Capacitor Divider Power Supply for Telecom Lines

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Solution Overview

Problem

The high operational costs and environmental impact of diesel generators, along with the cumbersome installation of solar panels, pose challenges in providing uninterrupted and high-quality power to telecommunication equipment, especially in scenarios where dedicated infrastructure is not readily available.

Innovation Solution

A power supply system that includes a voltage conversion unit with a capacitor divider circuit and a step-down transformer, coupled with a low pass filter and a disconnector switch, allowing for the tapping of high voltage signals from transmission lines to generate a low voltage signal suitable for powering telecommunication equipment, while also incorporating a smart meter and protection units for quality measurement and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If diesel generators are used to power telecommunication equipments, then uninterrupted power supply is achieved, but operational cost increases and greenhouse gas emissions occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuninterrupted power supplyVSAvoidgreenhouse gas emissions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the necessary power supply function from the conventional diesel generator system by tapping power directly from existing high voltage transmission lines through a capacitor divider circuit and step-down transformer, eliminating the need for fuel combustion and associated emissions while maintaining reliable power supply

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a capacitor divider circuit and step-down transformer as intermediary components between the high voltage transmission line and the telecommunication equipment, enabling safe voltage reduction and power extraction without direct connection to the transmission line, thus achieving clean and reliable power supply

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of energy

If solar panels are installed to provide power, then renewable energy is used, but installation becomes cumbersome and footprint increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverenewable energy usageVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes existing high voltage transmission lines that already traverse the location for dual purposes: both power transmission and local power supply to telecommunication equipment, eliminating the need for separate solar panel installations and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the existing transmission infrastructure to serve itself by allowing telecommunication equipment to draw power directly from the transmission lines passing through the same location, eliminating the need for external power generation infrastructure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If battery banks are added for power storage and backup, then uninterrupted power is ensured, but device complexity and footprint increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuninterrupted power supplyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts stable voltage directly from the transmission line through a capacitor divider circuit, eliminating the need for battery banks by obtaining continuous power from the existing transmission infrastructure that already provides reliable service

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Ease of manufacture

If dedicated telecommunication towers are constructed, then infrastructure for equipment installation is provided, but cost and installation time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinfrastructure availabilityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the power supply function with the existing transmission line infrastructure, allowing telecommunication equipment to be powered directly from the transmission lines without requiring separate dedicated towers or infrastructure construction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This solution provides an efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly method to deliver uninterrupted high-quality power to telecommunication equipment, reducing the need for external power sources and minimizing the footprint, while ensuring continuous operation even in remote areas.

Implementation Method 1

a capacitor divider circuit comprising a plurality of capacitors coupled to each other in series

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitive voltage division: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

a step-down transformer coupled to at least one of the plurality of capacitors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

a low pass filter configured to be coupled to at least one high voltage power line and the voltage conversion unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic filtering: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentEP3543714B1Power supply device and an associated method thereof
Publication Date: 2021.03.10 GENERAL ELECTRIC TECH GMBH
  • EP3543714B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3543714B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3543714B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A power supply device (108) is presented. The power supply device (108) includes a voltage conversion unit (124). The voltage conversion unit (124)) includes a capacitor divider circuit (126). The capacitor divider circuit (126) includes a plurality of capacitors coupled to each other in series. Further, the voltage conversion unit (124)) includes a step-down transformer (128) coupled to at least one of the plurality of capacitors. The power supply device (108) also includes a low pass filter (122) configured to be coupled to at least one high voltage power line (104) and the voltage conversion unit (124), where the low pass filter (122) is configured to provide filtered power to the voltage conversion unit (124).