WO2022268282A1 - HARVESTING DEVICE FOR IoT MEASURING DEVICE - Google Patents

HARVESTING DEVICE FOR IoT MEASURING DEVICE Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022268282A1
WO2022268282A1 PCT/DK2022/050148 DK2022050148W WO2022268282A1 WO 2022268282 A1 WO2022268282 A1 WO 2022268282A1 DK 2022050148 W DK2022050148 W DK 2022050148W WO 2022268282 A1 WO2022268282 A1 WO 2022268282A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
energy
iot
measuring device
source
harvesting
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PCT/DK2022/050148
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French (fr)
Inventor
Golam Reza WÖHLK SADEGHNIA
Original Assignee
OKTO Acoustics ApS
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Publication date
Application filed by OKTO Acoustics ApS filed Critical OKTO Acoustics ApS
Publication of WO2022268282A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022268282A1/en

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J50/00—Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power
    • H02J50/001—Energy harvesting or scavenging

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to harvesting energy from a source, for powering an IoT device with the harvested energy which IoT is measuring the source.
  • a measuring device may be an Internet of Things, IoT, device, which often is part of a controlling, monitoring and/or detecting system.
  • IoT Internet of Things
  • the IoT measuring device or devices makes it possible not only to improve the overall efficiency of other systems in the industry, including for important tasks like measurement and inspecting systems in real time.
  • Such controlling, monitoring and/or detecting system in the industry relies on the measurement data retrieved from the IoT measuring device or devices.
  • IoT measuring devices are often powered by the batteries and it is well-known that the lifetime of battery is limited. If the controlling, monitoring and/or detecting system can not retrieve the measurement data retrieved from the IoT measuring device or devices, the system becomes unreliable and useless.
  • IoT devices Since many IoT devices are powered by battery or batteries, the battery will eventually run out of power, and the battery has to be recharged in order for the electrical device to work.
  • the electrical power may be located in an area which is hard to get to, and replacing the battery or batteries will therefore have a high maintenance costs and is very time consuming.
  • the environmental issue has to be taken into consideration, when using batteries in IoT devices. Each year many batteries are disposed, all containing more or less toxic or corrosive materials, which become hazardous waste and pose threats to health and the environment if improperly disposed.
  • There is strong need of self-powered devices or alternative sources of energy to contin uously power the IoT measuring devices since the batteries do not last the life of a device. Either the battery determines the life of the IoT device or the battery must be replaced periodically. Both solutions have high maintains costs and is very time con suming.
  • the present invention addresses this by providing an energy harvesting device for har vesting energy from at least one source, wherein the energy harvesting device com prises:
  • the capturing unit comprises at least one capturing means for capturing energy from said source
  • said converting unit comprises at least one converting means for converting the captured energy into electrical energy
  • At least one connecting means capable of being releasably connected to an IoT meas uring device configured to measure the source, such that the electrical energy is capable of powering said IoT measuring device, while the IoT measuring device measuring the source.
  • Energy harvesting is based on capturing energy from an electromagnetic source.
  • the energy harvesting device generates electrical energy by absorbing energy from the en vironment, in this case an electromagnetic source, such as a transformer or a generator.
  • the energy harvesting device is capable of powering an IoT device with the harvested energy. This technology will overcome the replacement and maintenance of the batter ies resulting in more reliable and long-lasting solutions.
  • Providing electrical energy by harvesting energy using electromagnetic fields is for ex ample to avoid the drawbacks and limitations in a device, when using batteries.
  • Generators and/or transformers, also motors provide the possibility of harvesting en ergy from the electromagnetic field generated by the generators and/or transformers etc. using electromagnetic induction principle.
  • the harvested energy can be used for pow ering IoT devices.
  • the energy harvesting device is capable of continually supplying energy to IoT devices.
  • Generators, transformers and/or motors also provide the possibility of harvesting en ergy wirelessly from the electromagnetic field generated by the generators and/or trans formers etc. using for example the principle of inductive coupling.
  • the harvested energy can be used for powering IoT devices.
  • the energy harvesting device is capable of con tinually supplying energy to IoT devices
  • the energy harvesting device harvest energy from a power trans former or a generator in a power station.
  • the device is configured to harvest energy from at least one source and powering an IoT measuring device with the harvested energy, while the IoT measuring device at the same time is measuring the source.
  • the source may by monitored and analysed using IoT measuring device, in order to follow the performance of the source over time.
  • the source may generate an electromagnetic field while performing its primary purpose of operation.
  • the device may be configured to harvest energy from the electromagnetic field.
  • the source may generate a thermal radiation while performing its primary purpose of operation.
  • the device may be configured to harvest energy from the thermal radiation.
  • the source may generate a thermoelectric energy while performing its primary purpose of operation.
  • the device may be configured to harvest energy from the thermal energy.
  • Other type of energy, which may be harvested from a source may be harvested by the device.
  • the energy harvesting device for harvesting energy from a source which may be trans formers/generators, has advantages.
  • the transformers or generators in power stations may use IoT measuring devices for monitoring and analysing the status of the trans formers/generators. Energy harvesting devices are capable of harvesting energy from one-phase and three-phase power transformers, which are often used in electric power stations.
  • An example is using an IoT measuring device and the IoT measuring device which is located in an area which is hard to get to, for example on a transformer/generator in an electrical grid or power stations.
  • the advantage of using an energy harvesting device to power the IoT measuring device is a reduction of the maintenance costs.
