Dynamic Sensor Mode Switching for Load Center Blind Spot Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Distributed sensor networks in load centers face challenges in accurately monitoring circuit branches due to resource constraints, leading to 'blind spots' in measurement, which compromise measurement accuracy and increase costs.
Innovation Solution
A system with multiple current sensors and sensor circuits that dynamically adjust their operational modes based on input line and circuit branch current thresholds, allowing sensors to enter a sleep state when conditions are stable and wake up only when changes exceed predetermined thresholds, minimizing resource usage while maintaining accurate power and energy measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors continuously monitor circuit branches, then measurement accuracy is improved, but system resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor circuits dynamically switch between operational modes (active and sleep states) based on system conditions. The controller adjusts sensor operation from continuous monitoring to periodic or event-triggered sampling, allowing the system to adapt resource consumption to actual measurement needs while maintaining accuracy when required.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous monitoring, the system employs periodic sampling of circuit branch parameters. Sensors are activated at intervals to take measurements, then return to sleep state. This periodic action reduces overall resource consumption while still providing adequate measurement coverage for power and energy calculation.
2Device complexity
If sensors operate in sleep state to reduce costs, then resource requirements are reduced, but blind spots in monitoring increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller monitors input line current and uses this information to trigger sensor activation when changes exceed predetermined thresholds. This feedback mechanism ensures sensors wake from sleep state only when actual measurement events occur, minimizing blind spots while keeping sensors in low-power state during stable conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes predetermined current thresholds in advance that trigger sensor activation. By setting these thresholds beforehand, the system prepares to detect and respond to significant events, ensuring that blind spots are minimized for critical changes while allowing sensors to sleep during normal operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If low-cost hardware is used, then system costs are reduced, but measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Low-cost sensor circuits are enhanced through dynamic operation where the controller activates them only when measurement events occur. This dynamic approach allows inexpensive hardware to achieve high-end metering accuracy for critical measurements while consuming minimal resources during idle periods, effectively bridging the gap between low-cost hardware and high-precision requirements.
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 approach reduces system resource requirements and costs while maintaining accurate power and energy measurements by minimizing 'blind spots' in monitoring, allowing low-cost hardware to perform similarly to high-end metering solutions.
Implementation Method 1
Current Transformers (CT) are typically used to monitor current, power and/or energy consumption in a subsidiary or main branch of a load center. A CT may be used to measure current in a branch by producing a reduced current signal, proportionate to the current in the branch
Data Source
AI summary
According to one aspect, embodiments herein provide a system for monitoring circuit branches coupled to an input line of a load center, the system comprising a plurality of first current sensors, each configured to be coupled to a circuit branch, at least one second current sensor configured to be coupled to the input line, a controller, a plurality of first sensor circuits, each configured, in a first mode of operation, to sample a signal from an associated current sensor, and in a second mode of operation, to be powered off, and at least one second sensor circuit configured to sample a signal from the at least one second current sensor and provide an input line current measurement signal to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to operate each first sensor circuit in one of the first and second modes of operation based on the input line current measurement signal.