TMR Current Sensor Virtual Ring Layout for Smart Grid
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing current measurement methods in smart power grids are inefficient and costly, failing to provide comprehensive and real-time sensing information due to reliance on conventional current transformers, which require complex wiring and high costs.
Innovation Solution
A current sensor system utilizing four first uniaxial Tunnel Magnetoresistance (TMR) chips and at least two second uniaxial TMR chips positioned on a virtual ring, collecting magnetic induction intensities to calculate the target current value of a to-be-measured wire, including both the wire's magnetic induction and interference fields, without the need for series connection to the circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional current transformers are used for current measurement, then current values can be obtained, but the measurement process becomes complicated and costs increase due to complex wiring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional current transformer (which requires physical wiring into the circuit) with a magnetic sensor-based detection system. The sensor detects the magnetic field generated by current flow through the wire without requiring electrical connection, substituting a mechanical/electrical system with a magnetic field-based system. This eliminates the complex wiring requirements while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the current-carrying wire and the measurement system. Instead of directly measuring current through wiring, the system measures the magnetic field generated by the current, using the magnetic field as a mediator to transfer information from the electrical circuit to the measurement device without direct electrical connection.
2Measurement precision
If conventional current transformers are used for current measurement, then current values can be obtained, but costs increase due to expensive equipment and complex installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive magnetic sensors (such as Hall effect sensors or magnetoresistive sensors) that can be manufactured at low cost using standard semiconductor fabrication processes. These sensors replace expensive current transformers, significantly reducing the cost of the measurement system while maintaining adequate measurement precision for most applications.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing the bulky, expensive current transformer with a compact magnetic sensor, the patent reduces both material costs and installation costs. The magnetic sensor requires no special wiring infrastructure, reducing installation complexity and associated labor costs, thereby improving ease of manufacture and deployment.
3Loss of information
If comprehensive sensing information is collected for smart grid applications, then better perception and prediction of power grid state is achieved, but existing measurement methods cannot satisfy the requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic sensor-based system serves multiple functions: it measures current magnitude, determines current direction, and can detect the presence of current flow. The same sensor platform can be deployed for various measurement applications, providing universal functionality that satisfies comprehensive sensing requirements while maintaining high measurement efficiency through non-contact operation.
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
This solution enhances measurement accuracy and simplifies the measurement process, reducing costs by eliminating the need for complex wiring and using lower-cost uniaxial TMR chips, while providing precise current values through the processor or computer device connected to the sensor system.
Implementation Method 1
each of the first uniaxial TMR chips and each of the second uniaxial TMR chips are configured to collect a magnetic induction intensity, the magnetic induction intensity is configured to calculate a target current value of a to-be-measured wire
Implementation Method 2
four first uniaxial Tunnel Magnetoresistance (TMR) chips and at least two second uniaxial TMR chips
Data Source
AI summary
A current sensor includes: four first uniaxial TMR chips and at least two second uniaxial TMR chips, each first uniaxial TMR chip and each second uniaxial TMR chip being located on the same virtual ring, wherein magnetic sensitive directions of the four first uniaxial TMR chips are perpendicular to a radius of the virtual ring, magnetic sensitive directions of two adjacent first uniaxial TMR chips are perpendicular to each other, magnetic sensitive directions of the two second uniaxial TMR chips are parallel to the radius of the virtual ring and opposite to each other, and the two second uniaxial TMR chips respectively have the same positions as two first uniaxial TMR chips; each first uniaxial TMR chip and each second uniaxial TMR chip are configured to collect a magnetic induction intensity, the magnetic induction intensity is configured to calculate a target current value of a to-be-measured wire.