Power Conditioner Sequence of Event Logging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Utility applications lack the capability for effective sequence of event (SOE) logging and data management at the customer edge of the power grid, as existing SOE recorders are limited to central installations due to cost and technological constraints, preventing efficient recording and analysis of waveform data at the endpoint.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for SOE logging by power conditioners, specifically microinverters, which continuously sample and record waveform data in a rolling window, storing pre-, during, and post-event data, and communicate it to a DG controller and master controller for analysis, enabling efficient detection and management of power quality issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If SOE recorders are deployed at central installations only, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but the capability to record and analyze waveform data at customer edge locations is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the SOE recording functionality into distributed microinverter units, with each microinverter independently capable of sampling, recording, and storing waveform data. This segmentation enables customer-edge deployment while maintaining full SOE logging capability without requiring complex centralized infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
Each microinverter unit autonomously performs waveform sampling, event detection, data recording, and local storage without requiring external recorder infrastructure. The microinverter serves itself by integrating all necessary SOE functionality into the distributed unit, eliminating the need for complex centralized recording systems.
2Loss of information
If SOE recorders are deployed at customer edge locations, then waveform data recording capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges SOE recording functionality (waveform sampling, event detection, data storage) with the existing microinverter power conversion unit. By combining these functions into a single integrated device, the system captures waveform data at customer edges without adding separate complex recording infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The microinverter is designed as a universal device that simultaneously performs power conversion and SOE logging functions. This multi-functionality allows the same device to both convert DC to AC power and capture/record waveform data, reducing overall system complexity compared to separate dedicated recorder units.
3Measurement precision
If high sampling rates are used for waveform recording, then measurement precision is improved, but memory requirements and data management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The microinverter continuously samples waveform data at high rates and pre-processes the information, maintaining a rolling buffer of recent waveforms. When an event is detected, the system has already captured and stored the relevant high-precision data in memory, ready for immediate analysis without requiring excessive long-term storage capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for sequence of event (SOE) data logging. In one embodiment, the method comprises continuously recording, at a power conditioner coupled to a power distribution line, data obtained by sampling a waveform of the power distribution line during a sampling window; analyzing, by the power conditioner, the data to determine whether an event has occurred; and based on the analysis, maintaining the data when it is determined that the event has occurred, and discarding the data when it is determined that the event has not occurred.