Automatic Phase Reversal Detection for Generator Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

In power plants, existing synchronization systems cannot differentiate between parameter mismatches and wiring errors, leading to potential damage when attempting to synchronize generators with the electrical grid, as they incorrectly adjust turbine speed based on phase differences caused by wiring inconsistencies.

Innovation Solution

An automatic phase reversal detection system that includes a controller receiving inputs from potential transformers to determine phase differences and detect wiring errors by controlling breakers to isolate inputs and using phase detection algorithms to identify inconsistencies, preventing synchronization attempts when errors are detected.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the controller uses standard synchronization methods to match phase difference between generator and grid, then synchronization can be achieved, but wiring errors cause false phase difference readings leading to severe damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization safetyVSAvoiddamage to generator and breaker

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary phase reversal detection by controlling breakers to isolate inputs and test phase relationships before final synchronization. The controller determines phase difference between potential transformer inputs and detects phase reversal conditions, preventing damage by identifying wiring errors before the generator is connected to the grid.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The controller acts as an intermediary between the potential transformers and the turbine governor, intercepting phase difference measurements and performing phase reversal detection. This intermediary function prevents false synchronization commands from reaching the governor, blocking the harmful effect before it occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the controller assumes wiring is correct and directly uses phase difference measurements, then the system operates simply, but wiring inconsistencies cause incorrect turbine speed adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontroller operationVSAvoidphase difference measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The controller continuously monitors phase difference measurements and uses feedback to detect phase reversal conditions. When phase reversal is detected, the controller prevents synchronization attempts, creating a feedback loop that ensures measurement accuracy without requiring complex manual verification procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9166409B2System and method to perform automatic phase reversal detection

Publication Date: 2015.10.20 GE INFRASTRUCTURE TECH LLC

AI summary

A system and method to perform automatic phase reversal detection are described. The system includes a first subsystem and a second subsystem configured to be synchronized with the first subsystem. A controller is configured to receive a first input from the first subsystem or the second subsystem and a second input from the first subsystem or the second subsystem and perform phase reversal detection based on the first input and the second input.