Conductor Assembly Voltage Pickup Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conductor assemblies for power networks face challenges in achieving precise voltage sensing due to difficulties in establishing a reliable electrical connection with sensing electrodes, which are often irregularly shaped or have structured surfaces, leading to resistive losses and inaccurate measurements.
Innovation Solution
A conductor assembly with a voltage pickup element having an extended conductive surface in contact with the sensing electrode, allowing for multiple contact points and reducing resistive losses, along with an electrode wire in mechanical and electrical contact with the voltage pickup element for secure attachment, eliminating the need for additional electrode wires and simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wire is directly attached to the sensing electrode, then electrical connection is established, but the connection is unreliable due to irregular shape or structured surface of the sensing electrode
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage pickup element serves as an intermediary component between the wire and the sensing electrode. It has a first major surface that makes surface contact with the sensing electrode and a second major surface that provides a secure attachment point for the wire, thereby mediating the connection and solving the reliability issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is segmented into three distinct components: the sensing electrode, the voltage pickup element, and the wire. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the sensing electrode for voltage detection, the voltage pickup element for reliable contact, and the wire for signal transmission.
2Loss of energy
If multiple contact points are used between the voltage pickup element and sensing electrode, then resistive losses are reduced, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage pickup element transitions from a traditional wire-like one-dimensional contact to a two-dimensional surface contact with major surfaces. This dimensional change allows multiple contact points to be achieved naturally through the surface-to-surface contact area, reducing resistive losses without proportionally increasing assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage pickup element's major surfaces serve multiple functions: they provide extended surface contact for low-resistance electrical connection, they offer a secure mechanical attachment area for the wire, and they maintain electrical potential for voltage sensing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components.
3Measurement precision
If the sensing electrode is made thin or brittle to achieve precise voltage sensing, then measurement precision improves, but the difficulty to attach wire increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage pickup element acts as a mediator that supports the wire attachment away from the fragile sensing electrode. The wire is attached to the robust second major surface of the voltage pickup element rather than directly to the thin or brittle sensing electrode, preserving measurement precision while enabling easy wire attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented so that the fragile sensing electrode and the wire attachment function are separated into different components. The sensing electrode remains thin and precise for voltage detection, while the voltage pickup element provides a robust attachment surface for the wire.
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 enhances the accuracy and reliability of voltage sensing by minimizing voltage drops and providing redundancy against contact issues, making the assembly easier and more cost-effective to manufacture while maintaining high accuracy for medium-voltage and high-voltage applications.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage pickup element, comprising an electrically conductive first major surface and an opposed electrically conductive second major surface, the first major surface being in a surface contact with the sensing electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A conductor assembly for a power network includes an inner conductor, an insulating layer arranged concentrically around the inner conductor, and a sensing electrode, arranged radially outward of the insulating layer, and operable as a first electrode of a sensing capacitor of a voltage sensor. The conductor assembly further includes a voltage pickup element having electrically conductive major surfaces, the first major surface being in a surface contact with the sensing electrode. The conductor assembly further includes an electrode wire, in electrical and mechanical contact with the voltage pickup element, for electrically connecting the voltage pickup element with an electric or electronic component disposed remote from the sensing electrode.