Claims:1. An automated system (100) for testing of a low voltage direct current (LVDC) system (202), the system (100) comprising:
a light dependent resistor (LDR) (102) configured to determine a status of a light circuit, wherein the resistance of the light dependent resistor (LDR) (102) changes with a light intensity;
a sound sensing unit (104) configured to sense and record a plurality of buzzer sounds;
a barcode scanning unit (106) configured to scan a barcode of a plurality of components of the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system, wherein the barcode scanning unit (106) is capable of retrieving the configuration/specification of the plurality of components of the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system;
an electronic load unit (108) configured to stimulate a plurality of load conditions of the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system, wherein the electronic load unit (108) is capable of simulating a load output of the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system;
a solar power simulation unit (110) configured to stimulate a plurality of power levels, wherein the solar power simulation unit (110) is capable of simulating a solar input of the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system;
a processing unit (112) capable of processing the details received from the light dependent resistor (LDR) (102), the sound sensing unit (104) the barcode scanning unit (106), the electronic load unit (108) and the solar power simulation unit (110); and
a display unit (114) capable of displaying the results.
2. The automated system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) is physically connected to the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system.
3. The automated system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) is connected to the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system through a network connection.
4. The automated system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of buzzer sounds comprises beep sounds after a fixed time interval.
5. The automated system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of components includes the devices such as, but not limited to, an OGH panel, a BMS panel, a battery, a BLE device and a GSM.
6. The automated system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing unit (112) is capable of determining a Grid (AC) input, a solar load, an in-rush current, a short-circuit detection and a battery discharge status.
7. A method (300) for automatic testing of a low voltage direct current (LVDC) system, the method (300) comprising:
determining a status of a light circuit by comparing resistance of a light dependent resistor (LDR) (102) with the light intensity;
sensing and recording a plurality of buzzer sounds for determining a fault or system status in the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system (202);
scanning a barcode of a plurality of components of the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system (202) for determining the configuration/specification of the plurality of components of the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system;
simulating various load conditions of the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system (202);
simulation of a plurality of power levels for determining a solar input of the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system;
processing of the status of the light circuit, the plurality of buzzer sounds the barcode of the plurality of components, solar input and the load output of the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system for determining a plurality of parameters and for localization of a fault or status in the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system; and
displaying a test result and the plurality of parameters.
8. The method (300) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the plurality of buzzer sounds comprises beep sounds after a fixed time interval.
9. The method (300) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the plurality of components comprises an OGH panel, a BMS panel, a battery, a BLE device and a GSM.
, Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
The present embodiment relates to a system and a method for testing of a low voltage direct current (LVDC) system, and more particularly relates to the automated system and the method for determining a fault/anomaly in the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The direct current distribution technology needs specific requirements such as defined voltages and standardized plugs and sockets. For connecting an energy source to the DC system, voltage has to be controlled. The low voltage direct current (LVDC) systems have many advantages such as reduced AC-DC conversion losses and is more compatible with home/small office equipment. However, the protection of direct current devices is much more complex than that of the alternating current devices and is prone to short-circuits and in-rush currents.
Traditionally, a variety of methods are available for fault detection and fault localization. However, the available methods involve manual testing of the LVDC system and therefore results in increased chances of human error. Further, there are many disadvantages with the available methods they are time consuming and labour intensive.
Currently, various semi-automated systems are available for the testing of low voltage direct current (LVDC) systems. The semi-automated systems require analysis of every sub-component separately and the various parameters are manually combined to determine the fault. Also, the status of the LED and the buzzer sounds are tested manually by the operator. The process requires skilled manpower and the process is prone to human errors.
Therefore, there is a need of an automated system and method that quickly identifies the fault/anomaly in the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system by reducing the dependency on the manpower and the risk of human errors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
As mentioned in the foregoing, the embodiment herein provides an automated system and method for testing of a low voltage direct current (LVDC) system.
In an aspect, the automated system for testing of a low voltage direct current (LVDC) system is provided. The automated system includes a light dependent resistor (LDR), a sound sensing unit, a barcode scanning unit, a solar power simulation unit, an electronic load unit, a processing unit and a display unit. The light dependent resistor (LDR) is configured to sense status of the light circuits. The light dependent resistor (LDR) is based on the principle that the resistance changes with a light intensity. The sound sensing unit is configured to sense and record a plurality of buzzer sounds and determine the status of the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system. The barcode scanning unit is configured to scan a barcode of a plurality of components of the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system, wherein the barcode scanning unit is capable of retrieving the configuration/specification of the plurality of components of the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system. The solar power simulation unit is capable of simulating a plurality of power levels for simulating the solar input of the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system. The electronic load unit is capable of simulating a plurality of load levels for determining load handling capabilities of the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system. The processing unit is capable of processing the details received from the light dependent resistor (LDR), the sound sensing unit, the barcode scanning unit, the electronic load unit and the solar power simulation unit for determining a test result. The display unit is capable of displaying the test results.
