Dielectric Waveguide RF Isolation for Hydrogen Sensor Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrogen leakage in aircraft poses a significant safety concern due to its low minimum ignition energy and high flammability range, and existing hydrogen sensors require direct power and signal connections, which can be hazardous in a potentially explosive environment.
Innovation Solution
A system that galvanically isolates hydrogen sensors from a sensor controller using a Radio Frequency (RF) signal transponder, signal separator, power converter, and sensor interrogator, allowing for RF electromagnetic wave transmission through a dielectric waveguide to provide power and control signals wirelessly, thereby eliminating the need for direct electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct electrical connections are used to provide power and control signals to hydrogen sensors, then the system can operate reliably with simple wiring, but the risk of spark-induced ignition increases due to minimum ignition energy being about ten times lower than gasoline
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an RF electromagnetic wave as an intermediary medium to transfer power and control signals between the controller and sensors. The RF signal acts as a mediator that eliminates direct electrical connections, thereby preventing spark generation while maintaining signal transmission functionality. The RF wave carries both power and data through the air or dielectric medium without requiring conductive paths that could generate sparks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical connection system (wires and direct electrical contacts) with an electromagnetic field-based system. Instead of using conductive wires that can create sparks at connection points or during movement, the system uses RF electromagnetic waves to transmit energy and information, substituting a potentially hazardous mechanical-electrical system with a non-contact electromagnetic field system.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If wireless RF transmission is used to eliminate direct electrical connections, then spark-induced ignition risk is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to the need for RF signal transponders, signal separators, power converters, and sensor interrogators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the RF signal transponder and sensor interrogator units. The transponder integrates RF signal reception, power extraction, and sensor data transmission capabilities. The interrogator combines RF signal generation, power supply, and sensor communication functions. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed compared to a traditional wired system with isolated power and data lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The RF electromagnetic wave serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides power transmission to the sensors, carries control signals from the controller, and returns sensor data to the interrogator. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated channels for power and data, simplifying the overall system architecture despite the use of advanced RF technology.
3Reliability
If RF electromagnetic waves are used for power and signal transmission, then galvanic isolation is achieved improving safety, but the loss of energy increases due to conversion between RF electromagnetic waves and electrical signals
Solution Approach 1:
The RF signal transponder is designed to harvest power directly from the received RF electromagnetic waves through rectification circuits. The system uses the incoming RF signal itself as the power source, converting a portion of the RF energy into electrical power for sensor operation. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate power transmission lines and reduces overall energy loss by utilizing the existing RF signal for dual purposes (power and data).
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 safety by preventing spark-induced ignitions and allows for reliable hydrogen leakage detection without the risks associated with direct electrical connections in hazardous environments, improving the safety and operational reliability of hydrogen-powered aircraft.
Implementation Method 1
RF electromagnetic waves, via a dielectric waveguide, from the sensor controller
Implementation Method 2
convert the received RF electromagnetic waves to an RF electrical signal
Implementation Method 3
The power rectifier is configured to rectify the RF power signal component, thereby generating a rectified power signal
Implementation Method 4
RF electromagnetic waves, via a dielectric waveguide
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and associated methods relate to galvanically isolating one or more sensors from a controller. Power and control signals are provided to an isolation system via RF electromagnetic waves transmitted from the controller to the isolation system via a dielectric waveguide. The received RF electromagnetic waves are converted into an RF electrical signal and then the RF electrical signal is separated into power and control signal components. The RF power signal component is rectified and regulated so as to provide power to the isolation system. A sensor interrogator is electrically connected to one or more sensors so as to receive sense signals therefrom. The sensor interrogator generates a data signal indicative of one or more physical metrics of a potentially hazardous environment in which the one or more sensors are situated. The data signal is converted to RF electromagnetic waves, which are transmitted, via the dielectric waveguide, to the controller.