Resonance-Based Thermal Parameter Determination in Electrical Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining thermal parameters in electrical systems, especially large ones like overland power supply lines and energy transmission cables, are inefficient due to economic and logistical challenges associated with using distributed temperature sensors, often relying on conservative current limit values instead of precise temperature monitoring.

Innovation Solution

A method that evaluates resonance points in electrical systems by applying an excitation signal, measuring input and output currents, and using analytical transformations to determine thermal parameters without the need for temperature sensors, leveraging the temperature-dependent changes in impedance and resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If distributed temperature sensors are deployed to monitor thermal parameters in electrical systems, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature measurement precisionVSAvoidsensor network complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses resonance points as an intermediary to indirectly measure temperature. Instead of directly measuring temperature with sensors, the system measures electrical parameters (current, voltage, impedance) at resonance frequencies, which change with temperature. This intermediary measurement approach achieves temperature monitoring without deploying temperature sensors throughout the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical temperature sensor system with an electrical measurement system. By substituting temperature sensors with electrical parameter measurements at resonance points, the system achieves temperature monitoring through electrical fields rather than physical contact sensors, reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If temperature sensors are installed in electrical systems to monitor thermal loads, then reliability is improved through better temperature monitoring, but ease of operation deteriorates due to installation and maintenance effort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem reliability through temperature monitoringVSAvoidinstallation and maintenance effort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the electrical system to monitor its own thermal state using its existing electrical infrastructure. The system uses its own resonance characteristics and existing electrical measurements to determine temperature, making the system self-monitoring without requiring external sensor installation or specialized maintenance procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the electrical measurement system multi-functional by using the same electrical parameters and resonance measurements for both system characterization and temperature monitoring. This universal approach allows existing electrical infrastructure to serve dual purposes, eliminating the need for separate temperature sensing infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If conservative current limit values are used to prevent system deterioration, then ease of operation is maintained through simple control, but measurement precision deteriorates due to lack of actual temperature data

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational control simplicityVSAvoidthermal parameter accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring resonance parameters and using this information to determine actual thermal states. This feedback mechanism replaces conservative static current limits with dynamic, measurement-based thermal management, providing accurate thermal information while maintaining operational control through automated resonance parameter monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

This approach allows for accurate, cost-effective, and non-invasive monitoring of thermal loads in electrical systems, preventing degradation and optimizing operational conditions without the need for extensive temperature sensor networks.

Implementation Method 1

The system excitation comprises one or more pre-determined excitation frequencies with which the electrical system can be excited at one or more pre-determined resonance points of the electrical system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

The thermally induced change in the resistive component and the resistive-reactive ratio causes a damping and shift of the resonance point

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature-dependent electrical resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP4417949A1Method for determining at least one thermal characteristic variable, computer program and measuring system
Publication Date: 2024.08.21 HELMUT SCHMIDT UNIV UNIV DER BUNDESWEHR HAMBURG
  • EP4417949A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4417949A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP4417949A1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for determining at least one thermal parameter of an electrical system by evaluating resonance points of the electrical system. The invention also relates to a computer program for carrying out such a method and to a measuring system with at least one control unit configured for carrying out the method.