Induction Motor Speed Detection via Current Harmonic Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Large asynchronous electric induction motors require accurate measurement of rotation speed and efficiency without the need for costly and invasive sensors, as variations from manufacturer specifications indicate potential issues that necessitate necessary repairs rather than unnecessary maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that read the supply current from the motor's wiring to determine the real rotor rotation speed and efficiency, using Fourier transforms and harmonic analysis to locate eccentricity-related harmonics without disassembling the motor or using additional sensors, allowing for real-time monitoring of motor performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sensors are installed to measure rotation speed and torque, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation speed measurementVSAvoidsensor installation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical sensors with signal processing methods. Instead of using physical speed sensors and torque sensors, the invention uses a processor to analyze electrical signals already present in the motor system (current, voltage, frequency) to derive rotation speed and efficiency information, thereby eliminating the need for additional mechanical measurement devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses electrical signals as an intermediary to indirectly measure mechanical parameters. By analyzing the relationship between electrical inputs (voltage, current, frequency) and the motor's operational characteristics, the system derives rotation speed and efficiency without direct mechanical measurement, using the electrical domain as a mediator to access mechanical state information

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If sensors are installed on the motor, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to invasive installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveefficiency measurementVSAvoidmotor installation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces invasive mechanical sensor installation with non-invasive electrical signal analysis. The measurement system connects to the motor's existing electrical circuitry to capture voltage, current, and frequency signals, eliminating the need to physically attach sensors to moving parts or disassemble the motor, thereby maintaining ease of operation while achieving precise efficiency measurement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If costly sensors are used for measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of substance increases due to maintenance requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed and efficiency dataVSAvoidmaintenance costs
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses inexpensive electrical signal processing instead of expensive, durable mechanical sensors. The measurement system relies on analyzing readily available electrical signals through computational methods, replacing the need for costly physical sensing hardware that would require periodic calibration, replacement, or maintenance, thereby reducing ongoing operational costs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes mechanical sensing systems with electrical signal analysis, eliminating the need for physical components that wear out or require maintenance. By deriving measurement information from electrical domain signals through mathematical processing, the system avoids the maintenance burden associated with mechanical sensors exposed to harsh operating environments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 determination of motor efficiency and identification of eccentricity-related issues without sensor installation, reducing maintenance costs and improving repair efficiency by providing real-time data on motor performance without the need for sensor-based systems.

Implementation Method 1

transforming a current signal from a time domain to a frequency domain

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFourier transform:

Implementation Method 2

an asynchronous electric induction motor which makes the use of costly sensors unnecessary

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2112753B1Method and device for determining the rotor rotation speed of an electric induction motor
Publication Date: 2011.02.16 ADVANCED DIGITAL DESIGN
  • EP2112753B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2112753B1 patent drawing
  • EP2112753B1 patent drawing

AI summary

This invention consists of a method and device for determining the rotation speed of the rotor of an asynchronous electric induction motor which makes the use of costly sensors unnecessary. The device used in this invention does not require disassembly of the motor, fitting of sensors or other steps in order to measure the speed, and therefore the net output of the motor.