System and method for providing power to a sensor

Abstract

A system and method for providing power to a sensor is disclosed. The system includes an alternating current (AC) power assembly, a cable, a sensor transformer, and a sensor. The cable is coupled to the AC power assembly and can conduct current to the AC power assembly. The sensor transformer includes a coil disposed adjacent to the cable. The coil generates an induced voltage in response to current conduction through the cable. The sensor is coupled to the sensor transformer and receives power from the sensor transformer. The sensor obtains information corresponding to the operation of the AC power assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The described subject matter relates to systems and methods for providing electrical power to sensors (eg, sensors of a vehicle). Background Art

[0002] Alternating current (AC) power components can be used in a variety of applications. For example, an AC traction motor can be used in conjunction with vehicle propulsion. Such components can have multiple sensors associated with them. Providing power to sensors in such applications can encounter many challenges. For example, if power is provided to each sensor from a remote source via a cable, the associated cables can be expensive and difficult to route. Such cables can lead to increased complexity and the expense of assembling and maintaining the system (e.g., a vehicle). If batteries are used, the batteries can provide undesirable additional weight. For example, in vehicle applications, the additional weight of the battery can cause additional wear on associated components. In addition, in order to maintain battery life, information from the sensors may be provided intermittently, resulting in periods of time when the sensor information is unknown. These batteries also need to be replaced periodically, and their performance can be affected by environmental conditions. It may be desirable to have systems and methods that are different from currently available systems and methods. Summary of the invention

[0003] In one embodiment, a system may include an alternating current (AC) power assembly, a cable, a sensor transformer, and a sensor. The cable is coupled to the AC power assembly and can conduct current to the AC power assembly. The sensor transformer may include a coil disposed adjacent to the cable. The coil generates an induced voltage in response to current conduction through the cable. The sensor is coupled to the sensor transformer and receives sensor power from the sensor transformer. The sensor obtains information corresponding to the operation of the AC power assembly.

[0004] In one embodiment, a method may include conducting current to an alternating current (AC) power assembly via a cable. The method may include generating a sensor power signal using a sensor transformer in response to the current conducted to the AC power assembly via the cable. Further, the method may include sending the sensor power signal to a sensor. The method may include obtaining information corresponding to the operation of the AC power assembly using the sensor.

[0005] In one embodiment, a system may include a drive assembly, a cable, a sensor transformer, and a sensor. The drive assembly may include a traction motor. The cable is coupled to the traction motor and may conduct current to the traction motor. The sensor transformer may include a coil disposed adjacent to the cable. The coil generates an induced voltage in response to current conduction through the cable. The sensor transformer is mounted to the drive assembly adjacent to the cable. The sensor is coupled to the sensor transformer and receives power from the sensor transformer. The sensor is mounted to the drive assembly and may obtain information corresponding to the operation of the drive assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The subject matter of the present invention may be understood by reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0007] Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of the system is shown.

[0008] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the vehicle is provided.

[0009] Figure 3 A perspective view of the motor assembly is provided.

[0010] Figure 4 Provides Figure 3 A perspective view of the drive assembly of the motor assembly.

[0011] Figure 5 Provided Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the motor assembly.

[0012] Figure 6 A perspective view of an example cable passing through a fixture is provided.

[0013] Figure 7 A perspective view of an example coil with an opening through which a cable passes is provided.

[0014] Figure 8 A perspective view of another example coil having an opening through which a cable passes is provided.

[0015] Fig. 9 An example coil is shown without the cable passing through it.

[0016] Fig.10 An electrical schematic of an example system is provided.

[0017] Fig.11A A graphical representation of the traction motor current at low speed is provided.

[0018] Fig. 11B A graphical representation of the traction motor current at medium speed is provided.

[0019] Fig. 11CA graphical representation of the traction motor current at high speed is provided.

[0020] Fig.12 A flow chart of the method is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Embodiments of the subject matter described herein relate to systems and methods for providing power to sensors. For example, various embodiments relate to the use of a sensor transformer that is located near a corresponding sensor and provides power to the sensor. The sensor transformer in various embodiments is arranged to be adjacent to a cable of an AC power assembly and generates an induced voltage in response to power passing through the cable. In some embodiments, power for a sensor can be generated relatively close to the sensor without the need for lengthy, expensive, and complex wiring, and / or can reduce or eliminate undesirable weight and / or life issues associated with solar panels, batteries, or other energy storage devices.

