Automatic Stator Earth Fault Calibration Using IED Regression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual calibration of stator earth fault protection systems in generators is time-consuming, laborious, and prone to human error, leading to inaccurate settings, delayed fault detection, and increased risk of equipment damage and power outages.

Innovation Solution

An automated system using an Intelligent Electronic Device (IED) with a grounding terminal and digital potentiometer, coupled with linear regression algorithms, to simulate and adjust phase angle and fault resistance values for precise calibration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual calibration is performed by experts, then accuracy of protection settings can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and laborious

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of protection settingsVSAvoidcalibration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration system performs self-calibration automatically without requiring expert manual intervention. The microprocessor-controlled system executes calibration routines, adjusts potentiometer values, and determines optimal settings autonomously based on measured data and stored reference values, eliminating the need for continuous expert involvement while maintaining calibration accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical calibration operations with an automated electronic system. The microprocessor-based controller substitutes human experts by automatically measuring electrical parameters, processing data through algorithms, and electronically adjusting calibration settings through digital potentiometers, thereby reducing both time and human labor requirements.

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

2Reliability

If manual calibration is performed repeatedly, then comprehensive testing can be achieved, but the process becomes tedious and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffectiveness of protection systemVSAvoidcomplexity of calibration process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration system performs continuous automated testing across multiple fault conditions without interruption. The microprocessor controls sequential testing of different fault scenarios, maintaining continuous operation through automated data collection and analysis, thereby achieving comprehensive reliability testing without the tedious repetition inherent in manual methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a microprocessor-based control system as an intermediary between the calibration objectives and physical adjustments. This intermediary automatically manages the complex coordination of multiple testing parameters, data analysis, and setting adjustments, simplifying the overall process while ensuring thorough reliability verification through systematic automated testing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If automated calibration is implemented, then time efficiency and consistency can be improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The microprocessor-based calibration system performs multiple functions within a single integrated device. It measures electrical parameters, processes calibration data, stores reference values, controls testing sequences, and adjusts calibration settings automatically. This multi-functionality achieves high productivity and consistency while consolidating system complexity into a single versatile platform rather than requiring multiple separate devices.

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

4Adaptability or versatility

If manual calibration settings are adjusted, then adaptation to specific conditions can be achieved, but human error increases the risk of inaccurate settings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to operating conditionsVSAvoidconsistency of calibration accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration system incorporates automated feedback mechanisms where the microprocessor continuously measures actual electrical parameters, compares them against stored reference values and expected ranges, and automatically adjusts calibration settings accordingly. This closed-loop feedback ensures consistent accurate settings while adapting to specific operating conditions, eliminating human error in setting determination while maintaining the necessary adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4645621A1System and method for automatic calibration of stator earth fault protection for generator
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 SIEMENS AG
  • EP4645621A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4645621A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4645621A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a system (200) and a method (400) for automatic calibration of stator earth fault protection for a generator. The system (200) comprises an Intelligent Electronic Device IED (202) configured to operate in a first calibration mode to connect with a grounding terminal (204) and a second calibration mode to connect with a digital potentiometer (206). The system (200) further comprises a processing unit (104) to obtain phase angle value and fault resistance value from the IED (202), by operating the IED (202) in the first calibration mode thereof; determine one or more of a correct phase angle value and a correct fault resistance value for the IED (202) based on deviation from respective expected value, utilizing linear regression algorithm(s); evaluate the determined values under the different resistance values, by operating the IED (202) in the second calibration mode thereof; and configure the IED (202) with corrected values if the evaluation for the stator earth fault protection succeeds.