Inductive Sensor Coupling Point Temperature Current Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for measuring temperature and current at coupling points in electrical distribution networks face challenges due to potential electrical discharges from conducting wires, brittleness of optical fiber sensors, and the need for battery-powered devices that require frequent replacement, which are not suitable for high-voltage environments.

Innovation Solution

A remote temperature and current measuring system using inductively coupled sensors that generate their own power from the power line, eliminating the need for batteries and using radio frequency communication to transmit data, allowing for remote monitoring without physical proximity to the measurement points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional sensors with conducting wires are installed at coupling points, then temperature and current measurement is enabled, but electrical discharge occurs within the cabinet

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature and current measurementVSAvoidelectrical discharge

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary non-conducting rod that couples the temperature sensor to the coupling point without providing a conducting path. This mediator allows thermal contact for accurate temperature measurement while preventing electrical discharge, resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and electrical safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional electrical wiring-based sensors with a mechanical/thermal contact system using a non-conducting rod. This substitution eliminates the electrical discharge hazard while maintaining temperature measurement functionality through thermal conduction rather than electrical conduction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If optical temperature sensors or infrared temperature meters using optical fibers are used, then electrical discharge is prevented, but batteries are required and optical fibers are brittle and can be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical discharge preventionVSAvoidsensor durability and maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a self-powered sensor system where the sensor at the coupling point harvests power locally from the electrical connection it is monitoring. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external batteries, removing a maintenance requirement and improving reliability while maintaining electrical discharge prevention through the non-conducting rod design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If a SCADA system is used to detect power trips, then system-wide monitoring is achieved, but the specific coupling point causing the trip cannot be located

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem-wide monitoring capabilityVSAvoidlocation information of faulty coupling point

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the monitoring function by deploying individual sensors at each coupling point rather than relying on centralized SCADA monitoring. Each sensor independently monitors its local coupling point and can identify faults at that specific location, providing granular location information that complements system-wide monitoring and enables precise fault localization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensors at coupling points continuously monitor temperature and current conditions and can signal when a fault is detected. This local feedback provides immediate information about the specific coupling point status, enabling rapid identification of problematic locations without waiting for system-wide SCADA analysis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 reliable, battery-free measurement of temperature and current at coupling points in electrical networks, reducing the risk of electrical discharges and equipment damage, while providing real-time data accumulation and alerting mechanisms for operational limits.

Implementation Method 1

The sensor is inductively coupled to a power line to provide its own current source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS7808774B2Coupling point temperature and current measuring system

Publication Date: 2010.10.05 TAY BOON HOU

AI summary

A system for measuring temperature and current at coupling points in an electric distribution network. A monitor device is connected to a series of measuring devices using radio waves. The monitor device sequentially interrogates measuring devices to determine the temperature and current of each one. The measuring devices include a core surrounding the conductor which provides power by induction to each measuring device and also provides a measure of the current. A temperature sensor connected to the core provides the temperature measurement.