Integrated Voltage and Current Sensing for Switchgear Space Limits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current voltage and current sensing technologies for low-, medium-, or high-voltage switching devices require multiple separate devices for accurate measurement, which increases complexity, cost, and space requirements, especially when needing to measure both connected and disconnected states.

Innovation Solution

A single housing device integrating a first and second voltage sensing part and a current sensing part, where the output wire from the first voltage sensing part at the upper terminal is positioned close to the current sensing part, allowing for combined phase-to-ground voltage and current measurement, with options for resistive or capacitive dividers and transformers for enhanced performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate sensing devices are used for voltage and current measurement, then measurement accuracy and reliability are improved, but device complexity and installation space increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate sensing devices (voltage sensors and current sensor) into a single integrated sensing device with a common housing. The first and second voltage sensing parts and current sensing part are arranged within the same housing structure, merging multiple measurement functions into one unified device while maintaining measurement reliability through proper spatial arrangement and insulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensing device is designed as a multi-functional unit capable of performing both voltage measurement (through first and second voltage sensing parts) and current measurement (through current sensing part) simultaneously. This universal design allows a single device to replace multiple separate devices, reducing installation complexity while maintaining comprehensive measurement capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate sensing devices are installed, then comprehensive measurement coverage is improved, but installation cost and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement coverageVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple sensing functions are merged into a single compact housing structure. The first voltage sensing part, second voltage sensing part, and current sensing part are all integrated within the same housing, significantly reducing the total installation space compared to using separate devices while maintaining comprehensive measurement coverage across different terminals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensing device employs a nested arrangement where the first and second voltage sensing parts and current sensing part are positioned within the same housing structure. This nesting approach allows multiple sensing elements to occupy overlapping or adjacent spatial zones efficiently, maximizing measurement coverage while minimizing the overall footprint of the installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Volume of moving object

If voltage sensing output wire is positioned close to current sensing part, then device compactness is improved, but electromagnetic interference risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice volumeVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The housing structure provides differentiated local environments for different sensing components. The output wire of the first voltage sensing part is positioned close to the current sensing part for compactness, but the housing provides localized insulation and electromagnetic shielding at specific positions to prevent interference, allowing close proximity without compromising electrical safety or measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2805344B1A sensing device for low-, medium- or high voltage switching devices
Publication Date: 2024.04.17 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP2805344B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2805344B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2805344B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a voltage and/or current sensing device for low-, medium- or high voltage switching devices. In order to result in a constructively enhanced measuring device with high performance for the use in switching devices, the invention is, that the sensing device comprises a first voltage sensing part 12, a second voltage sensing part 14 and a current sensing part 13 all arranged in a same common, from the switching device separated single housing 30 in a way that output wire 16 from the first voltage sensing part 12, sensing voltage at an upper terminal 10 of the switching device, is located close to the current sensing part 13, in that way, that in case, that the output wire is applied with an insulating cover, it is mechanically fixed to the current sensor part, and in case that the output wire is implemented in an isolation body, it is only located near to the current sensing part.