  • the solution will also reduce the hazardous waste and reduce the threats to the environment.
  • Energy harvesting technique is a process of capturing energy from one or more sources and converting them into electrical energy.
  • An electromagnetic and/or heat generating source may be a transformer and/or a generator used in power stations or grids.
  • the electromagnetic source may also be another electromagnetic source having an electro magnetic field from which the electrical energy may be harvested.
  • the energy harvesting device is capable of harvesting energy from the same source which is being monitored.
  • the energy harvesting device is used to increase the lifetime and efficiency of the IoT measuring device and also the system in which the IoT measuring device is a part of and at the same time reduces maintenance costs.
  • the energy harvesting device comprises a capturing unit.
  • the capturing unit has at least one capturing means for capturing energy /harvesting from said one or more electromag- netic sources, which emits electromagnetic radiation or has an electromagnetic field.
  • the electromagnetic radiation/field may be captured using a capturing unit.
  • the captur ing unit is for example arranged within the electromagnetic field of the electromagnetic source.
  • the capturing unit is capable of capturing a predefined amount of electromag netic energy produced by transformer or generator.
  • the capturing unit is capable of being mounted on the inside and/or on the outside of a transformer or a generator.
  • the capturing unit is arranged relative to the transformer or generator in a predefined posi tion.
  • Electrical energy used for electric power is energy that is converted from electrical energy harvested from the elec tromagnetic field.
  • electrical energy harvested from the elec tromagnetic field Such as an electromagnetic field generated by a transformer or a gen erator.
  • the capturing unit captures energy from the electromagnetic field, the en ergy may be converted into a power which is capable of powering the IoT measuring device.
  • the energy harvesting device comprises a converting unit.
  • the converting unit has at least one converting means for converting the captured energy into electrical en ergy.
  • the converting means is capable of converting the captured energy into an elec trical energy.
  • the energy harvesting device comprises one or more converting means.
  • the converting means comprises an electrical circuit, which is capable of receiving an alternating cur rent, AC, from the capturing unit.
  • the converting means may comprise an AC to DC converter, which converts the alternating current, AC, to the direct current, DC.
  • the DC from the AC/DC converter may be capable of powering the IoT measuring device with the correct DC voltage.
  • a simple solution is to use rectifiers in the electrical converter circuit. For example a bridge rectifier may be used for this purpose.
  • a DC filter may be added as well in order to stabilise the DC voltage.
  • Energy harvesting device may comprise an electrical circuit having a DC to DC con verter.
  • the DC to DC converter converts the harvested DC voltage to a predefined DC voltage, suitable for powering the IoT measurement device and/or for charging a re chargeable battery.
  • the DC to DC converter may be a step-up or a step-down converter.
  • the energy harvesting device may comprise at least one fastening means, such that the energy harvesting device is capable of being fastened to said electromagnetic sources.
  • a charging unit is capable of charging a rechargeable battery in an IoT measuring device.
  • the charging unit can charge a capacitor or a hy brid combination of energy storage media in an IoT measuring device.
  • the energy harvesting device also comprises a charging unit.
  • the charging unit may be connected to an IoT measuring device, which comprises at least one rechargeable bat tery.
  • the charging unit may be connected directly or indirectly to a rechargeable battery or batteries related to the IoT measuring device.
  • the charging unit may transfer the electrical energy to the IoT measuring device’s rechargeable battery, such that the bat tery or batteries are capable of continuously powering the IoT measuring device.
  • the IoT measuring device may comprise a capacitor or a hybrid combination of energy storage media for powering the IoT measuring device.
  • the charging unit may be connected directly or indirectly to the IoT meas uring device.
  • the charging connection may provide the electrical energy as a continuous energy supply to the IoT measuring device, such that the energy harvesting device has a function as a power supply.
  • the energy harvesting device may harvest energy from the same power transformer which the IoT measurement device is intended to measure continuously.
  • the power transformer is measured by the IoT measurement device or devices.
  • One example of using both energy harvesting device and the rechargeable battery as power for the IoT measuring device is as follows: If a power transformer is working properly, the energy harvesting device provides the harvested energy directly to IoT measuring device. If the power transformer fails and the energy harvesting device is not capable of harvesting energy, the IoT measuring device will be powered by the rechargeable battery as a backup system.
  • At least one capturing means com prises at least one energy harvesting unit.
  • the capturing means comprises at least one energy harvesting unit, such as a coil with one or more windings/turns of the coil or a coil array.
  • an antenna or antenna array may be used.
  • the electromagnetic field energy may be captured using one or more energy harvesting unit.
  • the energy harvesting unit or units may be connected directly or indirectly to an electrical converter circuit.
  • the electrical converter circuit converts the alternating cur- rent, AC, from all the energy harvesting units to direct current, DC.
  • the capturing means may comprise other energy harvesting unit config ured to harvest energy from the source.
  • Energy harvesting unit may harvest energy which is thermo energy, mechanical vibrations, electrical vibrations and/or electromag- netic field, EMF.
  • the present invention also provides an embodiment of an IoT measuring device com prising at least one energy harvesting device or part of an energy harvesting device, wherein the IoT measuring device is capable of being powered with energy harvested from an electromagnetic source using said energy harvesting device.
  • the energy harvesting device or devices may harvest energy from the power trans former or any other similar electromagnetic source, which is being measured by the IoT measuring device.
  • the energy harvesting device may continually provide power for IoT measuring device.
  • the energy harvesting device or devices may harvest energy as long as the electromagnetic source is working properly and emitting electromagnetic power to harvest.
