Modular Opto-Electronic Telemetry Device for Grid Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Analog optical telemetry systems in electrical grid monitoring face issues such as signal degradation due to optical component conditions, contamination, moisture, and operator errors, leading to inaccurate data and system reliability concerns.
Innovation Solution
A modular opto-electronic telemetry device that converts optical signals to digital facsimiles within a housing, using a sensor cable to connect optical sensors, eliminating the need for field connections and moving the optical connection system to the digital electronic domain, thus reducing the impact of impairments like contamination and operator errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If field connections are made for optical sensors, then the system can be installed and operated, but connection quality deteriorates due to operator errors, contamination, and moisture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-connectorizing optical cables at the factory before field installation. The optical connectors are attached and tested in a controlled manufacturing environment, eliminating the need for field technicians to make optical connections. This preliminary preparation ensures connection quality is established under optimal conditions before deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the optical connection-making process from the field installation environment and relocates it to the factory environment. By separating the connection-making operation from field installation, the system removes the source of field-related degradation (operator errors, contamination, moisture) from the critical connection-making process.
2Measurement precision
If optical sensors are used for monitoring, then measurement accuracy is improved, but system reliability deteriorates due to optical losses from component conditions and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary testing and validation of optical connections in the controlled factory environment before deployment. Optical signal integrity is verified and documented during manufacturing, ensuring that measurements will be accurate while eliminating the risk of field-induced degradation that would compromise reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by protecting optical connectors with factory-applied protective measures and designing the system to tolerate potential field conditions. The factory-terminated connectors are designed and tested to maintain performance despite exposure to environmental factors, cushioning against future reliability issues.
3Ease of repair
If modular design is implemented, then ease of repair and field replacement is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the monitoring system into modular components: optical sensors, connectorized cables, and processing units. Each module can be independently replaced in the field, simplifying repair operations. The standardized interfaces between modules enable plug-and-play replacement while the modular architecture manages complexity through clear separation of functions.
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 solution simplifies installation, reduces the risk of connection errors, and provides a cost-effective, reliable monitoring system with improved accuracy and reduced maintenance needs, enabling plug-and-play field replacement and integration with the 'Internet of Things' while maintaining cybersecurity standards.
Implementation Method 1
an analog optical conversion device located in said housing configured to convert an optical signal to a digital facsimile
Data Source
AI summary
An opto-electronic telemetry device includes a housing having an analog optical conversion device located therein. The analog optical conversion device is configured to convert an optical signal to a digital facsimile. A sensor cable is coupled to the analog optical conversion device within the housing and at least one optical sensor located external to the housing. The sensor cable receives the optical signal from the at least one optical sensor and provides the optical signal to the analog optical conversion device. A method of making a modular opto-electronic telemetry device is also disclosed.