Compact Switchgear Sensor with Self-Calibrating Magnetic Core
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional measurement devices for electrical parameters require prior calibration, are bulky, and often necessitate disconnection of the electrical grid and modifications to the panel, limiting their installation flexibility and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A compact connection, sensing, and measurement device with magnetic and closed-core current sensors that can be easily and safely connected to any switchgear device without prior calibration, allowing for precise voltage and current measurement and transmission, and can be installed without modifying the electrical panel or disconnecting the power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional measurement devices (ammeter clips, transformers, shunts) are used, then current measurement is possible, but prior calibration is required which increases installation time and requires installer skill
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement device automatically performs self-calibration by detecting the relationship between voltage and current signals from the grid, eliminating the need for manual calibration by the installer. The device independently adjusts its internal parameters to achieve accurate measurements without external intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs calibration automatically during the first operation or initialization phase, preparing the measurement system in advance before actual use. This preliminary self-calibration ensures measurement accuracy is established before the installer needs to use the device.
2Reliability
If bulky measurement devices are installed adjacent to switchgear devices, then measurement function is provided, but installation requires disconnection of electrical grid and panel modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement device is designed to be mounted within the existing electrical panel structure, nesting it into the available space alongside switchgear devices. This eliminates the need for separate external installation and removes the requirement for panel modifications or grid disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with universal mounting capabilities that work with standard electrical panel configurations and switchgear devices. It can be installed in various panel types without requiring custom modifications, making it universally applicable across different electrical systems.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If measurement devices are permanently installed in electrical panels, then continuous monitoring is achieved, but free space in panels is limited requiring modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement device is divided into modular components that can be independently installed and configured. This segmentation allows the device to fit into limited panel spaces by utilizing vertical mounting or compact arrangements, avoiding the need for extensive panel modifications.
4Ease of operation
If open-core current sensors are used, then installation is simpler, but reading error can reach 20% without prior calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically performs self-calibration by detecting the relationship between voltage and current signals from the grid, eliminating the need for manual calibration by the installer. The device independently adjusts its internal parameters to achieve accurate measurements without external intervention.
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 device provides high-precision measurements with less than 10% error, is easy to install, and can be used in existing spaces without protruding, enabling universal compatibility and wireless data transmission to external devices for processing and storage.
Implementation Method 1
one or more closed-core current sensors, configured to: (a) sense, by each sensor, the magnetic field present on a network line
Implementation Method 2
each of the one or more connection elements comprises a magnetic end configured to establish a removable electrical connection to a respective metallic point
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4a
Figure 4b~5
AI summary
The invention relates mainly to a compact connection, sensing and measurement device that allows connection to the electrical grid by means of its easy and quick connection to any switching device, such as a magnetothermal switch or differential switch, an on-off switch, an overvoltage protector or the like; wherein its function of collecting and/or injecting signals that are available in the electrical grid, such as voltage or current signals of the electrical grid, and wherein the accuracy of the sensed values of the current is greater than 90% and does not require prior calibration before use. The invention also relates to a system comprising one or more connection, sensing and measuring devices, one or more servers provided with respective databases wirelessly receiving the processed output data transmitted by the one or more devices.