[0022] Although various examples of this document may be discussed in conjunction with rail vehicles, not all embodiments described herein relate to rail vehicle systems. Suitable vehicles may include automobiles, trucks, buses, mining vehicles, ships, aircraft, agricultural vehicles, etc. Also, although embodiments of the present invention may be applied to stationary applications, most stationary applications do not have the same constraints and challenges associated with vehicles, and thus heavy battery systems and grid connections may be more appropriate.

[0023] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a system 100 is shown. The system 100 shown may include an alternating current (AC) power assembly 110, a cable 120, a sensor transformer 130, and a sensor 140. The cable is coupled to the AC power assembly and provides current to the AC power assembly. In various embodiments, the sensor transformer may generate a voltage in response to the current flowing through the cable, thereby providing power to the sensor.

[0024] The sensor transformer may include a coil 132. Figure 1 The coil is shown as a single block, but multiple coils may be used in various embodiments. The coil may be disposed proximate to the cable and may generate an induced voltage in response to current conduction through the cable. With respect to the distance between the cable and the sensor transformer, in various embodiments, the sensor transformer may be located within a few centimeters or less from the cable. In various embodiments, the sensor transformer may be mounted on or near an AC power component (or an assembly including an AC power component) and relatively close to the sensor. A suitable sensor transformer may be a device for acquiring, generating, or receiving sensor power to be transmitted to the sensor, and may be selected based at least in part on application-specific criteria.

[0025] In one embodiment, the sensor can be coupled to a sensor transformer (e.g., via a wire or cable) and can receive sensor power from the sensor transformer. The sensor can be mounted relatively close to the sensor transformer. For example, in various embodiments, the sensor can be within 10-20 feet of the sensor transformer. The sensor can obtain information corresponding to the operation of the AC power component. By selecting an appropriate sensor, the sensor can detect one or more of temperature, fluid level, vibration, or frequency content of a signal, etc. This can be achieved when the sensor power is provided to the sensor. Information corresponding to the operation of the AC power component may include information about related components. For example, in an embodiment where the AC power component is a traction motor, information corresponding to the operation of the traction motor may include information about associated axles, gears, bearings, etc. For example, information corresponding to the operation of the traction motor may include gearbox oil level, information related to the operation of the motor bearings, etc.

[0026] Despite Figure 1 A single box is used to represent a sensor, but multiple sensors may be used in various embodiments. Each sensor may have a dedicated sensor transformer, or one sensor transformer may provide sensor power to multiple sensors, depending on the conditions of the specific application, such as the amount of sensor power required, the location where the sensor transformer is available, and the distance and wiring selection between the transformer and the sensor.

[0027] In various embodiments, the AC power assembly may be disposed onboard a vehicle. Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an example system is provided in which an AC power assembly may be provided on a vehicle 205. The vehicle in the illustrated embodiment is a rail vehicle (e.g., a locomotive). The AC power assembly is a traction motor 210. Figure 2 As shown, the traction motor is shown as part of the drive assembly 220. The sensor transformer and sensor are both mounted to the drive assembly.

[0028] In one embodiment, the drive assembly may include a plurality of traction motors 210. For example, Figure 3 A perspective view of a motor assembly 300 that may include a traction motor and wheels 310 is provided. Figure 4 A perspective view of a drive assembly that may include a truck 230 and three motor assemblies is provided. In various embodiments, a sensor transformer mounted to one motor assembly may provide sensor power to multiple sensors on one or more other motor assemblies of the truck.

[0029] Sensors may be placed at various locations in or near the drive assembly to detect various properties (e.g., temperature, fluid level, vibration) associated with one or more components or aspects of the drive assembly. Figure 5A cross-sectional view of a motor assembly is provided. The motor assembly may include various bearings: a motor non-pinion end rolling bearing 510, a motor pinion end rolling bearing 520, an axle rolling bearing position 530, and a U-tube rolling bearing 540. The motor assembly may include a gearbox 550 and associated gears. Sensors may be disposed adjacent to corresponding bearing positions, gears, and / or gearboxes to detect one or more properties or conditions associated with the bearings, gears, and / or gearboxes.