  • the IoT measuring device for measuring a power transformer comprising at least one energy harvesting device, wherein the IoT measuring device is capable of being pow ered with energy harvested from said power transformer or generator.
  • the energy har vested from said power transformer is provided by said energy harvesting device.
  • the energy harvesting devices may be arranged fully or partially enclosed in the hous- ing of the IoT measurement device.
  • the capturing unit or units may be arranged outside the housing of the IoT measurement device.
  • the capturing unit or units may have a predefined distance relative to the IoT measurement device.
  • the capturing unit or units may have a shape or size which is not capable of being integrate into the housing of the IoT measurement device.
  • the IoT measuring device comprises at least one rechargeable battery for powering the IoT measuring device, wherein said at least one rechargeable battery is capable of being charged by said energy harvesting device.
  • the energy harvesting device or devices may charge a rechargeable battery or batteries related to the IoT measuring device.
  • the rechargeable battery or batteries may also pro vide power to the IoT measuring device, for example when the power transformer is being measured by the IoT measuring device.
  • the IoT measuring device may thereby be provided with power continually, as long as it is required for the IoT measuring device to measure the electromagnetic source.
  • the energy harvesting device is capable of powering the IoT measuring device directly. In this case as long as the source is active and emitting power to harvest.
  • the present invention also provides a measuring system, wherein the measurement sys tem comprises at least one IoT measuring device, wherein the IoT measuring device is powered by at least one energy harvesting device, wherein said measuring system is capable of harvesting energy from at least one source using energy harvesting device, wherein the source is being measured by the at least one IoT measuring device.
  • the measurement system comprises at least one IoT measuring device measuring at least one generator or transformer.
  • the IoT measuring device may be placed in prede fined locations relative to the generator or transformer to provide the most optimal measurement.
  • the capturing unit or capturing units may be arranged in another location or locations away from the IoT measuring device.
  • the source may have an emitting pattern, wherein harvesting of energy in one location is more optimal than another location.
  • the capturing unit can therefore be arranged with distance to the IoT measuring device. Furthermore, it may in some occasions be prefer able having the capturing unit arranged away from the housing of the IoT measuring device such that the capturing unit does not electronically interfere with the measure ment of the generator or transformer.
  • the invention is also directed at a method for harvesting energy from an source using at least one energy harvesting device, wherein the method comprises following steps:
  • the method comprises steps wherein the energy harvesting device for example harvests energy from electromagnetic sources having an electromagnetic field, such as power transformer in a power stations or similar.
  • Energy harvesting device may harvest energy from a source, which provides thermo energy, mechanical vibrations, electrical vibra tions and/or electromagnetic field, EMF, to be harvested.
  • the energy harvesting device captures energy from said electromagnetic sources using one or more capturing units.
  • the energy harvesting device converts the captured energy into electrical energy, using a converting unit.
  • the energy harvesting device may be releasably connected or firmly fastened to one or more IoT measuring devices using connecting means.
  • the energy harvesting device may be capable of powering one or more IoT measuring devices with electrical energy simultaneously.
  • the invention may be directed at a method for harvesting energy from a transformer or a generator in a power station using at least one energy harvesting device. Furthermore, the IoT measuring device is capable of measuring said transformer or said generator.
  • the method comprises further steps of:
  • the energy harvesting device may harvest energy from the electromagnetic source, which is being measured by the IoT measuring device.
  • the energy harvesting device may harvest energy from the electromagnetic source concurrent with the IoT measuring device measuring the electromagnetic source. In this case as long as the electromagnetic source is active and emitting electromagnetic power to harvest.
  • the invention may be directed at a method for harvesting energy from a transformer or a generator in a power station using at least one energy harvesting device. Furthermore, wherein the IoT measuring device is capable of measuring said transformer or said gen- erator, while being powered by the energy harvesting device.
  • the method comprises further a step:
  • the energy harvesting device or devices may charge a rechargeable battery or batteries related to the IoT measuring device.
  • the rechargeable battery or batteries may also pro vide power to the IoT measuring device, for example when the electromagnetic source is being measured by the IoT measuring device.
  • the method may comprise charging at least one of a ca pacitor or a hybrid combination of energy storage media with electrical energy and powering the IoT measuring device with electrical energy from the capacitor or hybrid combination of energy storage media.
  • the IoT measuring device may thereby be provided with power continually, as long as it is required for the IoT measuring device to measure the electromagnetic source.
  • the energy harvesting device may be capa ble of powering the IoT measuring device directly. In this case as long as the electro- magnetic source is active and emitting electromagnetic power to harvest.
  • an IoT measuring device comprising at least one energy harvesting device wherein the IoT measuring device is capable of being powered with energy harvested from a power transformer in a power station.
  • the vibration of transformers and generators may also be harvested using a capturing unit.
  • Vibration energy harvesting is the concept of converting vibration energy to elec trical energy. This is possible through different technologies, e.g. electromagnetic in- duction or Piezoelectric fibres. This may be combined in relation with the electromag netic harvesting as described above.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the energy harvesting device.
  • Fig. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the housing of the IoT measuring device and the energy harvesting device.
  • Fig. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the housing of the IoT measuring device and the energy harvesting device attached to the same transformer.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates a diagram of an embodiment of the energy harvesting device 2.
  • Gen erators and/or transformers 1, also motors, provide the possibility of harvesting energy from the electromagnetic field generated by the generators and/or transformers 1 etc. using electromagnetic induction principle.
