Wireless Power Line Sensor Using Strain Gauges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for determining the status of downed power lines rely solely on current and voltage measurements, which are insufficient to accurately identify whether a power line is downed and energized, posing safety hazards and resource drainage for utility crews.
Innovation Solution
A wireless sensor apparatus integrated into power line insulators that measures current, voltage, and mechanical tension, using energy harvesting technology and strain gauges to provide real-time status reporting and alerts to utility providers and first responders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If only current and voltage measurements are used to determine power line status, then the system is simple, but the accuracy of identifying downed and energized lines is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions (current measurement, voltage measurement, and mechanical tension measurement) into a single integrated sensor apparatus that is installed on the power line insulator. This merging of multiple measurement capabilities into one device allows accurate determination of power line status (whether lines are downed and energized) without proportionally increasing system complexity, as all sensors share a common housing and power source.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor apparatus performs multiple functions simultaneously: it measures electrical current, measures electrical voltage, and measures mechanical tension on the power line. This multi-functionality enables the single device to provide comprehensive status information about power lines, resolving the contradiction by achieving high measurement precision through multiple parameters while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
2Measurement precision
If wireless sensor apparatus with multiple measurements is deployed, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor apparatus harvests electrical energy directly from the power line it monitors using electromagnetic induction. The device includes a coil that induces voltage from the alternating current in the power line, which is then rectified and stored in a capacitor or battery to power the sensor's electronics, wireless transmitter, and measurement circuits. This self-service energy harvesting eliminates the need for external power sources or frequent battery replacements, allowing the device to consume minimal energy while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical battery installation and replacement systems with an electromagnetic energy harvesting system. Instead of relying on mechanical power source replacement, the device uses electromagnetic induction to continuously generate electrical energy from the power line's alternating current, converting the power line's electrical energy into usable power for the sensor itself.
3Reliability
If strain gauges and energy harvesting are integrated into insulators, then safety and response efficiency improve, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor apparatus is designed as a nested structure where the electronic components, strain gauges, and energy harvesting elements are housed within a protective enclosure that is itself mounted on or integrated with the existing power line insulator. This nesting approach allows the complex sensor system to be contained within a compact form factor that leverages the existing insulator structure, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining high reliability for safety monitoring and rapid response.
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 system effectively determines the mechanical and electrical status of power lines, reducing false alarms and ensuring safer and more efficient response to downed power lines by incorporating tension measurements, thereby enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a non-contact electrical energy harvesting device, said energy harvest device disposed within said housing
Implementation Method 2
measures current, voltage, and mechanical tension, using energy harvesting technology and strain gauges
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless sensor apparatus for determining and reporting the status of an electrical wire, said sensor apparatus comprising: an electrically insulated housing; a non-contact electrical energy harvesting device, said energy harvest device disposed within said housing, said energy harvesting device comprising an electric current detector and voltage detector; an electric power source, said power source operatively connected to said energy harvesting device; a microcontroller, said microcontroller operably connected to said power source; a mechanically rigid base, said base operably connected to said housing and to said at least one strain gauge, said at least one strain gauge operably connected to said power source and to said microcontroller; a wireless data transmission antenna, said wireless data transmission antenna operably connected to said power source and to said microprocessor; a visual indicator, said visual indicator operably connected to said power source and to said microcontroller.