Non-Invasive Current Measurement System with Hall-Effect Linearization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current measurement systems face challenges in industrial applications due to invasiveness and impact on safety and reliability, particularly when measuring a wide range of currents from in-rush to trickle charging, where existing methods like shunt resistors and clamp-on current sensors suffer from accuracy and linearity issues.
Innovation Solution
A current measurement system comprising a current measurer with a hall-effect transducer, powered by the monitored power source, using a boost converter and operational amplifiers to generate separate output signals for charging and discharging cycles, and a controller to linearize the signals and process them into digital outputs, minimizing invasiveness and maintaining accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a shunt resistor is used to measure current, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the device becomes invasive and impacts system reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a current transformer as an intermediary device that magnetically couples to the current-carrying conductor without direct electrical contact. The transformer converts the primary current into a proportional secondary current that can be measured safely, eliminating the need for invasive shunt resistors while maintaining measurement accuracy and system reliability.
2Ease of operation
If a clamp-on current sensor is used, then non-invasiveness is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates during charging and discharging cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic measurement capabilities by using operational amplifiers and switching circuits that can adapt to different operating conditions (charging, discharging, and idle states). The system dynamically selects appropriate measurement paths and applies linearization corrections based on the current direction and magnitude, maintaining high accuracy across all operational phases while preserving the non-invasive clamp-on measurement approach.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing current measurement methods are used, then a wide current range can be measured, but linearity and accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter change techniques by implementing linearization circuits that dynamically adjust measurement parameters based on the input current level. The system uses lookup tables and correction algorithms that modify the measurement scale and offset parameters according to the current magnitude and direction, ensuring linear and accurate measurements across the entire current range from trickle charging to in-rush currents.
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 accurately measures a wide range of currents with reduced power consumption and maintains reliability and safety by minimizing impedance and non-linearity, enabling non-invasive monitoring without impacting the system's health or reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a current measurer configured to generate an output signal upon sensing a current in a conductor
Data Source
AI summary
A current measuring system for measuring current from a conductor comprises a first and second circuit and a current measurer connected to a conductor connected to a first power source. The first circuit comprises an inverting operational amplifier, which generates a first threshold signal when current flows into the first power source. The second circuit comprises a biasing circuit and a non-inverting operational amplifier, which generates the first threshold signal at the second output when current flows out of the first power source.