Rotor Measurement Unit Standstill Powering via Induction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fault condition diagnostics for synchronous machines are challenging due to complicated installation procedures for rotor measurement equipment and inability to detect early-stage failures like inter-turn short circuits and field winding issues.

Innovation Solution

A rotor measurement unit powered by the inherent induction in AC/AC exciter electrical machines, using a multi-phase exciter rectifier to rectify AC current from the exciter rotor winding to feed the field winding, allowing for measurement during standstill operations and enabling detection of rotor parameters such as temperature and faults.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If rotor measurement equipment is installed to detect faults early, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault detection capabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement equipment is merged with the existing rotor structure, utilizing the rotor's inherent components (windings, shaft) as part of the measurement system. This integration eliminates separate installation steps and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining fault detection capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotor structure serves multiple functions: it generates electromagnetic fields for motor operation and simultaneously acts as the measurement platform for fault detection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated measurement equipment installation, resolving the contradiction between reliability improvement and device complexity

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

2Measurement precision

If measurement equipment is powered during standstill operation, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveearly fault detection accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption during standstill
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement equipment is powered by the rotor's own electromagnetic field without requiring external power sources. The system uses its inherent operational energy to sustain measurement functions during standstill, achieving precise fault detection without additional energy consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply system is merged with the measurement system, using the same electromagnetic field that drives the motor to power the measurement equipment. This integration allows measurement during standstill without separate power provisioning, balancing measurement precision with energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables simpler and effective powering of rotor measurement units during standstill operations, allowing for early detection of faults and improved maintenance scheduling, reducing downtime and capital losses.

Implementation Method 1

based on the inherent induction present in such electrical machines due to the electromagnetic interaction between the exciter stator winding and the exciter rotor winding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a multi-phase exciter rectifier arranged on the rotor assembly, and configured to rectify an AC current from the exciter rotor winding to feed the field winding with a DC current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRectification: Diode

Data Source

PatentEP3236275B1Electrical machine comprising a rotor measurement unit for measuring a rotor parameter of the electrical machine
Publication Date: 2021.11.17 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP3236275B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3236275B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3236275B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a rotor measurement unit (1) configured to be mounted onto a rotor (12) of an electrical machine (11) having an AC/AC exciter (13) and a multi-phase exciter rectifier (17), for measuring a rotor parameter. The rotor measurement unit (1) comprises a measurement system configured to measure the rotor parameter, electronic circuitry (5) configured to receive a rotor parameter measurement from the measurement system, and a first and a second power supply terminal configured to be connected to a winding of the rotor assembly (12) to enable powering of the electronic circuitry (5) during standstill operation of the electrical machine (11).