Signal Processing Device for High Voltage Installation Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current signal processing devices in high voltage electrical installations face challenges in safely and accurately testing the integrity of measurement chains due to the risk of operator errors and the need for costly and disruptive manual verification processes, especially when dealing with high voltage signals exceeding 500 kV.

Innovation Solution

A signal processing device with toggle means to automatically switch between test and operating modes, allowing for automated testing while maintaining the measurement chain closed, using either an external test signal generator or pre-recorded test signals to prevent operator mishandling and ensure secure operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual testing of measurement chains is performed by operators, then the integrity of the network can be verified, but operator errors may cause incorrect manipulations, damage to sensors, or triggering of protection relays

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement chain integrityVSAvoidoperator errors
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-testing automatically without operator intervention. The processing device autonomously switches between test mode and operating mode, executes tests using stored test signals, and verifies measurement chain integrity without human involvement, thereby eliminating operator errors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Test signals are pre-stored in the processing device memory. The system prepares test signals in advance and automatically retrieves them when needed, enabling seamless transition to test mode without requiring operators to manually generate or inject test signals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If manual testing is performed, then network integrity can be verified, but the electrical installation must be interrupted for the duration of the verification

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork integrity verificationVSAvoidinstallation downtime
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuous operation by automatically switching between test mode and operating mode without interrupting the electrical installation. Tests are performed in real-time alongside normal operations, eliminating downtime while ensuring measurement chain integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The processing device dynamically transitions between operating modes (test mode and operating mode) based on operational requirements. This dynamic switching allows the system to perform tests on-demand without fixed scheduling interruptions, maintaining installation continuity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Extent of automation

If automated testing is implemented, then operator errors are prevented and testing can be performed without interruption, but the device requires complex switching mechanisms between test and operating modes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting automationVSAvoidswitching mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processing device incorporates multiple functions within a single integrated architecture: signal processing, test signal generation (via pre-stored signals), switching between modes, and data analysis. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting complexity growth despite high automation

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

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 solution enables secure and automated testing of high voltage electrical installations, preventing operator errors and reducing downtime by maintaining the measurement chain integrity without manual intervention, thus enhancing operational safety and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

first input means intended to be connected via a measurement sensor to a high voltage signal from an electrical installation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMeasurement sensor signal conversion:

Data Source

PatentEP2954339B1Device for signal processing in an electrical installation
Publication Date: 2017.05.10 GENERAL ELECTRIC TECH GMBH
  • EP2954339B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2954339B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2954339B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for signal processing comprising first input means (37) intended to be connected via a measurement sensor (19) to a high-voltage signal of an electrical installation, and processing means (33) intended to analyze the signal measured by said sensor, the device furthermore comprising: - toggling means (41) configured to cause the operation of the device to toggle between a test mode in which the device is disconnected from said high-voltage signal so as to be connected to a test signal and an operative mode in which the device is disconnected from said test signal so as to be reconnected to said high-voltage signal, and - second input means (39) connected to said processing means (33), said processing means being configured so as to actuate said toggling means (41) in such a way that the device operates in test mode or in operative mode according to whether the second input means are activated or deactivated respectively.