Sensored Insulation Plug With Integrated Capacitive Power and Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In medium-voltage and high-voltage power distribution networks, existing sensored insulation plugs require external power supplies and extensive cabling for voltage sensing and data transmission, occupying valuable space and increasing complexity.
Innovation Solution
A sensored insulation plug with a plug body formed by solidified insulating material, featuring a discrete coupling capacitor for energy harvesting and an integrated sensing capacitor for precise voltage sensing, eliminating the need for external power supplies and cabling by using the harvested energy to operate electronic circuitry and transmit data through power line communication or wireless means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external power supplies and cabling are used for voltage sensing and data transmission, then reliable power supply and data communication are achieved, but space requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation plug harvests energy from the high-voltage line itself to power the voltage sensing device and data transmission circuitry, eliminating the need for external power supplies and complex cabling. The high-voltage line serves dual purposes: power transmission and power supply for the sensing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The high-voltage power line is utilized for multiple functions: transmitting electrical power to the load and simultaneously providing power to the voltage sensing device and data communication system integrated in the insulation plug.
2Power
If external power supplies and cabling are installed, then adequate power for sensing and communication is provided, but valuable space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The system draws power from the high-voltage line itself, eliminating the need for separate power supply units and extensive cabling that would occupy valuable space around the insulation plug.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply function, voltage sensing function, and data transmission function are merged into a single integrated insulation plug, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall space requirements.
3Use of energy by moving object
If discrete capacitors with high voltage rating and large capacity are used, then adequate energy storage and sensing capability are achieved, but cost and availability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage function is segmented into two parts: a small discrete coupling capacitor for signal coupling and energy harvesting, and the insulating material itself acting as a large-capacity capacitor for energy storage. This division allows using readily available small capacitors while leveraging the abundant energy storage capacity of the insulating material.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating material serves as an intermediary that provides both electrical insulation and energy storage capacity, eliminating the need for large discrete high-voltage capacitors that are difficult to obtain.
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 accurate voltage sensing and data transmission without external power, reducing space requirements and complexity by integrating energy harvesting and sensing capabilities within the plug, enhancing operational efficiency and precision.
Implementation Method 1
a discrete coupling capacitor, operable to harvest energy from the elevated voltage of the contact piece
Implementation Method 2
an integrated sensing capacitor, operable as a high-voltage capacitor in a sensing voltage divider for sensing the elevated voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A sensored insulation plug for a separable connector in a MV/HV power distribution network of a national grid, operable to sense the MV/HV elevated voltage. The sensored insulation plug includes a plug body formed by a solidified insulating material, a contact piece, and a discrete coupling capacitor embedded in the insulating material and operable to harvest energy from the elevated voltage of the contact piece and optionally operable to superimpose a communication voltage signal over the elevated voltage. The sensored insulation plug further includes an integrated sensing capacitor, operable as a high-voltage capacitor in a sensing voltage divider for sensing the elevated voltage. The sensing capacitor comprises a high-voltage electrode comprising the coupling electrode and the contact piece, a tubular sensing electrode, and a dielectric comprising a portion of the insulating material.