Photonic Voltage Transducer With Lightning Impulse Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring high voltages in power networks over long distances are unreliable due to the sensitivity of passive optical sensors to lightning impulses, requiring costly infrastructure and power supplies, and existing solutions are either expensive or complex.
Innovation Solution
A photonic voltage transducer comprising an optical voltage sensor and a lightning impulse attenuator, which includes a resistor and inductor in parallel, protects the sensor from high voltage impulses while allowing power frequency and harmonics to be transferred, enabling reliable measurement without a local power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If passive optical sensors are used for voltage measurement, then power supply requirements are eliminated, but the sensors become vulnerable to lightning impulse damage
Solution Approach 1:
A lightning impulse attenuator is introduced as an intermediary component between the high-voltage line and the optical sensor. This attenuator selectively blocks lightning impulse frequencies while allowing power frequency signals to pass through, protecting the sensor without requiring it to be directly exposed to high voltage transients.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex protection devices like overvoltage spark gaps with a simpler, more cost-effective attenuator design that can be easily deployed across multiple sensor locations without significant investment.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If overvoltage spark gaps are used for protection, then lightning impulses are blocked, but the cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex protection devices like overvoltage spark gaps with a simpler, more cost-effective attenuator design that can be easily deployed across multiple sensor locations without significant investment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts only the necessary protection function from complex spark gap systems, creating a simplified attenuator that performs the essential lightning impulse blocking function without the associated complexity and cost.
3Use of energy by moving object
If transformers are installed for power supply, then sensors can operate remotely, but the cost and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the power supply function entirely from the remote sensor system, extracting only the measurement and communication functions that can be performed passively using optical fiber interrogation from a remote location.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor system is designed to be self-powered, drawing no electrical power from the remote location. Instead, it uses optical energy for both sensing and communication, making the system self-sufficient without transformers or local power infrastructure.
4Use of energy by moving object
If copper pilot wires are used for power delivery, then sensors can be powered remotely, but wire integration within cables adds complication and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the power delivery function from the cable system entirely, using only optical fiber for communication. This eliminates the need for copper pilot wires and their integration into power cables, simplifying the overall system architecture.
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 solution allows for real-time voltage measurement over long distances without the need for power supplies or telecommunications, withstanding lightning impulses and maintaining measurement fidelity, thus reducing costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a lightning impulse attenuator, where the lightning impulse attenuator is electrically connected in series with the optical voltage sensor to attenuate the voltage sensed by the optical voltage sensor
Implementation Method 2
the lightning impulse attenuator is electrically connected in series with the optical voltage sensor to attenuate the voltage sensed by the optical voltage sensor
Implementation Method 3
enables reliable measurement without the need for significant investment in equipment and infrastructure
Data Source
AI summary
The invention enables an optical voltage sensor, comprising a piezoelectric actuator mechanically coupled to an optical strain sensor (such as a fibre Bragg grating), to withstand lightning impulses, the effects of which would otherwise be harmful or destructive to the piezoelectric actuator and/or other sensitive components. As such, the optical voltage sensor, comprised within a photonic voltage transducer which also comprises a lightning impulse attenuator, is able to comply with relevant standards and be used for applications in power networks and exposed to the highest voltages for equipment.