Optical Wake-Up of Self-Powered IED Communication Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-powered auto reclosers in power transmission and distribution networks face high power requirements due to repeated energization and de-energization, necessitating efficient power management to reduce overall consumption and improve fault response times.
Innovation Solution
A method for remote activation of the communication module of a self-powered intelligent electronic device (IED) using a trigger signal from a remotely positioned source, such as a light or infrared source, to conditionally power the module only when necessary, optimizing power usage and reducing overall energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the communication module is continuously powered on, then communication functionality is always available, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication module is activated periodically or on-demand rather than continuously. The system uses a trigger signal mechanism where the communication module remains dormant until activated by a specific trigger event, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining communication availability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically activates the communication module based on detected trigger signals without requiring manual intervention. The microcontroller monitors for trigger conditions and autonomously powers on the communication module only when necessary, eliminating the need for continuous operation while ensuring timely communication response.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the communication module is activated remotely using optical trigger, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
An optical trigger signal serves as an intermediary mechanism to activate the communication module remotely. Instead of direct electrical connection or complex wireless communication protocols, the system uses simple optical detection (such as infrared or visible light sensors) to trigger module activation, reducing power consumption while adding minimal complexity through the use of standard optical sensing components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the IED is self-powered from current transformer, then auxiliary power dependency is eliminated, but power availability for optional functions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically manages power allocation based on operational needs. The microcontroller monitors power availability from the current transformer and dynamically activates or deactivates various functions including the communication module, thereby adapting power consumption to available power while maintaining power independence from auxiliary sources.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the system are assigned different power consumption characteristics based on their criticality. Essential functions like protection relay operations run continuously with guaranteed power, while optional functions like communication modules operate only when triggered and power is available, creating a hierarchical power management structure that ensures power independence while optimizing power utilization.
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
This approach reduces power consumption and enhances the speed of fault response by activating the communication module only when required, thereby improving the efficiency and reliability of auto reclosers in power distribution networks.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor of the IED detects a trigger signal provided by the trigger source, and converts the trigger signal into an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to remote activation of a communication module of a self-powered intelligent electronic device (IED). The IED controls an auto recloser mounted on an electric pole of a power distribution network. A controller of the IED, receives an activation signal from a trigger source, positioned within a predefined distance from the IED, through an optical sensor to activate the communication module. A control signal is generated, upon the controller of the IED detecting the activation signal, for powering the communication module from a power supply module. The power supply module is enabled to power the communication module for a duration controlled with the control signal. The communication module is activated for communicating a plurality of data associated with the IED to a remote communication device upon enabling the power supply module for the communication module.