Capacitor Divider Voltage Estimation for Live Element Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating the voltage of live electrical elements are inadequate due to aging issues, require costly and difficult maintenance, necessitate shutdown for repairs, and can only be performed by experts.
Innovation Solution
A method using a network of capacitors connected to a live element, with voltage and capacitance measurements at specific points, allowing for continuous and safe estimation of voltage without requiring system shutdown or expert intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional voltage estimation methods are used, then initial measurement may be accurate, but measurement precision deteriorates over time due to aging of electrical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from direct voltage measurement to measuring voltage ratios across capacitor dividers. By measuring the ratio of voltages across different capacitors (V1/V2) and using known capacitance values, the system calculates the unknown voltage without being affected by component aging, as the ratio measurement compensates for drift in individual component values over time.
2Reliability
If traditional voltage measurement systems are used, then measurement function is provided, but maintenance becomes difficult and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses readily available components (capacitors and voltmeters) that can be easily replaced by non-expert personnel. The capacitor divider circuit is inherently robust and requires no calibration or complex adjustments, allowing maintenance personnel to perform repairs without specialized training or expensive equipment.
3Measurement precision
If traditional voltage estimation methods are used, then voltage measurement is possible, but maintenance can only be performed when live element is not live
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces capacitor dividers as intermediary elements between the high-voltage live element and the measurement instrument. These capacitors divide the high voltage into lower, safer voltages that can be measured without isolation transformers or special safety equipment, enabling measurements to be taken while the system remains operational.
4Measurement precision
If traditional voltage measurement systems are used, then expert workers can perform measurements, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses inexpensive, simple components (standard capacitors and voltmeters) that can be easily replaced if needed. The circuit design is so simple that even temporary or disposable implementations are economically viable, eliminating the need for expensive, complex measurement equipment that requires expert operation and calibration.
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
Enables accurate and cost-effective voltage estimation over time, with simplified maintenance and repair capabilities even by non-experts, and allows live element measurement without system shutdown.
Implementation Method 1
a first capacitor (C1.sx) comprising a respective first pole (C1.sx.p1) and a second pole (C1.sx.p2); a second capacitor (C1.dx) comprising a respective first pole (C1.dx.p1) and a second pole (C1.dx.p2)
Data Source
AI summary
Method for estimating the voltage value relating to a live element uses five capacitors, wherein a first capacitor has its first pole connected to said live element; a second capacitor has its first pole connected to said live element; a third capacitor has its first pole connected to the second pole of the first capacitor and its second pole connected to ground; a fourth capacitor has its first pole connected to the second pole of the second capacitor and its second pole connected to the first pole of a fifth capacitor. The voltage value is estimated using: 1) a voltage value relating to a first node positioned along the conducting wire that connects the first capacitor to the third capacitor 2) a voltage value relating to a second node positioned along the conducting wire that connects the fourth capacitor to the fifth capacitor; 3) a capacitance value of the third capacitor; 4) a capacitance value of the fourth capacitor; 5) a capacitance value of the fifth capacitor.