Current Transformer Power Module for High and Low Line Currents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power flow control systems struggle to efficiently manage impedance injection at both high and low line currents in power transmission lines, particularly in scenarios involving fault currents and non-linear changes, leading to potential damage and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A power supply module with a single turn primary winding and single secondary winding current transformer, coupled with a high permeability core, and a feedback loop with a hysteresis function, allows for adaptive operation across varying line currents, including fault currents, by switching between linear and saturated states, and includes an energy storage circuit for safe shutdown.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional power supply module is used, then it can operate at low line currents, but it cannot withstand high fault currents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the current transformer by utilizing its saturation characteristic. At normal operating currents, the transformer operates in its linear region to provide accurate current transformation. When high fault currents occur, the transformer enters saturation, automatically limiting the current and protecting the circuit without requiring additional protective components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and utilizes the saturation characteristic of the current transformer core, which is normally considered a limitation, and converts it into a protective feature. By designing the circuit to exploit this inherent property, the system gains fault current withstand capability without adding complex protective circuitry.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple circuit branches are used to handle different current levels, then high and low line currents can be supported, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the single circuit branch universal by designing it to handle multiple current levels through the transformer's dual operating modes. The same circuit branch serves both normal operating conditions (linear region) and fault conditions (saturated region), eliminating the need for separate branches for different current levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple circuit branches into a single unified circuit branch. By combining the handling of both high and low current scenarios into one branch that dynamically adapts through transformer saturation, the system achieves current level adaptability with reduced structural complexity.
3Device complexity
If the power supply module is simplified to a single circuit branch, then device complexity is reduced, but it cannot handle both high and low line currents effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics into the single circuit branch by allowing the transformer to transition between linear and saturated operating regions based on the input current level. This dynamic behavior enables the static single-branch circuit to adapt to varying current conditions, achieving versatility without increasing structural complexity.
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
The solution enables reliable power harvesting and impedance injection at both high and low line currents, protecting the system from fault currents and ensuring safe shutdown, while maintaining a stable DC voltage, thus enhancing system durability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a current transformer having a single turn primary winding and a single secondary winding
Implementation Method 2
wound on a core material having high permeability
Implementation Method 3
The feedback loop includes a comparator with a reference DC input and a hysteresis function
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply module harvests power at low and high line currents of a power transmission line. The power supply module uses a current transformer, which may power controllers. The current transformer has a single turn primary winding, which can be coupled to a power transmission line, and a single secondary winding connected to the power supply module.