Capacitive Voltage Divider Sensor for High Voltage Separable Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high voltage transformers and switchgears lack accurate voltage ratio measurement capabilities, particularly in modern grid automation and power quality control applications, due to the limitations of traditional test points in high voltage systems.
Innovation Solution
The development of sensors for high voltage separable connectors, which utilize discrete capacitors encased in insulating resin to provide a low voltage signal corresponding to a high voltage signal, offering improved accuracy and safety by eliminating exposed high voltage surfaces and incorporating signal conditioning electronics for enhanced signal quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional test points are used in high voltage systems, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the voltage ratio measurement accuracy is insufficient for modern grid automation applications
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into distinct functional segments: high voltage capacitor section, low voltage capacitor section, and signal conditioning electronics. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall measurement accuracy and managing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Capacitive voltage dividers are introduced as intermediary elements between the high voltage source and the measurement circuitry. These dividers provide accurate voltage transformation while isolating the sensitive electronics from direct high voltage exposure, thereby improving measurement precision without excessive complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If high voltage surfaces are exposed in separable connectors, then the connection is simple, but safety is compromised and additional leakage current is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor plug acts as an intermediary device that interfaces between the high voltage separable connector and the measurement system. It provides necessary insulation and signal transformation, eliminating the need for exposed high voltage surfaces while maintaining operational simplicity through a standardized plug-and-socket connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The design replaces direct mechanical exposure to high voltage surfaces with an electrical field-based capacitive coupling system. This substitution eliminates contact-related safety hazards and leakage current while preserving the simplicity of separable connector operation.
3Ease of repair
If sensors are integrated into separable connectors, then maintenance can be performed without service outages, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor plug is designed as a universal, self-contained unit that can be inserted into various separable connector configurations. This multi-functionality allows the same sensor design to serve different applications, simplifying maintenance procedures while managing integration complexity through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is designed as a removable plug that can be easily inserted and extracted by operators without requiring specialized tools or service outages. This self-service design enables straightforward maintenance and replacement, offsetting the increased device complexity through operational simplicity.
4Measurement precision
If discrete capacitors are used in the sensor, then the voltage sensing accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive voltage divider components are pre-assembled and tested as a modular unit before final integration into the sensor plug. This preliminary action ensures measurement precision is achieved while reducing manufacturing complexity by breaking down the assembly process into manageable stages with standardized components.
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
These sensors provide accurate voltage sensing over a broader temperature and frequency range, facilitating precise diagnosis of grid issues and enabling smart grid applications without additional leakage current, while allowing for maintenance without service outages.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more low voltage capacitors are electrically coupled in series to the one or more high voltage capacitors to form a capacitive voltage divider
Implementation Method 2
The plug body has an insulating resin and is configured to be inserted into the separable connector to encase a high voltage conductor disposed in the separable connector
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor for a separable connector includes a plug body, one or more high voltage capacitors, one or more low voltage capacitors, and a low voltage connection. The plug body includes an insulating resin. The plug body can be inserted into the separable connector to encase a high voltage conductor disposed in the separable connector. The one or more high voltage capacitors are encased by the insulating resin and can be electrically coupled to the separable connector at a first end portion when the plug body is inserted. The one or more low to voltage capacitors are electrically coupled in series to the one or more high voltage capacitors to form a capacitive voltage divider. The low voltage connection provides a low voltage signal corresponding to a high voltage signal present in the separable connector. Signal conditioning electronics or a memory may also be included.