Current Transformer Energy Harvesting With Dynamic Voltage Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ancillary devices in electrical distribution systems face challenges in accessing reliable and cost-effective power sources, as existing solutions like battery operation or solar power are inconvenient, and energy harvesting from distribution systems is limited by constrained secondary voltages and material-dependent energy recovery.
Innovation Solution
An energy harvesting device using a current transformer with a voltage regulator circuit and a supplemental voltage regulator to optimize energy recovery by adjusting voltage clamping and sample time based on line current stability, allowing for maximum power recovery and conversion into usable voltage for ancillary devices or storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a current transformer is used to harvest energy from electrical conductors, then energy can be captured from the distribution system, but the secondary voltage is constrained and limited to maximum operating voltage of capacitors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage parameter by using different core materials (amorphous metal, nanocrystalline material, silicon steel) to alter the magnetic properties and enable higher secondary voltages that exceed traditional capacitor limits, thereby resolving the voltage constraint while maintaining energy harvesting capability
2Power
If different materials are used for the transformer core, then higher secondary voltage can be achieved, but the complexity of material selection and optimization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent systematically evaluates and compares different core materials (amorphous metal, nanocrystalline material, silicon steel) to optimize magnetic permeability and reduce losses, achieving higher secondary voltages through material parameter optimization rather than increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite core structures combining different materials (e.g., amorphous metal with nanocrystalline overlays) to achieve superior magnetic properties that enable higher voltage output while managing the complexity through integrated material design
3Stability of the object's composition
If a voltage regulator circuit is used to clamp secondary voltage, then voltage stability is maintained, but energy recovery is limited by the clamping voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic voltage regulator that continuously adjusts the clamping voltage to match the instantaneous power curve of the current transformer, ensuring voltage stability while minimizing energy loss by operating at optimal voltage points rather than fixed clamping levels
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage regulator incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor secondary voltage and current to dynamically adjust clamping levels, maintaining voltage stability while maximizing energy recovery by adapting to changing load conditions and minimizing dissipative losses
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, cost-effective power supply for ancillary devices by maximizing energy recovery from the distribution system, ensuring optimal voltage and power delivery under varying line conditions, reducing the need for additional power sources and minimizing energy loss as heat.
Implementation Method 1
The harvesting device utilizes a current transformer having an electrical winding imposed on the electrical conductor for electrical energy to be induced in the winding, by magnetic flux, resulting from alternating current flow through the conductor
Implementation Method 2
Alternating current flowing through the conductor generates a magnetic field around the conductor and through the winding resulting in an induced current in the secondary of the transformer
Data Source
AI summary
An energy harvesting device (CTH) installed in an electrical distribution system (EDS) for powering ancillary electrical devices (AD) used in the distribution system. The device includes a first voltage regulator circuit (CC) configured to produce a voltage matched to a power curve of a current transformer (CT) to which the device is electrically coupled. The device also includes a second and separate voltage regulator circuit (SVR) which continuously operates to maximize the amount of electrical energy recovered from the current transformer.