Capacitive Voltage Harvester Across an Open Distribution Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Distribution protection devices require electrical power to operate, especially when in the open position, and rely on energy storage mechanisms like supercapacitors and batteries that degrade over time, reducing reliability.
Innovation Solution
An energy harvester is connected in parallel with the switch of the distribution protection device, forming a high-impedance circuit that harvests power even when the switch is open, providing power to the device without the need for supercapacitors or batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If energy storage mechanisms like supercapacitors and batteries are used to power the distribution protection device when the switch is open, then the device can maintain functionality in the open position, but the reliability deteriorates over time due to component degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The energy harvester enables the distribution protection device to power itself by harvesting energy from the power line voltage. The harvester converts electrical energy from the power line into stored energy that powers the control system and switch mechanism, eliminating the need for external energy storage components like batteries or supercapacitors that would degrade over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy harvester acts as an intermediary component between the power line and the distribution protection device. It captures energy from the power line voltage and provides it to the device, serving as a bridge that eliminates the need for traditional energy storage mechanisms while ensuring continuous operation.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the energy harvester is connected in series with the distribution protection device, then it can harvest power when the line is connected, but it cannot provide power when the switch is in the open position disconnecting the line
Solution Approach 1:
The energy harvester is repositioned from a series connection to a parallel connection across the switch terminals. This dimensional change in the circuit topology allows the harvester to remain connected to the power line and continue harvesting energy even when the switch opens, as it now draws power directly from the voltage across the open switch rather than through the series path.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of connecting the energy harvester in series where it would lose power when the switch opens, the invention inverts the connection approach by placing the harvester in parallel across the switch. This inverted configuration allows the harvester to harvest energy from the voltage present across the open switch terminals, enabling continuous operation.
3Reliability
If a high-impedance circuit is used for the energy harvester, then it can harvest power without providing an alternative current path when the switch is open, but the circuit design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The energy harvester circuit is designed with high impedance characteristics that prevent significant current flow when the switch is open, while still allowing sufficient current to be drawn when the switch is closed. This parameter change in impedance allows the circuit to effectively disconnect the load when open while maintaining the ability to harvest power from the voltage across the switch.
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
Ensures reliable power supply to distribution protection devices by harvesting energy through a high-impedance circuit, maintaining device functionality even when the switch is open, thus enhancing reliability and eliminating the need for degrading energy storage components.
Implementation Method 1
The capacitive core includes one or more dielectric layers sandwiched between one or more capacitive layers
Implementation Method 2
The capacitive core includes one or more dielectric layers sandwiched between one or more capacitive layers
Data Source
AI summary
A distribution protection device includes an energy harvester connected in series between a first terminal and a second terminal, a switch connected in series between the first terminal and the second terminal and in parallel with the energy harvester, and switch circuitry configured to receive electrical power from the energy harvester and control operation of the switch. The energy harvester includes a first capacitive layer opposite a second capacitive layer. The first capacitive layer and the second capacitive layer form a substantially cylindrical structure that substantially envelopes the switch.