Self-Powered Power Sensor for Circuit Breaker Current Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power consumption measurement technologies are inadequate for analyzing power usage on a per circuit breaker basis, especially in environments with multiple circuit breakers, due to limitations in measuring low currents and wireless operation in noisy conditions.
Innovation Solution
A self-powered power sensor (SPPS) system that fits around standard circuit breakers, using a current transformer to measure power consumption and communicate data wirelessly to a management unit, powered by an energy harvester and equipped with a microcontroller for data processing and transmission, enabling accurate measurement and reporting of power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current transformer based measurement systems are used for main power supplies, then measurement capability is provided, but the systems are deficient for measuring relatively low currents in an environment of multiple circuit breakers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement system into individual modular units that can be attached to each circuit breaker separately. Each sensor unit is independently optimized for low current measurement, allowing the system to handle multiple circuit breakers effectively while maintaining measurement precision for low currents that would be inadequate in centralized main power supply systems.
2Loss of information
If wireless telemetry is implemented for power consumption reporting, then data transmission capability is provided, but the system suffers from deficiencies when operating in a noisy environment with multiple devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway or base station as an intermediary that collects data from multiple sensor units and manages wireless communications. This intermediary handles signal processing, error correction, and coordination, thereby improving reliability in noisy environments with multiple devices by preventing signal interference and data loss.
3Measurement precision
If traditional power meters are installed for main power supply measurement, then overall power consumption is measured, but analysis on per circuit breaker basis is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements segmentation by deploying individual measurement sensors on each circuit breaker, transforming the centralized measurement approach into a distributed measurement network. This enables precise measurement at each circuit breaker level while maintaining overall system measurement capability, thereby providing granular power consumption data without losing overall power measurement accuracy.
4Extent of automation
If self-powered operation is implemented using energy harvesting, then device autonomy is provided, but challenges arise in ensuring sufficient power for wireless transmission and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by implementing duty cycling for the sensor units, where they alternate between low-power sleep mode and active measurement/transmission modes. This periodic operation allows energy harvesting components to accumulate sufficient power during idle periods while ensuring that critical measurements and transmissions occur during active periods, balancing device autonomy with adequate power availability.
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 SPPS system allows for precise measurement and reporting of power consumption at each circuit breaker, overcoming challenges of low current detection and wireless coexistence in environments with multiple devices, providing finer granularity in power consumption analysis.
Implementation Method 1
A current transformer (CT) of sorts is created that comprises the primary winding as the power line conductor and the secondary providing an output current inversely proportionate to the number of windings
Implementation Method 2
The apparatus includes an energy harvester that harvests energy from the power line
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods are provided for the measurement of power consumption at points of interest, such as circuit breakers, machines, and the like. Accordingly, means are provided for measurement of power consumption for each electrical sub-network that is controlled by a circuit breaker. Each apparatus is enabled to communicate its respective data, in an environment of a plurality of such apparatuses, to a management unit which is enabled to provide finer granularity power consumption profiles. Challenges of measuring relatively low supply currents, wireless operation in an environment of a large number of apparatuses, and self-powering are addressed.