  • the harvested energy can be used for pow- ering IoT devices 3.
  • the energy harvesting device 2 is capable of continually supplying energy to IoT device 3.
  • the transformers or generators 1 in power stations may use IoT measuring devices 3 for monitoring and analysing the status of the transformers/generators 1.
  • the energy harvesting device 2 is capable of harvesting energy from one-phase and three-phase power transformers 1, which are often used in electric power stations.
  • the IoT measur ing device is placed in predefined locations relative to the generator or transformer to provide the most optimal measurement.
  • the energy harvesting device comprises a capturing unit 4.
  • the capturing unit 4 has at least one capturing means for capturing energy /harvesting from said one or more elec tromagnetic sources.
  • the capturing means is provided with at least one energy harvest- 5 ing unit, which in this example is a coil or coils 4', having a predefined dimension.
  • the capturing means may harvest thermo energy using an energy harvest ing unit or units for harvesting thermo energy from the transformers’ heat radiation.
  • the capturing means may harvest mechanical energy using an energy har vesting unit or units for harvesting mechanical energy from the transformers’ mechan ic) ical vibrations.
  • the capturing means may harvest other energy using an energy harvesting unit or units for harvesting energy from the transformer as such.
  • the capturing means is capable of comprising more than one coil 4', with one or more windings/turns of the coil or having a coil array.
  • a coil an antenna or 15 antenna array may be used.
  • the amount of voltage induced in the coil 4 is proportional to the number of turns and the changing electromagnetic field of the coil 4'.
  • the energy harvesting device 2 comprises converting means 5.
  • the converting means may comprise an AC to DC converter, which converts the captured energy from the 0 coil's 4' alternating current to the direct current.
  • a simple solution is to use rectifiers in the electrical converter circuit. For example a bridge rectifier may be used for this pur pose.
  • a DC filter may be added as well, in order to stabilise the DC voltage.
  • Energy harvesting device 2 comprises a DC to DC converter or booster 6.
  • the DC to 5 DC booster 6 converts the DC voltage to a predefined DC voltage 7, suitable for pow ering the IoT measurement device 3 and/or for charging a rechargeable battery in the IoT measurement device 3.
  • the DC to DC booster 6 may be a step-up or a step-down converter.
  • Fig. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the housing of the IoT measuring device and the energy harvesting device.
  • the housing 9 comprises the IoT measuring device 2 and part of the energy harvesting device 2.
  • the housing 8 is the capturing unit 4, the coil 4'.
  • the capturing unit 4 or units 4 is arranged outside the housing 9 of the IoT measurement device.
  • the capturing unit 4 or units 4 may have a predefined distance relative to the housing 9 of the IoT measurement device and part of the energy harvesting device 2.
  • the capturing unit 4 harvests energy from the same transformer or generator of which the IoT measurement device 3 is measuring.
  • the housing 9 comprises the IoT measur ing device 2 and part of the energy harvesting device 2 may be connected to a plurality of the capturing units 4.
  • Fig. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the housing of the IoT measuring device 3 and two energy harvesting devices 2', 2" attached to the same transformer 1.
  • the energy har vesting devices 2', 2" are harvesting energy from the same object, the transformer 1, as being measured by the IoT device 3, which is being powered by the energy harvesting devices 2', 2".
  • the energy harvesting devices 2', 2" or part of energy harvesting de vices 2', 2" are placed in another location away from IoT measuring device 3.
  • the IoT measuring device 3 is then disturbed as little as possible by the energy harvesting de vices 2', 2", in the view of noise etc.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to harvesting energy from a source, and for powering an IoT device with the harvested energy. It is an object of the invention to provide a device and a method for harvesting energy from a source, and powering an IoT measuring device with the harvested energy, while the IoT measuring device is measuring the source. Furthermore, it is also an object of the invention to provide a solution for a measuring system using the IoT measuring devices powered by a harvesting device. The present invention addresses this by providing an energy harvesting device for harvesting energy from at least one source, wherein the energy harvesting device comprises: - a capturing unit, wherein the capturing unit comprises at least one capturing means for capturing energy from said from a transformer or generator, - a converting unit, wherein said converting unit comprises at least one converting means for converting the captured energy into electrical energy, - at least one connecting means capable of being releasable connected to an IoT measuring device configured to measure the source, such that the electrical energy is capable of powering said IoT measuring device, while the IoT measuring device measuring the source.

Description

[HARVESTING DEVICE FOR IoT MEASURING DEVICE]
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to harvesting energy from a source, for powering an IoT device with the harvested energy which IoT is measuring the source.
Background of the Invention
A measuring device may be an Internet of Things, IoT, device, which often is part of a controlling, monitoring and/or detecting system. The IoT measuring device or devices makes it possible not only to improve the overall efficiency of other systems in the industry, including for important tasks like measurement and inspecting systems in real time. Such controlling, monitoring and/or detecting system in the industry relies on the measurement data retrieved from the IoT measuring device or devices.
IoT measuring devices are often powered by the batteries and it is well-known that the lifetime of battery is limited. If the controlling, monitoring and/or detecting system can not retrieve the measurement data retrieved from the IoT measuring device or devices, the system becomes unreliable and useless.
