Self-Powered Phase Comparator for Dual VPIS Generations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phase comparators for medium voltage devices are energy-intensive and complex, requiring external power sources, and are not adaptable to different voltage indicator systems with varying output characteristics, leading to cumbersome adapter solutions.
Innovation Solution
A phase comparison device that allows self-powering via voltage indicators and is designed to connect to two different types of voltage indicators, using intermittent power supply management and rectification to minimize energy consumption, with adaptable terminals for various VPIS generations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a battery is used to power the phase comparator, then the device can operate reliably with sufficient energy, but the complexity of battery state verification and external power management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phase comparator is designed to be self-powered by harvesting energy from the voltage indicators themselves. The device draws power directly from the VPIS terminals through rectification and voltage regulation circuits, eliminating the need for external batteries or power supplies. This self-service approach reduces power management complexity while maintaining operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and utilizes the existing voltage signal from the voltage indicators for dual purposes: both for phase comparison functionality and for powering the device. By taking out and repurposing the voltage signal already present in the system, the patent eliminates the need for separate power supply components.
2Measurement precision
If the phase comparator uses complex electronics to meet strict certification conditions, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LED indicator is controlled to flash periodically rather than remaining continuously illuminated. The microcontroller triggers the LED at specific intervals to display phase mismatch warnings, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective communication of measurement results. This periodic action allows the system to meet certification requirements with minimal power usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation based on available power from the voltage indicators. The microcontroller manages power distribution to various components, dynamically enabling or disabling functions based on instantaneous voltage levels to ensure continuous operation with variable power availability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical adapters are used to connect to different VPIS terminals, then adaptability improves, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is designed with universal terminals that can directly interface with multiple types of voltage indicator terminals without requiring external adapters. The terminal design incorporates multiple contact configurations that can adapt to different VPIS generations, enabling a single device to serve multiple connection types natively.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary connection system with terminal blocks and wiring that acts as a universal interface between the phase comparator and various VPIS types. This intermediary layer provides standardized connection points that can accommodate different terminal configurations, eliminating the need for device-specific adapters.
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
The solution enables efficient, autonomous operation with low power consumption, allowing connection to different VPIS systems without additional adapters, ensuring continuous and adaptive phase comparison functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the voltage available from terminal 3 is divided by the capacitive bridge 4 produced by the crossing capacitance present in the cells
Implementation Method 2
The electronic system of comparator 5 can detect phase deviations alone or jointly with frequency deviations; it generates an output signal proportional to the phase difference between two input signals
Implementation Method 3
a phase comparator 5 which includes terminals 6 complementary to terminals 3 connects to the front of the VPIS 1 of two MT cells
Implementation Method 4
a phase comparison device in which the management of the lighting of the alert diode is optimized to allow self-powering
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
To verify the phase correspondence between two medium-voltage switchgear equipped with VPIS (1, 1'), a phase comparator (10) can be used: connectors (16) of the comparator (10) are inserted into a terminal (3, 3') of two VPIS (1, 1') in order to obtain a signal representative of the voltage flowing through them, and means (14) compare the signals to illuminate an LED (18) in the event that a discrepancy is noted. According to the invention, the connector (16) of the comparator (10) is adapted so that the comparator (10) can be used with two VPIS (1, 1') of different generations, for example, whose connection terminals (3, 3') differ; the comparator (10) is powered directly via the available voltage signal from the VPIS (1, 1') and means for managing the power supply (30) of the diode (18) have been developed in order to meet the safety conditions in the ignition of the diode (18) despite the low energy available.