[0030] As discussed herein, the sensor transformer is located near the cable (e.g., close enough to the cable to generate a sufficient amount of sensor power for the sensor). The amount of sensor power required for sensor operation may be very small relative to the higher current and power used by the AC power assembly, and thus providing sensor power to the sensor via the sensor transformer does not have a meaningful impact on the operation of the AC power assembly. For example, the power rating of a traction motor may exceed 100 kilowatts, while the sensor requirements may be a few milliwatts. In various embodiments, the sensor transformer may be mounted to an assembly or device used to secure and / or route the cables. For example, Figure 6 A perspective view of an example cable passing through the clamp 600 is provided. For example, the clamp can be mounted to a drive assembly (e.g., a motor assembly). Figure 6 In the example shown, it can be seen that the sensor transformer is mounted to the fixture. In some embodiments, the sensor transformer can form a cable fixture. Figure 6 A three-cable system is shown in FIG, however, in other embodiments, a single-cable (or any other number of cables) system may be employed.

[0031] In various embodiments, the sensor transformer may employ various coil arrangements. For example, in some embodiments, the sensor transformer defines an opening 134 through which the cable passes. Figure 7 A perspective view of an example coil with an opening through which a cable passes is provided. Figure 8 A perspective view of another example coil having an opening through which a cable passes is provided. Figure 7 An example coil and Figure 8 The example coils of are both examples of split-core transformers with gaps 135 between core portions. In other embodiments, a solid core transformer with openings may be employed.

[0032] In other embodiments, the cable may not pass through the coil. Fig. 9 An example coil is shown disposed adjacent to a cable, but without the cable passing through the coil.

[0033] Fig.10An electrical schematic diagram of various aspects of an example system is provided, showing the sensor transformer, the sensor, and the connections between the various components. As seen in the illustrated example, the system can include a bandpass filter 1010 between the sensor transformer and the sensor. The current from the sensor transformer to the sensor is first filtered through the bandpass filter so that only current of a selected frequency is provided to the sensor.

[0034] like Fig.10 As shown, the system may include a load element 1020. The load element 1020 may be coupled to the sensor transformer (e.g., via a switch 1021) and may dissipate excess current or voltage (e.g., current exceeding the sensor rating, or current when the energy storage device selectively coupled to the sensor is full or above a threshold). For example, when the sensor does not need or expect current, the switch may be closed to allow current to flow from the sensor transformer to the load element. However, when the sensor needs current, the switch may be opened to prevent current from flowing to the load element.

[0035] Fig.10 The example system shown may include a storage element 1030. In various embodiments, the storage element may be a capacitor, or as another example, the storage element may be a battery. The storage element may be coupled to the sensor. When current from the sensor transformer is available, the storage element may be charged, and when current from the sensor transformer is not available, the storage element may be used to provide sensor power to the sensor. For example, in a first operating state of the AC power assembly, when sensor power from the sensor transformer coil is readily available, the storage element may be charged, and then the stored energy may be used for the sensor when sensor power is not available from the AC power assembly (and therefore sensor power is not readily available). In one embodiment, the storage element may store sufficient energy in a relatively short amount of time (e.g., 8 hours), thereby allowing the use of relatively small and lightweight capacitors (e.g., relative to larger, heavier storage devices (such as batteries) that can provide power for relatively long periods of time (such as months and years)) for storage.

[0036] also, Fig.10 The example system shown may include a rectifier 1040. The rectifier may be interposed between the sensor transformer and the sensor and converts the AC power from the sensor transformer into DC power for the sensor. In various embodiments, the load element and the switch may also be placed in other suitable locations, such as after the filter or at the output of the rectifier.

