LC Resonator Array Sensor Layout for High-Voltage Insulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sensor solutions for high-voltage devices face challenges in maintaining insulation strength and preventing electrical breakdown while enabling reliable wireless power and signal transfer over long distances without the need for bulky batteries or complex designs.

Innovation Solution

A sensor arrangement utilizing a resonator array of LC coils for wireless power and signal transfer, integrating sensors with LC circuits that are sensitive to measured properties, allowing for robust and cost-effective monitoring without embedded energy storage or power harvesting, and fitting within existing device designs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional conducting wire sensor solutions are used, then power and signal transfer is reliable, but insulation strength is compromised and electrical breakdown risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transfer reliabilityVSAvoidinsulation strength reduction
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional conducting wire sensor solutions with a wireless resonant inductive coupling system. The mechanical/electrical contact system is substituted by electromagnetic field-based power and signal transfer through resonator coils, eliminating the need for physical conductors that would compromise insulation.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces resonator coils as intermediary elements that enable wireless power and signal transfer through electromagnetic coupling. These coils act as mediators between the power source and sensor, allowing energy and data transmission without direct electrical contact, thus maintaining insulation integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If optical fibres are used for power and signal transfer, then insulation is maintained, but mechanical stress sensitivity increases and robustness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsulation maintenanceVSAvoidmechanical robustness
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical optical fibre system with an electromagnetic field-based resonant inductive coupling system. This substitution eliminates the mechanical stress sensitivity inherent in optical fibres while maintaining the insulation benefits, as the resonator coils are more robust to mechanical environmental conditions.

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

3Device complexity

If passive RF or RFID wireless technologies are used, then no battery is required, but transfer distance is limited to a few decimeters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery eliminationVSAvoidwireless transfer distance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs resonant oscillation at specific frequencies (e.g., 13.56 MHz or other ISM bands) to enhance the coupling efficiency between transmitter and receiver coils. This resonant vibration of electromagnetic fields enables extended power transfer distances compared to conventional non-resonant RF or RFID systems, while still maintaining battery-free operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes key operating parameters including resonant frequency selection, coil geometry, and coupling configuration to optimize power transfer over extended distances. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves reliable power and signal transfer several meters apart, far exceeding typical RFID range limits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Length of moving object

If wireless sensor solutions with extended range are used, then transfer distance increases, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless transfer distanceVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a resonator array where the same resonant coils perform multiple functions: power transfer, signal transmission, and sensing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate systems for each function, reducing overall system complexity and cost despite achieving extended wireless transfer distances.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the wireless transfer system into discrete resonator coils that can be strategically positioned within the transformer. This segmentation allows optimized local coupling while achieving overall extended range, and enables modular implementation that reduces system complexity compared to a single complex long-range system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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, long-range wireless power and signal transfer for sensors in high-voltage environments, maintaining insulation strength and preventing electrical breakdown, with a compact and cost-effective solution that integrates seamlessly with existing transformer designs.

Implementation Method 1

Wireless power transfer from low voltage to high voltage can be achieved by means of resonator (inductance-capacitance, LC) coils

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic resonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

resonator array of LC coils for wireless power and signal transfer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

the resonator array is arranged to both wirelessly transfer power to the sensor and to wirelessly transfer sensor signals to the detector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic resonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP3757526B1Resonator array sensor arrangement
Publication Date: 2024.03.13 HITACHI ENERGY LTD
  • EP3757526B1 patent drawingFigure 1~7

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a sensor arrangement (1) comprising a sensor (2) configured to be arranged in an electrical device environment and to measure a property of said environment, a detector (3) configured to receive signals from the sensor, and a resonator array (4) comprising an array of LC circuits (5) arranged between the sensor and the detector and configured to wirelessly transfer power to the sensor from an electrical power source and to wirelessly transfer the sensor signals from the sensor to the detector.