Alternating Current Transducer

An alternating current transducer. The transducer may be placed onto a powerline to detect the presence of an electric current and electromagnetic field in the powerline. An alternating current transducer including a transformer and a flexible antenna may detect and measure the electric current and detect the presence of the electromagnetic field, respectively, present in/near the powerline. The transformer and flexible antenna in electric communication with a system on a chip networking module. The networking module may transmit to a remote location, fault conditions in connection with failing to detect an electric current or electromagnetic field to be associated with a powerline.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Description of Related Art

For your average household, a quick power outage or a tripped breaker may mean a slight inconvenience, but it usually would not be considered disastrous. However, in certain industries a power outage or electrical fault could mean damage to equipment, huge monetary losses, or even lost lives.

In places such as data centers, phone centrals, and medical centers a power fault could spell disaster. Not only is power critical to these systems, but usually the power system is complex and convoluted. Many times, these venues have large systems of powerlines and breakers which means more places where a fault might occur. In the event of a fault, it is crucial that the problem can be located and assessed as quickly as possible.

Based on the foregoing, there is a need in the art for a power monitoring system which can detect faults. What might be further desired is a power monitoring system which can provide the location of the fault and analysis to the cause of the fault.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the present invention is provided as an alternating current transducer. In an embodiment, the alternating current transducer is comprised of a transformer having a conductive core and a series of wire wrappings, a flexible antenna, and a networking module.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the conductive core of the alternating current transducer is placed around a powerline, as to envelope the powerline. The transformer of the alternating current transducer is provided to detect and measure the electric current in the enveloped powerline and the flexible antenna is provided to detect the electromagnetic field in the powerline.

In an embodiment, the alternating current transducer is further provided with a networking module in electric communication with the transformer and flexible antenna. In an embodiment, the networking module is provided as a system on a chip. The networking module processes current signals from the transformer and detected electromagnetic field signals form the flexible antenna. In the embodiment, the networking module transmits the received signals to a monitoring system, such that faults and outages may be detected and diagnosed.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the alternating current transducer is further provided with a power supply. In an embodiment, the power supply is a battery or supercapacitor. In another embodiment, the power supply is an external power source.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the alternating current transducer is further provided with one or more indicator lights to provide a visual indication at the transducer site, of a fault condition or proper operation condition in connection with a powerline.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the alternating current transducer is further provided with a ratcheting clip. The ratcheting clip retains the alternating current transducer in a set position on the power line, such that fluctuations in the electromagnetic field detected due to reposition are mitigated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention and their advantages may be understood by referring toFIGS. 1-6, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements.

In fault critical environments, such as data centers, it is advantageous for a maintenance crew to be able to remotely diagnose aspects of operating conditions at the data center wherein a particular type of fault condition can be remotely ascertained without requiring the presence of the maintenance crew at the data center premises.

Fault condition aspects, of a data center or other fault-critical location, addressed herein, include the following:

a) No power to a particular server in the data center or fault-critical location;

b) No alternating current being supplied to a particular server in the data center or fault-critical location but power, is detected, on the line to the server;

c) Power on the line to a particular server in the data center is detected along with alternating current being drawn by the server.

The foregoing conditions are ascertained in connection with determining whether an electric field is detected and whether current is detected and measured.

“Detection” as used herein is contemplated as being inclusive of detection above a specified or predetermined level. Detection below such a level, may be considered as representing an instance of not detecting an electric current or electric field.

Dispatch of service personnel can be a costly undertaking. The monitoring system herein, in combination with a communication system, may greatly reduce costs in maintaining data centers or fault-critical locations by minimizing personnel dispatches so as not to result in dispatch personnel for tasks better handled by power utility personnel.

Where no power is detected, i.e., no electric field and no current, it is not necessary to dispatch data center repair personnel as the problem is an electrical service problem best handled by the power utility.

Where there is no alternating current detected as being supplied to a particular server in the data center or fault-critical location but power, is detected, on the line to the server, this represents a problem for which data center repair personnel may be dispatched to remedy the lack of power to the server. So long as a power on the line, to a particular server in the data center or fault-critical location, is detected along with alternating current being drawn by the server.

