Flux-gate Current Sensor Frequency Measurement via Spectrum Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current current sensors, particularly flux-gate sensors, lack the capability to simply measure the frequency of alternating current components, which is necessary for determining direct and alternating current components in applications like residual-current circuit breakers, especially for secure charging stations for electrical vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A current sensor arrangement that includes a magnetic core for magnetic coupling between a primary and secondary conductor, with a controlled voltage source and a measurement and control unit to detect magnetic saturation and reverse polarity, allowing for the evaluation of a spectrum to determine the frequency of the current passing through the primary conductor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a flux-gate current sensor is used for precise current measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but the capability to measure frequency is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The flux-gate current sensor is enhanced to perform both precise current measurement and frequency measurement functions. The measurement signal generated during current measurement is additionally processed through spectrum evaluation to extract frequency information, making the sensor versatile for applications requiring both parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement signal serves as an intermediary carrier that contains both current magnitude information and frequency information. By evaluating the spectrum of this existing measurement signal, the system extracts frequency data without requiring a separate measurement channel, thus adding functionality while maintaining precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional frequency measurement capability is added to the current sensor, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing measurement signal acts as an intermediary that carries both current and frequency information. By processing this existing signal through spectrum analysis, the system obtains frequency data without adding separate sensors or measurement channels, thus minimizing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces potential additional mechanical or hardware components with signal processing methods. Instead of adding physical frequency sensing elements, the system uses spectral evaluation of the existing measurement signal to derive frequency information, 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
Enables precise measurement of current frequencies, effectively distinguishing between direct and alternating current components, enhancing the accuracy of current sensors for applications requiring differential current measurement.
Implementation Method 1
These sensors detect the magnetic flux caused by the currents (for example, with a Hall sensor) in a gapped magnetic circuit
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic core for the magnetic coupling of the primary conductor to a secondary conductor
Implementation Method 3
the magnetic core is driven, in each measuring cycle, with the aid of the secondary winding into positive and negative saturation
Implementation Method 4
the influence of the hysteresis of the magnetic core can be eliminated by using appropriate signal processing
Implementation Method 5
an opposing magnetic field with the same magnitude as the magnetic field of the current to be measured is continuously generated with the aid of a closed control circuit so that a complete magnetic field compensation is constantly brought about
Data Source
AI summary
A current sensor arrangement for measuring an effective primary current in a primary conductor having a magnetic core for magnetic coupling of the primary conductor to a secondary conductor and a controlled voltage source connected to the secondary conductor and configured to apply a voltage with adjustable polarity to the secondary conductor so that a secondary current passes through the secondary conductor. A measurement and control unit is coupled to the secondary conductor and configured to generate a measuring signal that represents the secondary current, to continuously detect the occurrence of magnetic saturation in the core, and to reverse the polarity of the voltage upon the detection thereof in order to reverse magnetization of the core. Furthermore, the measurement and control unit is configured to evaluate a spectrum of the measuring signal and determine a frequency of a current passing through the primary conductor based on the spectrum.