Electrical Wiring Testing Using Harmonic Signal Assignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for testing the wiring of electrical systems with multiple circuits are complex, time-consuming, and often fail to unambiguously identify wiring faults such as conductor reversals or polarity issues, especially in systems with multiple phases.
Innovation Solution
A method using time-domain asymmetric waveforms with specific combinations of harmonics is employed to generate distinct test signals that are fed into multiple circuits, allowing simultaneous measurement and unambiguous assignment of signals even in the presence of interference, using bandpass filters and harmonic analysis to determine correct wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If test signals with different amplitudes are used for various phases, then wiring errors can be detected based on measured amplitude, but the current or voltage amplitudes must differ relatively significantly which makes it not always possible to work with amplitudes close to the nominal range of the equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of test signals instead of relying solely on amplitude differences. By using different frequencies for different phases, the system can detect wiring errors through frequency identification rather than amplitude comparison, allowing operation within nominal equipment ranges while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies test signals at amplitudes that may exceed normal operating conditions temporarily during testing, then returns to nominal ranges for operation. This partial excessive action during the testing phase enables sufficient signal differentiation for error detection without permanently operating equipment outside its rated parameters.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple parallel connections or ground connections are present, then the current or voltage is divided according to the respective resistances, but phase identification is then no longer unambiguous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses frequency as a distinguishing parameter for test signals injected into different phases. Even when currents divide through parallel connections, each phase's test signal maintains its unique frequency signature, allowing unambiguous identification of which phase is connected where, regardless of current distribution through parallel paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic test signals at different frequencies for different phases. This periodic action with distinct frequency characteristics allows the system to trace connections through parallel paths by identifying which frequency component appears at which measurement point, maintaining phase identification accuracy despite current division.
3Measurement precision
If test signals are sequentially injected into individual phases, then wiring faults can be identified, but several measurements must be carried out and the measuring device must be connected to both power supply point and measuring point for each measurement which is relatively complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple phase tests into a single simultaneous measurement operation. By injecting test signals at different frequencies into all phases at once and measuring all phases simultaneously, the system eliminates the need for sequential connections and multiple separate measurement setups, reducing device complexity while maintaining fault identification capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic test signals with different frequencies that can be simultaneously applied to multiple phases. The periodic nature of these signals allows a single measurement setup to capture all phase information at once through frequency analysis, eliminating the need for sequential measurements and complex reconnection procedures.
4Reliability
If conventional test methods are used, then the presence of a wiring fault can be confirmed, but it is not immediately possible to determine the specific type of fault such as whether conductors are reversed or disconnected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of test signals for different phases. By analyzing which frequency components appear at measurement points, the system not only detects the presence of faults but also identifies their specific type (reversal, disconnection, parallel connection) based on the frequency assignment pattern and signal characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the measured frequency components are analyzed and compared against the known frequency assignment scheme. This feedback loop provides detailed information about the specific nature of wiring faults, enabling precise fault type identification rather than merely detecting fault presence.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method (200) for testing a wiring of an electrical installation (100) comprising a plurality of electrical circuits. In the method (100), a plurality of test signals (160-162) are generated. Each of the plurality of test signals (160-162) has an asymmetrical signal shape in the time domain and also a combination of harmonics from a predefined group of higher harmonics. The combinations of harmonics of the plurality of test signals (160-162) are different. The plurality of test signals (160-162) are fed at a first point (141) of the electrical installation (100) into a plurality of first connections (142-144), which are assigned to the plurality of electrical circuits. A plurality of measurement signals are detected at a plurality of second connections (146-148), which are assigned to the plurality of electrical circuits, at a second point (145) of the electrical installation (100). On the basis of the fed test signals (160-162) and the detected measurement signal, assignments between a first connection of the plurality of first connections (142-144) and a second connection of the plurality of second connections (146-148) are determined.