Medium voltage sensor using a multi-component resistive voltage divider
AssigneeAclara Technologies LLC
InventorMichael Giovannoni
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Abstract
Improved power line management is provided by the systems and methods disclosed herein that accurately measures voltage in a power distribution system. In various embodiments, the system may include one or more sensor units, each coupled to the power lines using a capacitive or resistive voltage divider to yield a voltage at a sensor unit that is within a measurable range. In one aspect, this voltage may also be used to power the sensor unit and/or other devices coupled to it.
Claims20
A system for measuring electrical properties of a power line comprising a first wire and a second wire, the system comprising:
- a sensor unit configured for connection to the first wire;
- and an elongated resistive element comprising a first end configured for connection to the sensor unit and a second end configured for connection to the second wire, the elongated resistive element having a distributed resistance.
A method of operating a sensor unit coupled to power line, the power line comprising a hot wire carrying in excess of 30,000 volts and another wire, the method comprising:
- measuring a voltage between the hot wire and the other wire with a voltage sensor in the sensor unit;
- measuring a current flow through one or more resistive elements connected in series with the sensor unit between the hot wire and the other wire;
- and adjusting the voltage measurement based on the measured current through the resistive element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.