Wireless Winding Sensors With Split Antenna Layout in Enclosures

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromagnetic devices face challenges in using wireless sensors due to signal interference and environmental harshness, particularly in high-voltage applications where solid insulation and enclosures impede communication efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The electromagnetic device incorporates active wireless communication units with antennas cast in high-temperature materials, placed inside the enclosure to improve communication efficiency, and sensors positioned between solid insulation layers or fluid insulation, with energy harvesting for active sensors, allowing efficient wireless communication within the enclosure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If wireless sensors are placed inside the electromagnetic device enclosure, then measurement capability is improved, but communication reliability deteriorates due to signal interference and enclosure impalement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoidcommunication reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary wireless communication system that bridges the sensor inside the enclosure and the external monitoring system. The sensor communicates wirelessly through the enclosure wall without physical penetration, using the enclosure itself as part of the communication pathway rather than a barrier.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical connection methods (conductors, optical fibers) with wireless electromagnetic field-based communication. This substitution eliminates the need for physical penetrations through the enclosure wall, thereby maintaining enclosure integrity while enabling data transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If transceiving circuitry is placed inside the enclosure, then communication efficiency is improved, but environmental protection requirements increase due to harsh high-voltage conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidenvironmental protection needs
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the wireless communication system into two separate segments: the sensor unit placed inside the enclosure for data acquisition, and the transceiving circuitry placed outside the enclosure for signal processing. This segmentation allows each component to operate in its optimal environment without requiring complex protective measures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the vulnerable transceiving circuitry from the harsh high-voltage environment inside the enclosure and places it in a safe external location. Only the simple sensor element remains inside, while the complex electronics are removed to an protected external environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Measurement precision

If sensors are placed close to windings for better measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but interference with electromagnetic field increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses wireless electromagnetic field communication to replace physical connections, allowing the sensor to be positioned close to the winding for accurate measurement without requiring conductive pathways that would create interference or safety hazards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs the enclosure wall and insulation layers as flexible barriers that allow near-field wireless communication while providing electrical isolation. The sensor can operate close to the winding surrounded by insulation that acts as a natural shield against electromagnetic interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 configuration enables reliable wireless communication within the enclosure, reduces environmental protection needs for transceiving circuitry, and facilitates easier cooling, while minimizing interference with the electromagnetic device's operation.

Implementation Method 1

at least one antenna directed towards said at least one sensor... said at least one active communication unit and said at least one sensor being configured for wireless communication

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

energy harvesting for active sensors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy harvesting: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3910655B1Electromagnetic device equipped with at least one wireless sensor
Publication Date: 2023.10.25 HITACHI ENERGY LTD
  • EP3910655B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3910655B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3910655B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An electromagnetic device comprises an enclosure (12), at least one winding (16, 18) in the interior of the enclosure, at least one wireless sensor (26A, 26B, 26C, 26D) attached to the winding for sensing at least one property or deficiency of the electromagnetic device and at least one active communication unit (14A, 14B) comprising transceiving circuitry and at least one antenna, wherein the transceiving circuitry is placed on the exterior of the enclosure (12) and the least one antenna is placed inside the enclosure (12) for communication with the at least one sensor (26A, 26B, 28A).