[0037] As described above, the current from the sensor transformer to the sensor may be provided at a selected frequency (e.g., via a bandpass filter). For example, in some embodiments, the system may use a harmonic portion of the current passing through the cable. The harmonic frequency (or other desired frequency) may be selected (e.g., via a bandpass filter) so that the current is provided to the sensor under the desired operating conditions to limit disturbances to the operation, and the power for the sensor is stored in a capacitor until the desired operating conditions are again reached. Fig.11A Provides a graphical representation of the traction motor current at low speeds, Fig. 11B Provides a graphical representation of the traction motor current at medium speed. Fig. 11C A graphical representation of the traction motor current at high speed is provided. Fig. 11B and Fig. 11C As shown, as speed increases, the signal becomes generally sinusoidal with relatively large harmonics. Because the current used for the traction motor may be thousands of amperes, and the sensors may require relatively few milliamps, sufficient power can be diverted from the traction motor to power one or more sensors without meaningfully affecting the traction motor. In addition, as discussed herein, sensor power can be selectively directed to one or more sensors, for example, at one or more predetermined frequencies or frequency ranges. For example, in various embodiments, a substantial portion of the signal may be utilized, while in other embodiments, only harmonics (e.g., the switching frequency or a specific harmonic such as the fifth harmonic) may be utilized. In other embodiments, the total current may be utilized, or a frequency band (e.g., 400-1000 Hz). Although Fig.11A , Fig. 11B and Fig. 11C A three phase AC motor is shown, but in other embodiments a DC motor with chopped ripple may be used, or another motor such as a motor with current variation may be used.

[0038] Reference Figure 1 In various embodiments, the sensor receives sensor power from a sensor transformer via a wire or cable. The sensor acquires information and, in various embodiments, transmits the acquired information to a remote recipient. For example, in various embodiments, the sensor is located on a drive assembly of a vehicle and transmits the acquired or detected information to a cab of the vehicle. The sensor may receive information or commands from a remote location (e.g., a cab of a vehicle).

[0039] In some embodiments, the sensor can communicate wirelessly with a remote source. For example, using sensor power provided by a sensor transformer, the sensor can transmit information. Figure 1In the example shown, the sensor wirelessly communicates with a remote source (e.g., a cab of a vehicle) via a wireless receiver 150. The sensor can be disposed proximate to the AC power assembly. For example, the wireless receiver can be communicatively coupled to the sensor and mounted, for example, to a drive assembly (e.g., a motor assembly).

[0040] In other embodiments, no wireless receiver may be used. Figure 1 As shown, the sensor can communicate with the remote location using a wired connection 152. The wired connection can be, for example, a speed sensor cable of the traction motor assembly, and the sensor can be transmitted via the speed sensor cable. In alternative embodiments, other types of sensor cables can be used based in part on the end-use parameters.

[0041] In various embodiments, multiple AC power components may be utilized. For example, multiple traction motors may be utilized (e.g., see Figure 4 and related discussions). In various embodiments, each AC power component has one or more corresponding sensor transformers (and thus one or more corresponding sensors). The system can (e.g., have a processing unit configured to) identify a particular AC power component among the AC power components based on its signature frequency. For example, each AC power component can operate at its unique specific frequency (or range) compared to other AC power components. Additionally or alternatively, the system can include a controller that can identify a particular AC power component based on selective powering of the particular AC power component. For example, power can be supplied to only one AC power component (or selected AC power components) at a particular time. Using the identified AC power components, the system can then identify which sensor information being received is associated with which particular AC power component.

[0042] In one embodiment, a controller is provided that communicates with at least one sensor transformer and one sensor. In one embodiment, the controller may communicate with multiple sensor transformers, multiple sensors, or both. The controller may also communicate with a vehicle controller. Each sensor transformer may provide sensor power when voltage passes through its respective cable. Whether charging an energy storage device (for powering the sensor) or directly powering the sensor, not all cables may always induce sensor power in the sensor transformer. Therefore, the controller may selectively direct the sensor power generated by one of the multiple sensor transformers to one or more sensors. Which sensors and which communication devices transmit data back may be programmed into the controller, and in one example, the selection may be made based at least in part on which cables are transmitting current (and therefore which sensor transformers are generating sensor power). In one embodiment, the controller may even affect the vehicle controller based at least in part on the sensor readings themselves, which sensor transformers are generating sensor power, and / or how much power the sensor transformers are providing. Of course, the amount of sensor power that the sensor transformer may generate may be affected by the nature and amount of current passing through its corresponding cable.

