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D-Q domain impedance analyzer for multi-phase power systems

Energy & Power ElectronicsSensors & InstrumentationDefense & Aerospace ApplicationsPrototype likely

This technology provides a way to precisely measure the electrical impedance of each phase in a multi-phase power system — think of it like taking a detailed health reading of how power flows between connected equipment. It injects small test signals (perturbations) at controlled angles into each phase, measures how the system responds in terms of voltage and current, and uses that data to calculate impedance across a range of frequencies. The result is a transfer function that reveals whether the power source and load connected at any interface are electrically stable together. This is especially useful for complex systems like grid-tied inverters, motor drives, or shipboard power networks where instability can cause failures or inefficiencies.

What you could build

A hardware-software impedance analyzer instrument or embedded controller module for power electronics engineers and system integrators testing grid-tied inverters, motor drives, or military/naval power systems; buyers would include power electronics OEMs, defense contractors, and utility-scale energy system integrators.

Who in Virginia should care

Defense contractors and naval systems integrators in the Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia corridors working on shipboard or ground-vehicle power systems would have direct use for this stability-testing capability.

Readiness: Prototype likely

Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.

Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.

The record

Inventors
Gerald FRANCIS, Rolando BURGOS, Dushan BOROYEVICH, Fred WANG, Zhiyu SHEN, Paolo MATTAVELLI, Kamiar KARIMI, Sheau-Wei Johnny FU
Granted
September 22, 2015
Status
Granted patent
Patent number
9140731

Ready to talk?

Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.

VTIP contact coming shortly

Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.