In another aspect, a method for automatic testing of a low voltage direct current (LVDC) system is provided. The method includes the following steps: sensing a status of a light circuit by comparing resistance of a light dependent resistor (LDR) with the light intensity; sensing and recording a plurality of buzzer sounds for determining a fault in the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system; scanning a barcode of a plurality of components of the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system for determining the configuration/specification of the plurality of components of the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system; simulating a plurality of load conditions of the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system; simulating a solar input of the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system; processing of the status of the light circuit, the plurality of buzzer sounds, solar input, load output and the barcode of the plurality of components of the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system for determining a plurality of parameters and for localization of a fault in the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system; and displaying a test result and the plurality of parameters.
The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some aspects of embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
Figure 1 illustrates an automated system (100) for testing of a low voltage direct current (LVDC) system (202), according to an embodiment herein;
Figure 2 illustrates a connection between the automated system (100) and the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system (202), according to an embodiment herein; and
Figure 3 illustrates a method (300) for the automatic testing of the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system (202), according to an embodiment herein.
To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to.
The phrases “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C”, “at least one of A, B, or C”, “one or more of A, B, and C”, “one or more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.
The term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” can be used interchangeably.
Figure 1 illustrates the automated system (100) for testing of the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system (202). The automated system (100) is used for determining a fault/anomaly in the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system (202). In an embodiment, the automated system (100) is used for determining a fault/anomaly in a plurality of equipment based on the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system (202).
Figure 2 illustrates the connection between the automated system (100) and the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system (202). In an embodiment, the automated system (100) is connected with the plurality of equipment for determining a fault/anomaly in the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system (202). In an embodiment, the automated system (100) is physically connected with the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system (202). In another embodiment, the automated system (100) is connected through a wireless network, like Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), wifi and ethernet connection, with the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system (202).
The automated system (100) includes a light dependent resistor (LDR) (102), a sound sensing unit (104), a barcode scanning unit (106), an electronic load unit (108), a solar power simulation unit (110), a processing unit (112) and a display unit (114).
The light dependent resistor (LDR) (102) is configured to determine the status of the light circuits. In an embodiment, the light dependent resistor (LDR) (102) panel is used for determining the status of the light circuits. In an embodiment, the light dependent resistor (LDR) (102) is a photoconductor, a photoconductive cell and a photocell.
In an embodiment, resistance of the light dependent resistor (LDR) (102) changes with an intensity of light. In an embodiment, resistance of the light dependent resistor (LDR) (102) changes with the current flow.
The sound sensing unit (104) is configured to sense and record a plurality of sounds. In an embodiment, the sound sensing unit (104) analyses number of a beep sound and duration of the beep sounds to determine the fault/anomaly in the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system.
In an embodiment, two short beep sound indicates system turn on sequence. In another embodiment, one long beep sound for a duration of 4 seconds indicate short circuit in the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system.
In yet another embodiment, one long beep sound indicates a transition from a normal mode to a low power mode. In yet another embodiment, one long beep sound indicates the transition from the low power mode to an emergency mode. In yet another embodiment, one long beep sound indicates the transition from the emergency mode to an off mode. In an embodiment, one long beep sound indicates the discharging cycle of a battery.
In yet another, two short beep sound indicates the transition from the off mode to the emergency mode. In yet another embodiment, two short beep sound indicates the transition from the emergency mode to the normal mode. In an embodiment, two short beep sound indicates the charging cycle of the battery.
In yet another embodiment, five short beep sound followed by a long beep indicates that the total power supply in the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system is greater than 400 Watt. In yet another embodiment, two short beep sound indicates power/energy in a reserve line is greater than 50 Watt.
In an embodiment, beep sounds indicate the transition of a network connection between the automated system (100) and the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system. In an embodiment, the network connection includes GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) mode and a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) mode.
In an embodiment, one short beep sound for the duration of 2 seconds indicates the transition from the GSM mode to the BLE mode. In an embodiment, the transition from the GSM mode to the BLE mode is carried out by pressing *253# (*BLE#) on the display unit.
In another embodiment, two short beep sound for the duration of 1 second indicates the transition back from the BLE mode to the GSM mode. In an embodiment, the transition from the BLE mode to the GSM mode is carried out by pressing *476# (*GSM#) on the display unit.
The barcode scanning unit (106) is configured to scan a barcode of a plurality of components of the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system. In an embodiment, the barcode scanning unit (106) is configured to scan the barcode of the hardware components of the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system.
In an embodiment, the plurality of components includes the devices such as, but not limited to, an OGH (Off-Grid Home) panel, a BMS (Battery Management System) panel, a battery, the BLE and the GSM. The barcode scanning unit (106) is capable of retrieving the configuration/specification of the plurality of components of the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system. For example, the barcode scanning unit (106) identifies the BLE version.
