Power conditioner

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power conditioners require additional components to detect mounting errors of current sensors, increasing system complexity and costs.

Innovation Solution

A power conditioner with a control unit that detects mounting errors of current sensors by monitoring variations in output power and detection values, eliminating the need for additional components by using a conversion unit and an inverter unit to output error signals based on system power and sensor detection values during both operation and non-operation of the inverter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If internal power loads and connection mechanisms are provided to detect mounting errors of current sensors, then mounting error detection capability is improved, but the number of components and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting error detection capabilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power conditioner uses its own internal power generation and inversion functions to detect mounting errors, without requiring separate test loads or external detection devices. The control unit leverages the system's existing operational characteristics (power output variations) to perform self-diagnosis of current sensor mounting correctness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit performs multiple functions: it controls the normal operation of the power conditioner and simultaneously detects mounting errors of current sensors. The same power output control mechanism used for normal operation is also utilized for error detection, eliminating the need for dedicated detection hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If additional components are added to detect mounting errors, then detection accuracy is improved, but system cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting error detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit continuously monitors the relationship between power output commands and actual current sensor readings. When a mounting error is detected, the system provides feedback to alert the user, enabling timely correction. This closed-loop monitoring ensures accurate detection without additional hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces physical test loads and mechanical connection mechanisms with an electronic/software-based detection method. The control unit uses computational logic to analyze electrical parameters and determine mounting correctness, substituting mechanical detection systems with electronic intelligence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If current sensors are mounted in incorrect directions or to wrong electric wires, then system operation continues without detection, but power management reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem continuous operationVSAvoidpower management reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of mounting errors by analyzing the relationship between power output commands and sensor readings before critical failures occur. The control unit proactively identifies incorrect sensor mounting during normal operation, allowing corrective action before reliability issues arise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables reliable detection of current sensor mounting errors without additional loads, reducing system complexity and costs, and improving accuracy through the use of predetermined time periods and system power calculations.

Implementation Method 1

a conversion unit capable of conversion into direct-current power based on power from a power generation apparatus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPower conversion:

Implementation Method 2

an inverter unit capable of converting the direct-current power into alternating-current power and outputting the alternating-current power

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInversion:

Implementation Method 3

a first current sensor for detecting a current value of the first electric wire

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCurrent detection:

Implementation Method 4

a second current sensor for detecting a current value of the second electric wire

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCurrent detection:

Data Source

PatentUS10374435B2Power conditioner

Publication Date: 2019.08.06 MURATA MFG CO LTD

AI summary

A power conditioner includes an inverter unit and a control unit that outputs an error signal indicating a mounting error of a first or second current sensor based on a result of detection by the first current sensor and a result of detection by the second current sensor. When output from the inverter unit is varied by a first threshold value or higher during a first predetermined time period, the control unit outputs the error signal if a detection value of the first current sensor is not varied with the variation in the output from the inverter unit during a second predetermined time period and outputs the error signal if a detection value of the second current sensor is not varied with the variation in the output from the inverter unit during the second predetermined time period.