Protection Relay Phase Correction for Merging Unit Timing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Distributed protection relay devices face issues with synchronization of A/D conversion timing between merging units, leading to phase differences in digital data, which affects the proper functioning of intelligent electric devices.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a synchronization signal output device to provide accurate timing synchronization across merging units and intelligent electric devices, using GPS for high-precision timing, and implementing phase correction units within the intelligent electric device to align the phases of digital data from analog and numerical merging units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple merging units with different A/D conversion timing are used to collect system electricity amount, then the device can handle both analog and digital transformers, but phase differences occur in the digital data affecting intelligent electric device operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to handle both analog and digital transformersVSAvoidphase accuracy of digital data
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a phase adjustment unit as an intermediary component that receives digital data from merging units with different A/D conversion timings and adjusts their phases. This mediator aligns the phases of digital data before transmitting to intelligent electric devices, resolving the contradiction between handling diverse transformer types and maintaining phase accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the timing parameter of A/D conversion by introducing a synchronization signal from a GPS receiver. The phase adjustment unit modifies the timing parameter of digital data from different merging units to align their phases, enabling both analog and digital transformers to be handled while maintaining phase accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If A/D conversion timing is not synchronized between merging units, then device complexity is reduced, but phase differences cause improper functioning of intelligent electric devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization mechanism complexityVSAvoidproper functioning of intelligent electric devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having the phase adjustment unit pre-adjust the phases of digital data before they are transmitted to intelligent electric devices. The GPS receiver provides advance synchronization signals, and the phase adjustment unit proactively corrects timing differences, ensuring reliable operation without requiring complex real-time synchronization mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If phase correction is implemented in the intelligent electric device, then phase accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase alignment accuracyVSAvoidintelligent electric device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the phase correction function from the intelligent electric device and places it in a dedicated phase adjustment unit. This separation allows the intelligent electric device to remain relatively simple while achieving high phase alignment accuracy through the specialized phase adjustment unit that handles all phase correction operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3018782B1Protection relay device
Publication Date: 2020.02.19 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP3018782B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3018782B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3018782B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An AMU (2) receives analog data indicating a system electricity amount from a CT/VT (8), and converts the input analog data into digital data and outputs the digital data to an IED (1) in synchronization with a synchronization signal supplied from outside. An NMU (3) receives the synchronization signal, generates an A/D conversion request signal, and outputs the A/D conversion request signal to an ECT/EVT (4). The ECT/EVT (4) converts the analog data into digital data and outputs the digital data to the NMU (3) in synchronization with the A/D conversion request signal from the NMU (3). The NMU (3) outputs the input digital data to the IED (1). The IED (1) delays a phase of the digital data input from the AMU (2) to the IED (1), thereby compensating for a difference in timing of A/D conversion between the AMU (2) and the NMU (3) (ECT/EVT (4)).