Floating-Reference Contactless Voltage Transducer for Ground-Free Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contactless voltage measurement systems require a ground terminal, increasing complexity, cost, and safety risks, especially in hazardous voltage applications.
Innovation Solution
A contactless voltage transducer with capacitive current measurement units, electrode shields, and reference voltage signal generators connected at a common floating voltage point, eliminating the need for a ground connection and incorporating a wireless communications module for autonomous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ground terminal is used in contactless voltage measurement systems, then measurement stability is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the ground terminal requirement from the contactless voltage measurement system. By using a differential measurement approach where two capacitive voltage dividers measure voltages relative to different reference points, the system calculates the voltage difference between conductors without needing a common ground connection, thus removing the source of complexity while maintaining measurement stability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary computational approach using the relationship V_AB = V_AO - V_BO, where V_AO and V_BO are voltages measured by the capacitive dividers relative to their respective references, and V_AB is the desired voltage between conductors. This intermediary calculation method eliminates the need for direct ground connection while maintaining measurement accuracy
2Stability of the object's composition
If a ground terminal is installed, then reference potential stability is improved, but safety risks increase in hazardous voltage applications
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the ground terminal connection from the system, eliminating the galvanic connection that creates safety hazards in high voltage environments. The differential measurement approach using floating capacitive voltage dividers maintains reference stability without requiring physical connection to earth ground, thus removing the safety risk while preserving measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical/electrical ground connection with a field-based capacitive coupling system. Instead of using a physical galvanic connection to establish reference potential, the system uses capacitive voltage dividers that couple electrically to the conductors through electric fields, eliminating direct contact hazards while maintaining measurement functionality
3Measurement precision
If a galvanic connection is implemented, then measurement accuracy is improved, but ease of installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the ground connection requirement from the measurement system. By using two capacitive voltage dividers with floating references and calculating the voltage difference through subtraction (V_AB = V_AO - V_BO), the system achieves accurate voltage measurement without requiring installation of ground terminals, thus maintaining precision while dramatically simplifying installation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a universal measurement system that can be installed on any voltage system without requiring ground connections. The capacitive voltage dividers can be coupled to conductors through insulation barriers, making the device universally applicable to live conductors without needing to interrupt circuits or access ground points, thus enhancing ease of installation while maintaining measurement accuracy
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 solution provides accurate, safe, and cost-effective voltage measurement without a galvanic connection, enhancing installation ease and safety while reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
two or more capacitive current measurement units, each said capacitive current measurement unit comprising an electrode surrounding a passage for receiving therethrough a respective said conductor
Implementation Method 2
an electrode shield surrounding the electrode
Data Source
AI summary
Contactless voltage transducer for measuring voltages between at least two conductors of an alternating voltage conductor system, the transducer including two or more capacitive current measurement units, each said capacitive current measurement unit comprisingan electrode surrounding a passage for receiving therethrough a respective said conductor of the alternating voltage conductor system,an electrode shield surrounding the electrode,an electrode signal processing circuit portion connected to the electrode and electrode shield, configured to output an analog measurement signal, anda reference voltage signal generator connected to the electrode shield and configured to generate a reference voltage source signal,wherein the reference voltage signal generators of the two or more capacitive current measurement units are connected together at a common floating voltage connection point.