Synchronization Module for Electrical Quantity Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring electrical quantities in industrial installations face challenges in synchronizing measurements across multiple sensors, leading to potential inaccuracies in computed electrical power values due to asynchronous data collection.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a synchronization module to dispatch synchronization messages on a data bus, with measurement modules counting down waiting durations using their local clocks to ensure simultaneous or almost simultaneous measurement of electrical quantities, allowing for precise synchronization without the need for precise local clocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If measurements are taken at successive times by multiple sensors, then the measurement system is simple to implement, but the computed electrical quantities become imprecise due to asynchronous data collection
Solution Approach 1:
A synchronization module acts as an intermediary between the central control and multiple measurement modules. It receives synchronization requests, determines optimal measurement times based on clock drift compensation, and distributes synchronization messages to all measurement modules, ensuring they measure at the same actual time despite having imprecise local clocks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for precise mechanical/electronic clocks in each measurement module with a software-based time synchronization system. Instead of relying on hardware clock precision, the system uses message passing and drift compensation algorithms to achieve temporal synchronization, substituting complex hardware requirements with simpler computational methods
2Reliability
If precise local clocks are installed in each measurement module to ensure simultaneous measurement, then measurement synchronization is achieved, but the system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Each measurement module autonomously determines its own measurement time by receiving synchronization messages and calculating its local wait time based on clock drift compensation. The modules self-synchronize without requiring a centralized time server or complex inter-module communication, with each module independently adjusting its measurement timing
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization module performs preliminary calculations of clock drift and determines optimal measurement times in advance before distributing synchronization messages. This preliminary action allows measurement modules to simply wait for their calculated duration and measure, rather than requiring continuous time negotiation or adjustment during operation
3Measurement precision
If a centralized time server is used to synchronize all measurement modules, then measurement precision is improved, but the computational resources and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization function is segmented and distributed to individual measurement modules rather than being centralized in a single time server. Each module independently processes synchronization messages and calculates its own measurement timing, dividing the computational burden across multiple simple units rather than concentrating it in one complex unit
Data Source
AI summary
Method and system for measuring electrical quantities. The method comprising:the dispatching of a synchronization message on a data bus, by a synchronization module connected to the data bus, the dispatching being carried out with an emission period, the emission period being counted down with the aid of a first clock of the synchronization module;the reception of the synchronization message, by measurement modules connected to the data bus, each measurement module comprising a sensor adapted to measure an electrical quantity, each measurement module also comprising a second clock;the countdown, by each measurement module that has received the synchronization message, of a first waiting duration, the countdown being carried out, for each of the said measurement modules, using the second clock belonging to this measurement module; andfor each of the said measurement modules, the measurement of the electrical quantity by means of the corresponding sensor, at the end of the countdown of the first waiting duration.