Impedance Dispersion Monitoring for Electrical Device Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack effective methods to monitor and identify electrical devices connected to a power distribution network, particularly in home and business environments, in terms of their operational status and location, due to limitations in measuring impedance variations across different phases of voltage.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that injects a probe waveform into an electrical power distribution system, extracts output signals, and determines dispersion values to characterize devices connected to the circuit, allowing for the identification of device identity, operational status, and location by analyzing impedance variations across different phases and frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional impedance measurement methods are used to monitor electrical devices, then the measurement process is simple, but the ability to identify device identity, operational status, and location is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the single impedance magnitude measurement into a multi-dimensional parameter space by measuring impedance magnitude and phase across multiple frequencies. This creates a unique impedance dispersion signature for each device, enabling precise identification without requiring complex communication protocols between the monitor and devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces probe waveforms as intermediary signals that are injected into the electrical circuit to elicit impedance responses from devices. These probe signals act as mediators that carry information about device characteristics back to the monitoring system, enabling indirect device identification and status monitoring.
2Loss of information
If direct communication with each appliance is required for monitoring, then device information can be obtained accurately, but the monitoring system becomes complex and requires additional infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables devices to self-identify and self-characterize through their passive electrical impedance responses to probe waveforms. Each device's unique impedance signature automatically reveals its identity, operational status, and location information without requiring the device to actively communicate or be configured, thus eliminating the need for complex communication infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal monitoring approach where the same probe waveform injection and impedance measurement technique can identify and monitor any electrical device regardless of its type, manufacturer, or communication capabilities. This multi-functional method replaces device-specific communication protocols with a unified electrical measurement approach.
3Measurement precision
If impedance is measured at a single frequency, then the measurement process is fast, but the ability to distinguish between different devices and their operational states is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic probe waveforms at multiple frequencies to systematically excite the electrical circuit and elicit impedance responses. By using periodic measurements at different frequency points, the system builds up a complete impedance dispersion profile that accurately characterizes devices while maintaining efficient measurement timing through structured periodic sampling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary impedance measurements at multiple frequencies to establish baseline dispersion characteristics before actual monitoring begins. This preliminary characterization creates a reference database of device signatures that enables rapid subsequent identification and status detection without requiring repeated full-spectrum measurements.
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
Enables accurate monitoring and identification of electrical devices, improving efficiency in power management and fault detection by using dispersion analysis to determine device characteristics without requiring direct communication with each appliance.
Implementation Method 1
determining, based on the extracted output signal of the injected probe waveform, dispersion values for the branch circuit, the dispersion values indicating a variation of magnitude of an impedance of the branch circuit across different values of phase of the impedance
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and techniques enable monitoring one or more devices connected to an electrical power distribution system. In some implementations, a probe waveform is injected into a circuit of an electrical power distribution system. An output signal of the injected probe waveform is extracted from the circuit of the electrical power distribution system and, based on the extracted output signal of the injected probe waveform, dispersion values for the branch circuit are determined. The dispersion values indicate a variation of magnitude of an impedance of the branch circuit across different values of phase of the impedance. Based on the dispersion values for the branch circuit, at least one characteristic of a device connected to the branch circuit is determined. An association between the at least one characteristic of the device connected to the branch circuit and the corresponding dispersion values is stored in at least one computer memory.