Line-Powered Current Measurement Device Bypassing Power Harvesting Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Line-powered current measurement devices face reduced accuracy due to the load produced by power harvesting subsystems, which affects current-sensing capabilities and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The system configures to bypass the power harvesting subsystem during measurements, using a current transformer to maintain negligible load and employing switching mechanisms like field-effect transistors or electromechanical switches to transition between power harvesting and measurement configurations, thereby isolating the current measurement subsystem from the power harvesting load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a power harvesting subsystem is used to power the measurement device, then the device can operate autonomously without external power, but the load produced by the power harvesting subsystem reduces current measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement device into separate functional modules: a power harvesting subsystem and a current measurement subsystem. These subsystems are electrically isolated from each other, allowing the power harvesting circuit to operate independently without loading the current transformer, while the measurement subsystem receives powered operation. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling autonomous operation while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the power harvesting function from the measurement function by providing separate electrical connections to the current transformer. The power harvesting subsystem connects to one secondary winding while the measurement subsystem connects to another, effectively taking out the harmful load effect from the measurement path while retaining the beneficial autonomous power supply capability.
2Measurement precision
If a current transformer is used for current sensing, then the device can measure current without significant load on the primary circuit, but power must be supplied to the measurement device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two functions into a single integrated device: current measurement and autonomous power harvesting. By combining the current measurement subsystem with the power harvesting subsystem in one device housing, the patent enables the device to both accurately measure current and generate its own power supply from the same installation point, eliminating the need for external power sources while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional device that simultaneously performs current measurement and power generation. The single device serves dual purposes: it acts as a current sensor for monitoring applications and as a self-powered unit through integrated power harvesting, making it universally applicable in scenarios where external power is unavailable but current monitoring is required.
3Measurement precision
If multiple inductive devices are used to separate power harvesting and measurement functions, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the internal circuitry into distinct power harvesting and measurement subsystems with separate electrical paths, achieving the functional separation benefits of multiple devices while maintaining a single integrated housing. This internal segmentation provides measurement accuracy equivalent to multiple devices without the external complexity of multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functional capabilities into a single device unit. By integrating both power harvesting and current measurement functions in one device with internal electrical isolation, the patent achieves the measurement accuracy that would require separate devices while reducing overall system complexity and the number of installation components needed.
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 configuration improves the accuracy and linearity of current measurements by eliminating the load-induced errors and reduces power consumption, allowing for more precise monitoring of electrical parameters without the need for multiple inductive devices.
Implementation Method 1
a current transformer to generate a secondary current, proportional to a primary current, with negligible load
Implementation Method 2
a power harvesting subsystem to harvest power from the secondary current
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure pertains to a line-powered current measurement system to mount to an electrical conductor and related methods. In one embodiment, a system may comprise a current transformer to electrically couple to an electrical conductor and to generate a secondary current proportional to a primary current in the conductor. A power harvesting subsystem may harvest power from the secondary current in a first configuration. A switching subsystem may transition the line-powered current measurement device between the first configuration and a second configuration, in which a current measurement subsystem generates a measurement of the secondary current. The switching subsystem may provide the secondary current to the power harvesting subsystem in the first configuration and may bypasses the power harvesting subsystem in the second configuration. A communication subsystem may transmit the measurement of the secondary current to a receiver device.