Current Transformer Power Harvesting for Remote Electronics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Remotely installed electronic devices often face challenges in long-term power supply due to the lack of AC receptacles in remote locations, leading to high costs and inconvenience in installation and maintenance, as well as the difficulty and cost of battery replacement and recharging.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing current transformers (CTs) to harvest power from AC mains supply cables, with an active system including a microcontroller, ADCs, DACs, and PWM control to optimize power output and manage load fluctuations, rectify, and boost voltage for efficient power delivery to electronic devices or energy storage mediums.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If AC mains connection is implemented by cutting power cable jacket and hardwiring, then power supply reliability is improved, but installation complexity and safety hazards increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a current transformer as an intermediary device that couples to the AC power cable without direct electrical connection. The CT harvests power through magnetic induction from the cable's magnetic field, providing reliable power extraction while avoiding the need to cut the cable jacket or expose conductors, thus eliminating safety hazards and installation complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical connection method (cutting cable, hardwiring) with an electromagnetic field-based power harvesting method. The current transformer uses electromagnetic induction to extract power from the AC cable's magnetic field without physical contact with conductors, substituting a dangerous mechanical installation process with a safe, non-intrusive electromagnetic coupling approach

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If step-down transformers are installed on main-branch circuits, then power connection is achieved, but installation cost and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower connectionVSAvoidinstallation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts power directly from the AC power cable using a current transformer that couples to the cable externally. This eliminates the need to install step-down transformers on main-branch circuits, removing the requirement for lane closures, permits, and large crews of skilled tradesmen, thereby dramatically reducing installation cost and time while maintaining reliable power connection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the power extraction function from the main power distribution system. Instead of modifying the main-branch circuit with step-down transformers, the solution uses individual current transformers on each power cable to harvest power locally, enabling parallel installation without affecting other circuits and improving overall installation productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If power cable jacket is cut to access conductors, then power connection is achieved, but safety hazards increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower connectionVSAvoidsafety hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The current transformer serves as an intermediary that provides electrical isolation between the installer and the live AC conductors. Power is harvested through magnetic induction without exposing conductors or requiring the cable jacket to be cut, eliminating safety hazards while maintaining reliable power connection to the remotely installed electronic device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful electromagnetic radiation (EMR) emitted by AC power cables into a beneficial power source. The current transformer harvests energy from the cable's magnetic field, which would otherwise be wasted radiation, turning a potentially harmful emission into a useful power supply for remote devices without requiring dangerous physical access to conductors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 system enables efficient and reliable power harvesting and storage for remotely installed electronic devices, reducing installation costs and maintenance hassles by optimizing power output based on load demands and fluctuations, thus providing a stable long-term power solution.

Implementation Method 1

A system utilizes current transformers (CTs) to harvest power from AC mains supply cables

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

rectify, and boost voltage for efficient power delivery

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRectification:

Data Source

PatentUS11750026B2System for harvesting power from a current transformer

Publication Date: 2023.09.05 NOVINIUM LLC

AI summary

An assembly for harvesting power from one or more power cables. The assembly includes a current transformer operable to harvest power from the one or more power cables and a controller operable to control an amount of power harvested by the current transformer.