US 2020/0049743 A1 · Combined In-Line DC and AC Current Sensor for High Voltage Electric Power Lines

Abstract

The present invention may be embodied in an in-line high voltage electric power line monitor including a DC current sensor, an AC current sensor, an energy harvesting power supply, and a communication device. The in-line power line monitor includes a bus bar that connects in series with the monitored power line. For example, the in-line power line monitor may be connected at the junction point between the monitored power line and a support structure, such a sectionalizing switch that supports the monitor positioned between the switch and the power line. A pair of DC current measurement pickups are spaced apart on the bus bar and operatively connected to the microprocessor. The in-line power line monitor also includes an AC current sensor coil and an energy harvesting device (e.g., inductive coil) that surround the bus bar. The AC current sensor coil and the power supply coil are positioned adjacent to, but spaced apart from, the bus bar. An electronics board pair carries a pair of foil patch antenna elements positioned adjacent to the outer perimeter of the electronics board. Although the in-line power line monitor does not require a separate power supply, the electronics board may carry a backup battery if desired.

Claims20

Dependent claims

An in-line combined DC and AC current sensor for an electric power line, comprising:

a bus bar configured to be connected in-line with an electric power line conductor;
an electronics board positioned transverse to the bus bar with the bus bar extending through the electronics board, electronic components carried the electronics board comprising a microprocessor, a memory and a radio, operatively connected to the microprocessor;
a pair of DC current measurement pickups spaced apart on the bus bar and operatively connected to the microprocessor;
a power supply coil operatively connected to the microprocessor and positioned transverse to the bus bar with the bus bar extending through the power supply coil, the power supply coil configured to harvest electric energy from the power line conductor and provide the harvested electric energy to power the electronic components;
an AC current sensor coil operatively connected to the microprocessor and positioned transverse to the bus bar with the bus bar extending through the AC current sensor coil;
an electronics board cover positioned transverse to the bus bar with the bus bar extending through the electronics board cover;
an end plate positioned transverse to the bus bar with the bus bar extending through the end plate, with the electronics board, the DC current measurement pickups, a power supply coil, and the AC current sensor coil positioned between the electronics board cover and the end plate.

4 more elements

An in-line combined DC and AC current sensor system, comprising:

an electric power switch;
an electric power line conductor;
an in-line electric power line monitoring device connected between the electric power switch and the electric power line conductor, comprising:
a bus bar connected in-line with the electric power line conductor;
an electronics board positioned transverse to the bus bar with the bus bar extending through the electronics board, electronic components carried the electronics board comprising a microprocessor, a memory and a radio, operatively connected to the microprocessor;
a pair of DC current measurement pickups spaced apart on the bus bar and operatively connected to the microprocessor;
a power supply coil operatively connected to the microprocessor and positioned transverse to the bus bar with the bus bar extending through the power supply coil, the power supply coil configured to harvest electric energy from the power line conductor and provide the harvested electric energy to power the electronic components;
an AC current sensor coil operatively connected to the microprocessor and positioned transverse to the bus bar with the bus bar extending through the AC current sensor coil;
an electronics board cover positioned transverse to the bus bar with the bus bar extending through the electronics board cover;
an end plate positioned transverse to the bus bar with the bus bar extending through the end plate, with the electronics board, the DC current measurement pickups, a power supply coil, and the AC current sensor coil positioned between the electronics board cover and the end plate.

7 more elements

A method for monitoring an electric power line connected to an electric power switch, comprising:

connecting an in-line electric power line monitoring device to an electric power switch;
connecting an electric power line conductor to the in-line electric power line monitoring device;
the in-line electric power line monitoring device comprising:
a bus bar connected in-line with the electric power line conductor;
an electronics board positioned transverse to the bus bar with the bus bar extending through the electronics board, electronic components carried the electronics board comprising a microprocessor, a memory and a radio, operatively connected to the microprocessor;
a pair of DC current measurement pickups spaced apart on the bus bar and operatively connected to the microprocessor;
a power supply coil operatively connected to the microprocessor and positioned transverse to the bus bar with the bus bar extending through the power supply coil, the power supply coil configured to harvest electric energy from the power line conductor and provide the harvested electric energy to power the electronic components;
an AC current sensor coil operatively connected to the microprocessor and positioned transverse to the bus bar with the bus bar extending through the AC current sensor coil;
an electronics board cover positioned transverse to the bus bar with the bus bar extending through the electronics board cover;
an end plate positioned transverse to the bus bar with the bus bar extending through the end plate, with the electronics board, the DC current measurement pickups, a power supply coil, and the AC current sensor coil positioned between the electronics board cover and the end plate.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Combined In-Line DC and AC Current Sensor for High Voltage Electric Power Lines

Life of this patent

Combined In-Line DC and AC Current Sensor for High Voltage Electric Power Lines

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20