Since many IoT devices are powered by battery or batteries, the battery will eventually run out of power, and the battery has to be recharged in order for the electrical device to work. The electrical power may be located in an area which is hard to get to, and replacing the battery or batteries will therefore have a high maintenance costs and is very time consuming. Also the environmental issue has to be taken into consideration, when using batteries in IoT devices. Each year many batteries are disposed, all containing more or less toxic or corrosive materials, which become hazardous waste and pose threats to health and the environment if improperly disposed. There is strong need of self-powered devices or alternative sources of energy to contin uously power the IoT measuring devices, since the batteries do not last the life of a device. Either the battery determines the life of the IoT device or the battery must be replaced periodically. Both solutions have high maintains costs and is very time con suming.
Object of the Invention
It is an object of the invention to provide a device and a method for harvesting energy from a source, and powering an IoT measuring device with the harvested energy, while the IoT measuring device is measuring the source.
Furthermore, it is also an object of the invention to provide a solution for a measuring system using the IoT measuring devices powered by a harvesting device.
Consequently, it is the object of the present invention to provide a device and a method, which addresses this problem and additionally provides a number of further advantages.
Description of the Invention
The present invention addresses this by providing an energy harvesting device for har vesting energy from at least one source, wherein the energy harvesting device com prises:
- a capturing unit, wherein the capturing unit comprises at least one capturing means for capturing energy from said source
- a converting unit, wherein said converting unit comprises at least one converting means for converting the captured energy into electrical energy,
- at least one connecting means capable of being releasably connected to an IoT meas uring device configured to measure the source, such that the electrical energy is capable of powering said IoT measuring device, while the IoT measuring device measuring the source.
Energy harvesting is based on capturing energy from an electromagnetic source. The energy harvesting device generates electrical energy by absorbing energy from the en vironment, in this case an electromagnetic source, such as a transformer or a generator. The energy harvesting device is capable of powering an IoT device with the harvested energy. This technology will overcome the replacement and maintenance of the batter ies resulting in more reliable and long-lasting solutions.
Providing electrical energy by harvesting energy using electromagnetic fields is for ex ample to avoid the drawbacks and limitations in a device, when using batteries. Generators and/or transformers, also motors, provide the possibility of harvesting en ergy from the electromagnetic field generated by the generators and/or transformers etc. using electromagnetic induction principle. The harvested energy can be used for pow ering IoT devices. The energy harvesting device is capable of continually supplying energy to IoT devices.
Generators, transformers and/or motors, also provide the possibility of harvesting en ergy wirelessly from the electromagnetic field generated by the generators and/or trans formers etc. using for example the principle of inductive coupling. The harvested energy can be used for powering IoT devices. The energy harvesting device is capable of con tinually supplying energy to IoT devices
Thus, in one aspect, the energy harvesting device harvest energy from a power trans former or a generator in a power station.
The device is configured to harvest energy from at least one source and powering an IoT measuring device with the harvested energy, while the IoT measuring device at the same time is measuring the source. The source may by monitored and analysed using IoT measuring device, in order to follow the performance of the source over time.
The source may generate an electromagnetic field while performing its primary purpose of operation. The device may be configured to harvest energy from the electromagnetic field. Alternatively, the source may generate a thermal radiation while performing its primary purpose of operation. The device may be configured to harvest energy from the thermal radiation. Alternatively, the source may generate a thermoelectric energy while performing its primary purpose of operation. The device may be configured to harvest energy from the thermal energy. Other type of energy, which may be harvested from a source, may be harvested by the device. The energy harvesting device for harvesting energy from a source, which may be trans formers/generators, has advantages. The transformers or generators in power stations may use IoT measuring devices for monitoring and analysing the status of the trans formers/generators. Energy harvesting devices are capable of harvesting energy from one-phase and three-phase power transformers, which are often used in electric power stations.
An example is using an IoT measuring device and the IoT measuring device which is located in an area which is hard to get to, for example on a transformer/generator in an electrical grid or power stations. The advantage of using an energy harvesting device to power the IoT measuring device is a reduction of the maintenance costs. The solution will also reduce the hazardous waste and reduce the threats to the environment. Energy harvesting technique is a process of capturing energy from one or more sources and converting them into electrical energy. An electromagnetic and/or heat generating source may be a transformer and/or a generator used in power stations or grids. The electromagnetic source may also be another electromagnetic source having an electro magnetic field from which the electrical energy may be harvested.
In the case of the IoT measuring device or devices are monitoring a transformer and/or a generator in a power station, the energy harvesting device is capable of harvesting energy from the same source which is being monitored. The energy harvesting device is used to increase the lifetime and efficiency of the IoT measuring device and also the system in which the IoT measuring device is a part of and at the same time reduces maintenance costs.
The energy harvesting device comprises a capturing unit. The capturing unit has at least one capturing means for capturing energy /harvesting from said one or more electromag- netic sources, which emits electromagnetic radiation or has an electromagnetic field. The electromagnetic radiation/field may be captured using a capturing unit. The captur ing unit is for example arranged within the electromagnetic field of the electromagnetic source. The capturing unit is capable of capturing a predefined amount of electromag netic energy produced by transformer or generator. The capturing unit is capable of being mounted on the inside and/or on the outside of a transformer or a generator. The capturing unit is arranged relative to the transformer or generator in a predefined posi tion. Electrical energy used for electric power, such as current used to power an IoT measur ing device, is energy that is converted from electrical energy harvested from the elec tromagnetic field. Such as an electromagnetic field generated by a transformer or a gen erator. When the capturing unit captures energy from the electromagnetic field, the en ergy may be converted into a power which is capable of powering the IoT measuring device. The energy harvesting device comprises a converting unit. The converting unit has at least one converting means for converting the captured energy into electrical en ergy. The converting means is capable of converting the captured energy into an elec trical energy.
