Monitoring Device for Power Supply Circuit State Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional systems for monitoring electrical circuits in three-phase distribution networks face challenges in accurately detecting the absence of current due to crosstalk issues with Rogowski sensors, leading to difficulties in distinguishing between a missing phase and a low load, and are costly due to the need for expensive magnetic sensors.

Innovation Solution

A monitoring device using an iron circuit-based sensor system that generates a secondary current for voltage measurement, allowing for reliable detection of current absence or presence without expensive detection devices, by measuring voltage across the terminals of a power supply circuit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If Rogowski sensors are used for current measurement, then measurement capability is provided, but crosstalk occurs making it impossible to reliably detect current absence

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurrent measurement accuracyVSAvoidcurrent absence detection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary power supply circuit between the measured circuit and the measurement device. This circuit generates a secondary current that serves as a mediator to indicate the presence or absence of primary current in the measured circuit, allowing reliable detection without direct sensing that would cause crosstalk

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the direct electromagnetic sensing mechanism (Rogowski sensor) with an indirect electrical circuit-based detection method. Instead of mechanically/electromagnetically sensing current directly, the system uses electrical circuit relationships (power supply circuit current generation) to infer current presence/absence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If magnetic circuit sensors are used to suppress crosstalk, then current absence detection reliability improves, but device cost and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurrent absence detection reliabilityVSAvoidsensor complexity and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses conventional, inexpensive sensors instead of expensive magnetic circuit sensors. The solution relies on simple voltage measurement and control circuitry rather than complex magnetic shielding or specialized sensor materials, significantly reducing device cost and complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of manufacture

If voltage measurement is used for fuse monitoring, then cost is reduced, but the solution only works for single-phase distribution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring system costVSAvoidphase distribution compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal monitoring device that can detect current presence/absence in any phase of multi-phase distribution systems. The device measures voltage across the power supply circuit terminals and uses control logic to determine current status, making it adaptable to single-phase, two-phase, three-phase, or other distribution configurations without requiring phase-specific hardware

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 accurate diagnosis of fuse protection devices and reliable implementation of standby functions in electronic devices, distinguishing between a missing phase and low load without additional costly equipment, using existing energy measurement systems.

Implementation Method 1

A monitoring device using an iron circuit-based sensor system that generates a secondary current for voltage measurement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3029477B1Device and method for monitoring the state of a protection or power supply circuit in an electric power distribution circuit or network, and corresponding distribution network and circuit

Publication Date: 2019.12.11 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS

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AI summary

The invention relates to a device and a method for monitoring the state of an electrical circuit supplied with electrical energy from an electrical energy source, such as an overload protection circuit at the output of an electrical energy source in an electrical energy distribution network, or an electrical power supply circuit for an electronic device at the output of the electrical energy source in an electrical energy distribution circuit. This monitoring device comprises means for measuring an electrical quantity, such as electrical energy, associated with the electrical circuit supplied by the electrical energy source. The measuring means include a power supply circuit 14 capable of generating a supply current and a measuring circuit, for example of the Rogowski type, capable of measuring the electrical quantity associated with the power supply circuit 14.This power supply circuit 14 includes detection means 20 suitable for detecting the absence or presence of current in the electrical circuit by measuring the voltage across the terminals of the power supply circuit 14.