The electronic load unit (108) is integrated inside the automated system (100). In an embodiment, the automated system (100) changes the electronic load through an interface. In an embodiment, the electronic load mimics a lighting load. In another embodiment, the electronic load includes a non-lighting load, for example, a capacitive load.
The solar power simulation unit (110) is capable of simulating a plurality of power level for simulating the solar input power of the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system. In an embodiment, an output load is pre-set to vary the current and voltage flowing through the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system.
The processing unit (112) is capable of processing the details received from the light dependent resistor (LDR) (102), the sound sensing unit (104), the barcode scanning unit (106), the electronic load unit (108) and the solar power simulation unit (110).
The processing unit (112) processes and determines the status of grid (AC) input, solar, load, in-rush detection, short-circuit detection and battery. In an embodiment, the processing unit (112) determines a position of the fault/anomaly in the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system (202). In an embodiment, the position includes a plurality of locations such as, but not limited to, solar panel, battery and power distribution.
In an embodiment, the automated system (100) includes a current-voltage sensing circuit. In an embodiment, the measurement of current and voltage is used to determine the in-rush currents and short circuits. In an embodiment, the in-rush currents are the power surge from the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system (202), when a device is switched on. In an embodiment, the processing unit (112) determines the current output. In an embodiment, an increased supply of current on the load side, determines a short-circuit condition.
In an embodiment, the processing unit (112) determines the load output. In an embodiment, the current supply increases with an increase in the electrical load from the pre-set value. In an embodiment, when the electrical load is more than the pre-set value, the load output is cut off. In an embodiment, the load output is revived, when the electrical load is within the pre-set value.
The display unit (114) is capable of displaying the test results of the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system (202). In an embodiment, the display unit (114) displays the fault/anomaly in the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system (202).
In an embodiment, the display unit (114) is a Graphics LCD display unit. In an embodiment, the display unit (114) displays the test results in a form of a document. In another embodiment, the display unit (114) displays the test results in a text, a tabular and a grid format. In a preferred embodiment, the test results are generated in a pdf report document.
In an embodiment the document includes date and time of test, barcode of the components, load output, details of the light dependent resistor (LDR) (102) and the sound sensing unit (104), load output, solar input, details of mode transition and source of the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system.
Figure 3 illustrates the method (300) for the automatic testing of the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system. The method (300) for the automatic testing includes the following steps:
At step 302, status of the light circuit is determined by comparing resistance of the light dependent resistor (LDR) (102) with the light intensity. In an embodiment, resistance of the light dependent resistor (LDR) (102) changes with an intensity of light. In an embodiment, resistance of the light dependent resistor (LDR) (102) changes with the current flowing in the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system.
At step 304, the plurality of buzzer sounds is recorded for determining the fault/anomaly in the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system. In an embodiment, the sound sensing unit (104) analyses number of a beep sound and duration of the beep sounds to determine the fault/anomaly in the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system.
At step 306, barcode of the plurality of components of the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system is scanned for determining the configuration/specification of the plurality of components of the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system. In an embodiment, the plurality of components includes the devices such as, but not limited to, an OGH panel, a BMS panel, a battery, the BLE and the GSM.
At step 308, the various load output conditions of the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system are simulated through an interface. In an embodiment, the electronic load is in-built in the automated system. In an embodiment, the electronic load mimics a lighting load. In another embodiment, the electronic load includes a non-lighting load, for example, a capacitive load.
At step 310, the plurality of power levels is simulated to obtain a desired solar input of the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system. In an embodiment, the output load is pre-set to vary the current and voltage flowing through the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system.
At step 312, the status of the light circuit, the plurality of buzzer sounds, the barcode of the plurality of components, the plurality of the power levels of the solar input and the load output details of the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system are processed for determining a plurality of parameters and for localization of a fault in the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system. In an embodiment, the position includes a plurality of locations such as, but not limited to, solar panel, battery and power distribution.
In an embodiment, the processing unit processes and determines the status of grid (AC) input, solar, load, in-rush detection, short-circuit detection and battery.
At step 314, the test results and the plurality of parameters are displayed on the display unit. In an embodiment, the test results are generated in the form of a pdf report document. In an embodiment the document includes the date and time of the test, barcode of the components, details of the light dependent resistor (LDR) (102) and the sound sensing unit (104), load output, solar input, details of the mode transition and the source of the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system.
The automated system (100) is portable and is used for identifying the fault/anomaly in the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system (202). The present system (100) and method (300) are automated and reduces the dependency on the skilled manpower for the testing of the low voltage direct current (LVDC) system (202).
Moreover, though the description of the present invention has included description of one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects and certain variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications are within the scope of the present invention, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative embodiments, configurations, or aspects to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter.