Power Cable Capacitive Energy Harvesting for Continuous Illumination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing energy harvesting systems for power cables with ground shields are either unsafe or unreliable, particularly for high voltage cables, and often produce intermittent illumination due to variable load-dependent energy generation.

Innovation Solution

An energy harvesting system with an insulated metallic electrode positioned between the electric conductor and the ground shield, forming a capacitor that extracts energy from the electric field, allowing for safe and consistent energy harvesting and powering of an illuminating system without external power sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If magnetic field energy harvesting is used, then energy can be extracted from the power cable, but the illumination becomes intermittent due to variable load-dependent current

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy extraction from power cableVSAvoidillumination consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a capacitor as an intermediary energy storage device between the power cable and the illuminating system. The capacitor accumulates energy during periods of high current and releases it during low current periods, thereby decoupling the illuminating system from the variable load-dependent current and ensuring continuous, reliable illumination regardless of load variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If external power sources are used for illumination, then reliable energy supply is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy supply reliabilityVSAvoidpower supply system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service energy supply system where the power cable itself serves as the energy source for illumination. By using the existing current in the power cable to charge a capacitor that then powers the illuminating system, the solution eliminates the need for separate external power sources, batteries, or complex power conversion systems, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If ground shield is present on power cable, then safety is improved, but energy harvesting becomes difficult or unsafe

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety from electric shockVSAvoidenergy harvesting feasibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the capacitor as an intermediary device that safely interfaces with the power cable through the ground shield. The capacitor can be positioned to interact with the electric field between the conductor and ground shield without requiring direct access to high-voltage components, enabling energy harvesting while maintaining the safety benefits of the ground shield configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct electrical contact-based energy harvesting with electric field-based energy extraction. Instead of mechanically accessing or penetrating the ground shield to harvest energy, the system uses the electric field existing between the conductor and ground shield to charge the capacitor, thereby eliminating the need to compromise the ground shield's protective function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 system provides a safe, reliable, and consistent energy-independent illuminating solution for power cables, ensuring continuous illumination without the need for external power sources and addressing safety concerns associated with high voltage cables.

Implementation Method 1

forming a capacitor that extracts energy from the electric field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

extracts energy from the electric field associated to the voltage to which the power cable is subjected

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric field: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentUS20230290541A1Energy Harvesting System for Harvesting Electric Energy from a Power Cable and an Illuminating System for Illuminating Said Power Cable Using the Electric Energy Harvested by the Energy Harvesting System

Publication Date: 2023.09.14 PRYSMIAN SPA

AI summary

Energy harvesting system for harvesting electric energy from a power cable including a power cable having at least one core that includes in a radial direction: an electric conductor; an insulation system surrounding the electric conductor comprising at least an insulating layer; a ground shield surrounding the insulation system; and at least one insulated metallic electrode positioned between the electric conductor and the ground shield. At least a part of an outer surface of the at least one insulated metallic electrode is not in direct contact with the ground shield. The at least one insulated metallic electrode is spaced from the electric conductor.