Parallel Generator Connection Apparatus with Dummy Load Current Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for connecting multiple generators in parallel fail to accurately distinguish between instantaneous no-load conditions and plug disconnections, leading to misjudgment and unintended shutdowns.
Innovation Solution
A connection apparatus with current sensors, a switching circuit, and a dummy load that integrates the outputs of multiple generators, allowing for precise detection of plug disconnections by distinguishing between current changes due to load fluctuations and actual disconnections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current detection is used to detect plug disconnection, then plug disconnection can be detected, but instantaneous no-load conditions are misjudged as plug disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
a dummy load installed at the connecting path; current sensors that are installed at each of the conductive paths to detect current flowing each of the conductive paths
Solution Approach 2:
a dummy load installed at the connecting path; a plug disconnection detector that detects disconnection of the plug from the generator output socket based on the currents detected by the current sensors
2Object-affected harmful factors
If ground terminal connection is broken to prevent output appearance at disconnected plug, then safety is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
responding to disconnection of one of the plugs by breaking the connection between its ground terminal and a dedicated ground terminal so as to turn off the switch of a downstream relay
Data Source
AI summary
In an apparatus for connecting two generators to run in parallel, having plugs connectable to each generator output socket, an output socket connected to an electrical load, conductive paths that connect the plugs to the output socket while merging to a common path at a junction before the output socket, and a switching circuit that opens/closes the conductive paths, there are equipped with a connecting path that interconnects the conductive paths before the junction, a dummy load installed at the connecting path and current sensors installed at each conductive path. Disconnection of the plug from the socket is detected from the detected currents and the conductive paths are opened not to connect the generators to the electrical load, thereby preventing an output of the other of the generators from appearing at the terminals of the disconnected plug, and further preventing misjudging current change of the instantaneous no load condition as plug disconnection.