Fuse Voltage Current Sensing Without Separate Shunt Resistors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional current sensors in electrical power systems are costly and bulky, making them impractical for widespread adoption, especially in residential applications, where they can account for a significant portion of the total product cost.
Innovation Solution
A compensation circuit is used to indirectly calculate current by measuring the voltage across a fuse element with non-linear resistance, eliminating the need for a separate resistive shunt and utilizing algorithms to determine the fuse resistance and current based on thermal equilibrium characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional current sensors (resistive shunts, CTs, hall-effect sensors) are used for current sensing, then accurate current measurement is achieved, but the cost and physical size of the system increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The fuse element itself is utilized to perform the current sensing function by measuring its voltage drop, eliminating the need for separate current sensing components. The fuse serves dual purposes: protection and measurement, thereby reducing overall system complexity and cost while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The fuse element is made multi-functional by using it both for its traditional protection role and for current sensing. By measuring the voltage across the fuse and using algorithms to determine current based on the fuse's thermal equilibrium characteristics, one component performs multiple functions, reducing the need for additional specialized components
2Ease of operation
If conventional current sensors are deployed in residential electrical systems, then current monitoring capability is provided, but the cost accounts for a significant portion of total product cost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention leverages the fuse element, which is inherently a low-cost, disposable component in residential electrical systems, to provide current monitoring. Since fuses are already present in these systems for protection, utilizing them for sensing adds functionality without requiring expensive, permanent sensing infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The existing fuse infrastructure is made to serve an additional function (current sensing) without requiring separate dedicated sensing components, thereby providing monitoring capability at minimal additional cost
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 reduces costs and physical space requirements while providing accurate current sensing, enabling advanced monitoring and oversight of electrical power systems with a compact and cost-effective solution.
Implementation Method 1
a conductor having a non-linear resistance when connected to an electrical power system
Implementation Method 2
a processor receiving a voltage sensed across the conductor and operable to iteratively calculate a current flowing through the conductor based on at least a first detected state of the sensed voltage and a thermal equilibrium characterization of the conductor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5C
AI summary
Electrical current sensing and monitoring methods include connecting sensing a voltage across a conductor having a non-linear resistance such as a fuse element. The current flowing in the conductor is calculated based on at least a first detected state of the sensed voltage and a thermal equilibrium characterization of the conductor.