Magnetic Flux Conversion Device for Span Powering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power transmission systems face challenges in efficiently powering electrical devices placed between utility poles, particularly in long spans where it is impractical to install transformers, due to the difficulty in accessing and powering devices over extended distances.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic flux conversion device (MFCD) is employed to regulate power signals from a power line, converting alternating current (AC) to a direct current (DC) with a target voltage or current value, using a transformer configuration with magnetic laminations, a regulator module, and inductive coupling to provide a stable power supply to devices like street lights and sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If transformers are mounted on utility poles to step down voltage, then electrical devices can be powered at utility pole locations, but electrical devices placed between utility poles cannot be powered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetic flux conversion device as an intermediary component that couples to the power line through magnetic coupling. This device acts as a mediator between the high-voltage power line and low-voltage electrical devices, enabling power transfer without direct electrical connection or physical transformer installation at the device location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/electrical connection system (wiring devices to utility poles with transformers) with a magnetic field-based energy transfer system. The magnetic flux conversion device uses magnetic coupling to transfer energy wirelessly from the power line to the electrical device, eliminating the need for physical transformer installation at each location.
2Area of stationary object
If power lines extend long distances between utility poles, then coverage area increases, but it becomes difficult to power devices in these long spans
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic flux conversion device serves as an intermediary that enables power access in previously unreachable locations. By coupling magnetically to the power line, it creates local power sources along the power line corridor, making devices in long spans accessible to power without requiring utility pole infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from discrete power access points (utility poles) to continuous power availability along the power line. The magnetic flux conversion device enables power transfer at any location along the power line corridor, effectively adding a dimensional aspect of continuous spatial coverage rather than discrete point access.
3Reliability
If electrical devices are wired to the nearest utility pole, then reliable power is provided, but installation complexity and wiring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex wiring and physical connection system with a magnetic field-based energy transfer system. The magnetic flux conversion device establishes energy transfer through magnetic coupling alone, eliminating the need for intricate wiring, connection terminals, and physical mounting infrastructure while maintaining reliable power delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential function of power transformation and transfer from the complex utility pole transformer system and concentrates it into a compact magnetic flux conversion device. This extracted function can be deployed independently at various locations along the power line without requiring the full utility pole infrastructure.
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 MFCD effectively supplies regulated power to a wide range of electrical devices over varying voltage and current conditions, enabling efficient powering of devices such as street lights, sensors, and communication equipment, even in long spans without direct transformer access, by maintaining a consistent output signal across different input power levels.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer with a power line primary stage and a secondary stage
Implementation Method 2
magnetic laminations coupled to the power line
Implementation Method 3
a rectifier coupled to the secondary stage
Implementation Method 4
a regulator module that produces an output signal with a target value
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments provide a magnetic flux conversion device (MFCD) that may produce a regulated output signal with a target value (e.g., target voltage and/or target current) from a source signal on a power line. The MFCD may include a secondary stage configured to be inductively coupled with the power line. The source signal may cause a secondary electrical signal to flow in the secondary stage. A regulator module may be coupled to the secondary stage and configured to produce the output signal with the target value across output nodes by sensing the output signal and shunting the secondary stage if a value of the output signal is above the target value.