The energy harvesting device comprises one or more converting means. The converting means comprises an electrical circuit, which is capable of receiving an alternating cur rent, AC, from the capturing unit. The converting means may comprise an AC to DC converter, which converts the alternating current, AC, to the direct current, DC.
The DC from the AC/DC converter may be capable of powering the IoT measuring device with the correct DC voltage. A simple solution is to use rectifiers in the electrical converter circuit. For example a bridge rectifier may be used for this purpose. A DC filter may be added as well in order to stabilise the DC voltage.
Energy harvesting device may comprise an electrical circuit having a DC to DC con verter. The DC to DC converter converts the harvested DC voltage to a predefined DC voltage, suitable for powering the IoT measurement device and/or for charging a re chargeable battery. The DC to DC converter may be a step-up or a step-down converter.
The energy harvesting device may comprise at least one fastening means, such that the energy harvesting device is capable of being fastened to said electromagnetic sources.
In an advantageous embodiment of the invention a charging unit is capable of charging a rechargeable battery in an IoT measuring device.
In another advantageous embodiment, the charging unit can charge a capacitor or a hy brid combination of energy storage media in an IoT measuring device. The energy harvesting device also comprises a charging unit. The charging unit may be connected to an IoT measuring device, which comprises at least one rechargeable bat tery. The charging unit may be connected directly or indirectly to a rechargeable battery or batteries related to the IoT measuring device. The charging unit may transfer the electrical energy to the IoT measuring device’s rechargeable battery, such that the bat tery or batteries are capable of continuously powering the IoT measuring device.
Alternatively on additionally, the IoT measuring device may comprise a capacitor or a hybrid combination of energy storage media for powering the IoT measuring device.
Alternatively, the charging unit may be connected directly or indirectly to the IoT meas uring device. The charging connection may provide the electrical energy as a continuous energy supply to the IoT measuring device, such that the energy harvesting device has a function as a power supply. The energy harvesting device may harvest energy from the same power transformer which the IoT measurement device is intended to measure continuously.
The power transformer is measured by the IoT measurement device or devices. One example of using both energy harvesting device and the rechargeable battery as power for the IoT measuring device is as follows: If a power transformer is working properly, the energy harvesting device provides the harvested energy directly to IoT measuring device. If the power transformer fails and the energy harvesting device is not capable of harvesting energy, the IoT measuring device will be powered by the rechargeable battery as a backup system.
In a still advantageous embodiment of the invention at least one capturing means com prises at least one energy harvesting unit.. The capturing means comprises at least one energy harvesting unit, such as a coil with one or more windings/turns of the coil or a coil array. Alternative to a coil, an antenna or antenna array may be used. For example based on Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction according to which the amount of voltage induced in a coil is proportional to the number of turns and the changing electromagnetic field of the coil. The electromagnetic field energy may be captured using one or more energy harvesting unit. The energy harvesting unit or units may be connected directly or indirectly to an electrical converter circuit. The electrical converter circuit converts the alternating cur- rent, AC, from all the energy harvesting units to direct current, DC.
Alternatively, the capturing means may comprise other energy harvesting unit config ured to harvest energy from the source. Energy harvesting unit may harvest energy which is thermo energy, mechanical vibrations, electrical vibrations and/or electromag- netic field, EMF.
The present invention also provides an embodiment of an IoT measuring device com prising at least one energy harvesting device or part of an energy harvesting device, wherein the IoT measuring device is capable of being powered with energy harvested from an electromagnetic source using said energy harvesting device.
The energy harvesting device or devices may harvest energy from the power trans former or any other similar electromagnetic source, which is being measured by the IoT measuring device. The energy harvesting device may continually provide power for IoT measuring device. The energy harvesting device or devices may harvest energy as long as the electromagnetic source is working properly and emitting electromagnetic power to harvest.
The IoT measuring device for measuring a power transformer comprising at least one energy harvesting device, wherein the IoT measuring device is capable of being pow ered with energy harvested from said power transformer or generator. The energy har vested from said power transformer is provided by said energy harvesting device.
The energy harvesting devices may be arranged fully or partially enclosed in the hous- ing of the IoT measurement device. The capturing unit or units may be arranged outside the housing of the IoT measurement device. The capturing unit or units may have a predefined distance relative to the IoT measurement device. Also the capturing unit or units may have a shape or size which is not capable of being integrate into the housing of the IoT measurement device. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the IoT measuring device comprises at least one rechargeable battery for powering the IoT measuring device, wherein said at least one rechargeable battery is capable of being charged by said energy harvesting device.
The energy harvesting device or devices may charge a rechargeable battery or batteries related to the IoT measuring device. The rechargeable battery or batteries may also pro vide power to the IoT measuring device, for example when the power transformer is being measured by the IoT measuring device.
The IoT measuring device may thereby be provided with power continually, as long as it is required for the IoT measuring device to measure the electromagnetic source.
If the rechargeable battery or batteries fails, the energy harvesting device is capable of powering the IoT measuring device directly. In this case as long as the source is active and emitting power to harvest.
The present invention also provides a measuring system, wherein the measurement sys tem comprises at least one IoT measuring device, wherein the IoT measuring device is powered by at least one energy harvesting device, wherein said measuring system is capable of harvesting energy from at least one source using energy harvesting device, wherein the source is being measured by the at least one IoT measuring device.
