Optical Voltage Sensor Using Piezoelectric Resonator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for measuring power grid voltages are bulky, expensive, and prone to failure, making them unsuitable for microgrids and distributed sensing applications.
Innovation Solution
The development of an optical voltage sensor using an optical resonator with a top electrode layer, a piezoelectric layer, and a substrate, which measures voltage by detecting changes in reflected or transmitted light power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If instrument transformers are used for voltage measurement, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but device size and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electromagnetic instrument transformers with an optical sensing system. A photodetector detects optical signals that have been modulated by the voltage being measured, eliminating the need for heavy electromagnetic transformation components while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary (light modulator or acousto-optic modulator) that converts electrical voltage information into optical signal variations. This intermediary allows voltage measurement without direct electrical contact or heavy transformer components, reducing weight while preserving measurement capability.
2Reliability
If instrument transformers are used for voltage measurement, then robustness to environmental conditions is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes complex electromagnetic transformer systems with a simpler optical detection system. The optical system uses photodetectors and light sources that are inherently more resistant to electromagnetic interference and environmental conditions, while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical copying of voltage information rather than direct electrical transformation. The voltage signal is transduced into optical domain, allowing measurement without the complexity of electromagnetic coupling and isolation required in traditional transformers.
3Reliability
If traditional voltage sensing methods are used, then electrical isolation is provided, but device size and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromagnetic isolation mechanisms with optical isolation. By converting voltage information to optical signals that can be detected without electrical connection, the system achieves electrical isolation with a compact footprint suitable for microgrids and distributed sensing.
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 optical voltage sensor is smaller, more durable, and cost-effective, with improved accuracy and reduced nonlinearity and temperature sensitivity, enabling efficient voltage measurement in power grids and within subjects.
Implementation Method 1
the optical resonator with a top electrode layer, a piezoelectric layer, and a substrate
Implementation Method 2
illuminating, with a light source, the optical resonator of the voltage sensor with light comprising an incident optical power at an input wavelength, wherein the input wavelength is offset from a resonant wavelength of the optical resonator
Data Source
AI summary
The following relates generally to optical voltage sensing, and in particular to optical voltage sensing of power grids and of a subject body. For example, some embodiments include an optical resonator comprising: (i) a top electrode layer, (ii) a piezoelectric layer, and (iii) a substrate. A light source may illuminate the optical resonator of the voltage sensor with light comprising an incident optical power at an input wavelength, where the input wavelength is offset from a resonant wavelength of the optical resonator by a baseline voltage. The applied voltage may then be measured by measuring a reflected or transmitted light power.