Switchgear Temperature Sensing With Inductive Power and Remote Wireless Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature sensors in switchgear, particularly those with integrated wireless modules, face challenges in compact spaces due to high temperatures at hotspots, leading to damage and poor installation, assembly, and inefficient monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A sensor apparatus with separate transmission and power modules, where the power module draws power from the busbar by induction, and sensors are coupled via cables to transmission modules positioned away from hotspots, using copper tubes to protect sensors and reduce external components, facilitating accurate temperature measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If sensors with integrated wireless modules are installed at or near hotspots to enable wireless temperature monitoring, then wireless data transmission capability is improved, but the wireless module is damaged due to high temperature proximity
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the temperature monitoring function into two separate modules: a sensor module that remains at the hotspot to collect temperature data, and a wireless transmission module that is positioned away from the hotspot through cable connection. This segmentation allows the sensor to be close to the measurement point while the electronic components are protected from high temperature damage.
Solution Approach 2:
A cable serves as an intermediary connection between the sensor and the wireless transmission module, allowing data to be transmitted from the high-temperature zone to the low-temperature zone without direct exposure of the wireless module to the hotspot.
2Volume of moving object
If sensors with integrated wireless modules are mounted in compact spaces to meet miniaturization demands, then space utilization is improved, but the wireless module is damaged due to proximity to hotspots
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the sensor function from the wireless transmission function, allowing the small sensor to be installed in compact spaces near hotspots while the larger wireless module can be positioned in cooler areas with better heat dissipation.
3Extent of automation
If additional power sources such as batteries are added to enable wireless transmission, then wireless functionality is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing busbar in the switchgear as a power source for the wireless transmission module through electromagnetic induction. The busbar, which already carries high-voltage current, generates a magnetic field that induces current in the coil of the wireless module, eliminating the need for separate batteries or power supplies.
Solution Approach 2:
The high-voltage current in the busbar, which could be considered a potential hazard, is converted into a useful power source for the wireless transmission module through electromagnetic induction, turning a potential harm into a benefit.
4Measurement precision
If more external components are added to enable sensor installation, then temperature monitoring capability is improved, but the possibility of sharp corner potentials increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless transmission module, which contains electronic components and circuit boards with potential sharp corners, is extracted from the sensor assembly and positioned away from the hotspot. This reduces the number of external components near the busbar, thereby reducing the possibility of sharp corner potentials.
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
Improves safety and maintenance efficiency by allowing reasonable layout, reduces costs, and enhances installation efficiency while providing accurate temperature monitoring without additional power sources.
Implementation Method 1
a power module coupled to a busbar of the switchgear and configured to draw power from the busbar by induction
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
An apparatus (100) for measuring temperature of a switchgear (200) comprises: at least one sensor (101) arranged at or adjacent to a predetermined portion of the switchgear (200) and configured to sense a temperature of the predetermined portion; a transmission module (102) coupled to the at least one sensor (101) via a cable (1021) and configured to wirelessly transmit data representing the temperature; and a power module (103) coupled to a busbar of the switchgear (200) and configured to draw power from the busbar by induction and to supply the power to the transmission module (102) and the at least one sensor (101). On one hand, the number of the transmission module (102) is half or less than conventional solutions, reducing costs of the apparatus (100). On the other hand, the sensor (101) without the transmission module (102) has a tiny volume, which is more convenient to be installed in an appropriate location, such as in the tube (105), to obtain more accurate temperature data. Furthermore, the reduction in the number of parts such as the transmission module (102) also facilitates the installation of the apparatus (100) in the switchgear (200).