FIG. 1is a simplified schematic/perspective drawing (resistor networks are not shown) illustrating current detection and measurement aspects of the fault detection device described herein. Coil200is wrapped around magnetic core202. Each end of coil200feeds the input of an amplifier such as buffer204. In connection with an alternating current206on power line208(also referred herein simply as line208), representative of a power line at a data center server or fault-critical location, a changing magnetic field is induced in magnetic core202. This changing magnetic field induces a current210in coil200. Buffer204amplifies the voltage difference between the two inputs to produce an output to processor212which receives the output214of buffer204. In connection with a first threshold level being reached at output214, processor212may make a determination as to whether current is being supplied to a server being powered by line208.

With reference still toFIG. 1, antenna216may be also wrapped as a coil around magnetic core202. Each end of antenna216feeds the input of an amplifier such as buffer218. An alternating voltage on line208which in fact creates a changing electric field despite no substantial current (e.g, below the first threshold voltage) in line208induces a changing magnetic field in magnetic core202. This changing magnetic field induces a current215in antenna216. In connection with a second threshold level (distinguished from the first threshold level referenced above) being reached, at the output of buffer218, which feeds an input to processor212, a determination may be made as to whether an electric field is present near line208sufficient to indicate the presence of ac power to line208without the presence of substantial current being drawn on line208by a server (not shown).

Powerline208status reported to processor212may be communicated by transmitter221which may also serve as a transceiver (which may be implemented as separately as a transmitter and a receiver) for transmitting status, via antenna223, to and/or receiving operational commands from a remote location. In connection with status conditions detected by processor212, alerts may be transmitted by transmitter221through antenna223to a remote location such as a monitoring station which can dispatch service personnel to the facility being monitored.

FIG. 2illustrates a schematic/perspective drawing of another embodiment making use of an open loop current sensor which employs a Hall-effect sensor203positioned in the air gap of an open loop magnetic core202. The Hall effect embodiments herein provide a more complicated sensor but with possibly a greater degree of current measurement capabilities. Magnetic core202alters the path of currents moving along the substrate of sensor203so as to deflect charge carriers of opposite polarity to the outer edges. Current source211creates a current through the substrate of sensor203. Alternating current through line208changes the magnetic field of magnetic core202which induces a current on the substrate of the Hall-effect sensor203. Buffer230amplifies the voltage difference between inputs received from either side of substrate of sensor203as shown. Buffer230may be biased accordingly with resistors of appropriate resistor values (not shown) to produce an output levels sufficient to distinguish between current being present or not present on line208at or above a particular threshold.

While current through line208may also produce an induced magnetic field causing another component of current through antenna216, such will result in a greater magnitude of alternating current in antenna216. Those levels of detection may be determined and distinguished by processor212.

With reference still toFIG. 2, antenna216may be also wrapped as a coil around magnetic core202. Each end of antenna216feeds the input of an amplifier such as buffer231. An alternating voltage on line208which in fact creates a changing electric field despite no substantial current (e.g, below the first threshold voltage) in line208induces a changing magnetic field in magnetic core202. This changing magnetic field induces a current215in antenna216. In connection with a second threshold level (distinguished from the first threshold level referenced above) being reached, at the output of buffer231, which feeds an input to processor212, a determination may be made as to whether an electric field is present near line208sufficient to indicate the presence of ac power to line208without the presence of substantial current being drawn on line208by a server (not shown).

FIG. 3illustrates a schematic/perspective drawing of another embodiment making use of closed loop current sensor which employs a Hall-effect sensor203positioned in the air gap of an open loop magnetic core202. In addition, a compensation flux209is created in core202to counteract the flux created in line208. The closed loop Hall-effect embodiment provides a compensation current in coil200resulting in a flux equal in amplitude, but opposite in direction, to the flux created by the current on line208.

