Non-Contact Conductor Voltage Measurement Through Permittivity Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-contact measurement methods for electrical quantities, such as electric field strength and voltage, require precise and reproducible distance between the sensor and the conductor, which is challenging to achieve and affects measurement accuracy, especially in existing installations where structural modifications are not feasible.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact measuring device using a dielectric with known permittivity and thickness, allowing for two measurements with different permittivities to determine electrical quantities independently of the distance, employing a ratiometric measurement principle to minimize distance-dependent errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If non-contact measurement methods are used, then galvanic isolation and safety are improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to distance-dependent errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the permittivity parameter by introducing a dielectric material between the sensor and the conductor. By measuring with and without the dielectric, the system creates two measurement states with different permittivity values, allowing the distance parameter to be eliminated from the calculation through ratio comparison.
Solution Approach 2:
The dielectric material acts as an intermediary element that modifies the electric field between the sensor and the conductor. By inserting this intermediate material with known permittivity, the system enables distance-independent measurement through the ratiometric comparison of measurements taken with and without the dielectric.
2Measurement precision
If precise distance control is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the distance parameter from the measurement equation by using the dielectric material approach. Instead of controlling and measuring the distance precisely, the system eliminates the need for distance control entirely by using the ratio of measurements with different permittivities, where the distance terms cancel out.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical distance control system with an electrical/permittivity-based solution. Instead of using mechanical positioning devices and sensors to control the distance, the system uses the dielectric material's permittivity property to achieve distance-independent measurements.
3Measurement precision
If contact-based measurement methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but safety and installation flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric material serves as an intermediary that enables non-contact measurement while maintaining measurement capability. It allows the sensor to detect electrical quantities without physical contact with the conductor, preserving safety and installation flexibility while achieving accurate measurements through the ratiometric method.
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 determination of electrical quantities like voltage without knowing the exact distance, reducing the need for mechanical positioning and structural modifications, and enhancing measurement reliability by minimizing supply voltage fluctuations and environmental influences.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one measuring device is arranged with a dielectric of a known thickness, so that two measurements of the electrical quantity of the conductor to be measured with different permittivities between the measuring device and the conductor can be taken
Implementation Method 2
This measurement principle is based on measuring the change in electrical capacitance over time using a microelectromechanical system
Implementation Method 3
The change in capacitance over time, or the time-varying shadowing effect, is mechanically induced by an electrical, electrostatic, or thermal actuator
Implementation Method 4
The measurement on the electrical conductor is carried out by detecting the electric or electromagnetic field emanating from the current-carrying conductor using a sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
A device and a method for the non-contact determination of an electrical quantity of an electrical conductor (con) to be measured are proposed. Using an arrangement of measuring device(s) (D1, D2) with at least one dielectric (εr) on the electrical conductor (con), two measurements of an electrical quantity (D1, D2) are performed. Due to the known quantity that the dielectric contributes to the comparative measurement with its material-specific permittivity and thickness, the ratiometric measuring principle can be applied, and an electrical quantity, in particular the applied voltage (U), can be accurately determined, independent of knowledge about the distance from the electrical conductor (con).