Split-Core Power Harvesting Circuit for Low-Current Grid Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smart grid sensors that harvest power from power line currents require high current levels, limiting their installation to locations with sufficient current, necessitating a system for low power operation.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a split magnetic core, coil, power harvesting circuit with rectifier and voltage multiplier, and dynamic gain adaptation for current measurement, enabling efficient power harvesting and low power operation from low AC currents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If smart grid sensors harvest power from power line currents using conventional methods, then they can operate with sufficient power, but they require high current levels which limits their installation locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the power harvesting circuit by using a voltage multiplier to step up the voltage from low line currents. This allows the sensor to operate effectively at lower current levels by transforming the electrical parameters (voltage and current relationship) to match the operational requirements of the sensor, thereby enabling installation in locations with low power line currents while maintaining sufficient power harvesting efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic power management that adapts the sensor's operational mode based on available power from the power line. The system dynamically adjusts between different operating states to maximize power utilization from varying current levels, enabling the sensor to function across a wider range of installation locations with different current characteristics
2Adaptability or versatility
If smart grid sensors operate in locations with low power line currents, then installation flexibility improves, but power availability for operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage multiplier circuit transforms the electrical parameters by stepping up voltage from low line currents, converting unavailable low-voltage/low-current conditions into usable high-voltage/adequate-power conditions for sensor operation
Solution Approach 2:
The power harvesting circuit with voltage multiplier acts as an intermediary between the power line and the sensor, transforming the electrical characteristics to bridge the gap between low available power and sensor power requirements
3Device complexity
If conventional power harvesting circuits are used, then circuit simplicity is maintained, but power harvesting capability from low currents is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges a rectifier circuit with a voltage multiplier circuit in parallel configuration. This combination integrates multiple functions (rectification and voltage multiplication) into a unified power harvesting system that maintains relative simplicity while significantly enhancing power harvesting capability from low line currents
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 smart grid sensors to operate efficiently in locations with low power line currents, reducing power consumption and extending battery life through adaptive sampling and power management.
Implementation Method 1
A coil wrapped around one or two halves of the magnetic core with a first end and a second end of the coil configured to provide current from the coil
Implementation Method 2
A rectifier; wherein an output of the coil is connected to an input of said power harvesting circuit
Implementation Method 3
At least one voltage multiplier electrically connected in parallel to the rectifier
Data Source
AI summary
A system for harvesting power from AC current in a power line, including a split magnetic core having two halves, wherein the two halves of the magnetic core are configured to enclose around the power line; a coil is wrapped around one or two halves of the magnetic core with a first end and a second end of the coil configured to provide current from the coil; a power harvesting circuit is configured to harvest current from AC current in the power line, the power harvesting circuit including a rectifier and at least one voltage multiplier electrically connected in parallel to the rectifier; and wherein an output of the coil is connected to an input of said power harvesting circuit and an output of the power harvesting circuit is configured to supply voltage and current to load circuits.