Voltage Measuring Device Using Electric Field Sensors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current voltage measurement devices require exposing and connecting to each conductor of a power cable, making it difficult to measure voltages without removing insulating sheaths and determining the number of conductors, which complicates the measurement process.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that use an enclosure and electric field sensors to measure voltage by simulating electric fields for different configurations of point electric charges, allowing voltage determination without direct contact or knowing the number of conductors, using a processing module to compare measured electric fields with simulated fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional voltage measurement devices are used, then voltage can be measured, but the conductors must be exposed and connected to, which complicates the measurement process and requires removing insulating sheaths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of an enclosure and electric field sensors that measure the electric field around the cable without direct contact with conductors. This intermediary measurement approach eliminates the need to expose conductors while still enabling voltage determination through field comparison with simulated configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical connection approach (exposing conductors and connecting voltmeters) with an electric field-based measurement system. By measuring and comparing electric field patterns, the system determines voltage without physical contact or conductor exposure, substituting mechanical interaction with field-based detection
2Measurement precision
If conventional voltage measurement devices are used, then voltage can be measured, but the insulating sheaths must be removed, which compromises cable integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure and electric field sensors act as intermediaries that enable voltage measurement through the insulating sheath without compromising it. The system measures the external electric field pattern and compares it with simulated fields, allowing voltage determination while maintaining the integrity of the insulating sheath
3Measurement precision
If conventional voltage measurement devices are used, then voltage can be measured, but the number of conductors must be known, which adds complexity to the measurement process
Solution Approach 1:
The system varies parameters such as sensor positions, enclosure configurations, and simulation models to match the measured electric field pattern. By changing these parameters and comparing results with simulated fields for different conductor configurations, the system can determine both voltage and the number of conductors without requiring prior knowledge of the conductor count
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 non-invasive voltage measurement of power cables by determining the number of conductors and calculating voltages from electric field measurements, simplifying the process and maintaining the integrity of the insulating sheaths.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the electric field with the sensor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The invention concerns a method for measuring the voltage of at least one conductor (121, 122, 123) of an electrical power cable (10) comprising the following steps: providing a container (22) made from a conductive material around a portion of the cable and at least one electric field sensor (301, 302, 303, 304) between the container and the cable; bringing the container to a constant potential and measuring the electric field by means of the sensor; and determining said voltage by comparing the measured electric field with electric fields simulated for a plurality of configurations of punctual electric charges.