Mains Frequency Calibration in Digital Control Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

The high cost of implementing the Dynamic Demand Control (DDC) function in electrical appliances prevents widespread adoption, as it requires costly high-precision measurement means, making it unsustainable for mass production and diffusion in the market.

Innovation Solution

A method for calibrating digital control systems in electrical appliances to measure mains frequency accurately without needing high-precision measurement tools, using an external standard instrument for initial calibration, which reduces systematic errors and enables DDC functionality without additional costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If high-precision measurement means are used to measure mains frequency accurately, then measurement precision is improved, but device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemains frequency measurement precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing calibration of the measurement means before actual use. A calibration factor is determined in advance by comparing measurements from the appliance's measurement means with those from a reference instrument, and this calibration factor is stored for later use. This allows low-precision hardware to achieve high measurement accuracy through pre-computed correction values, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of the measurement system by introducing a calibration factor that transforms readings from low-precision measurement means into accurate frequency values. Instead of relying on expensive high-precision hardware, the system modifies the measurement parameter through mathematical correction (multiplication by calibration factor), achieving accurate frequency measurement while using inexpensive components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If dynamic demand control is implemented to balance power demand and supply, then energy distribution efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy distribution efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling individual electrical appliances to autonomously measure mains frequency and adjust their own power consumption accordingly. Each appliance independently detects frequency deviations and modulates its demand without requiring complex centralized control infrastructure. This distributed self-regulation approach improves energy distribution efficiency while keeping individual device complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring mains frequency and using it as a signal to adjust power demand. The control system measures frequency, compares it with nominal values, and automatically modifies appliance operation in response to frequency deviations. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables dynamic demand control that balances energy supply and demand while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8248057B2Method for measuring the mains frequency, and electrical appliance that implements said method
Publication Date: 2012.08.21 WHIRLPOOL EMEA SPA
  • US8248057B2 patent drawing
  • US8248057B2 patent drawing
  • US8248057B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for measuring the mains frequency by a digital control system of an electrical appliance, in particular an electrical household appliance, in which the digital control system is prearranged for performing rigorous measurements of the value of the mains frequency and of its variations through an operation of calibration of the means for measurement of the mains frequency performed prior to marketing of the product.