Capacitor-Based Current Source for High Power Resistance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional resistance measurement devices for high voltage environments are bulky and heavy due to the use of batteries, limiting their operational duration and requiring frequent recharging, which hinders continuous measurement in high power apparatuses like circuit breakers and bus bars.
Innovation Solution
A high capacitance capacitor-based current source is used to minimize device weight and enable continuous operation, with a charger for constant current charging and bipolar capacitor configuration to reduce remanence in inductors, allowing for accurate and reliable resistance measurement without the need for extensive recharging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If batteries or accumulators are used to provide high current for resistance measurement, then measurement capability is achieved, but device weight increases and operational duration is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the current source from chemical energy storage (batteries) to electrical energy storage (capacitors). This parameter change enables the device to achieve the required high current output while dramatically reducing weight, as capacitors store energy in an electric field rather than requiring heavy chemical reactants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical battery system with an electrical capacitor-based system. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy battery compartments, chemical management systems, and associated mechanical structures, resulting in a lighter overall device while maintaining the ability to deliver high measurement currents.
2Ease of operation
If batteries are used to provide high current, then measurement operation is enabled, but operational duration is limited requiring frequent recharging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous charging of the capacitor through a power supply connected during operation. This allows the capacitor to be continuously recharged while the measurement device remains in use, eliminating idle recharging periods and enabling continuous operational readiness without interrupting measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor is pre-charged to high voltage levels before measurement sequences begin, ensuring immediate availability of high current when needed. The continuous charging system maintains this preliminary energy state, so the device is always ready for measurement without waiting for battery recharge cycles.
3Measurement precision
If high current is generated for resistance measurement, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves high measurement precision by utilizing the capacitor's ability to deliver extremely high current pulses (hundreds of amperes) for brief durations. This parameter approach—high current for short time—enables precise measurement of very low resistances through voltage drop measurement, while the capacitor's natural discharge characteristics simplify the overall device architecture compared to continuous high-current sources.
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
The solution provides a lightweight, continuously operational resistance measurement device capable of generating high currents for precise resistance measurement in high voltage environments, reducing interference and extending operational duration without battery recharging breaks.
Implementation Method 1
the current source is a capacitor
Implementation Method 2
The measured voltage across the circuit breaker is proportional to the current through the very low resistance, according to Ohm's law
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods can be provided for measuring the resistance of high power apparatuses. A device can include a current source connectable to a test object, and the ability for measuring current and/or voltage, wherein the current source is a capacitor. By providing the current source as a capacitor, a light weight device is obtained which can be used essentially continuously without periods of non-use during recharging.