Sensored Insulation Plug With Integrated Capacitive Voltage Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulation plugs for medium-voltage and high-voltage power distribution networks lack precise voltage sensing and temperature monitoring, leading to inaccurate voltage measurements and potential electrical discharges due to voids in insulating materials, which are costly and space-prohibitive.
Innovation Solution
A sensored insulation plug with an integrated sensing capacitor and temperature sensor, embedded in a solidified insulating material, that adjusts voltage measurements based on temperature corrections and monitors connection health, reducing the risk of electrical discharges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If discrete capacitors with high voltage rating and large capacity are used in the sensing voltage divider, then voltage measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensing capacitor with the insulating plug body, combining the electrical sensing function with the mechanical insulation function into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate discrete capacitors and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining voltage measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating plug body is designed to serve multiple functions: providing electrical insulation for the connection element, housing the sensing capacitor, and facilitating voltage measurement. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall device structure.
2Measurement precision
If multiple discrete capacitors are used to divide down elevated voltage, then voltage measurement precision is improved, but the space required becomes prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing capacitor is merged with the insulating plug body, utilizing the plug's volume to house the capacitor. This integration eliminates the need for additional space for separate capacitor components while maintaining the voltage division functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing capacitor is nested within the insulating plug body, with the capacitor electrodes and dielectric arranged within the plug's internal volume. This nesting approach allows the capacitor to be accommodated within the existing plug structure without requiring additional external space.
3Reliability
If insulating material with perfect insulation properties is used, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating material properties are optimized locally at critical interfaces where electrical stress is highest, such as between the sensing capacitor electrodes and the plug body. This targeted approach provides sufficient insulation reliability without requiring perfect insulation properties throughout the entire material, simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating plug body is formed as a composite structure integrating the insulating material with the sensing capacitor components. This composite approach allows the insulating material to provide adequate insulation while accommodating the embedded capacitor, balancing reliability requirements with manufacturing feasibility.
4Measurement precision
If temperature compensation is implemented, then voltage measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor is merged with the insulating plug body, integrating the temperature sensing function into the existing plug structure. This integration allows temperature compensation to be implemented without adding significant device complexity, as the sensor utilizes the same embedded architecture as the voltage sensing capacitor.
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
Enhances voltage measurement precision and connection health monitoring, minimizing electrical discharges and costs while ensuring compatibility with existing connectors.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor, arranged on the circuit board and comprising a sensor probe, operable to sense a temperature in the vicinity of the sensor probe
Implementation Method 2
an integrated sensing capacitor, operable as a high-voltage capacitor in a sensing voltage divider for sensing the elevated voltage
Implementation Method 3
Capacitors of the sensing voltage divider require adequate electrical insulation in order to reduce the risk of electrical discharges between any capacitor on a higher voltage and an element on lower voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A sensored insulation plug for insertion into the rear cavity of a medium or high-voltage separable connector in a national grid power distribution network. The sensored insulation plug insulates a connection element on elevated voltage and senses the elevated voltage. The insulation plug features a rotationally symmetric body made of electrically insulating material. The sensored insulation plug includes an integrated sensing capacitor functioning as a high-voltage capacitor in a sensing voltage divider, with a high-voltage electrode, in use connected to the connection element, and a sensing electrode embedded in the insulating material. The dielectric of the sensing capacitor is formed by a portion of the insulating material. The insulation plug also has a circuit board with a signal contact connected to the sensing electrode and further includes a temperature sensor disposed on the circuit board.