Magnetic Field Sensors for Circuit Breaker Load Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional energy metering systems are insufficient for detailed analysis of energy consumption at a single user level, as they typically measure energy consumption at a central point, making it difficult to identify where energy is consumed within a site, and existing devices for measuring electrical loads are complex to install and use.
Innovation Solution
An energy metering system with sensors placed near circuit breakers to sense magnetic fields, a data processing system to convert sensor data into electrical load information, and a calibration unit to determine reference voltage and current, allowing for detailed analysis and easy deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional energy metering systems measure energy consumption at a central supply point, then the total energy consumption of the site can be measured, but it is impossible to identify where in the house or apartment the energy is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the energy measurement system into multiple independent measurement units, each equipped with a sensor that can be attached to individual circuit breakers. This segmentation allows each unit to measure energy consumption of specific circuits independently, enabling detailed identification of energy-consuming locations without requiring a complex centralized measurement system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces sensors as intermediary devices that are placed between the circuit breakers and the measurement system. These sensors act as mediators that detect magnetic fields generated by electrical currents and convert them into measurable data, enabling detailed energy consumption analysis without direct integration into the complex electrical distribution system.
2Measurement precision
If devices are installed fixedly at relevant points of an energy distribution network to measure electrical load of particular devices, then detailed energy consumption analysis is possible, but installation and use becomes relatively complex leading to high installation cost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the measurement function from the complex fixed installation system and creates standalone sensor units that can be independently attached to circuit breakers. Each sensor unit is a self-contained device that performs measurement without requiring integration into the distribution network infrastructure, greatly simplifying installation while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor units are designed to be self-installing devices that attach to circuit breakers without requiring professional electrical work. The sensors automatically detect and measure the magnetic fields around circuit breakers, providing detailed electrical load measurement capability that serves itself through passive field detection rather than requiring complex active installation procedures.
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 a more in-depth analysis of electrical loads at a site with ease of setup, allowing users to identify specific energy-consuming devices and optimize energy usage, reducing installation complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of sensors arranged in proximity to circuit breakers of the distribution panel for sensing a magnetic field in the area of the circuit breakers
Data Source
AI summary
An energy metering system includes a plurality of sensors arranged in proximity to circuit breakers of a distribution panel for sensing a magnetic field in the area of the circuit breakers and providing corresponding sensor data. The system further includes a data processing system for converting the sensor data of the plurality of sensors into electrical load information for a plurality of electrical circuits protected by corresponding circuit breakers. The system further includes a calibration unit configured to determine at least a reference voltage and a reference current of at least one circuit. The data processing system is configured to calibrate a relationship between the sensor data and the load information based on the reference voltage and reference current determined by the calibration device in a calibration mode of the energy metering system.