Generator Short-Circuit Localization Using Torque Ripple Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

In generator arrangements, identifying the precise location of a short circuit fault is challenging, as existing methods only detect the faulty channel without differentiating between faults in the converter unit or the electrical machine.

Innovation Solution

A method that utilizes measured signals of a measurand, such as torque ripple, from sensors in the electrical machine to determine whether the short circuit fault occurred in the converter unit or the electrical machine, allowing for precise localization of the fault.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a breaker is opened to stop short circuit current, then the short circuit current is interrupted, but only the faulty channel can be identified without precise fault location

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshort circuit current interruptionVSAvoidfault location precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical fault location methods with signal-based detection. By measuring torque ripple signals from the electrical machine and analyzing frequency components, the system determines whether the fault is in the converter unit or electrical machine without mechanical inspection, achieving precise fault location through signal processing rather than physical diagnosis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces torque ripple measurement as an intermediary indicator to infer fault location. Instead of directly detecting the fault source, the system measures the torque ripple signal produced by the fault and uses frequency analysis to determine the fault location, creating an indirect detection pathway that enables precise identification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If detailed fault location information is obtained through additional measurements, then precise fault identification is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefault location precisionVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the electrical machine's own torque ripple signals serve the dual purpose of normal operation control and fault diagnosis. The existing sensors that measure torque for control purposes are also used to detect fault locations, eliminating the need for separate diagnostic sensors and keeping the measurement system simple while achieving precise fault identification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12237792B2Method for determination of a location of a short circuit fault in a generator arrangement, generator arrangement, wind turbine, computer program and electronically readable medium

Publication Date: 2025.02.25 SIEMENS GAMESA RENEWABLE ENERGY AS

AI summary

Provided is a method for determination of a location of a short circuit fault in a generator arrangement, wherein the generator arrangement includes an electrical machine and at least one channel, wherein the or each channel includes a breaker, a converter unit and a set of stator windings of the electrical machine connected to the converter unit via the breaker, wherein upon an occurrence of a short circuit in a channel, the connection between the set of stator windings and the converter unit is interrupted by opening the breaker, wherein depending on at least one measured signal of a measurand, wherein the measured signal is measured by at least one sensor of the electric machine and wherein the measurand describes a torque ripple of the electrical machine, either the electrical machine or the converter unit of the channel is determined as location of the short circuit fault.