[0043] Fig.12 A flow chart of a method 1200 (eg, a method for providing sensor power to a sensor) is shown. Fig.12 The operations may be implemented by a controller having one or more processors that execute program instructions stored in a memory. The method may, for example, employ the structures or aspects of the various embodiments (e.g., systems and / or methods) discussed herein, such as the system. In various embodiments, certain steps (or operations) may be omitted or added, certain steps may be combined, certain steps may be performed simultaneously, certain steps may be performed in parallel, certain steps may be divided into multiple steps, certain steps may be performed in different orders, or certain steps or a series of steps may be re-executed in an iterative manner. In various embodiments, portions, aspects, and / or variations of the method may be used as one or more algorithms to direct hardware to perform one or more operations described herein. Other methods may be used according to the embodiments herein.

[0044] At step 1202, electric current is conducted to an AC power assembly (eg, a traction motor) via an electric cable. The electric current may be an operating current provided to the AC power assembly in association with performing a desired operation or task using the AC power assembly.

[0045] At step 1204, a sensor power signal is generated. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor power signal is generated using a sensor transformer, wherein the sensor power signal is generated in response to current conducted to the AC component via the cable. In various embodiments, the sensor transformer may include a coil disposed near the cable (e.g., disposed around or beside the cable), wherein the coil generates an induced voltage in response to the current passing through the cable. All or a portion of the current cable may be used to generate the sensor power signal. In the illustrated example, at step 1216, the sensor power signal is generated using a harmonic portion of the current.

[0046] At step 1206, the sensor power signal is sent to the sensor. Before the signal is received by the sensor, the signal may be processed or modified. For example, at step 1210, the sensor power signal is filtered. In various embodiments, the signal is filtered using a bandpass filter between the sensor transformer and the sensor. As another example, at step 1212, excess current of the sensor power signal may be dissipated. As discussed herein, a load element coupled to the sensor transformer may be used to dissipate excess current. Additionally, at step 1214 of the illustrated example, energy from the sensor power signal is stored. The energy may be stored by a capacitor coupled to the sensor.

[0047] At step 1208, information is obtained via sensors. The information corresponds to the operation of the AC power assembly. For example, in some embodiments, the AC power assembly is a traction motor, and the sensed information may include temperature and / or fluid level associated with one or more bearings.

[0048] The information acquired using the sensors can be sent to a remote processor or other recipient (e.g., located in the cab of the vehicle) wirelessly or via a wired connection. For example, at 1218, the sensor information is transmitted wirelessly (e.g., via a wireless receiver disposed near the sensor) to the remote source. As another example, at step 1220, the sensor information is transmitted via a speed sensor cable.

[0049] At step 1222, the received information is used to assist in operating the AC power assembly. For example, the performance or condition detected by the sensor can be used to monitor the performance of the AC power assembly and make appropriate adjustments to the operation of the AC power assembly. In embodiments utilizing multiple AC power assemblies, as discussed herein, a characteristic frequency and / or selective operation of a particular AC power assembly corresponding to a given sensor can be used to identify the AC power assembly.

[0050] In one embodiment, a system may include an alternating current (AC) power assembly, a cable, a sensor transformer, and a sensor. The cable is coupled to the AC power assembly and can conduct current to the AC power assembly. The sensor transformer may include a coil disposed adjacent to the cable, the coil generating an induced voltage in response to current conduction through the cable. The sensor is coupled to the sensor transformer and receives sensor power from the sensor transformer. The sensor may obtain information corresponding to the operation of the AC power assembly.

[0051] Optionally, the AC power assembly is disposed on a vehicle. For example, the AC power assembly may be a traction motor of the vehicle. For example, the traction motor may be part of a drive assembly including a traction motor and a truck, wherein the sensor transformer and the sensor are mounted to the drive assembly.

[0052] Optionally, the sensor transformer defines an opening through which the cable passes.For example, the sensor transformer may be a split core transformer.

[0053] Optionally, the sensor transformer comprises a coil disposed adjacent the cable, and the cable does not pass through the coil.

[0054] Optionally, the system further comprises a bandpass filter between the sensor transformer and the sensor.

[0055] Optionally, the system further comprises a storage element coupled to the sensor.

[0056] Optionally, the system further comprises a rectifier between the sensor transformer and the sensor.

[0057] Alternatively, the system may use the harmonic portion of the current passing through the cable.

[0058] Optionally, the system includes a plurality of AC power assemblies having associated corresponding sensor transformers, and the system can identify a particular AC power assembly based on selectively powering the particular AC power assembly.

