Live impedance analyzer for three-phase AC systems
This technology provides a precise way to measure the electrical impedance of three-phase AC power systems — the kind found in industrial grids, motor drives, and renewable energy installations. It works by injecting two types of small test signals (one in parallel, one in series) into the live system and analyzing how the system responds, without requiring any external power source to do so. The signals are processed through a mathematical transformation that simplifies the analysis of rotating AC systems. The result is an accurate impedance map that reveals how stable or unstable the system is, which is critical for preventing cascading failures or oscillations.
What you could build
A portable or rack-mounted impedance analyzer for grid-tied inverter systems, motor drives, and microgrids, sold to power electronics OEMs, utility grid operators, and test-and-measurement companies that need to validate system stability without taking assets offline.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia-based defense contractors and naval shipboard power system integrators (e.g., Huntington Ingalls in Newport News) regularly deal with complex three-phase AC distribution and would value non-disruptive impedance measurement tools.
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
- Jacob Verhulst, Mohamed Belkhayat, Zhiyu Shen, Marko Jaksic, Paolo Mattavelli, Dushan Boroyevich
- Granted
- February 7, 2017
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 9562939
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.