Electric Field Power Conversion for Sensor Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distributed sensor systems in electric power systems rely on physical connections or batteries, which are complex to install and maintain, and batteries degrade over time, limiting their reliability and increasing maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
The use of electric field power conversion systems that generate power from electric fields emanating from conductors, eliminating the need for batteries and physical connections between phases or ground, and providing sufficient power to operate sensors and communication systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If batteries are used to power distributed sensor systems, then the devices can operate independently, but the batteries degrade over time requiring maintenance and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system harvests power from the electric fields already present in the power system environment, making the system self-powered and eliminating the need for external battery replacement. The device serves itself by converting ambient electromagnetic energy into electrical power for its operation.
Solution Approach 2:
An electric field power conversion system acts as an intermediary between the ambient electric fields and the sensor device, converting the electromagnetic energy into usable electrical power. This intermediary component enables the sensor to operate continuously without batteries.
2Power
If physical connections are made between phases or to ground for power supply, then sufficient power can be delivered to sensors, but the installation becomes complex and maintenance difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/physical connection systems with an electromagnetic field-based power harvesting system. Instead of requiring physical wiring connections between phases or to ground, the system uses electric field coupling to transfer energy wirelessly, significantly simplifying installation and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric field power conversion system serves as an intermediary that enables power transfer without direct physical contact. The converter device couples to the electric fields in the environment and converts them to electrical power, eliminating the need for complex physical wiring infrastructure.
3Ease of operation
If existing sensor systems are installed with batteries and physical connections, then they can function, but they require frequent maintenance and have limited operational duration
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system becomes self-sufficient by harvesting power from ambient electric fields. The device maintains itself by continuously converting environmental electromagnetic energy into operational power, eliminating the need for periodic battery replacement or recharging and reducing maintenance interventions.
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 the installation of sensor systems, reduces maintenance, and provides reliable power for monitoring and protecting electric power systems without the need for batteries or complex connections, enabling continuous operation and efficient data transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a usable electric potential is generated from an electric field created by the electric power system between the reference conductor and the peripheral conductor
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to powering distributed sensors used to monitor electrical and/or environmental conditions and to powering other equipment associated with electric power systems. In one embodiment, a system may be used to mount a sensor in proximity to a reference conductor. An electric field power conversion subsystem may generate a usable electric potential from an electric field created by the electric power system and existing between the reference conductor and another conductor (e.g., another phase conductor, a ground conductor). The sensor powered by the usable electric potential may provide a measurement of a condition associated with the electric power system. A communication subsystem powered by the usable electric potential may communicate the measurement of the condition to a monitoring system.