[0059] Optionally, the system includes a plurality of AC power assemblies having associated corresponding sensor transformers, and the system can identify a particular AC power assembly based on a characteristic frequency of the particular AC power assembly.

[0060] Optionally, the sensor is configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote source.

[0061] Optionally, the sensor is configured to communicate with a remote source via a speed sensor cable.

[0062] In one embodiment, a method may include conducting current to an alternating current (AC) power assembly via a cable. The method may include generating a sensor power signal using a sensor transformer in response to the current conducted to the AC power assembly via the cable. Further, the method may include sending the sensor power signal to a sensor. The method may include obtaining information corresponding to the operation of the AC power assembly using the sensor.

[0063] Optionally, the method may include filtering the sensor power signal using a bandpass filter between the sensor transformer and the sensor.

[0064] Optionally, the method may include utilizing a load element coupled to the sensor transformer to dissipate excess current of the sensor power signal.

[0065] Optionally, the method may include storing energy from the sensor power signal using a storage element coupled to the sensor.

[0066] Optionally, the method may include generating the sensor power signal using a harmonic portion of the current supplied to the AC power assembly.

[0067] Optionally, the system may include a plurality of AC power assemblies having associated corresponding sensor transformers, and the method may include identifying a particular AC power assembly based on the selective powering of the particular AC power assembly.

[0068] Optionally, the system may include a plurality of AC power assemblies having associated corresponding sensor transformers, and the method may include identifying a particular AC power assembly based on a characteristic frequency of the particular AC power assembly.

[0069] Optionally, the method may include wirelessly transmitting information between the sensor and the remote source via a wireless receiver disposed proximate the AC power assembly.

[0070] Optionally, the method may include transmitting information between the sensor and the remote source via a speed sensor cable.

[0071] In one embodiment, a system may include a drive assembly, a cable, a sensor transformer, and a sensor. The drive assembly may include a traction motor. The cable is coupled to the traction motor and may conduct current to the traction motor. The sensor transformer may include a coil disposed adjacent to the cable. The coil generates an induced voltage in response to current conduction through the cable. The sensor transformer is mounted to the drive assembly adjacent to the cable. The sensor is coupled to the sensor transformer and receives power from the sensor transformer. The sensor is mounted to the drive assembly and may obtain information corresponding to the operation of the drive assembly.

[0072] As used herein, the terms "processor" and "computer" and related terms, such as "processing device", "computing device" and "controller", may not be limited to those integrated circuits known in the art as computers, but may also refer to microcontrollers, microcomputers, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), field programmable gate arrays and application specific integrated circuits and other programmable circuits. In various embodiments, the processors, computers and controllers discussed herein include memory (e.g., tangible, non-transitory memory). Suitable memory may include, for example, computer-readable media. Computer-readable media may be, for example, random access memory (RAM), computer-readable non-volatile media, such as flash memory. The term "non-transitory computer-readable media" refers to a tangible computer-based device implemented for short-term and long-term storage of information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules and submodules, or other data in any device. Therefore, the processes or activities described herein may be encoded as executable instructions embodied in a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium, which includes, but is not limited to, a storage device and / or a memory device. Such instructions, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform at least a portion of the method described herein. Thus, the term includes tangible computer-readable media, including but not limited to non-transitory computer storage devices, including but not limited to volatile and non-volatile media and removable and non-removable media such as firmware, physical and virtual storage, CD-ROMs, DVDs and other digital sources such as a network or the Internet.

[0073] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular includes the plural. "Optional" or "optionally" means that the event or situation described subsequently may or may not occur, and the description may include situations where the event occurs and situations where the event does not occur. As used throughout the specification and claims, approximate language can be used to modify any quantitative representation that can allow variation without causing changes in the basic functions that may be associated therewith. Therefore, the value modified by one or more terms such as "approximately", "substantially" and "approximately" may not be limited to the specified exact value. In at least some cases, approximate language may correspond to the accuracy of the instrument used to measure the value. Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations can be combined and / or interchanged, and such a range can be determined and includes all sub-ranges contained therein, unless the context or language indicates otherwise.

