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Title: Advanced current and voltage transducers for power distribution systems: Final report, Volume 1: Westinghouse study

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6378353

The objective of this project was to investigate and evaluate techniques to be used in transducers that would functionally replace current and voltage transformers in power distribution, and that would be more compact and conveniently installed. Specific attention was given to advanced technology and exotic physical and electrical principles to determine their applicability to advanced transducer design. Prototype development of concepts showing technical, economic, and commercial feasibility is planned for a follow-on effort. The approach taken was to make a thorough literature search, analyze and evaluate sensor techniques, and document the results. Information on products and new ideas was obtained from companies and individuals. A quantitative evaluation strategy was used together with more subjective rating to select preferred methods. While many techniques are workable in specific applications, optical-sensing and data-transmission methods have unique advantages, particularly in terms of high-voltage isolation. Preferred techniques involve the use of a magneto-optic transducer for current, and a voltage transducer with electro-optic sensing in conjunction with a piezoelectric means of isolating the electric field from outside influences. This report contains background information, description of approach, data on many techniques, evaluation strategy, results, and conclusions. 296 refs., 57 figs., 7 tabs.

Research Organization:
Electric Power Research Inst., Palo Alto, CA (USA); Westinghouse Electric Corp., Pittsburgh, PA (USA). Research and Development Center
OSTI ID:
6378353
Report Number(s):
EPRI-EL-6289-Vol.1
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English