Self-Powered Power Sensor for Circuit Breaker Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power measurement systems face challenges in measuring power factor on a fine granularity without causing congestion in panel boards, especially in environments with multiple circuit breakers, due to the need for extensive wiring and high costs associated with current transformers (CTs).
Innovation Solution
A self-powered power sensor (SPPS) system that fits around standard circuit breakers, using a current transformer to measure current and an energy harvester to provide power, allowing for wireless communication of power consumption data to a management unit, thereby reducing the need for extensive wiring and enabling finer granularity measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current transformers (CTs) are installed in each circuit breaker to measure power factor, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the voltage measurement and current measurement functions into a single integrated sensor unit that attaches to the circuit breaker. This eliminates the need for separate CT installations and extensive wiring, while maintaining the capability to measure both parameters needed for power factor calculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor unit is designed to perform multiple functions: measuring voltage, measuring current, calculating power factor, and communicating data. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for separate dedicated CTs and voltage measurement devices, simplifying the overall system while improving measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If more circuit breakers are monitored with traditional metering devices, then measurement granularity is improved, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit is self-powered by harvesting energy from the circuit breaker's existing electromagnetic field and power consumption. This eliminates the need for separate power wiring and batteries, making installation cost-effective and enabling easy deployment across multiple circuit breakers to achieve fine measurement granularity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/wired CT connections with wireless communication technology. The sensor unit communicates measurement data wirelessly to the management system, eliminating the need for physical wiring to each measurement point and significantly reducing installation cost and complexity.
3Ease of operation
If wireless telemetry is implemented in noisy environments, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit transmits data periodically at optimized intervals rather than continuously, reducing exposure to noisy electromagnetic environments while ensuring reliable data delivery. This periodic transmission approach maintains ease of wireless operation while improving reliability by minimizing interference exposure.
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 enables efficient, non-intrusive, and self-powered measurement of power consumption and power factor with reduced installation complexity and cost, capable of operating in environments with multiple circuit breakers, providing accurate data for energy management.
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
an energy harvester to provide power
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of operation of a self-powered power sensor (SPPS) are provided for the measurement of the likes of current, power, power factor, and other parameters related to the power consumption, at points of interest, such as circuit breakers, machines, and the like. Each SPPS is enabled to communicate its respective data, in an environment of a plurality of such apparatuses, to a management unit which may further process the data sent thereto, as well as communicate back to the SPPS for the purpose of synchronization of, for example, clocks of the SPPS and the management unit.