dc-link voltage or current) that are already part of the generator system's operational parameters. By analyzing the frequency content of these existing signals, the system performs auxiliary equipment self-diagnosis without requiring additional measurement infrastructure, thus improving precision while limiting complexity growth.
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 enables effective diagnosis of engine and auxiliary equipment conditions, distinguishing between engine and auxiliary equipment issues, and providing early warning of potential failures, thereby reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
employing techniques like Fourier transforms and bandpass filtering to diagnose conditions
Data Source
AI summary
Diagnosing equipment coupled to a generator. A condition of the equipment is diagnosed based on information provided by signals from a generator operationally connected to the equipment or other signals associated with an engine. Different types of degradation are distinguished based on discerning characteristics within the information. Thus, a degraded equipment component can be identified in a manner that reduces service induced delay.