Non-Invasive Current Sensor for Hybrid Power Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to provide real-time monitoring of energy consumption in buildings that utilize both fuel-less power sources, such as solar panels, and utility power sources, especially when direct electrical connections are impractical or not feasible, making it difficult to accurately track power usage and generation.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a current sensor electromagnetically coupled to an electrical conductor without direct connection, using Rogowski or proportional sensors to detect current and voltage signals, determining phase relationships to identify current flow direction and magnitude, and transmitting this information for power source signal creation, allowing for non-invasive monitoring of energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a current sensor is directly connected to the electrical conductor to measure current, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and safety risks increase due to direct electrical connection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the current sensor and the electrical conductor. The sensor measures the magnetic field generated by the conductor's current instead of making direct electrical contact, thereby achieving accurate measurement while avoiding the complexity and safety risks of direct connection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/electrical direct connection measurement system with a magnetic field-based non-contact measurement system. This substitution eliminates the need for physical electrical connections while maintaining measurement capability through electromagnetic coupling
2Ease of operation
If standard metering components are used to monitor power consumption, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability deteriorates because utility company meters cannot measure fuel-less power source generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal monitoring system that can handle multiple power source types (utility power and fuel-less power sources like solar panels) through a single integrated sensor and processor unit. The system automatically identifies and measures power flow in both directions, making it adaptable to hybrid power configurations without requiring separate specialized meters
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses phase relationship detection between voltage and current signals to determine power flow direction, creating a feedback mechanism that automatically adapts the measurement approach based on whether power is being consumed from or generated to the utility grid, enabling seamless monitoring of bidirectional power flow
3Measurement precision
If existing wiring is disrupted to install monitoring equipment, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture and installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field serves as an intermediary that allows the sensor to couple with the electrical conductor without physical contact or wiring disruption. The sensor can be clamped around the conductor or positioned nearby to detect the magnetic field, enabling installation without cutting or modifying existing electrical wiring while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary characterization by comparing phase relationships between voltage and current signals to establish baseline measurements and determine power flow direction before full monitoring begins. This preliminary action enables the system to adapt to the specific installation configuration without requiring pre-wiring modifications
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, real-time monitoring of energy consumption and generation from both solar panels and utility sources without disrupting existing wiring, facilitating retrofit installations and providing detailed energy usage data for users, including energy balance calculations.
Implementation Method 1
A current sensor is electromagnetically coupled to the electrical conductor at a sensing position between the power source and the junction without direct electrical connection to the electrical conductor
Data Source
AI summary
Power consumption at a site is monitored. An electrical load is connected to a power source by an electrical conductor. A fuel-less energy producing device is electrically connected to a junction along the electrical conductor. A current sensor is electromagnetically coupled to the electrical conductor at a sensing position between the power source and the junction to create a current sensor signal. Sensed current and voltage signals are produced from the current sensor signal. A sensed phase relationship between the sensed signals is determined and compared to a baseline phase relationship to determine the direction of current flow through the conductor. A power source signal, based on the current flowing through the conductor at the sensing position, is created. With some examples a Rogowski type differential current sensor is used. In some examples a single current sensor is used.