Abstract:
Partial discharge detection techniques are provided. In one aspect, a method of detecting partial discharge in an electrical power system having a power electronics converter is provided. A first current signal is captured in response to a first applied voltage. A second current signal is captured in response to a second applied voltage, the second applied voltage being different than the first applied voltage. The first current signal is set as a reference signal. A difference signal is determined based on the second current signal and the reference signal. A determination is made as to whether partial discharge is present based on the difference signal. The method may iterate, and for each iteration, the reference signal is refreshed on a rolling basis as a previously captured current signal measured in response to a previously applied voltage. The applied voltage is also stepped up or down for each iteration.
Abstract:
A method for controlling operation of transformer system includes receiving, by a controller unit, transformer data corresponding to a transformer. The transformer data includes a plurality of transformer input parameters and a plurality of transformer output parameters. The method further includes receiving, by a digital transformer unit, the plurality of transformer input parameters from the controller unit. The digital transformer unit is a real-time operational model of the transformer. The method also includes generating, by the digital transformer unit, a plurality of transformer output parameter estimates corresponding to the plurality of transformer output parameters. The method further includes controlling operation of the transformer, by the controller unit, based on at least one of the transformer data and the plurality of transformer output parameter estimates.
Abstract:
A method of controlling operation of a motor drive system includes receiving motor drive data corresponding to a variable frequency drive. The motor drive data includes a plurality of frequency drive input parameters and a plurality of frequency drive output parameters. The method further includes receiving, by a digital variable frequency drive unit, the plurality of frequency drive input parameters. The digital variable frequency drive unit is a real-time operational model of the variable frequency drive. The method further includes generating, by the digital variable frequency drive unit, frequency drive output parameter estimates corresponding to the plurality of frequency drive output parameters. The method also includes controlling operation of the variable frequency drive based on the one or more of the motor drive data, and the frequency drive output parameter estimates.
Abstract:
A monitoring system includes a capacitor can having one or more capacitors. The monitoring system includes an antenna. The monitoring system includes at least one sensor disposed within the capacitor can and configured to detect an operating characteristic associated with health of the one or more capacitors of the capacitor can. The monitoring system includes a processor configured to receive a first signal from the at least one sensor indicative of the operating characteristic. The processor is configured to send a second signal, via the antenna, indicative of a value of the operating characteristic to a receiving device outside of the capacitor can.
Abstract:
An approach is disclosed for generating seed electrons at a spark gap in the absence of 85Kr. The present approach utilizes the photo-electric effect, using a light source with a specific nominal wave length (or range of wavelengths) at a specific level of emitted flux to generate seed electrons.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a spark gap device that includes a first electrode having a first surface and a second electrode having a second surface offset from and facing the first surface. The spark gap device also includes a cantilevered component coupled to the first electrode that is configured to generate a field emission, a corona discharge or both, to emit light toward at least the first surface such that photons are incident on the first surface and cause electron emission from the first surface. The spark gap device may not include a radioactive component.
Abstract:
An approach is disclosed for generating seed electrons at a spark gap in the absence of 85Kr. The present approach utilizes the photo-electric effect, using a light source with a specific nominal wave length (or range of wavelengths) at a specific level of emitted flux to generate seed electrons.
Abstract:
Methods and systems detect short circuits in an electrical system, such as a dynamic braking grid of a vehicle. The methods and system measure a characteristic of a current that is conducted through one or more resistive elements of an electrical system. The current is supplied to the electrical system from a power source as an applied voltage. A resistance change signal representative of a change in one or more electrical resistances of the one or more resistive elements is determined The resistance change signal can be based at least in part on a difference between the characteristic of the current that is measured and a low pass filtered value of one or more of the characteristic of the current that is measured or the applied voltage supplied by the power source. A short circuit event is identified based at least in part on the resistance change signal.
Abstract:
Systems and methods are disclosed for on-line monitoring of the condition of the stator insulation of an AC motor or an electric generator. In certain embodiments, the system includes a transformer surrounding each pair of input and output cables associated with a given phase of power provided to the AC motor or generated by the electric generator. In another embodiment, a transformer surrounds the three input cables (for an AC motor) or the three output cables (for an electric generator) that correspond to phases of the AC motor or electric generator. In both embodiments, the transformers generate voltages that may be used to monitor leakage currents associated with the cables. A microcontroller monitors the voltages generated by the transformers and determines the condition of the stator insulation of the AC motor or the electric generator based on the voltages.
Abstract:
A method for monitoring at least one rotor blade of a wind turbine includes implementing, via a controller, a control scheme for monitoring blade damage of the at least one rotor blade. The control scheme includes monitoring at least one electrical condition of a pitch system of the wind turbine. The method also includes converting the electrical condition(s) of the pitch system into a frequency domain. Further, the method includes determining one or more peaks of the frequency domain around a frequency component related to a natural frequency of the rotor blade. Moreover, the method includes determining a frequency deviation between the one or more peaks of the frequency domain and the frequency component related to the natural frequency of the rotor blade. As such, a frequency deviation outside of a predetermined frequency range is indicative of a rotor blade anomaly. Thus, the method includes implementing a control action when the frequency deviation is outside of the predetermined frequency range.