Autarkic Field Device Voltage Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Field devices in industrial settings face inefficiencies in energy utilization due to rigid internal supply voltages that do not adapt to varying current demands, leading to wasted energy, especially in phases with high currents.
Innovation Solution
An autarkic field device with a 4-20 mA/HART I/O module, a controllable energy source, and an electrical current-measuring unit dynamically regulates the internal supply voltage based on current flow to maintain a predetermined terminal voltage, minimizing energy consumption by adapting voltage and current according to operational phases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid internal supply voltage is used to power the field device, then the field device can operate reliably, but energy is wasted due to inability to adapt to varying current demands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a rigid, fixed supply voltage to a dynamic, adaptive voltage regulation system. The control unit continuously monitors the electrical current demand of the field device and adjusts the terminal voltage in real-time according to the actual operational phase. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain reliable operation across varying current demands while minimizing energy waste by supplying only the necessary voltage at each moment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the terminal voltage parameter based on the electrical current flow. The control unit changes the voltage parameter dynamically according to the operational phase and current demand, rather than maintaining a constant voltage. This parameter adaptation enables the system to optimize energy efficiency while ensuring the field device receives adequate power for reliable operation.
2Loss of energy
If the terminal voltage is lowered to reduce energy consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but the field device may not receive sufficient power for reliable operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the control unit continuously monitors the electrical current demand and operational phase of the field device. Based on this feedback information, the control unit adjusts the terminal voltage to an optimal level that ensures sufficient power delivery for reliable operation while minimizing energy consumption. The feedback loop prevents both over-voltage (wasting energy) and under-voltage (compromising reliability) conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the terminal voltage based on real-time operational conditions rather than using a fixed voltage level. This dynamic regulation ensures that the voltage is never so low as to compromise field device operation, yet never unnecessarily high to waste energy. The adaptability to varying current demands maintains operational reliability while optimizing energy efficiency.
3Device complexity
If a fixed supply voltage is used, then the system is simple to implement, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to inability to adapt to different operational phases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through an automated control unit that independently monitors the operational phase and electrical current demand, then autonomously adjusts the terminal voltage without external intervention. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for complex manual control systems while achieving superior energy efficiency. The field device essentially serves itself by providing feedback on its power needs, and the control unit responds automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback-driven control system automatically adapts the supply voltage to match actual operational requirements, eliminating the need for overly simplistic fixed-voltage designs. While this adds some complexity compared to a fixed voltage source, the automated feedback mechanism is far simpler than manual intervention systems and delivers significant energy efficiency improvements.
4Reliability
If the terminal voltage is increased to ensure sufficient power delivery, then operational reliability is maintained, but energy waste increases during low current phases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic voltage regulation to match the terminal voltage with the actual power needs of the field device. During high current phases, the voltage is increased to ensure sufficient power delivery for reliable operation. During low current phases, the voltage is automatically reduced to minimize energy waste. This dynamic adaptation eliminates the need to maintain unnecessarily high voltages during low-demand periods while ensuring adequate power during high-demand periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit changes the terminal voltage parameter according to the operational phase and current demand. When the field device requires high power, the voltage parameter is increased to maintain reliability. When the current demand is low, the voltage parameter is decreased to reduce energy waste. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between maintaining sufficient power delivery and minimizing energy waste.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This adaptive regulation significantly reduces energy waste by lowering terminal voltages at high currents and ensuring efficient energy use, extending the lifespan of energy supply units and improving operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
In the I/O module, internal resistors are provided across which, in each case, a voltage drop occurs as a function of flowing electrical current
Implementation Method 2
a control unit is provided, which operates the energy source in such a way that a predetermined terminal voltage is available at the connecting terminals for powering the field device
Data Source
AI summary
An automation technology, autarkic, field device, which is connected via two connecting terminals to an I/O module. The I/O module is embodied as a 4-20 mA/HART I/O module. The I/O module is associated with a controllable energy source via which the field device is supplied with energy. An electrical current measuring unit is provided which ascertains the electrical current supplied by the energy source. In the I/O module, internal resistors are provided, across which occurs in each case a voltage drop dependent on the flowing electrical current. A control unit is provided, which operates the energy source in such a way that a predetermined terminal voltage is supplied on the connecting terminals for powering the field device.