Systems and methods to maximize power from multiple power line energy harvesting devices
AssigneeSentient Technology Holdings, LLC
InventorRonald S. RUMRILL
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A power distribution monitoring system is provided that can include a number of features. The system can include a plurality of monitoring devices configured to attach to individual conductors on a power grid distribution network. In some embodiments, a monitoring device is disposed on each conductor of a three-phase network and utilizes a split-core transformer to harvest energy from the conductors. The monitoring devices can be configured to harvest energy from the AC power grid. In some embodiments, the monitoring devices are configured to draw a ratiometric current to maintain an output resistance that equals an input resistance. Methods of installing and using the monitoring devices are also provided.
Claims11
A method of harvesting energy from one or more conductors of a power grid distribution network, comprising the steps of:
- harvesting energy from the one or more conductors with a first energy harvesting device installed on the one or more conductors;
- presenting an input current and an input voltage from the first energy harvesting device to a first energy harvesting circuit;
- and
- drawing a first ratiometric current from the first energy harvesting device with the first energy harvesting circuit such that a ratio of the input voltage to the input current equals a desired loading resistance of the first energy harvesting circuit.
An energy harvesting circuit configured to receive an input current and an input voltage from an energy harvesting device, comprising:
- a drive circuit configured to provide an output indicating if a load resistance of the energy harvesting circuit is above or below a desired load resistance;
- and
- a boost regulator configured to receive the output and to adjust the input voltage to match the load resistance of the energy harvesting circuit to the desired load resistance;
- wherein an output of the energy harvesting circuit is an output current set by the available power of the energy harvesting device when loaded with the load resistance of the energy harvesting circuit.
An energy harvesting system, comprising:
- a first energy harvesting circuit configured to receive a first input current and a first input voltage from a first energy harvesting device, the first energy harvesting circuit being configured to draw a first ratiometric current from the first energy harvesting device such that a first ratio of the first input voltage to the first input current equals a first desired loading resistance of the first energy harvesting circuit;
- a second energy harvesting circuit configured to receive a second input current and a second input voltage from a second energy harvesting device, the second energy harvesting circuit being configured to draw a second ratiometric current from the second energy harvesting device such that a second ratio of the second input voltage to the second input current equals a second desired loading resistance of the second energy harvesting circuit;
- a summation circuit configured to sum the first ratiometric current with the second ratiometric current into a combined current output;
- and
- a line monitoring device configured to receive the combined current output for operation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.