Cathodic Corrosion Protection System with Segmented Cabling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cathodic corrosion protection systems for reinforced concrete structures face limitations due to voltage drops in longer connection lines, limited network size, and prone data transmission errors, especially in larger buildings, and lack effective monitoring capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A system with separated supply and data lines, utilizing a converter node with multiple-stage voltage converters, and an active distributor with external power supply and wireless data transmission capabilities to enhance voltage delivery and data integrity, allowing for longer cabling lengths and more participants, while independent reference electrodes monitor the system's functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a two-core connecting line is used to power supply electrodes and transmit data, then the system structure is simple, but voltage drops significantly in longer connection lines and data transmission becomes error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the originally combined two-core connecting line into separate supply lines and data lines. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each line's function, enabling longer cabling lengths for power supply while maintaining data transmission integrity through dedicated shielded data lines with proper grounding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components including voltage converters at distribution nodes to regulate voltage levels, and shielded cable structures with ground connections that act as intermediaries between the data lines and external electromagnetic interference, thereby protecting data transmission reliability.
2Length of stationary object
If the voltage is increased to extend cabling length, then more participants can be added to the network, but data processing elements are exposed to higher loads and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrical system into high-voltage supply lines for power delivery and low-voltage shielded data lines for signal transmission. This segmentation allows the supply lines to operate at higher voltages for extended cabling length while the data lines remain protected from electromagnetic interference through shielding and grounding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs voltage converters as intermediary devices that step down the high voltage from supply lines to appropriate levels for data processing elements. Additionally, shielded cable structures with ground connections serve as intermediaries that block electromagnetic interference from reaching sensitive data lines.
3Reliability
If reference electrodes are integrated into the same network as supply electrodes, then monitoring is possible, but the monitoring data may be interfered with by the power supply signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into separate channels: supply electrodes connected through supply lines for cathodic protection, and reference electrodes connected through dedicated shielded data lines for monitoring. This segmentation ensures that monitoring signals are electrically isolated from power supply signals, preventing interference and maintaining data accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces shielded cable structures with ground connections as intermediaries for reference electrode connections. These shields act as barriers that block electromagnetic interference from power supply lines from coupling into the sensitive monitoring signals from reference electrodes.
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 enables efficient cathodic corrosion protection and monitoring of larger structures by reducing voltage losses and data interference, allowing for a greater number of participants and longer cabling lengths, while ensuring reliable data transmission and independent verification of system functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The converter node has at least one voltage converter, in particular a multi-stage voltage converter
Implementation Method 2
at least one reference electrode for measuring an electrical potential in the concrete
Implementation Method 3
The reinforcement is connected to the minus pole of a DC source and thus into a cathode. At the same time, metallic structures are intended on or in the reinforced concrete, which are connected to the plus pole of the DC source and thus serve as anode
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system (1) for the cathodic corrosion protection of a structure (2) comprising at least one supply electrode pair (5) for applying a voltage to the reinforcement (3) of the structure (2), and at least one reference electrode (6) for measuring an electrical potential in the concrete, wherein the supply electrode pair (5) and the reference electrode (6) are arranged in a network (7). The network (7) further comprises a central switching unit (8), cabling (9), and at least one distributor (21, 22). The invention also includes an active distributor (22) and a converter node (29) for such a system (1). According to the invention, the cabling (9) of the system (1) is proposed to have at least one cable bundle (10), wherein the cable bundle (10) comprises a supply line (11) and a data line (12) separate from the supply line (11).