Capacitive Voltage Divider for Self-Powered Transmission Line Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Remote monitoring of overhead electric power transmission lines faces challenges in minimizing maintenance requirements and incurring significant expenses due to the need for efficient and conformable monitoring and communication systems in remote areas.
Innovation Solution
An online measurement system comprising a measurement platform with sensors, a monitoring bank, and an energy management system, including a capacitive voltage divider bank, power management system, and wireless communication circuitry, which connects to the transmission line to measure and communicate parameters while managing energy and regulating power for autonomous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If remote monitoring of transmission lines is implemented, then observability and efficient operation are improved, but maintenance requirements and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring device is designed to be self-powered by harvesting energy from the transmission line itself through a capacitive voltage divider. This eliminates the need for external power sources, batteries, or frequent maintenance visits to remote locations. The device autonomously converts electrical energy from the line into usable power for its electronics and wireless communication, making it self-sufficient and maintenance-free in remote deployments.
Solution Approach 2:
A capacitive voltage divider acts as an intermediary between the high-voltage transmission line and the low-voltage monitoring electronics. This intermediary component safely steps down the voltage to provide both measurement signals and power for the monitoring device, enabling remote operation without direct human intervention or external infrastructure.
2Reliability
If remote monitoring equipment is deployed in remote areas, then transmission line monitoring capability is improved, but deployment expense increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive voltage divider serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides voltage measurement signals for monitoring, generates power for the electronic circuitry, and enables wireless communication of data. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate power supply infrastructure, battery systems, and communication infrastructure in remote areas, significantly reducing deployment expenses while maintaining reliable monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring device extracts and utilizes its own power needs directly from the transmission line through the capacitive voltage divider, eliminating dependency on external power infrastructure. This self-powered operation reduces deployment costs by removing the need for nearby substations, power lines, or battery replacement infrastructure in remote locations.
3Use of energy by moving object
If energy is harvested from the transmission line, then power supply for monitoring system is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the voltage measurement function and power generation function into a single capacitive voltage divider circuit. By merging these two functions into one component, the system achieves self-powering without adding significant complexity. The same capacitors that divide the voltage for measurement also provide the energy harvesting function, simplifying the overall system architecture compared to having separate measurement and power supply systems.
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
Enables efficient monitoring and communication of transmission line parameters, reducing maintenance needs and operational costs by harnessing energy from the transmission line and providing reliable, wireless data transmission to users, enhancing grid performance and control.
Implementation Method 1
The energy management system may include a capacitive voltage divider bank having a plurality of serially connected capacitors. One capacitor of the plurality may be adapted for communication with the transmission line to receive a transmission line voltage. Another capacitor of the plurality may be connected to provide an output voltage lower than the transmission line voltage.
Implementation Method 2
The power management system may include a power converter adapted to covert low voltage AC received from the another capacitor into low voltage DC for communication to the power supply.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods for measurement of parameters of electric power transmission lines can improve electric power usage, while wireless circuitry can provide communication from field-located devices. Connection to draw electrical power from the transmission line can be distinct from connection to sense line parameters.