Power Node Phase Identification Using Sync Messages and Zero Crossing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In power distribution networks with multi-phase power, accurately determining the phase connection of devices to which they are connected is challenging, especially as the distance from the AC mains power source increases, making it difficult for installers to trace distribution lines back to specific phase outputs.
Innovation Solution
A node in the power distribution system is equipped with an electrical connection to a single-phase power signal, a wireless communication interface, and a controller that receives phase synchronization messages, detects zero-crossing events, calculates time differences, and determines the local phase angle to establish the phase identity of the power signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional physical tracing methods are used to determine phase connection, then the method is simple, but the accuracy decreases at greater distances from the AC mains power source
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces phase synchronization messages as an intermediary carrier to transmit phase reference information from nodes near the power source to distant nodes. These messages serve as mediators that convey timing and phase identification data through the communication network, enabling accurate phase determination at remote locations without direct physical tracing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical tracing method with an electronic/digital approach. Instead of physically following distribution lines from the power source, the system uses electronic phase synchronization messages transmitted through communication interfaces to convey phase information, substituting a physical measurement process with an information-based solution.
2Measurement precision
If phase synchronization messages are used to determine phase identity, then the accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the controller perform multiple functions: it acts as a phase detector, a message processor, a time difference calculator, and a phase identity determiner. By consolidating these functions into a single controller that already exists in the node device, the system achieves accurate phase determination without adding separate dedicated hardware components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The node device uses its own existing resources (controller, communication interface, timing capabilities) to determine its phase identity. The controller processes received phase synchronization messages and performs calculations using its internal capabilities, making the device self-sufficient for phase determination without requiring external assistance or additional specialized hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
A node in a power distribution system is described. The node includes an electrical connection to a single-phase power signal from an AC mains power source, a wireless communication interface configured to receive a first phase synchronization message, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine whether the first phase synchronization message is acceptable and detect a zero-crossing event on the single phase power signal subsequent to the receipt of the first phase synchronization message in response to determining that the first phase synchronization message is acceptable. The controller is further configured to calculate a time difference between the receipt of the first phase synchronization signal and the detected zero-crossing event, determine a local phase angle based on the time difference, and establish an identity of the single phase power signal based on the local phase angle.