Multiplexed Fiber Optic Current Transducer for Multiphase Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiber optic current transducers (FOCT) systems are limited to measuring single-phase electrical current and require multiple systems to measure multiple phases, increasing costs and reducing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A distributed, multiplexed fiber optic current transducer system using a single broadband light source and optical splitter to divide light into multiple beams, allowing multiple optical sensors to measure electrical parameters of conductors, enabling multiphase current measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple FOCT systems are used to measure multiple phases, then measurement capability is improved, but cost increases and efficiency reduces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple FOCT systems into a single integrated system by sharing the broadband light source and using an optical splitter to distribute light to multiple sensors. This merging approach maintains the ability to measure multiple phases while reducing the total number of independent systems required, thereby lowering cost and improving efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The single broadband light source serves multiple FOCT sensors simultaneously, making it a universal component that performs the function of what would traditionally require multiple separate sources. The optical splitter enables this multi-functionality by distributing the light from one source to multiple measurement channels.
2Device complexity
If a single light source is shared among multiple sensors, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The optical splitter segments the broadband light into multiple separate beams, each directed to an individual FOCT sensor. This segmentation ensures that each sensor receives sufficient light intensity and that measurements from different sensors remain independent and precise, preventing cross-interference while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical splitter acts as an intermediary component that distributes light from the single broadband source to multiple sensors without degrading the quality of light reaching each sensor. This intermediary device enables the sharing of the light source while preserving measurement precision at each sensor node.
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 system supports multiple FOCT sensors for multiphase electrical current measurement using a single broadband light source, reducing costs and improving efficiency by allowing simultaneous measurement of multiple phases.
Implementation Method 1
an optical splitter that divides the broadband light into a plurality of divided light beams based upon wavelength
Implementation Method 2
Fiber optic current transducers (FOCT) measure current based on the Faraday effect. The Faraday effect is a magneto-optical phenomenon (i.e., the interaction of light with a medium in a magnetic field). The interaction of light with the medium in a magnetic field causes a rotation of the plane of polarization of the light
Data Source
AI summary
A measurement system includes a broadband light source that outputs a broadband light, an optical splitter that divides the broadband light into a plurality of divided light beams and a plurality of optical sensors, each optical sensor configured to receive a single one of the divided light beams and measure an electrical parameter of a conductor.