The measurement system comprises at least one IoT measuring device measuring at least one generator or transformer. The IoT measuring device may be placed in prede fined locations relative to the generator or transformer to provide the most optimal measurement. The capturing unit or capturing units may be arranged in another location or locations away from the IoT measuring device. The source may have an emitting pattern, wherein harvesting of energy in one location is more optimal than another location. The capturing unit can therefore be arranged with distance to the IoT measuring device. Furthermore, it may in some occasions be prefer able having the capturing unit arranged away from the housing of the IoT measuring device such that the capturing unit does not electronically interfere with the measure ment of the generator or transformer.
The invention is also directed at a method for harvesting energy from an source using at least one energy harvesting device, wherein the method comprises following steps:
- providing a IoT measuring device capable of measuring a said sources,
- capturing energy from said sources,
- converting the captured energy into electrical energy,
- powering the electrical energy to the IoT measuring device.
The method comprises steps wherein the energy harvesting device for example harvests energy from electromagnetic sources having an electromagnetic field, such as power transformer in a power stations or similar. Energy harvesting device may harvest energy from a source, which provides thermo energy, mechanical vibrations, electrical vibra tions and/or electromagnetic field, EMF, to be harvested.
The energy harvesting device captures energy from said electromagnetic sources using one or more capturing units. The energy harvesting device converts the captured energy into electrical energy, using a converting unit. The energy harvesting device may be releasably connected or firmly fastened to one or more IoT measuring devices using connecting means. The energy harvesting device may be capable of powering one or more IoT measuring devices with electrical energy simultaneously.
The invention may be directed at a method for harvesting energy from a transformer or a generator in a power station using at least one energy harvesting device. Furthermore, the IoT measuring device is capable of measuring said transformer or said generator.
In an advantageous method of the invention, the method comprises further steps of:
- measuring said electromagnetic source using said IoT measuring device and capturing energy from said electromagnetic sources imultaneously. This may be performed sim ultaneously. The energy harvesting device may harvest energy from the electromagnetic source, which is being measured by the IoT measuring device. The energy harvesting device may harvest energy from the electromagnetic source concurrent with the IoT measuring device measuring the electromagnetic source. In this case as long as the electromagnetic source is active and emitting electromagnetic power to harvest.
The invention may be directed at a method for harvesting energy from a transformer or a generator in a power station using at least one energy harvesting device. Furthermore, wherein the IoT measuring device is capable of measuring said transformer or said gen- erator, while being powered by the energy harvesting device.
In a still advantageous method of the invention, the method comprises further a step:
- charging at least one rechargeable battery with electrical energy and powering said IoT measuring device with electrical energy from said at least one rechargeable battery.
The energy harvesting device or devices may charge a rechargeable battery or batteries related to the IoT measuring device. The rechargeable battery or batteries may also pro vide power to the IoT measuring device, for example when the electromagnetic source is being measured by the IoT measuring device.
Alternatively, or additionally, the method may comprise charging at least one of a ca pacitor or a hybrid combination of energy storage media with electrical energy and powering the IoT measuring device with electrical energy from the capacitor or hybrid combination of energy storage media.
The IoT measuring device may thereby be provided with power continually, as long as it is required for the IoT measuring device to measure the electromagnetic source.
If the rechargeable battery or batteries fails, the energy harvesting device may be capa ble of powering the IoT measuring device directly. In this case as long as the electro- magnetic source is active and emitting electromagnetic power to harvest.
Use of an IoT measuring device comprising at least one energy harvesting device wherein the IoT measuring device is capable of being powered with energy harvested from a power transformer in a power station. The vibration of transformers and generators may also be harvested using a capturing unit. Vibration energy harvesting is the concept of converting vibration energy to elec trical energy. This is possible through different technologies, e.g. electromagnetic in- duction or Piezoelectric fibres. This may be combined in relation with the electromag netic harvesting as described above.
Description of the Drawing
The embodiments of the invention are described in the following with reference to:
Fig. 1: illustrates an embodiment of the energy harvesting device. Fig. 2: illustrates an embodiment of the housing of the IoT measuring device and the energy harvesting device.
Fig. 3: illustrates an embodiment of the housing of the IoT measuring device and the energy harvesting device attached to the same transformer. Detailed Description of the Invention
An embodiment of the invention is explained in the following detailed description. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its scope to the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways.
Fig. 1 illustrates a diagram of an embodiment of the energy harvesting device 2. Gen erators and/or transformers 1, also motors, provide the possibility of harvesting energy from the electromagnetic field generated by the generators and/or transformers 1 etc. using electromagnetic induction principle. The harvested energy can be used for pow- ering IoT devices 3. The energy harvesting device 2 is capable of continually supplying energy to IoT device 3.
The transformers or generators 1 in power stations may use IoT measuring devices 3 for monitoring and analysing the status of the transformers/generators 1. The energy harvesting device 2 is capable of harvesting energy from one-phase and three-phase power transformers 1, which are often used in electric power stations. The IoT measur ing device is placed in predefined locations relative to the generator or transformer to provide the most optimal measurement. The energy harvesting device comprises a capturing unit 4. The capturing unit 4 has at least one capturing means for capturing energy /harvesting from said one or more elec tromagnetic sources. The capturing means is provided with at least one energy harvest- 5 ing unit, which in this example is a coil or coils 4', having a predefined dimension. Alternatively, the capturing means may harvest thermo energy using an energy harvest ing unit or units for harvesting thermo energy from the transformers’ heat radiation. Alternatively, the capturing means may harvest mechanical energy using an energy har vesting unit or units for harvesting mechanical energy from the transformers’ mechan ic) ical vibrations. Alternatively, the capturing means may harvest other energy using an energy harvesting unit or units for harvesting energy from the transformer as such.
