High-Voltage Presence Detection with Isolated Linear Outputs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage presence determination systems in high-voltage electrical networks face safety risks due to interdependent functions failing simultaneously, as per IEC 62271-213, which requires output signals to be in phase with mains voltage, precluding the use of Zener diodes for isolation, and necessitate improved functional isolation without phase shift.
Innovation Solution
A system with functionally isolated output terminals and linear components, such as capacitive or resistive impedances, ensures independent operation of voltage presence indication, measurement, and phase comparison functions, preventing malfunctions from propagating across terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Zener diodes are used for functional isolation of output terminals, then reliability is improved by preventing malfunction propagation, but the output signals become out of phase with mains voltage, violating IEC 62271-213 standards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary circuit comprising a capacitor and resistor connected in series between the voltage measurement sensor and each output terminal. This intermediary circuit provides functional isolation while maintaining phase alignment with mains voltage, resolving the contradiction between reliability and phase precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the functional isolation into separate parallel circuits for each output terminal, each containing its own capacitor and resistor. This segmentation allows independent isolation of each terminal without affecting the phase relationship of the signals with mains voltage.
2Reliability
If output terminals are functionally isolated to prevent malfunction propagation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional isolation components
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor and resistor components serve multiple functions: they provide functional isolation between terminals, filter voltage spikes, and maintain phase alignment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated isolation components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses standard capacitor and resistor values that are commonly available in electrical installations. By using conventional components with standard parameters, the patent minimizes the complexity increase while achieving reliable functional isolation.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Voltage presence determination system (1) intended to be connected to a voltage measuring sensor (3) for at least one phase (4) of a high voltage electrical network, the system (1) comprising for said at least one phase (4): - a visual indicator (7) of the presence of a voltage measured by the voltage measuring sensor (3), referred to as the measurement voltage, - a first output terminal (8) configured to receive a first output signal (10), - a second output terminal (9) configured to receive a second output signal (12), and - a plurality of linear components (15, 16), the system (1) being configured so that the first and second output terminals (8, 9) are functionally isolated from each other and functionally isolated from the visual indicator (7) only by the plurality of linear components.