Non-Intrusive Device Type Detection from Voltage Distortions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing device monitoring technologies face challenges in achieving accurate and cost-effective identification of appliance states without intrusive installation, particularly in non-intrusive monitoring methods that require new instrumentation by an electrician.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing plug-in sensors that detect unique voltage patterns and signatures from electrical circuits to identify device types and operational states, combined with deep neural networks for analysis, which can be trained on-site or remotely for enhanced accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If intrusive monitoring with current sensors placed into mains connection is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to installation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a voltage sensor as an intermediary device that measures voltage at a single accessible point rather than requiring direct insertion into appliance connections. This voltage measurement serves as a mediator that correlates with appliance state without needing physical access to current-carrying conductors, thereby maintaining measurement capability while dramatically simplifying installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical intrusion of current sensors (requiring wire cutting, connection, and physical installation) with a non-intrusive voltage measurement system. By substituting the mechanical installation approach with electrical field sensing, the system achieves appliance monitoring without physical modification to the electrical circuit.
2Ease of operation
If non-intrusive monitoring with single-point measurements is used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to low frequency measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage measurement at high frequency (e.g., 60 Hz or higher) rather than static or low-frequency sampling. This dynamic measurement approach captures transient voltage variations and distortion patterns that occur during appliance operation, enabling accurate state detection despite the non-intrusive single-point measurement configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from simple RMS voltage magnitude to voltage distortion characteristics (harmonics, transients, waveform shape). By analyzing these higher-order voltage parameters rather than just average voltage level, the system achieves precise appliance state detection from a single non-intrusive measurement point.
3Measurement precision
If new instrumentation installed by electrician is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and loss of time worsen due to professional installation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service installation where the end user can install and configure the monitoring system without requiring an electrician. The device is designed with plug-and-play capabilities, intuitive setup procedures, and automatic configuration features that allow ordinary users to perform installations themselves, eliminating the time loss and complexity associated with professional installation.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed implementations determine transient distortions, amplitude distortions, and/or periodic distortions present in a voltage signal measured from an electrical circuit at a location and use those distortions to determine a device type of a device operating on the electrical circuit at the location. In some examples, the voltage signal may be filtered into a plurality of sub-bands and one or more two-dimensional representations generated based on transient distortions, amplitude distortions, and/or periodic distortions determined in each sub-band. The one or more 2D representations may be provided to a deep neural network to determine a device type that generated the distortions on the electrical circuit.