Power Component Sensor Antenna Contactless Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reliably measuring temperature and other parameters of power components in high power/high voltage applications is complicated and costly due to the challenges of sensor integration and data complexity, especially in systems with multiple parallel power semiconductors and fuses, where current imbalances and temperature variations affect device performance.
Innovation Solution
A power component with a sensor and emitter unit that uses an antenna to measure physical quantities characterizing the operating state and emit electromagnetic signals, allowing contactless data transmission and enabling condition-based monitoring, protection, and optimization of power components without affecting their properties or operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fiber optical sensors are used for measurements under high voltage conditions, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and assembly difficulty increase due to large fiber coils and multiple optical fibres
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical fiber optical sensors with an electromagnetic coupling system using antennas. Instead of using physical fiber coils that require mechanical assembly, the solution uses electromagnetic fields to transfer measurement data from the high voltage component to external readers, eliminating the need for complex mechanical sensor integration while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces antennas as intermediary elements that couple the high voltage component to external readers through electromagnetic fields. This intermediary approach allows measurement data to be transmitted without direct physical contact or complex fiber optic connections, simplifying the overall system setup while enabling reliable measurements under high voltage conditions
2Measurement precision
If multiple different sensors are used to measure various parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to the large number of optical fibres required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal antenna-based measurement system that can measure multiple parameters (temperature, voltage, current) using the same electromagnetic coupling mechanism. Instead of requiring different fiber optical sensors for each parameter, the system uses a single antenna interface that can transmit various measurement data types, reducing the number of components needed while maintaining comprehensive measurement precision
3Measurement precision
If sensors are integrated close to the main component, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the transmission properties of the antenna are negatively influenced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the component housing as an intermediary structure that holds the antenna at an optimal distance from the main component. This intermediary positioning allows the antenna to maintain good electromagnetic coupling for accurate measurements while being spaced far enough to avoid harmful interference from the conductive main component, resolving the contradiction between proximity for accuracy and distance for transmission quality
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 simple, cost-effective monitoring and analysis of multiple power components, facilitating condition-based monitoring, protection, and optimization, while maintaining the integrity of the power components and their systems, even under high voltage and current conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor and emitter unit includes an antenna for emitting the electromagnetic signal
Data Source
AI summary
A power component includes two electric terminals, a component housing, a main component at least partially surrounded by the component housing, connected with the two terminals, and configured to carry a power current flowing between the two electric terminals, and a sensor and emitter unit which is configured to measure a value of a physical quantity (T, V, ΔV) characterizing an operating state of the main component, and to emit an electromagnetic signal, in which the measured value of the physical quantity is encoded. The sensor and emitter unit includes an antenna for emitting the electromagnetic signal which is spaced apart from the main component and arranged in, on and/or at the component housing.