The capturing means is capable of comprising more than one coil 4', with one or more windings/turns of the coil or having a coil array. Alternative to a coil, an antenna or 15 antenna array may be used. The amount of voltage induced in the coil 4 is proportional to the number of turns and the changing electromagnetic field of the coil 4'.
The energy harvesting device 2 comprises converting means 5. The converting means may comprise an AC to DC converter, which converts the captured energy from the 0 coil's 4' alternating current to the direct current. A simple solution is to use rectifiers in the electrical converter circuit. For example a bridge rectifier may be used for this pur pose. A DC filter may be added as well, in order to stabilise the DC voltage.
Energy harvesting device 2 comprises a DC to DC converter or booster 6. The DC to 5 DC booster 6 converts the DC voltage to a predefined DC voltage 7, suitable for pow ering the IoT measurement device 3 and/or for charging a rechargeable battery in the IoT measurement device 3. The DC to DC booster 6 may be a step-up or a step-down converter.
30 Fig. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the housing of the IoT measuring device and the energy harvesting device. The housing 9 comprises the IoT measuring device 2 and part of the energy harvesting device 2. The housing 8 is the capturing unit 4, the coil 4'. The capturing unit 4 or units 4 is arranged outside the housing 9 of the IoT measurement device. The capturing unit 4 or units 4 may have a predefined distance relative to the housing 9 of the IoT measurement device and part of the energy harvesting device 2.
The capturing unit 4 harvests energy from the same transformer or generator of which the IoT measurement device 3 is measuring. The housing 9 comprises the IoT measur ing device 2 and part of the energy harvesting device 2 may be connected to a plurality of the capturing units 4.
Fig. 3: illustrates an embodiment of the housing of the IoT measuring device 3 and two energy harvesting devices 2', 2" attached to the same transformer 1. The energy har vesting devices 2', 2" are harvesting energy from the same object, the transformer 1, as being measured by the IoT device 3, which is being powered by the energy harvesting devices 2', 2". The energy harvesting devices 2', 2" or part of energy harvesting de vices 2', 2" are placed in another location away from IoT measuring device 3. The IoT measuring device 3 is then disturbed as little as possible by the energy harvesting de vices 2', 2", in the view of noise etc.

Claims

1. Energy harvesting device for harvesting energy from a source, wherein the energy harvesting device comprises: - a capturing unit, wherein the capturing unit comprises at least one capturing means for capturing energy from said source,
- a converting unit, wherein said converting unit comprises at least one converting means for converting the captured energy into electrical energy,
- at least one connecting means capable of being releasably connected to an IoT meas- uring device, configured to measure the source, such that the electrical energy is capable of powering said IoT measuring device, while the IoT measuring device measuring the source.
2. The energy harvesting device according to claim 1, wherein the source is a power transformer or a generator in a power station.
3. The energy harvesting device according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the energy harvesting device comprises a charging unit capable of charging a rechargeable battery, a capacitor, or a hybrid combination of energy storage media in an IoT meas- uring device.
4. The energy harvesting device according to any one or more of claims 1-3, wherein said at least one capturing means comprises at least one energy harvesting unit.
5. IoT measuring device comprising at least one energy harvesting device or part of an energy harvesting device according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the IoT measuring device is capable of being powered with energy harvested from an electromagnetic and/or thermal electrical source using said energy harvesting device.
6. The IoT measuring device according to claim 5, wherein the IoT measuring device comprises at least one rechargeable battery, a capacitor, or a hybrid combination of en ergy storage media for powering the IoT measuring device, wherein said at least one rechargeable battery, capacitor, or hybrid combination of energy storage media is capa ble of being charged by said energy harvesting device.
7. Measuring system comprising at least one IoT measuring device according to any one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the IoT measuring device is powered by at least one energy harvesting device, wherein said measuring system is capable of harvesting energy from at least one source using the energy harvesting device according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the source is being measured by the at least one IoT measuring device.
8. Method for harvesting energy from a source using at least one energy harvesting device, wherein the method comprises following steps: - providing a IoT measuring device capable of measuring said sources,
- capturing energy from said sources,
- converting the captured energy into electrical energy,
- powering the electrical energy to the IoT measuring device.
9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the source is a power transformer or a generator in a power station.
10. Method according to any one of claims 8-9, wherein the method comprises further steps of: - measuring said source using said IoT measuring device, and
- capturing energy from said sources simultaneously.
11. Method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the method comprises further a step:
- charging at least one rechargeable battery, a capacitor, or a hybrid combination of energy storage media with electrical energy and powering said IoT measuring device with electrical energy from said at least one rechargeable battery, capacitor, or hybrid combination of energy storage media.
12. Use of an IoT measuring device according to any one of claims 5-6 and at least one energy harvesting device according to any one or more of claims 1-4, wherein the IoT measuring device is capable of being powered with energy harvested from a transformer or a generator in a power station.
PCT/DK2022/050148 2021-06-24 2022-06-24 HARVESTING DEVICE FOR IoT MEASURING DEVICE WO2022268282A1 (en)

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Citations (1)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2020166311A (en) * 2019-03-28 2020-10-08 富士通株式会社 Sensor device and sensor system

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