Optical Sensor Process Controller for High Voltage Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electrical sensors are ineffective in high voltage environments due to electromagnetic interference, making accurate temperature control challenging in industrial processes with elevated radio frequency activity.
Innovation Solution
A process controller system utilizing optical sensors with optical sources and detectors, connected via fiber optic cables, which are immune to electromagnetic interference, allowing for accurate temperature measurement and control in high voltage environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional electrical sensors are used to measure temperature, then the sensors can provide electrical signals for control, but the sensors are adversely affected by electromagnetic interference from high voltage environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical sensors with optical sensors that use light instead of electrical signals. The optical sensor includes an optical detector that receives light signals and converts them to electrical signals for temperature measurement. This substitution eliminates the problem of electromagnetic interference because optical components are not affected by electromagnetic fields, while still providing the necessary sensing and control functions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If optical sensors are used in high voltage environments, then electromagnetic interference is eliminated, but the system requires optical sources and detectors with complex integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the optical source, optical detector, and control unit into a single optical sensor assembly. The optical detector is positioned to receive light from the optical source, and both are integrated with the control unit that processes the detected signals. This merging reduces the overall system complexity by combining multiple components into one integrated unit, while maintaining immunity to electromagnetic interference.
3Measurement precision
If optical sensors are integrated into the process controller, then accurate temperature control is achieved in high voltage environments, but the controller structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical detector as an intermediary component that converts optical signals from the sensor into electrical signals that the control unit can process. This intermediary enables accurate temperature measurement in high voltage environments by using light as the primary sensing medium, which is immune to electromagnetic interference, while still providing electrical output for standard control operations.
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 continuous, accurate temperature measurement and control in environments where conventional electrical sensors fail, providing reliable process control by interpreting temperature signals through optical sensors and adjusting heating systems accordingly.
Implementation Method 1
an optical detector operable to receive an electronic signal
Implementation Method 2
the optical source is configured to emit an electronic signal toward an object and the optical detector is configured to receive a return electronic signal reflected by the object
Data Source
AI summary
A process controller is provided and includes at least one optical sensor. The optical sensor includes an optical source is configured to emit an electronic signal toward an object. The process controller further includes a control unit in communication with the at least one optical sensor, wherein the control unit controls a controlled device based on the electronic signal received by the at least one optical sensor. In another form, the optical sensor further includes an optical detector configured to receive the return electronic signal reflected by the object. A system for process control in an elevated radio frequency (RF) environment is also provided and includes a process controller having at least one optical sensor and a control unit in communication with the optical sensor. The optical sensor is disposed within the elevated RF environment and includes an optical detector.