Electrical Installation Wiring Tests with Harmonic Signatures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for testing wiring in electrical installations with multiple circuits are time-consuming and lack the ability to unambiguously detect wiring errors such as conductor mix-ups or reversed polarities, especially in systems with multiple phases, and are prone to errors in environments with parallel connections or ground connections.
Innovation Solution
A method using asymmetric waveforms in the time domain combined with unique harmonic combinations for test signals is employed, allowing simultaneous injection and measurement of these signals across multiple circuits, enabling unambiguous assignment and detection of wiring errors without requiring reconfiguration of measurement wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If test signals with different amplitudes are used to detect wiring errors, then wiring errors can be detected, but unambiguous assignment becomes impossible in cases with parallel connections or ground connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses harmonic content as a distinctive 'signature' for each test signal, analogous to using color codes. Each phase is assigned a unique combination of harmonics (e.g., phase 1 has harmonics 1, 3, 5; phase 2 has harmonics 1, 3, 7), allowing unambiguous identification even when signals mix through parallel or ground connections. This resolves the contradiction by providing a reliable detection method that maintains measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite test signals by combining multiple harmonics into each phase's test signal. Instead of using simple sine waves, each phase signal is a composite waveform containing specific harmonic frequencies. This composite structure allows the system to maintain reliable wiring error detection while achieving unambiguous phase identification, as the harmonic composition acts as a unique fingerprint for each phase.
2Reliability
If numerous measurements are performed to check multiple circuits and phases, then wiring errors can be detected, but the testing procedure becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple test signals into a single composite measurement by injecting all phase-specific test signals simultaneously through the electrical installation. The measurement device captures all signals at once, and the evaluation unit separates them based on their unique harmonic combinations. This combining approach maintains reliable wiring error detection while reducing testing time from multiple sequential measurements to a single simultaneous measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous testing by performing all measurements simultaneously rather than sequentially. The test signals are injected continuously across all phases at the same time, and the measurement and evaluation process occurs in one continuous operation. This eliminates the time loss associated with reconfiguring measurement wiring between measurements while maintaining comprehensive wiring error detection.
3Measurement precision
If test device wiring is reconfigured for each measurement, then accurate phase detection is possible, but the testing process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the measurement device universal by enabling it to measure all phase signals simultaneously through a fixed wiring configuration. The evaluation unit automatically separates the mixed signals based on their harmonic signatures, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration. This multi-functional approach maintains measurement precision while significantly reducing device complexity and setup requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically separating and identifying individual phase signals from the composite measurement based on their unique harmonic combinations. The evaluation unit autonomously analyzes the harmonic content and assigns signals to correct phases without requiring external intervention or wiring reconfiguration. This self-service capability maintains accurate phase detection while minimizing operational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method (200) for testing a wiring of an electrical installation (100) comprising multiple circuits. In the method (100), multiple test signals (160-162) are generated. Each of the multiple test signals (160-162) has an asymmetrical signal shape in the time domain and also a combination of harmonics from a predefined group of higher harmonics. The combinations of harmonics of the multiple test signals (160-162) are different. The multiple test signals (160-162) are fed at a first point (141) of the electrical installation (100) into multiple first connections (142-144), which are assigned to the multiple circuits. Multiple measurement signals are detected at multiple second connections (146-148), which are assigned to the multiple circuits, at a second point (145) of the electrical installation (100). On the basis of the fed test signals (160-162) and the detected measurement signal, assignments between a first connection of the multiple first connections (142-144) and a second connection of the multiple second connections (146-148) are determined.