Signal Adapter for Small-Signal Protective Device Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing test generators are unable to provide artificial small-measurement test signals necessary for testing small-signal protective devices in electric power networks, limiting the ability to test these devices effectively.
Innovation Solution
An adapter apparatus that modifies test measurement signals to match the electrical input characteristics of small-signal protective devices, allowing conventional test generators to extend their scope and test both conventional and small-signal protective devices by converting signals to appropriate voltage and current levels, including emulation of components like current-measuring coils, current transducers, electric field probes, and voltage transducers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional test generators are used to test protective devices, then conventional protective devices can be tested, but small-signal protective devices cannot be tested due to incompatible electrical output characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adapter apparatus as an intermediary component between the test generator and the protective device. This adapter contains an electrical modification system that converts test signals from conventional voltage/current levels to small-signal levels, enabling the test generator to interface with both conventional and small-signal protective devices without requiring different generators for each type.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter apparatus is designed to provide multiple functions: it can emulate different types of signal converters (transformers, current-measuring coils, current transducers, electric field probes, voltage transducers) and provide different types of test signals (voltage test signals, current test signals, small-voltage test signals, small-current test signals) through a single device, making the test system universal.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single test generator is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but it cannot provide both conventional and small-measurement test signals required by different protective devices
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter apparatus employs switching mechanisms that allow dynamic reconfiguration of its internal circuitry to emulate different converter types and generate different signal types as needed. The switching means enable the adapter to change its electrical characteristics dynamically based on which protective device is being tested, providing adaptability without requiring multiple static devices.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method are described for modifying test measurement signals for protective devices for electric power networks. The apparatus has an input interface to receive a first test measurement signal from a test generator, wherein the first test measurement signal is matched to a first electrical input characteristic of a first protective device for a power network. The apparatus further has an electrical modification system coupled to the input interface to convert the first test measurement signal into a second test measurement signal, wherein the second test measurement signal is matched to a second electrical input characteristic of a second protective device for the power network. The apparatus additionally has an output interface to output the second test measurement signal to the second protective device.