Intensity Modulated Fiber Optic Voltage Sensor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electro-mechanical sensors for measuring voltage in electrical power systems are limited by accuracy, sensitivity to electromagnetic interference, physical complexity, safety concerns, and short lifespan, especially in high voltage direct current systems, where they require indirect and error-prone measurement methods.
Innovation Solution
An intensity modulated fiber optic sensor using a probe with transmitting and receiving fibers and a reflective surface that measures physical displacement caused by electromagnetic phenomena, such as voltage, providing accurate, linear, and robust measurements in both direct and alternating current systems, immune to electromagnetic interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electro-mechanical instrument transformers are used to measure voltage and current, then measurement capability is provided, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to inherent errors and sensitivity to electromagnetic interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electro-mechanical instrument transformers with an optical sensing system that uses fiber optic cables and photodetectors to measure electrical parameters. The system employs optical fields instead of electromagnetic fields, eliminating sensitivity to electromagnetic interference while maintaining measurement capability through light-based detection of electrical signals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical fibers as an intermediary medium to transfer measurement information from the high-voltage environment to the detection system. The fiber optic cable acts as a mediator that transmits light signals carrying electrical measurement data without being affected by electromagnetic interference, thus improving measurement accuracy
2Adaptability or versatility
If electro-mechanical instrument transformers are used, then voltage and current measurement is enabled, but device complexity increases and robustness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes complex electro-mechanical transformer structures with a simpler optical measurement system consisting of fiber optic cables, reflective surfaces, and photodetectors. This replacement reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining the ability to measure voltage and current through optical means
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental measurement parameter from electromagnetic induction to optical reflection and detection. By using light intensity modulation instead of electromagnetic transformation, the system achieves measurement capability with reduced physical complexity and improved robustness
3Measurement precision
If resistive voltage dividers are used for direct current voltage measurement, then voltage measurement is achieved, but heat generation increases requiring coolants and device lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces resistive voltage division with an optical measurement approach that uses light reflection and intensity modulation. This substitution eliminates the need for high-power resistors that generate heat, as the optical system measures voltage without direct electrical contact, thereby avoiding heat generation and the need for cooling systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical fields as an intermediary to measure voltage without direct electrical connection. The fiber optic cable and reflective surface system allows voltage measurement through optical means, avoiding the resistive heating problem inherent in electrical voltage dividers
4Object-affected harmful factors
If fiber optic sensors are used to measure electromagnetic phenomena, then immunity to electromagnetic interference is achieved, but measurement of direct current voltage becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the optical measurement approach to detect static or slowly varying electric fields associated with direct current voltage. By adjusting the optical sensor configuration and detection parameters, the system can measure both alternating and direct current voltages while maintaining immunity to electromagnetic interference
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the fiber optic sensor system to be universally applicable to both alternating current and direct current voltage measurement. The optical measurement principle works for both AC and DC by detecting electric field effects, making the system versatile across different power system types while maintaining EMI immunity
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 fiber optic sensor achieves highly accurate, linear measurements of voltage and electric fields across a wide range of voltage levels, with improved robustness and reduced sensitivity to electromagnetic interference, addressing the limitations of conventional sensors.
Implementation Method 1
The theory of intensity modulated optical fiber sensors, and examples of such sensors, are disclosed in the U.S. Government Patents
Implementation Method 2
light, transmitted through the transmitting fiber, is reflected by that surface into at least one receiving fiber
Implementation Method 3
a reflective surface or body that is a part of or is attached to a material that exhibits a physical displacement due to a force exerted upon the material
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic sensor for measuring voltage in direct current and alternating current systems is disclosed. The sensor may include an optical fiber probe containing transmitting and receiving fibers, fixed conductor elements, and a dynamic conductor element with a reflective surface or material. The reflector may be attached to a dynamic conductor. The two fixed conductors may be placed parallel to one another and coupled to a static voltage source. The dynamic conductor may bisect the fixed conductors and be coupled to a voltage source. The dynamic conductor may be spaced apart from the ends of the fibers in the fiber probe, and positioned so that light transmitted through the transmitting fiber is reflected by that surface into a receiving fiber. A light sensing means may be coupled to the receiving fiber, so light from a light reflected by the reflector body back into the receiving fibers is detected.