Power Transfer Hazard Detection Using Injected Stimulus Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical power-transfer systems face safety hazards due to defects and faults that can lead to fires and electrocution, and existing technologies like ground-fault-circuit-interrupters and current monitoring transformers fail to detect latent and time-varying hazards, especially with the increased use of modern mobile appliances that demand high current levels.
Innovation Solution
A power-transfer monitoring device is introduced between the electrical source and load, equipped with sensor arrays and a processor that detects hazardous states by injecting stimulus signals and analyzing sensor measurements, allowing for early warnings and remedial actions such as modulation or safety shutdown to prevent unsafe conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional ground-fault-circuit-interrupters and current monitoring transformers are used, then basic electrical protection is provided, but latent and time-varying hazards cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection by injecting stimulus signals into the electrical system before hazardous conditions develop. The monitoring device continuously probes the electrical environment using injected signals to detect impedance changes, ground faults, and other anomalies before they escalate into dangerous conditions, enabling preventive action rather than reactive response.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring device acts as an intermediary between the electrical system and the detection/control functions. It injects stimulus signals into the electrical circuit and measures the responses, serving as a mediator that translates electrical conditions into detectable signals without being directly exposed to the full power of the electrical system being monitored.
2Reliability
If sensor arrays and stimulus signal injection are implemented, then hazardous states can be detected early, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring device performs multiple functions through a single integrated system: it injects stimulus signals, measures electrical responses, detects various types of hazards (ground faults, impedance changes, arcing), and controls connected electrical loads. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate devices into one unified system, managing complexity while enhancing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors its own operational status and the status of connected electrical systems continuously. By using the existing electrical infrastructure and components already present in the system being monitored, the device leverages available resources rather than requiring entirely separate monitoring infrastructure, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
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 system effectively identifies and mitigates hazardous states, reducing the risk of fires and electrocution by providing early warnings and adaptive responses to defects and faults, ensuring safer operation of electrical power-transfer systems.
Implementation Method 1
a stimulus signal injector configured to inject stimulus signals into the electrical power-transfer system
Implementation Method 2
a sensor array configured to measure sensor measurements from the electrical power-transfer system
Implementation Method 3
a processor configured to detect hazardous states of the electrical power-transfer system based on the sensor measurements and the response of the stimulus signals
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and methods are disclosed for monitoring the operation of an electrical power-transfer system and detecting and handling hazardous and undesirable system states. In accordance with one embodiment, an electrical signal is injected into the electrical power-transfer system. During or after the injection of the electrical signal, an electrical property between a first sensor and a second sensor are measured to obtain a measurement. The electrical power-transfer system is determined to be in a hazardous state based on the measurement, and in response to the determination one or more actions are performed to correct the hazardous state.