Spiral Core Current Transformer for Live-Line Energy Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transformers with split cores in electrical power networks experience reduced power generation due to disrupted magnetic field lines when monitoring devices are installed on live power lines, limiting the number and type of electronics that can be powered.
Innovation Solution
A current transformer assembly with a wound spiral core that allows installation on a connected power line without disconnection, using a ferromagnetic lamination wound on a spindle to form a magnetic core, enhancing power transfer efficiency and reducing losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a split core current transformer is used to allow installation on live power lines, then ease of operation is improved, but power transfer efficiency deteriorates due to disrupted magnetic field lines
Solution Approach 1:
The core is divided into two separable halves that can be opened and closed around the power line. This segmentation allows the transformer to be installed on live lines without disconnection while maintaining the ability to form a complete magnetic circuit when closed, thus resolving the contradiction between installation convenience and magnetic field continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
A bridging member or engagement mechanism serves as an intermediary to connect the two core halves together, forming a complete magnetic circuit. This intermediary component enables the core to be assembled around the power line while restoring magnetic field continuity, thereby maintaining power transfer efficiency despite the segmented structure.
2Loss of energy
If a solid core current transformer is used, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to install on live lines
Solution Approach 1:
The solid core is segmented into two halves that can be separated for installation purposes. When installed, these halves are brought together to form a complete magnetic circuit, providing the benefits of a solid core while enabling installation on live power lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The core structure transitions from a static solid form to a dynamic segmented form that can be opened and closed. This dynamic capability allows the transformer to be installed on live lines while maintaining the magnetic circuit integrity when closed, thus improving ease of operation without sacrificing power transfer efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If a split core with air gap is used, then ease of operation is improved, but magnetic field continuity deteriorates reducing power generation
Solution Approach 1:
A bridging member acts as an intermediary to connect the two core halves, eliminating or minimizing the air gap when the transformer is closed. This intermediary component restores magnetic field continuity while preserving the installation advantage of the segmented core structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The air gap, which is inherent in split core designs, is extracted or eliminated by using a bridging member to connect the core halves. This removal of the harmful air gap element restores magnetic field continuity while maintaining the ease of installation provided by the segmented core.
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 wound spiral core design increases power transfer efficiency and reduces losses, enabling more powerful operation of electronics in monitoring devices by maintaining consistent magnetic flux direction.
Implementation Method 1
a current transformer having a transformer structure with a central opening that accepts the primary conductor and a spindle member for accepting a current transformer including a lamination in a spiral shape form, such as a magnetic tape, operating as the core of the current transformer
Data Source
AI summary
A current transformer assembly for harvesting power from a primary conductor, such as a power line, for operating electronics, where the assembly is secured to the conductor while the conductor is connected. The assembly includes a current transformer having a transformer structure with a central opening that accepts the primary conductor and a spindle member for accepting a current transformer magnetic tape operating as the core of the current transformer. The assembly also includes a tape carrier secured to the structure on which the transformer tape is wound, and a winding device operable to unwind the transformer tape from the tape carrier and wind the tape onto the spindle member.