Multi-Section Shunt Current Transducer for Redundant Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shunt transducers for high current applications face challenges in precise measurement due to uneven current density and require redundant systems for safety, which increase cost and space, compromising reliability.
Innovation Solution
A shunt current transducer with a primary conductor having multiple shunt sections of different materials, each with terminal sets and integrated circuit chips for independent measurement channels, cross-checking measurements to ensure accuracy and redundancy, and incorporating a temperature sensor for temperature compensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single shunt section with limited terminals is used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to uneven current density and inability to optimally measure primary current
Solution Approach 1:
The shunt is divided into multiple shunt sections (first shunt section, second shunt section, etc.) with multiple terminals on each section. This segmentation allows independent measurement channels to be formed, enabling precise current measurement by selecting optimal terminal combinations based on current characteristics while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular structure
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple terminals are distributed across the width of each shunt section rather than only at ends, adding a spatial dimension to measurement points. This allows selection of terminals that best capture current distribution patterns, improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
2Reliability
If redundant measurement systems are implemented for safety, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple shunt sections and measurement channels serve dual purposes: they enable precise current measurement through optimal terminal selection while simultaneously providing redundant measurement paths for functional safety. This multi-functionality achieves both measurement precision and reliability without requiring separate redundant systems, thereby controlling device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The shunt is divided into multiple shunt sections (first shunt section, second shunt section, etc.) with multiple terminals on each section. This segmentation allows independent measurement channels to be formed, enabling precise current measurement by selecting optimal terminal combinations based on current characteristics while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular structure
3Measurement precision
If multiple shunt sections with different materials are used, then the measurement precision over temperature range is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different shunt sections are made from different materials (e.g., Manganin for first shunt section, copper alloy for second shunt section) to optimize performance for specific measurement conditions. This local quality differentiation improves temperature stability and measurement precision across varying conditions while keeping the overall manufacturing process manageable through standardized sections
Solution Approach 2:
The shunt is divided into multiple shunt sections (first shunt section, second shunt section, etc.) with multiple terminals on each section. This segmentation allows independent measurement channels to be formed, enabling precise current measurement by selecting optimal terminal combinations based on current characteristics while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular structure
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
Provides precise and redundant current measurement across varying conditions, reducing costs and space while maintaining reliability through independent measurement channels and temperature compensation.
Implementation Method 1
the resistance across the shunt material section is measured
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor for calibration
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a
Figure 2b~2c
AI summary
A shunt current transducer (1) comprising a primary conductor (2) including a busbar portion with a substantially rectangular cross section, and a measurement processing unit (3) mounted against and connected to the primary conductor, the measurement processing unit (3) comprising a circuit board (7) and a signal processing circuit (8) on the circuit board. The primary conductor comprises a plurality of shunt sections (4) connected in series, including at least a first shunt section (4a) and a second shunt section (4b), each shunt section bounded by a terminal set (5) arranged at each end of the respective shunt section, said terminal sets comprising terminals formed on the circuit board (7), the signal processing circuit (8) comprising a first measurement channel (9) connected to the first shunt section (4a), and a second measurement channel (10) connected to the second shunt section (4b).