[0074] This written description uses examples to disclose embodiments, including the best mode, and to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to practice the embodiments, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The claims define the patentable scope of the disclosure, and include other examples that occur to a person of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples are intended to fall within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that do not differ substantially from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A system for providing power to a sensor, comprising: AC power components; a cable coupled to the AC power assembly and configured to conduct current to the AC power assembly; a sensor transformer including a coil disposed adjacent to the cable, the coil generating an induced voltage in response to current conduction through the cable; as well as a sensor coupled to the sensor transformer and receiving sensor power from the sensor transformer, the sensor configured to obtain information corresponding to the operation of the AC power component based at least in part on a frequency of a current when the AC power component is operating, The AC power assembly is configured to adjust the operation of the AC power assembly based at least in part on the frequency of the current when the AC power assembly is operating.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein: The AC power assembly is disposed on a vehicle.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein: The AC power assembly is a traction motor of the vehicle.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein: The traction motor is part of a drive assembly that includes the traction motor and a truck, wherein the sensor transformer and the sensor are mounted to the drive assembly.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein: The sensor transformer defines an opening through which the cable passes.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein: The sensor transformer is a split core transformer.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein: The sensor transformer includes a coil disposed adjacent to the cable, wherein the cable does not pass through the coil.

8. The system of claim 1, further comprising a bandpass filter between the sensor transformer and the sensor.

9. The system of claim 1, further comprising a storage element coupled to the sensor.

10. The system of claim 1, further comprising a rectifier between the sensor transformer and the sensor.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein: The system is configured to use a harmonic portion of the current passing through the cable.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein: The system includes a plurality of AC power assemblies having associated corresponding sensor transformers, wherein the system is configured to identify a particular AC power assembly based on selectively powering the particular AC power assembly.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein: The system includes a plurality of AC power assemblies having associated corresponding sensor transformers, wherein the system is configured to identify a particular AC power assembly based on a characteristic frequency of the particular AC power assembly.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein: The sensor is configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote source.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein: The sensor is configured to communicate with a remote source via a speed sensor cable.

16. A method for providing power to a sensor, comprising: Conducting current to AC power components via cables; generating a sensor power signal using a sensor transformer in response to current conducted to the AC power assembly via the cable; sending the sensor power signal to a sensor; obtaining, using the sensor, information corresponding to the operation of the AC power assembly based at least in part on the frequency of the current when the AC power assembly is operating; as well as Operation of the AC power assembly is adjusted based at least in part on a frequency of the current in which the AC power assembly operates.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising filtering the sensor power signal using a bandpass filter between the sensor transformer and the sensor.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising dissipating excess current of the sensor power signal using a load element coupled to the sensor transformer.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising storing energy from the sensor power signal using a storage element coupled to the sensor.

20. The method of claim 16, further comprising generating the sensor power signal using a harmonic portion of current provided to the AC power assembly.

21. The method of claim 16, wherein: The AC power assembly includes a plurality of AC power assemblies having associated corresponding sensor transformers, wherein the method further includes identifying the particular AC power assembly based on selectively powering the particular AC power assembly.

22. The method of claim 16, wherein: The AC power assembly includes a plurality of AC power assemblies having associated corresponding sensor transformers, wherein the method further includes identifying a particular AC power assembly based on a characteristic frequency of the particular AC power assembly.

23. The method of claim 16, further comprising wirelessly transmitting information between the sensor and a remote source via a wireless receiver disposed proximate the AC power assembly.

24. The method of claim 16, further comprising transmitting information between the sensor and a remote source via a speed sensor cable.

25. A system for providing power to a sensor, comprising: a drive assembly, including a traction motor; a cable coupled to the traction motor and configured to conduct current to the traction motor; a sensor transformer including a coil disposed adjacent to the cable, the coil generating an induced voltage in response to current conduction through the cable, the sensor transformer mounted to the drive assembly adjacent to the cable; as well as a sensor coupled to the sensor transformer and receiving sensor power from the sensor transformer, the sensor mounted to the drive assembly and configured to obtain information corresponding to the operation of the drive assembly based at least in part on a frequency of a current when the drive assembly is operating, Wherein the drive assembly is configured to adjust the operation of the drive assembly based at least in part on the frequency of the current when the drive assembly is operating.

Images