Busbar Voltage Sensor Assembly for Retrofit Grid Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for upgrading power networks with voltage sensors in high-voltage or medium-voltage grids are labor-intensive and costly, requiring the replacement of existing insulating elements with sensorized versions, which leads to waste and increased labor costs, and often result in shorter cables that need additional measures to maintain connectivity.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a voltage sensor with a voltage divider between the busbar and ground, allowing the existing cable termination or insulating elements to remain in place, with the sensor connected to the busbar and ground, enabling accurate voltage sensing without the need for replacing existing components, and utilizing an elongated shape to minimize electrical discharge risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing insulating elements are replaced with sensorized insulating elements to add voltage sensing capability, then voltage sensing function is achieved, but labor cost and installation time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage sensor is separated from the insulating element, allowing the insulating element to remain in place while the sensor is independently installed on the busbar. This segmentation enables adding sensing capability without replacing the entire insulating assembly, significantly reducing installation time and labor cost.
Solution Approach 2:
A separate voltage sensor acts as an intermediary component that provides voltage sensing capability without requiring modification or replacement of the existing insulating element. The sensor connects to the busbar and ground independently, mediating the addition of functionality while preserving the original installation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing insulating elements are replaced with sensorized insulating elements to add voltage sensing capability, then voltage sensing function is achieved, but waste is generated from discarded insulating elements
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the voltage sensor from the insulating element, the existing insulating element can be retained and reused. Only the additional sensor component needs to be installed, eliminating the waste generated by discarding functional insulating elements during replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding the existing insulating element during upgrade, the invention recovers and retains it in place. The voltage sensing functionality is added through a separate sensor installation, allowing the original insulating element to continue serving its purpose without being wasted.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cable is cut to accommodate new sensorized termination, then voltage sensing capability is added, but cable length is reduced which may prevent proper connection to busbar
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage sensor is installed as a separate component on the busbar rather than being integrated into a replacement termination that requires cable cutting. This segmentation allows the existing cable to remain intact with its full length preserved, while the sensor is independently mounted to provide sensing capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If voltage sensor is integrated into insulating element, then sensing function is achieved, but device complexity increases requiring replacement of entire assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage sensor is segmented as a separate device from the insulating element, allowing independent installation and maintenance. This separation reduces assembly complexity by enabling the sensor to be installed without replacing the entire insulating assembly, simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage sensor is designed as a universal component that can be installed on existing busbars without requiring specialized integrated insulating elements. This multi-functionality approach allows the same sensor design to be applied across different installations, reducing the need for complex custom-integrated solutions.
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 solution allows for the retrofitting of voltage sensors into existing power network setups without replacing insulating elements, reducing labor and waste, while maintaining accurate voltage sensing and minimizing electrical discharge risks, thus enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of network upgrades.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage divider, electrically connected between the busbar and electrical ground, for sensing the elevated voltage of the bus bar
Data Source
AI summary
Assembly (1) of a busbar (20), a cable termination (40) (or an insulating element (300) or a bushing (400)) and a voltage sensor (10) in a high-voltage or medium-voltage power network. The cable termination (or the insulating element or the bushing) and the voltage sensor are mechanically and electrically connected to the busbar.