Virtual Wiring Correction for Power System Error Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In industrial automation electrical power systems, wiring errors such as incorrect phase sequence, phase inversion, and voltage-current phase correlation issues often go undetected, leading to inaccurate metering data and requiring costly and unsafe physical corrections during power shutdowns.
Innovation Solution
A power monitor with a virtual wiring correction assembly that automatically detects and corrects wiring errors by redefining input wiring connections in firmware, eliminating the need for physical rewiring and providing user alerts through indicators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If physical rewiring is performed to correct wiring errors, then wiring accuracy is improved, but system shutdown time and productivity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual model of the wiring configuration that mirrors the physical wiring. By manipulating this virtual copy through software rather than physically rewiring, the system achieves wiring correction without shutdown. The virtual wiring model allows errors to be corrected by changing software parameters instead of physical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of physical rewiring with an electronic/software-based system. Instead of manually disconnecting and reconnecting physical wires, the system uses software parameters and virtual models to correct wiring errors, eliminating the need for system shutdown and manual intervention.
2Reliability
If manual wiring correction is performed, then wiring errors are eliminated, but safety risks and operational disruption are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-diagnosis and self-correction of wiring errors through automated software analysis. The power monitor automatically detects wiring errors, analyzes the virtual wiring model, and applies corrections without requiring manual intervention from electricians, thereby eliminating safety risks associated with physical rewiring during power shutdown.
Solution Approach 2:
By working with a virtual copy of the wiring configuration rather than the physical wiring itself, the system can perform corrections safely in the virtual domain. This allows error elimination without touching physical connections, removing the safety hazards inherent in manual rewiring operations.
3Measurement precision
If traditional power monitoring is implemented, then energy monitoring capability is improved, but wiring error detection capability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the energy monitoring function from the wiring verification function into distinct operational modes. The system first performs wiring diagnostics by analyzing the virtual wiring model against expected configurations, then separately performs energy monitoring measurements. This segmentation allows both functions to operate optimally without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs wiring error detection as a preliminary step before energy monitoring. By analyzing the virtual wiring model and comparing it with expected configurations first, the system identifies and corrects wiring errors before attempting measurements, ensuring that subsequent energy monitoring is performed on a verified correct wiring configuration.
4Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If user analysis and manual correction input are required, then detection capability is improved, but operational complexity and time are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs wiring error detection and correction without requiring user analysis or manual input. The software autonomously analyzes the virtual wiring model, compares it with expected configurations, identifies errors, and applies corrections. This eliminates the need for users to interpret phasor diagrams or provide correction inputs, reducing operational complexity while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated feedback loops where the software continuously monitors wiring parameters, compares actual readings against expected values, and automatically adjusts the virtual wiring model to correct errors. This closed-loop feedback system eliminates manual intervention while maintaining high detection accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus detect wiring error(s), identify to the user what wiring error has been detected, and redefine the wiring configuration. An indication is provided to the user that the apparatus has redefined the wiring configuration. Steps may be automated and/or initiated by the user.