Integrated Capacitive Voltage Sensor for Compact Switchgear

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional voltage sensors for circuit breakers and reclosers are externally mounted, increasing the mass, dimensions, and cost of the overall unit, and decreasing reliability due to additional wire bundles and mounting complexity.

Innovation Solution

Integrating a voltage sensor with a capacitive voltage divider and a capacitor within the insulating casing of the circuit breaker or recloser, located between the terminals, reducing the overall size impact and improving reliability by embedding the sensor within the main body.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If external voltage sensors are mounted on circuit breakers, then voltage monitoring capability is provided, but mass and dimensions of the overall unit significantly increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage monitoring capabilityVSAvoidmass of circuit breaker unit

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage sensor is merged with the circuit breaker by integrating the voltage divider and capacitor directly into the circuit breaker's insulating casing. The voltage divider is formed using conductive members that are part of the circuit breaker structure itself, eliminating the need for separate external sensor mounting and reducing overall mass.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive members within the circuit breaker serve dual functions: they provide electrical connection pathways and simultaneously function as the voltage divider elements for voltage sensing. This multi-functionality eliminates redundant components and reduces the overall mass of the unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If external voltage sensors are mounted on circuit breakers, then voltage monitoring capability is provided, but dimensions of the overall unit significantly increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage monitoring capabilityVSAvoiddimensions of circuit breaker unit

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage sensing components are merged within the existing structural envelope of the circuit breaker. The voltage divider conductors are positioned between existing terminals within the insulating casing, utilizing available internal space rather than adding external dimensional footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The voltage sensor components (voltage divider and capacitor) are nested within the insulating casing of the circuit breaker, utilizing the existing structural space. The capacitor is positioned between conductive members that are already part of the circuit breaker assembly, effectively nesting the sensing function within the existing dimensional envelope.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If external voltage sensors are mounted, then voltage monitoring capability is provided, but mounting cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage monitoring capabilityVSAvoidmounting cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage sensor functionality is merged into the circuit breaker manufacturing process itself. The voltage divider conductors and capacitor are integrated components that are manufactured and assembled as part of the circuit breaker, eliminating separate mounting operations and reducing overall manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive members are designed to serve multiple functions (electrical connection and voltage division), eliminating the need for separate voltage sensing components and their associated mounting operations. This reduces both material costs and manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 integrated voltage sensor allows for monitoring without increasing the circuit breaker's dimensions or mass, while enhancing reliability and reducing costs compared to conventional solutions.

Implementation Method 1

a voltage sensor for sensing a voltage at the first electrical terminal, wherein said voltage sensor comprises a voltage divider having a voltage input connected to said first electrical terminal, a voltage output between said voltage input and a voltage reference, and a first capacitor connected between said voltage input and said voltage output

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP4052055B1Voltage sensor for electrical switchgear and electrical switchgear comprising same

Publication Date: 2025.10.01 TAVRIDA ELECTRIC HLDG

Figure 1
Figure 2~3

AI summary

A circuit breaker includes a capacitive voltage sensor located within its insulating casing. The voltage sensor includes a capacitor located between the terminals of the circuit breaker adjacent a low potential surface provided by a coil of a current sensor. The capacitor is dome shaped. The voltage sensor does not appreciably increase the size or weight of the circuit breaker and is reliable and accurate.