FIG. 4, illustrates an embodiment of the foregoing wherein an alternating current transducer301engages powerline208. In the embodiment, the transducer301is configured to monitor both the current passing through the powerline208and electric field generated. In an embodiment, the alternating current transducer301is further configured to wirelessly transmit the electric field and current metrics to a monitoring system.

In an embodiment of the invention, the alternating current transducer301may be powered by the electromagnetic field generated by the powerline208via induction. In another embodiment, an internal power source or external power source provides the power source required to operate the alternating current transducer.

In an embodiment, the alternating current transducer301is clipped onto a powerline208by releasing a tab302such that the top part opens to allow the transducer to be removed from or attached to a powerline. In an embodiment, the enclosure further comprises a bottom lid (307inFIGS. 5-6), provided to keep the internal components of the transducer contained. In an embodiment, the alternating current transducer can accommodate powerlines which vary in thickness. In another embodiment, the transducer can be attached to a powerline up to 50 mm in diameter.

In an embodiment, alternating current transducer301is further provided with ratcheting clip303. The ratcheting clip retains the transducer in position and limits fluctuation in the monitored electric field caused by changes in distance between powerline208and a flexible antenna (335inFIGS. 5-6) provided within transducer.

With reference toFIGS. 5-6, an exploded view of components of alternating current transducer301are shown apart from enclosure305. The components of this embodiment include system-on-a chip (SOC) board310, power supply board315, connection headers320, transformer325, top conductive core330, and flexible antenna335.

With reference toFIG. 5, SOC board310, power supply board315, and connection headers320are shown. In this embodiment, SOC board310may be a printed circuit board (PCB) with a System on a Chip (SoC)311affixed thereto and connected to the PCB, the entirety of which comprises a networking module or portion thereof. SOC311may present multiple configurations appropriate for an alternating current transducer. Silicon Labs™ MGM111 networking module is one such SOC, configured with an internal antenna. In another embodiment, the networking module may be configured to connect to an external antenna. These networking modules include wireless communication capability to allow reporting back to a monitoring center for the data center or fault-critical location.

SOC board310may be provided with connection holes312on the PCB. The connection holes312are configured to accept headers320. The arrangement provides for an easy connection to the power supply board315. In an embodiment, the headers320may be soldered to the SOC board310and power supply board315to provide a more secure attachment and electrical connection. In other embodiments, electric communication between the SOC board310and power supply board315may be achieved by direct soldering, integration onto a single PCB, or by other appropriate means.

Power supply board315may be a PCB provided with energy management components and adapted to receive a super capacitor316. With reference toFIG. 6, the SOC board and power supply may be provided on a single powered SOC board314. In another embodiment, different energy storage units may be supplied, or a power may be provided by a power source external to the alternating current transducer. Further, a second power source may be provided as a backup. In the case where an external power source is used, one or more through-holes may be provided in the bottom lid307to allow a power source to connect to leads provided on SOC board310ofFIG. 5or powered SOC board314ofFIG. 6.

FIG. 6illustrates an embodiment wherein transformer325is provided with frame326, wire windings327(which may be covered with tape), and bottom conductive core328. Transformer325may be placed on powered SOC board314, such that pegs321of frame326engage with corresponding apertures provided on SOC board314. Frame326may be adhered to the SOC board314form by an interference fit, or it may be adhered in connection with a clearance fit.

With reference back toFIG. 5, an embodiment is depicted wherein SOC board310engages flexible antenna335. In this embodiment, flexible antenna335makes electrical contact with SOC board310via wiring pads provided on SOC board310(not specifically shown). Flexible antenna335is used to monitor the electromagnetic field of a powerline, to which the alternating current transducer is electrically/magnetically engaged.

Flexible antenna335may be wrapped around transformer325and wire windings327(which may be covered with tape) of transformer325. In a further embodiment, the flexible antenna335is attached to the windings327with tape, adhesive, or other suitable method of attachment.

The SOC herein may be configured to receive different forms of wireless communication, such as Bluetooth, Bluetooth LE, Zigbee, radio frequency, or other forms of wireless communication. These forms of communication may serve the transmitter221or a transceiver as discussed above. In some embodiments, the alternating current transducer is configured to the preferred form of wireless communication depending on the preferred communication of the monitoring system. In other embodiment, a hardwired connection may be used for communication with a monitoring system.

