Integrated Power and Communication Device for Distribution Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional power distribution system monitoring requires on-site visual inspections and is costly due to the need for weather-resistant and electrically insulated enclosures with separate power sources for remote sensing and wireless communication devices.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a power distribution system sensor or control device with a wireless communication device in a weather-resistant housing, using a power supply that couples to the power distribution network to provide rectified and conditioned power, enabling self-powered operation and reducing costs through capacitively coupled power extraction and encapsulation of electrical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If remote sensing and wireless communication devices are used for power distribution system monitoring, then real-time data collection and reporting capability is improved, but device cost increases due to weather-resistant and electrically insulated enclosures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sensor/control device and wireless communication device into a single integrated unit, eliminating the need for separate weather-resistant and electrically insulated enclosures. The integration allows the devices to share a common housing structure, reducing overall device complexity and cost while maintaining real-time data collection and wireless reporting capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions including sensing, control, and wireless communication within a single unit. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized enclosures for each function, reducing the overall complexity and cost of the monitoring system while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If separate power sources are provided for sensing and communication components, then operational reliability is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the power supply for both sensing and communication components into a single unified power source. This consolidated power supply reduces device complexity and cost by eliminating the need for multiple separate power sources, while still providing reliable operation for all components through centralized power management.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If weather-resistant and electrically insulated enclosures are used, then protection against environmental factors is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single integrated housing that provides both weather-resistant and electrically insulated protection for all components. This merged enclosure approach reduces manufacturing cost compared to using separate specialized enclosures for each protection requirement, while still maintaining adequate protection against environmental factors and electromagnetic interference.
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
This solution eliminates the need for separate power sources and reduces costs while allowing for real-time data collection and communication over large distances, enhancing monitoring efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
using a power supply that couples to the power distribution network to provide rectified and conditioned power, enabling self-powered operation and reducing costs through capacitively coupled power extraction
Data Source
AI summary
A power distribution system sensor and/or control device is integrated with a wireless communication device in an encapsulating weather resistant housing. The device includes a power supply that is adapted to couple to a conductor of the power distribution network to provide rectified and conditioned power as necessary to operate the distribution and/or control device and the wireless transceiver. The wireless communication device may be a low power packet data radio transceiver operating in accordance with any suitable communication standard.