Inductive Power Module with Magnetic Saturation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for obtaining power from conductors traversed by alternating electrical currents, such as power transmission lines, suffer from low efficiency due to power dissipation and are unable to effectively control the power supplied to consuming appliances without causing extra current issues.

Innovation Solution

A power supply module that utilizes a magnetic core and a conductive solenoid to capture magnetic field flux from overhead conductors, converting it into electrical energy for appliances without direct electrical contact, ensuring high efficiency and protection from extra currents through controlled magnetization and saturation prevention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If inductively coupled power transfer systems use resistive means (MOS transistors in linear mode) to limit electrical power to the load, then power control is achieved, but power dissipation increases and overall system efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower controlVSAvoidpower dissipation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces resistive power control (electrical/mechanical) with magnetic saturation control (magnetic field effect). Instead of using MOS transistors in linear mode that dissipate power as heat, the invention uses a magnetic core whose saturation state controls power transfer. The control unit adjusts the direct current through the primary winding to control the magnetic flux density, preventing saturation and thereby controlling power transfer without significant power dissipation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameter from electrical resistance (voltage/current control) to magnetic flux density. By controlling the magnetic flux density in the core to remain below saturation levels, the system achieves power control through magnetic parameter adjustment rather than electrical resistance, significantly reducing power losses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If means are used to limit power for saturation of a magnetic core induced by direct current, then power control is achieved, but power dissipation occurs and overall efficiency remains low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower controlVSAvoidpower dissipation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical resistance-based control with magnetic saturation-based control. The control unit monitors and adjusts the direct current through the primary winding to maintain magnetic flux density below saturation thresholds, using magnetic field effects rather than resistive elements, thereby achieving power control with minimal power dissipation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit implements feedback control by monitoring the magnetic flux density in the core and adjusting the direct current accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures the magnetic core operates below saturation levels, optimizing power transfer efficiency while preventing excessive power dissipation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If power is extracted from conductors traversed by uncontrollable electrical current, then power supply for consuming appliances is enabled, but control of generated power is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower generationVSAvoidpower control
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a magnetic core as an intermediary between the alternating current conductor and the direct current load. The magnetic core couples the AC magnetic field to the DC winding, enabling power extraction and control. The control unit adjusts the DC current through the primary winding to control the magnetic coupling, thereby controlling the power transferred to the load despite the uncontrollable nature of the source conductor current.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Loss of energy

If direct electrical contact is used to obtain power from conductors, then power transfer is efficient, but protection from extra currents is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transfer efficiencyVSAvoidprotection from extra currents
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a magnetic core as a non-contact intermediary to transfer power from the AC conductor to the DC load. This magnetic coupling provides galvanic isolation, preventing direct electrical contact and thereby protecting against extra currents, surges, and electrical faults while maintaining efficient power transfer through the magnetic field.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution provides increased control and efficiency in power generation, minimizing power dissipation and protecting the system from overcurrents, while allowing for safe operation at a distance from the conductors, thereby enhancing the reliability and efficiency of power supply for monitoring and control equipment in electrical networks.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic core and a conductive solenoid to capture magnetic field flux from overhead conductors, converting it into electrical energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10965160B2Method and device for obtaining power intended to supply a consuming appliance from a conductor traversed by an alternating electrical current
Publication Date: 2021.03.30 TIXON ENERGY SRL
  • US10965160B2 patent drawing
  • US10965160B2 patent drawing
  • US10965160B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and a device are described for obtaining power intended to supply a consuming appliance from a conductor traversed by a primary electrical current, in which a core of magnetic material and a conductive solenoid wound about the core are positioned in a position remote from the conductor to obtain a secondary current in the solenoid from a magnetic field flux generated in the solenoid by the conductor, core and solenoid. The conductive solenoid is connected to the consuming appliance by a circuit adapted to convert the secondary current into a power intended to supply the consuming appliance through a related voltage and output current.