POWER EXTRACTION FOR A MEDIUM VOLTAGE SENSOR USING A CAPACITIVE VOLTAGE DIVIDER

摘要

A sensor unit coupled to a first wire of a power line for measuring power-related parameters of the power line. The sensor unit contains a first capacitor and makes voltage measurements relative to another wire, to which the sensor unit is coupled by a second capacitor. The captors form a voltage divider such that the sensor unit may measure a voltage in a range much lower than the voltage on the power line. Additionally, the capacitive voltage divider yields a voltage that can be used to power the sensor unit, including by charging an energy storage device. The sensor unit may also supply power to other nearby devices, such as other devices that form a mesh sensor network.

主权项

1. A power line sensor unit configured for connection to a power line, the sensor comprising:
a first capacitor comprising a first electrode and a second electrode; a port configured to receive a connection to a second capacitor, wherein the first electrode of the first capacitor is connected to the port and the second electrode of the first capacitor is configured for connection to the power line; a voltage sensor configured to measure a voltage at the port, whereby the measured voltage is indicative of the voltage of the power line.