Multifunctional Current Sensor with Dual Windings for Switchgear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medium voltage switchgears require multiple measuring devices with different parameters and accuracy levels for various applications, but existing solutions, such as Rogowski-loop and clamp-type current sensors, are limited by their single-winding design, making it impossible to accommodate multiple devices in constrained spaces and increasing acquisition costs.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional measuring device with a toroidal housing containing both an inner winding around a primary current conductor aperture and an external winding on the housing, allowing for two measuring elements with different ratings and accuracy levels, which are non-interfering due to a non-ferromagnetic core design, enabling precise and wide-range current measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate measuring devices are used for different current measurement purposes, then measurement accuracy and versatility are improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measuring windings with different parameters (first winding for high-accuracy revenue metering, second winding for dynamic range protection measurements) into a single integrated device housing, allowing both functions to coexist in one apparatus rather than requiring separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring device is designed to perform multiple measurement functions simultaneously - it can measure small current fluctuations with high accuracy for revenue metering purposes and also measure large dynamic range changes for protection purposes, making it a universal device that replaces multiple specialized devices
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate measuring devices are used for different current measurement purposes, then measurement accuracy and versatility are improved, but acquisition costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measuring windings with different parameters (first winding for high-accuracy revenue metering, second winding for dynamic range protection measurements) into a single integrated device housing, allowing both functions to coexist in one apparatus rather than requiring separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring device is designed to perform multiple measurement functions simultaneously - it can measure small current fluctuations with high accuracy for revenue metering purposes and also measure large dynamic range changes for protection purposes, making it a universal device that replaces multiple specialized devices
3Device complexity
If a single measuring device is used to reduce space and costs, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision for different purposes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different windings with different parameters in different locations within the device - the first winding is optimized for high-precision revenue metering measurements while the second winding is optimized for dynamic range protection measurements, allowing each local measuring element to have the specific properties needed for its measurement purpose
4Adaptability or versatility
If measuring elements with different parameters are installed in the same device, then measurement versatility is improved, but magnetic interference between windings increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces magnetic shielding as an intermediary element between the first and second windings. The magnetic shielding prevents magnetic field lines from one winding from interfering with the other winding, thereby eliminating magnetic interference while allowing both windings to function simultaneously in the same device
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 device provides a compact solution for simultaneous high-accuracy and dynamic current measurements, reducing the need for multiple devices and accommodating different applications within limited switchgear spaces, enhancing measurement flexibility and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
an inner winding, accommodated around said aperture inside of said housing for a measurement of the current in the primary current conductor
Implementation Method 2
an external winding wound on said housing around said aperture for another current measurement
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A multifunctional measuring device, preferably for measuring a current in a primary current conductor in a medium voltage switchgear, comprising a housing (3) with an aperture (13) for accommodation of the primary current conductor (100), an inner winding (2), accommodated around said aperture (13) inside of said housing (3) for a measurement of current in a primary current conductor (100) and an external winding (4) wound on said housing (3) around said aperture (13) for another current measurement.