Transformer Phase Determination via Current Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In power distribution systems, determining the transformer connection phase is challenging due to a lack of data for deterministic circuit calculations, especially with the introduction of distributed power sources like solar power, which causes voltage management issues, and existing methods are inefficient and costly for large-scale systems.
Innovation Solution
A transformer connection phase determination device that acquires power consumption and current values, applies filters to attenuate low-frequency components, and computes correlation coefficients to determine the transformer connection phase using correlation analysis between line currents and phase currents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If deterministic circuit calculation methods are used to determine transformer connection phase, then measurement precision can be achieved, but the method becomes inapplicable due to lack of sufficient data in modern power distribution systems with distributed power sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces deterministic circuit calculation methods (mechanical/computational approach) with signal processing methods using correlation analysis and filtering. Instead of calculating connection phases through circuit equations requiring complete system data, the invention uses statistical correlation between current waveforms and power consumption patterns, making the system adaptable to modern power distribution networks with distributed power sources where complete data is unavailable.
2Measurement precision
If existing phase determination methods are applied to large-scale power distribution systems, then connection phase can be determined, but the process becomes inefficient and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to automatically determine connection phases using readily available measurement data from smart meters and current sensors without requiring manual intervention, complex system configuration, or expensive specialized equipment. The method self-adapts to the existing power distribution infrastructure, processing standard measurement data to extract connection phase information efficiently at scale.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transforms the approach from using complete circuit parameters and deterministic calculations to using statistical parameters from current waveform correlations. By changing from exact calculation based on full system data to correlation-based statistical analysis, the method achieves both high efficiency for large-scale systems and accurate connection phase determination.
3Device complexity
If correlation analysis is performed without filtering low frequency components, then computational simplicity is maintained, but pseudo-correlations reduce determination precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes low frequency components from the current signal before performing correlation analysis. By applying a high-pass filter to eliminate low frequency variations, the method removes sources of pseudo-correlation that would otherwise contaminate the analysis. This extraction of problematic frequency components preserves computational simplicity while significantly improving determination precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A transformer connection phase determination device includes a processor that executes a procedure includes: acquiring a power value consumed by at least one consumer connected to a transformer connected to any phase corresponding to a combination of two of a plurality of distribution lines, and acquiring respective current values flowing in each of the plurality of distribution lines, in association with a time axis; applying a filter that attenuates low frequency components in a current value caused by the power value and in the respective current values flowing in the plurality of respective power distribution lines; computing respective correlation values indicating correlation between the current values caused by the power values to which the filter has been applied, and the respective current values flowing in the plurality of respective power distribution lines to which the filter has been applied; and determining the phase that the transformer is connected to.