PCS Arc Detection Using Current Spectrum and Port Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting arcing in energy storage systems are less accurate due to the high voltage and large current characteristics of these systems, which differ significantly from photovoltaic systems where arcing detection is more effective.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for detecting arcing in energy storage systems that involve detecting an arcing feature in current of varying frequencies through a direct current bus of a power conversion system (PCS) unit and determining the occurrence of an electric arc based on a sudden change in port voltage of the PCS unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If arcing detection is performed using frequency spectrum analysis of current through the direct current bus, then arcing detection capability is provided, but detection accuracy is insufficient due to high voltage and large current characteristics of energy storage systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an alternating current component as an intermediary signal for detection. Instead of directly detecting arcing in the high voltage and large current direct current bus, the system extracts and analyzes the alternating current component embedded within the direct current, which contains arcing features. This intermediary approach enables accurate arcing detection while avoiding the difficulties of direct measurement under high voltage and large current conditions.
2Reliability
If only arcing feature detection in current frequency spectrum is used, then detection coverage is provided, but detection reliability is insufficient due to false positives and missed detections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two detection approaches into a unified system: frequency spectrum analysis of the alternating current component and sudden change detection of port voltage. Both methods analyze the same alternating current component, and their results are combined to determine arc occurrence. This combination improves detection reliability by reducing false positives and missed detections that would occur with either method alone, while maintaining reasonable system complexity through shared signal processing resources.
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
This approach improves the accuracy of arcing detection in energy storage systems by leveraging the detection of sudden changes in port voltage in conjunction with arcing features in current frequencies, thereby enhancing the reliability of arc detection.
Implementation Method 1
detecting an arcing feature in a frequency spectrum of current through the branch
Implementation Method 2
detecting a sudden change in port voltage of the PCS unit
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a device for detecting arcing in an energy storage system, and an energy storage system are provided. The method includes: detecting an arcing feature in current of varying frequencies through a direct current bus of a power conversion system (PCS) unit, where the PCS unit is arranged in a PCS in the energy storage system; detecting a sudden change in port voltage of the PCS unit, in response to success in detecting the arcing feature; and determining that an electric arc occurs in a circuit where the PCS unit is arranged, in response to success in detecting the sudden change.