Optical Fiber Current Sensor Polarization Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical fiber current measuring equipment faces challenges when measuring currents in remote locations, as the intermediate fiber can alter light signal characteristics due to temperature and vibrations, requiring complex compensation methods and limiting the distance between the sensing and interrogator components.
Innovation Solution
The use of sets of polarized light pulses with a specific degree difference emitted by the interrogator, which are transmitted through a standard single-mode intermediate fiber, allows for compensation of alterations caused by the fiber, enabling the sensing and interrogator to be separated by several kilometers without affecting current measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sensing portion and interrogator are arranged spaced apart and joined by an intermediate fiber, then the measuring equipment can operate in remote locations without power supply at the sensing location, but the intermediate fiber alters the characteristics of the light signal due to temperature and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a polarization-maintaining fiber as an intermediary component between the sensing portion and interrogator. This specialized fiber acts as a mediator that preserves the polarization state of light signals while transmitting them over long distances, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy despite the physical separation and environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs polarization multiplexing techniques that involve changing the polarization parameters of light signals. By encoding information in different polarization states and using polarization-maintaining fibers to preserve these states, the system can accurately measure currents in remote locations without being affected by intermediate fiber disturbances.
2Length of stationary object
If standard single-mode fiber is used for joining the interrogator with the sensing portion, then the fiber can be of any length, but the polarization of light is modified by the intermediate fiber
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a polarization-maintaining fiber as an intermediary component between the sensing portion and interrogator. This specialized fiber acts as a mediator that preserves the polarization state of light signals while transmitting them over long distances, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy despite the physical separation and environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs polarization multiplexing techniques that involve changing the polarization parameters of light signals. By encoding information in different polarization states and using polarization-maintaining fibers to preserve these states, the system can accurately measure currents in remote locations without being affected by intermediate fiber disturbances.
3Ease of operation
If the sensing portion is arranged in a remote location, then the interrogator does not need to be placed at the conductor location, but complex compensation methods are required to maintain measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a polarization-maintaining fiber as an intermediary component between the sensing portion and interrogator. This specialized fiber acts as a mediator that preserves the polarization state of light signals while transmitting them over long distances, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy despite the physical separation and environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs polarization multiplexing techniques that involve changing the polarization parameters of light signals. By encoding information in different polarization states and using polarization-maintaining fibers to preserve these states, the system can accurately measure currents in remote locations without being affected by intermediate fiber disturbances.
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 enables accurate current measurement of remote conductors without the need for power supply at the sensing location, using a single intermediate fiber, thus overcoming the limitations of existing technologies by maintaining measurement accuracy over long distances.
Implementation Method 1
Sensors based on optical fiber for measuring the current circulating through a conductor are known. Said sensors work according to the Faraday Effect, i.e., the magnetic field generated by the current circulating through the conductor causes a rotation in the polarization of light circulating through the optical fiber arranged around the conductor.
Implementation Method 2
The interrogator and the sensing portion are suitable for being connected through at least one standard single-mode intermediate fiber.
Implementation Method 3
The sensing portion comprises a sensing fiber wound around the conductor and a mirror on which the light is reflected.
Data Source
AI summary
Optical fiber based current measuring equipment for measuring the current circulating through a conductor. The equipment includes an interrogator having a light emitter and a light receiver, and a sensing portion close to the conductor, the interrogator and the sensing portion being connected through at least one standard single-mode intermediate fiber. The light emitter of the interrogator is configured to emit sets of at least two polarized light pulses to the sensing portion, the pulses being polarized with a specific degree difference, and the light receiver (4) is configured to determine the current circulating through the conductor depending on the pulses it receives in return from the sensing portion. A method for measuring the current circulating through a conductor with the use of an optical fiber based current measuring equipment is also provided.