Supply Network Topology Detection Using Load Signal Activation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting the electrical topology of supply networks are complex and lack certainty, especially in industrial settings, failing to accurately represent current and voltage topology.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a power supply unit, control unit, field bus device, and smart connector or operating value sensor that activates loads to generate operating signals, detects and evaluates these signals, and applies algorithms to determine the network topology, using existing data lines or wireless communication for data exchange, allowing for independent communication without interfering with treatment systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If synchronized current and voltage measurements are carried out at network connection points and combined in measurement matrices, then topology detection is achieved, but the method becomes very complex and does not offer sufficient certainty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary information for topology detection by using operating signal activation and response detection, rather than performing complete synchronized current and voltage measurements. This selective extraction simplifies the measurement process while maintaining sufficient detection accuracy for topology determination.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of measuring all electrical parameters and then determining topology, the patent inverts the approach by activating specific operating signals and detecting only the responses that indicate topological relationships. This inversion reduces measurement complexity while preserving topology detection capability.
2Reliability
If existing methods are used for topology detection, then some detection capability is achieved, but certainty about the actual current and voltage topology is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where operating signals are activated and their responses are detected and evaluated. This closed-loop approach with iterative signal activation and response analysis increases the certainty of topology detection by confirming relationships through multiple measurement cycles and cross-validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary activation of operating signals before final topology determination. By pre-activating known signal patterns and measuring responses in advance, the system builds a reliable baseline for comparing actual topological relationships, thereby increasing detection certainty.
3Loss of information
If complete topology detection is performed in old, mature supply networks, then network structure information is obtained, but the detection process becomes overly complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses field bus devices that serve multiple functions: they are both part of the operational supply network and act as measuring devices for topology detection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated measurement equipment, simplifying the overall system while maintaining complete topology information gathering.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system utilizes the existing field bus devices and communication infrastructure of the supply network to perform self-diagnosis and topology detection. The network components themselves provide the measurement capabilities needed, eliminating the need for external complex measurement systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A method detects the electrical topology of a supply network. The network includes at least one power supply unit, a control unit, at least one field bus device, and at least one measuring device. The field bus devices are supplied by the power supply unit. The measuring device is a smart connector, a field bus device, and/or an operating value sensor integrated in the power supply unit or connected thereto. A load is a field bus device and/or another device presenting a load. The method includes a) activating a load to generate an operating signal, b) receiving the operating signal and/or a time profile of the operating signal, c) detecting the operating value, d) evaluating the detection data from the operating signal, and e) applying an algorithm to determine the topology of the supply network. A control unit includes hardware and software to carry out the method.