Field Device Power Management with Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing field devices in process engineering systems face challenges in efficient energy supply due to high energy loss as heat, complex structural and electrotechnical requirements, and limitations in providing increased electrical energy without compromising control current stability.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of power management electronics with an electrical storage device, such as a capacitor, to store excess energy and manage energy distribution efficiently, ensuring that energy is stored and reused when needed, thereby reducing heat generation and maintaining control current stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If voltage is increased to provide sufficient power supply to the electronic unit, then power supply reliability is improved, but energy loss as heat increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by storing excess electrical energy in a capacitor before it is needed. The capacitor is charged in advance during periods when the electronic unit consumes less power, so that stored energy can be supplied during high-demand periods or failures, avoiding the need for continuous high-voltage supply that would generate excessive heat.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters by introducing a capacitor that can dynamically adjust the voltage and current supply to the electronic unit. Instead of maintaining a constantly high voltage for reliability, the system uses the capacitor to provide voltage spikes or sustained power during demand, while operating at lower average voltage to reduce heat generation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional electrical energy is provided to the field device, then functionality is expanded, but control current stability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply system into two independent parts: the control current path (4-20mA) and the additional energy storage path (capacitor). This segmentation allows the capacitor to provide additional energy for expanded functionality without interfering with the stable control current, as each operates through separate circuit paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor acts as an intermediary energy buffer between the power supply and the electronic unit. It mediates between the need for stable control current and the desire for additional energy for expanded functionality, allowing the electronic unit to access extra energy when needed while the control current remains stable through the fieldbus connection.
3Use of energy by moving object
If complex energy conversion methods are used to provide additional energy, then energy availability is increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the energy storage function from complex energy conversion systems and implements it using a simple capacitor. Instead of using piezoelectric converters, thermoelectric generators, or other complex energy harvesting devices, the solution takes out only the essential energy storage requirement and fulfills it with a straightforward capacitive element, significantly reducing device complexity.
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 allows for expanded functionality of field devices with increased electrical energy availability without altering energy conversion methods, ensuring continuous operation even during energy supply failures and reducing overall energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
An input circuit (5) having an electrical store (25) for electrical energy is provided between the input connection and the electronic unit (3)
Data Source
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Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
In the case of a field device, such as a position controller, I/P converter, or the like, for a process plant, comprising: an electrical input terminal to which an electrical power supply can be connected, an electronic unit for processing a process signal, and an input circuit connected between the input terminal and the electronic unit for limiting an electrical supply voltage for the electronic unit, it is provided that the input circuit has an electrical energy storage device and power management electronics, which have an energy setpoint sensor for determining and/or receiving an electrical energy setpoint level necessary for the processing of the process signal by the electronic unit, and that the power management electronics are designed toto charge the storage device with an amount of electrical energy from the electrical power supply connected to the input circuit that exceeds the target energy level.