Floating Voltage Sensor System for High-Voltage Assets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional voltage sensing systems for high voltage assets face challenges such as stringent insulation requirements, high costs, complex algorithms, and sensitivity to external conditions, limiting their applicability and accuracy, especially in low-cost and self-powered applications.
Innovation Solution
A floating voltage sensor system comprising a metallic enclosure, a conductive sensor plate, a signal conditioning circuit, and a microcontroller unit, which measures voltage without physical contact, using a rectifier circuit, voltage follower circuit, and low pass filter, and optionally includes a wireless transceiver and power supply, allowing for accurate voltage measurement and distance calculation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional voltage sensing systems (PTs, CCVTs) are used for high voltage assets, then voltage measurement accuracy is improved, but insulation requirements and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using a floating sensor system that couples to the high voltage conductor through a capacitor, allowing voltage measurement without direct insulation to ground. The capacitor C1 acts as an intermediary element that enables the sensor to float at conductor potential, eliminating the need for high-voltage insulation to ground while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies equipotentiality by floating the sensor system at the same potential as the high voltage conductor. The sensor plate S1 is coupled to the conductor through capacitor C1, placing the sensor in an equipotential state with the conductor. This eliminates voltage difference between sensor and ground, removing the need for high-voltage insulation to ground while maintaining measurement capability.
2Device complexity
If floating sensor is used to reduce insulation requirements, then cost and insulation complexity are reduced, but sensitivity to water drops, snow, and vegetation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a circular array of capacitor plates that creates multiple capacitive coupling paths to the conductor. This array configuration copies the voltage information across multiple sensors, allowing the system to distinguish between voltage signals and external interference patterns. The redundant measurements from multiple plates enable algorithmic compensation for effects like water drops, snow, and vegetation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through algorithms that process signals from multiple capacitor plates in the circular array. The system continuously monitors voltage across multiple plates and uses this feedback information to distinguish between true voltage variations and external interference. The computational algorithms analyze the pattern of signals across the array to compensate for harmful effects on individual sensing elements.
3Reliability
If circular array of capacitor plates is used to eliminate external effects, then measurement reliability is improved, but device size and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensing function across multiple discrete capacitor plates arranged in a circular array. Each plate contributes to the overall measurement, and the system processes signals from individual plates separately before combining results. This segmentation allows for modular design and distributed computation, reducing the computational burden compared to a single large sensor while maintaining reliability through multiple measurement points.
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 system reduces insulation requirements and costs, provides accurate voltage measurement, and is adaptable for both single-phase and three-phase systems, with reduced computational power demands and improved flexibility, enabling moderate accuracy voltage sensing.
Implementation Method 1
The air between the sensing plate S1 and the ground acts as a dielectric medium between capacitance to ground. The capacitor C1 is then used to measure the voltage of the conductor.
Implementation Method 2
The displacement current in capacitor C2 flows through CF of the op-amp and results in a voltage output across the op-amp which is directly proportional to the asset voltage.
Implementation Method 3
The signal conditioning circuit can comprise a rectifier circuit, a voltage follower circuit, and a low pass filter. The rectifier circuit can be configured to rectify an AC voltage induced on the conductive sensor plate.
Implementation Method 4
The signal conditioning circuit can comprise a rectifier circuit, a voltage follower circuit, and a low pass filter.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a floating voltage sensor system comprising a metallic enclosure, a conductive sensor plate, a signal conditioning circuit, and a microcontroller unit. The metallic enclosure can be configured for electrical communication with an asset carrying a voltage. The conductive sensor plate can be positioned adjacent to a surface of the metallic enclosure, such that the conductive plate and the surface of the metallic enclosure are not in contact with each other. The signal conditioning circuit can comprise a first connection point and a second connection point. The first connection point can be in electrical communication with the conductive sensor plate. The second connection point can be in electrical communication with the metallic enclosure. The microcontroller unit can be configured to receive an output of the signal conditioning circuit and measure the voltage of the asset.