Capacitor Bank Control Using Line Post and Wireless Current Sensors
Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and complexity of installing wiring for sensors in capacitor bank control systems, which often monitor only a single phase of a power line, can lead to decreased power quality in unmonitored phases due to inadequate control.
Innovation Solution
A capacitor bank control system that combines line post sensors and wireless current sensors to obtain multi-phase sensing, allowing for ganged and single-pole switching based on electrical measurements from each phase, thereby improving power quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wiring is installed for sensors to monitor multiple phases, then power quality control is improved, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides sensor installation into two segments: line post sensors for one phase and wireless current sensors for the remaining phases. This segmentation allows each type of sensor to be installed using its optimal method, reducing overall installation complexity while maintaining multi-phase monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
Wireless current sensors act as intermediaries that transmit current measurements without requiring physical wiring connections to the control device. This eliminates the need for extensive cabling infrastructure while still enabling multi-phase current monitoring for improved power quality control
2Reliability
If wiring is installed for sensors to monitor multiple phases, then power quality control is improved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Wireless current sensors serve as intermediaries that eliminate the need for physical wiring connections between current sensors and the capacitor bank control device. The wireless transmission medium replaces traditional copper cabling, significantly reducing material costs for multi-phase monitoring installations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the wiring requirement from the sensor installation process by implementing wireless current sensing. This removes the need for extensive cabling infrastructure while maintaining the ability to monitor multiple phases for improved power quality control
3Quantity of substance
If only single phase is monitored, then installation cost is reduced, but power quality in unmonitored phases deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is segmented into two parts: line post sensors monitoring one phase and wireless current sensors monitoring the remaining phases. This segmentation enables comprehensive multi-phase monitoring that maintains power quality across all phases while avoiding the need for extensive wiring infrastructure
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a capacitor bank control system that uses a combination of line post sensors and wireless current sensors for control operations. For example, a capacitor bank controller may include one or more inputs that electrically couple to a line post sensor to allow the capacitor bank controller to obtain line post sensor measurements. The capacitor bank controller may include a transceiver that receives wireless current sensor measurements from first and second wireless current sensors. The capacitor bank controller may include a processor that controls one or more switching devices of a capacitor bank based at least in part on a combination of line post sensor measurements and wireless current sensor measurements.