Non-Contact Conductor Voltage Sensing Without Precise Distance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-contact measurement methods for electrical quantities in electrical conductors require precise and reproducible distance control between the sensor and conductor, which is challenging and limits their application in existing systems without structural modifications.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that perform two measurements of an electrical quantity at different distances relative to the conductor, using a ratiometric measurement principle to determine the electrical quantity without exact distance knowledge, and utilize a microelectromechanical field mill to measure electric field strength for voltage determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If non-contact measurement methods are used, then galvanic isolation and safety are improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to distance control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic positioning of the conductor relative to the sensor, where the conductor is moved between first and second measurement positions. This dynamic approach allows the system to compensate for distance variations by actively adjusting the conductor's position, thereby maintaining measurement precision while preserving the safety benefits of non-contact measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the distance parameter by performing measurements at multiple distinct distances (first measurement position and second measurement position). By varying this parameter and using the differences in measurements, the system eliminates dependence on exact distance values, thus maintaining precision without requiring strict distance control.
2Device complexity
If single-point non-contact measurement is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to distance dependence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process into multiple distinct measurement points (first measurement position and second measurement position) at different distances from the conductor. By dividing the measurement task into multiple segments, the system achieves distance-independent precision without significantly increasing overall device complexity, as each segment uses the same simple sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to the measurement approach by measuring at multiple distances along the distance dimension. This dimensional change from single-point to multi-point measurement allows the system to eliminate distance dependence and improve precision while keeping the sensor itself simple and unchanged.
3Measurement precision
If contact-based measurement methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but safety and adaptability deteriorate due to physical contact requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the electric field as an intermediary between the sensor and the conductor. Instead of direct physical contact, the sensor detects the electric field emanating from the conductor. This intermediary approach enables non-contact measurement, preserving safety and operational continuity while maintaining measurement precision through the field-based detection mechanism.
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 precise and reliable non-contact measurement of electrical quantities, allowing retrofitting without structural changes and enabling monitoring of moving conductors, with improved accuracy and safety by minimizing environmental influence.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the electric field strength emitted by a current-carrying conductor
Implementation Method 2
The change in capacitance over time, or the time-dependent shadowing of the capacitance, is mechanically induced by an electrical, electrostatic, or thermal actuator
Implementation Method 3
measuring the change in electrical capacitance over time using a microelectromechanical system
Implementation Method 4
a displacement current is detected by a current-to-voltage converter, thereby generating a measurement signal
Implementation Method 5
detecting the electric or electromagnetic field emanating from the current-carrying conductor using a sensor
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
In the proposed method and arrangement for determining an electrical quantity (E) of a current-carrying electrical conductor (con), a first and a second measurement of a first electrical quantity of the electrical conductor (con) are performed, and from this, a further electrical quantity (U) is determined in a measurement signal processing step (cal). This method utilizes the fact that the electrical conductor (con) to be measured runs at two different distances (d1, d2) relative to the measurement positions.