With reference toFIGS. 5 and 6, top conductive core330fits into the enclosure top306. In some embodiments, top conductive core330is retained by plastic tabs (not shown) provided on the enclosure top306. In other embodiments, conductive core330may be attached to enclosure top306by adhesion or other attachment means. In still other embodiments, top conductive core330is identical to bottom conductive core328of the transformer325. Top core330and bottom conductive core328may vary in shape, size, and material as deemed appropriate. In example embodiments, the conductive core is comprised of ferrite, a magnetic material, hollow air core, air core or another material which is electrically and/or magnetically conductive. In another embodiment, a solid conductive core may be provided, wherein the core is not split into bottom and top portions. In such an embodiment, the transducer may be slid onto the end of a powerline, or the powerline may be spliced to place the transducer onto the line.

An antenna (such as an antenna on board310or314or internal to an SOC) is provided to transmit the status of the transducer to a monitoring system (not shown). Electric field status (present or not) and current levels, monitored by the transducer, are sampled by the monitoring system to allow the detection of faults. In an exemplary embodiment, if a monitoring system shows a sudden spike in current, followed by a loss in current and electric field, it is a good indication that there is a problem downstream, such as a tripped breaker or broken fuse. Should the monitoring system receive a signal from a transducer which shows no current, but an electric field is present, then there is a good indication that the problem is upstream of the transducer and a system may be idle.

In some embodiments, multiple transducers may be used along with a monitoring system to monitor large electrical systems which may be present in data centers, phone centers, or other applications wherein power supply is critical (herein referred to as fault-critical locations). When a fault is recorded, or detected anywhere in the system, the fault location is identified by the transducer at which it has occurred, and the type of fault, indicative of the problem, recorded is. Such allows for quickly locating and troubleshooting an electrical fault in a system of practically any size. Furthermore, the simplicity of the transducer unit makes it a cost effective solution for continuous monitoring of power supplies.

The transducer is provided as a portable unit to be attached to a powerline. In an embodiment, the transducer has box dimensions of approximately 4 (centimeters) by 2.5 cm by 2 cm. In another embodiment, the transducer has box dimensions of approximately 6 cm by 3.5 cm by 3 cm. In an embodiment, the box dimensions of the transducer may range from about 4-6 cm in height, 2-3 centimeters in length, and 2.5-3.5 centimeters in depth.

Enclosure305or SOC board310may be provided with one or more lights for indicating the status of powerline208and/or the status of transducer301. Such lights401are shown on enclosure305inFIG. 4. As an example, implementation with three lights, for instance, a first light may indicate the presence of a current; a second light may indicate the presence of an electric field; and a third light may indicate the presence of both current and an electric field without requiring the other lights to be lit. Alternatively, no lights lit may be indicative of no power to transducer301or no power on line208. In other embodiment, a single light (not shown) configured to emit multiple colors may be provided, and the color can be configured to indicate the presence of a current, electric field, or both. Multiple configurations of lights may be used for the same purpose of indicating presences of current, electric field, or faults. The lights may be also used to indicate the proper function of the transducer and or powerline, etc. The foregoing described visual light indication is intended to aid service personnel in readily determining the location of faults at a location such as a data center.

In other embodiments, lights may be provided at bottom lid307visible, to an observer, through two or more through-holes (341inFIGS. 5-6). In another embodiment, bottom lid307, enclosure305, or both will be comprised of a translucent or transparent plastic, such that the lights are visible to an observer.

The foregoing may be powered parasitically through a powerline and it may be optionally provided back-up power through an additional battery (309inFIG. 6). In connection with power no longer being sensed, failure to detect an alternating current or electric field, an alert may be transmitted to a remote location as powered by the available mechanism powering the transducer.

For embodiments including a transceiver or a receiver separate from a transmitter, instructions may be sent from a remote location to control the operations of concerning current sensing, electric field sensing, and reporting faults/sending alerts.