Modular Instrument Transformer Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing instrument transformer systems become inoperable if either the current or voltage sensing units fail, requiring the entire system to be replaced, which is inefficient and costly.

Innovation Solution

A modular instrument transformer design allowing for the easy replacement of individual current and voltage sensing devices without tools, using plug-in connectors and encapsulation in resin, enabling separate and secure electrical and mechanical connections for modular functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the instrument transformer uses a non-modular design, then the system structure is simple, but the entire system becomes inoperable if either the current or voltage sensing units fail, requiring complete system replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem operabilityVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The instrument transformer is divided into separate modular components: a current sensing device and a voltage sensing device, each capable of independent operation and replacement. This segmentation allows one component to remain functional even if the other fails, improving system reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of repair

If the instrument transformer uses a modular design with separable components, then component replacement becomes easier and more cost-effective, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent replacementVSAvoidmodular structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the instrument transformer uses fixed connections between sensing units, then the device structure is simpler, but adaptability to changing power grid requirements is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration adaptabilityVSAvoidconnection structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The instrument transformer employs dynamic, reconfigurable connections between modular components through plug-in connectors. These connections can be easily assembled and disassembled without tools, allowing the system configuration to adapt to changing power grid requirements while maintaining simple operational procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 the simple and cost-effective replacement of failed components, maintaining system functionality and allowing for adaptable configuration to changing power grid requirements without replacing the entire transformer.

Implementation Method 1

both the current and voltage sensing devices being encapsulated in a resin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentUS10794934B2Instrument transformer for measuring at least one electricity property in a conductor of a power grid

Publication Date: 2020.10.06 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG

AI summary

Instrument transformer for power grid conductor includes: a current sensing device having a secondary coil winding through which a power grid primary conductor is capable of extending and connecting to a primary conductor connector, a first low voltage (LV) lead connected to the secondary coil winding and a LV connector, and a first high voltage (HV) lead connected between the primary conductor connector and a HV connector, the voltage sensing device having a core with a primary coil winding, a second HV lead connected between a HV connector and primary coil winding, a grounding conductor connected between the primary coil winding and an output terminal, a second LV lead connected between a LV connector and output terminal, wherein the current and voltage sensing devices are electrically connected via HV and LV connectors, and wherein the current and voltage sensing devices are separable when corresponding HV and LV connectors are disconnected.