Digital Barrier Isolation for Current Shunt Phase-to-Phase Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies face challenges in accurately measuring current in multiphase power systems due to lack of phase-to-phase isolation, which leads to magnetic interference, energy theft, and reduced Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) and Electrical Fast Transient (EFT) immunity, especially when using current shunts.
Innovation Solution
A digital barrier isolation system is introduced, which includes a high-frequency transformer or capacitor for electrical isolation, allowing a shunt current sensor to measure current in multiphase systems while reducing interference and improving signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and size of measurement devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a current shunt is used to measure current, then cost is reduced, but phase-to-phase isolation is lost leading to magnetic interference and reduced measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a digital isolation barrier as an intermediary component between the current shunt and the measurement circuitry. This barrier provides phase-to-phase isolation while allowing the inexpensive current shunt to function accurately in multiphase systems, thus maintaining cost advantages while achieving measurement precision.
2Reliability
If a current transformer is used, then phase-to-phase isolation is provided, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional magnetic isolation mechanism of current transformers with a digital isolation barrier that uses electronic/digital means to achieve phase-to-phase isolation. This substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining the essential isolation function.
3Measurement precision
If digital barrier isolation is added to a current shunt system, then measurement precision and isolation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The digital isolation barrier performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides phase-to-phase isolation, reduces magnetic interference, improves measurement precision, and enhances EMC/EFT immunity. By consolidating these functions into a single component, the patent minimizes the increase in device complexity while achieving multiple performance improvements.
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 digital barrier isolation system enables accurate current measurement in multiphase systems, reduces interference, and enhances Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) and EFT immunity, allowing for cost-effective and compact power metering solutions.
Implementation Method 1
The barrier isolation module includes, for example, a relatively high-frequency transformer (such as, for example, a pulse transformer) or a capacitor
Implementation Method 2
The current sensor is used to measure current in a power line... The current sensor is in communication with an analog-to-digital converter
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes a power measurement, circuit breaker or integrated protection system including isolated analog-to-digital modulators for measuring current using current sensors, such as, for example, current shunts, in a single or multiphase power system. In one embodiment, the modulators are divided into a line-side device with an analog-to-digital modulator and a host-side device including a decimation filter and a processor. In one embodiment, an isolation barrier, such as, for example, a pulse transformer, divides the line-side device from the host-side device.