Valve Actuator Phase Loss Detection Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
The loss or disruption of one or more phases of a three-phase AC power source can cause damage to hardware components in valve actuators used in watercraft, due to abnormally high or low voltage, leading to potential damage and reduced long-term operating life.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes voltage sensors to detect phase loss or disruption, a microcontroller to communicate with an AC motor controller, and a power conversion process to maintain operation or alert operators, using a three-phase AC power source that is rectified and filtered to produce a constant DC output, allowing for safe operation or shutdown of the valve actuator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If voltage sensors and detection systems are added to detect phase loss, then reliability of the valve actuator system is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage sensors continuously monitor the three-phase power supply before damage can occur, detecting phase loss conditions in advance. This preliminary detection allows the system to take preventive action (shutting down the motor controller) before abnormal voltage damages hardware components, thus improving reliability without requiring complex real-time intervention mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage sensors act as intermediary detection devices that monitor the power supply condition and communicate with the motor controller. This intermediary layer provides phase loss information to the control system, enabling reliable operation while keeping the detection mechanism separate and modular, thereby managing device complexity
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the system shuts down immediately upon detecting phase loss, then hardware components are protected from damage, but productivity is reduced due to operational interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control where voltage sensors continuously monitor phase voltage and provide information to the motor controller. When phase loss is detected, the controller receives feedback and automatically adjusts operation by shutting down the motor, protecting hardware from damage while maintaining simple control logic that can be quickly reset to restore productivity
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
Prevents damage to valve system components by detecting phase loss or disruption, allowing the system to operate within specifications and ensuring the long-term service life of hardware components.
Implementation Method 1
detecting a change in voltage of each phase of the three phase AC power source using voltage sensors
Implementation Method 2
components to rectify and filter the AC power source and produce a substantially constant direct current (DC) output voltage
Implementation Method 3
components to rectify and filter the AC power source and produce a substantially constant direct current (DC) output voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method to detect the loss or disruption of one or more phases of a three phase alternating current (AC) power source used in the operation of a valve actuator. The loss of one or more phases of a three phase AC power source may cause a peak in AC power output. While a peak in AC power output may not affect an operation of electronic circuitry, all three phases are often required to safely operate other hardware components, such as an AC motor that is associated with the valve actuator. Therefore, in response to detecting the loss or disruption of at least one phase of a three phase AC power source, this disclosure presents a system and method to inhibit damaging operations such as operating an AC motor associated with a valve actuator, and continuing to operate communications and diagnostic circuitry to report the condition.