Direct-Connect Current and Voltage Measuring Unit for High-Voltage Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current smart meters face challenges in installation and accuracy due to the need for clamps that require multiple diameters and have insulation and safety issues, especially in high-voltage systems, and the cost of additional equipment like current and voltage transformers is a barrier to adopting this technology.
Innovation Solution
A current and voltage measuring unit that connects directly to high-voltage conductors using two-pole electrical interconnections, eliminating the need for clamps and ground connections, and incorporates sensors like shunt, Hall, and Rogowski coil sensors for precise measurements, with a self-powered design and modular circuitry for enhanced reliability and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If clamps are used to connect smart meters to power lines, then current measurement is enabled, but installation complexity increases and measurement accuracy deteriorates due to multiple diameter requirements and insulation issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the clamp component from the measurement system and replaces it with a direct connection interface. The measuring unit connects directly to the power line conductors through terminal connections, eliminating the need for clamps that require multiple diameter adaptations and complex installation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring unit is designed with universal applicability across different conductor sizes and voltage levels. The direct connection interface can accommodate various conductor diameters without requiring different clamp types, providing a single solution for multiple measurement scenarios including current, voltage, and power measurement.
2Ease of operation
If clamps are used for current measurement, then portability is improved, but insulation capability and safety deteriorate in high-voltage systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary insulation structure between the measuring unit and the high-voltage conductors. The measuring unit is designed with adequate insulation properties and can be mounted on insulating poles or structures, providing electrical isolation while maintaining measurement capability in high-voltage environments.
3Measurement precision
If additional equipment like current and voltage transformers is installed, then measurement capability is improved, but system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges current measurement, voltage measurement, and power measurement functions into a single integrated measuring unit. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate current transformers, voltage transformers, and other auxiliary equipment, reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining comprehensive measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring unit performs multiple measurement functions simultaneously - current measurement through direct conductor connection, voltage measurement through potential difference detection, and power calculation. This multi-functional design replaces the need for multiple specialized devices and transforms the economic feasibility of smart metering in medium to high voltage systems.
4Ease of manufacture
If direct connection to high-voltage conductors is made, then installation simplicity and measurement accuracy are improved, but connection stability under mechanical stress deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates mechanical compensation features in the connection design, such as flexible connection elements and adjustable mounting mechanisms that accommodate thermal expansion and mechanical stress. The connection structure is designed to maintain electrical contact stability under varying mechanical conditions, preventing disconnection during operation.
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 simplifies installation, improves measurement accuracy, reduces costs, and enhances reliability by allowing direct connection to high-voltage lines, providing precise current and voltage measurements without disconnection risks, even under high mechanical forces, and enables efficient monitoring and fault detection in medium- to high-voltage systems.
Implementation Method 1
A shunt has a higher EMC electromagnetic compatibility, i.e. it is more resilient towards electrical noise/disturbances
Implementation Method 2
a Hall sensor for current measurement in a range of 0 A to 1000 A
Implementation Method 3
a Rogowski coil current sensor for current measurement in a range of 0 A to 100 kA
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring unit for simultaneous measurement of two current values and two voltage values of a power line with three high-voltage conductors includes: three two-pole electrical interconnections, each interconnection being configured to be connected between two separated ends a high-voltage conductors; a first and second current sensor, configured and arranged to measure a current through the first interconnection and through the third interconnection respectively; and a first and second voltage sensor, configured and arranged to measure a voltage between the first and second interconnection and between the second and third interconnection. The measurement of the two current values and the two voltage values is at a floating potential. This measuring unit may be installed directly on all three phases, of a substation for example, with its own internal power source and with no ground connection. Such features are important for power systems with high penetration of variable renewable energy resources such as solar PV or wind.