Professional Documents
Culture Documents
photographie
photographie from current
transformers to
hybrid sensors,
in HV
Christian Teyssandier
birefringence: Remark
materials with a refraction coefficient Voltage levels enter a variety of classifications according to decrees, standards and
depending on propagation direction, other more specific specifications such as those of certain energy distributors, e.g.
polarisation status and light wave as regards AC voltages above 1 000 V:
frequency, are said to be anisotropic or c French decree of November 14th 1988 defines two voltage ranges:
birefringent. HVA = 1 kV < U i 50 kV,
EMC: HVB = U > 50 kV.
electromagnetic compatibility: this is
c the CENELEC (European Electrotechnical Standardisation Committee) states in
the capacity of a device to operate
its circular of July 27th 1992:
correctly in its electromagnetic
MV = 1 kV < U i 35 kV,
environment without generating
HV = U > 35 kV.
intolerable disturbances for the
equipment placed in this environment c publication IEC 71 specifies the highest voltage ranges for equipment:
(see «Cahier Technique» n° 149) range A = 1 kV < U < 52 kV,
range B = 52 kV i U < 300 kV,
hybrid sensor:
range C = U u 300 kV.
current or voltage sensor comprising at
least one element sensitive to the value A revised edition, which keeps only two ranges, is scheduled:
to be measured, coupled to an electronic range l = 1 kV < U i 245 kV,
system sending a secondary signal range ll = U > 245 kV.
(current or voltage), which reflects the c the French electrical power distributor, EDF, currently uses the classification of the
module and phase of the primary value. decree quoted above.
Proper operation and safety of c voltage level (low voltage - LV, high required by the various protection,
electrical power distribution networks, voltage - HVA and HVB-); operation and safety levels sought.
from the electrical power station right c transient evolutions of these values Evaluation of sensor performance is
through to the point of use, is ensured linked to status changes occurring vital to ensure their best possible
by protection and control/monitoring naturally or accidentally in operation of specification for installation on a
equipment. This equipment requires electrical networks. network. This requires knowledge of
permanent knowledge of the two how the different types of sensors work.
fundamental electrical values, namely A number of physical phenomena can
current l and voltage U. be used to measure AC currents.
The knowledge of these values has These methods result in levels of
many angles: performance which have a varying
c type of current (AC or DC); degree of compatibility with those
2. general
sensor functions is identical, in a ratio of a measuring networks to which they are connected
factor, to the one to be measured. by means of the measuring sensors.
Sensors have three main functions:
x1 = k x2 Separating the power network from
c providing a correct image, as
where k = measuring factor. the measuring, protection and
accurate as possible, of the electrical
value to be measured; c accurate control/monitoring network
c isolating the power networks from the A sensor is accurate if the measuring Electrical networks are affected by
measuring, protection and control/ factor k is not dependent on time and strong electrical and electromagnetic
monitoring networks; usage conditions, provided the latter disturbances, particularly severe in high
c ensuring either interchangeability remain within the specified values: voltage substations. These
between the measuring, protection and if at t1 x1 = k1 x2 disturbances are the result of
control/monitoring units or performing and at t2 x1 = k2 x2 switchgear operations (disconnectors,
one specific function of these units. and if k1 ≠ k2, switches, circuit-breakers and
then the measuring sensor is not contactors), of the atmospheric
Providing a correct and accurate
accurate. discharges to which overhead lines are
image
Based on the two characteristic values Further on in this «Cahier Technique», exposed and of the appearance and
of all electrical networks, i.e. current examples will be given of sensors disappearance of faults on the
and voltage, the measuring, protection which are neither correct nor accurate operating networks.
and control/monitoring equipment in certain operating conditions, These disturbances are locally and
defines a certain number of parameters particularly in transient states, which temporarily superimposed on rated
such as: cos ϕ, threshold overshooting, differ from specified conditions. current and voltage values, thus
instantaneous power,... The winding ratio, or more generally the causing disturbances.
Thus, there are a number of reasons measuring factor, is used to adapt the Transmission of these disturbances to
(financial, safety, operating signal to be measured to the the sensor secondary must be
dependability) why the signals sent by performances of the device measuring, compatible with the insulation and input
the sensors supplying this equipment analysing and processing this signal. impedance levels of the measuring,
must be correct and accurate: The measuring, protection and control/ protection and control/monitoring
c correct monitoring equipment, which uses low equipment. The level of this
A sensor is correct if it gives, in level input values, cannot accept the transmission depends on a galvanic
specified conditions, a signal x2 which disturbances existing on the power insulation of varying quality between
@,ÀÀ@,À@,À@,
phase errors). I1 conductor (PR) creates a disturbing
magnetic field in the magnetic circuit
These phenomena appear: A (CM); this field is vectorially added
A
v in transient state, for example closing to the one created by the current I1
of a circuit on a fault with or without DC to be measured of the conductor
component: the state of saturation CM crossing it normally (PA). This
reached depends on the initial vectorial addition results in
magnetic state of the magnetic circuit increased induction in zone A.
(degree of residual induction present); This induction increase depends on:
v in short-circuit steady state if the → - the current flowing in the disturbing
BPA conductor,
value of this circuit is greater than ALF AA cross section - the distance between the magnetic
times the rated primary current; →
circuit and this disturbing current.
v when the value of the load, to which B
It then results in local saturations
the CT is connected, is greater than its which increase the value of the
rated burden, as is the case for very exciting current (Ie), thus introducing
long connections or in case of addition → →
BPR BPR errors.
of equipment to the load circuit of a
→
secondary winding; BPA
v if network frequency is less than rated →
B
frequency: use in 50 Hz of CTs with a
rated frequency of 60 Hz causes a 20% increased induction zone A
induction increase; on the other hand,
use in 60 Hz of CTs with a rated fig. 6: diagram showing a transverse CT with a looped primary circuit.
frequency of 50 Hz presents no risks.
Operation in saturated state must not
be allowed to continue, as saturation TC2
causes abnormal overheating the CT TC1
@À,,@À ,@À
components:
v in the magnetic circuit, since eddy
current and hysteresis losses increase;
v in the secondary winding, since the
currents, although highly deformed, are TC1
À@,À@, ,@À
also very high.
TC3 I1 TC2
c external phenomena
v positions of the primary conductor
and of the adjacent conductors
I2
Their respective geometries and
positions may have a considerable
effect on the accuracy of instrument I3
transformers as a result of the
nonlinearity of the ferromagnetic
materials. A typical case is of current TC3
transformers installed in a loop (see increased induction zones
fig. 6) or installed in staggered form in a
busbar (see fig. 7). These two
fig. 7: diagram showing three transverse CTs installed in staggered form in a busbar
assemblies cause a localised increase
The principle of this current sensor was Electromagnetic components c dielectric shield
defined by ROGOWSKI in 1912. From A SS sensor is made up of five parts In order to improve the system's EMC
1986 onwards this sensor, referred to (see fig. 11). behaviour, an earthed dielectric shield
as «SS» (specific sensor), has been c a primary winding consisting of a is placed between the primary and the
developed in industry for HVA single copper conductor, the cross secondary winding.
networks. section of which is determined by:
Modelling
v a primary rated continuous thermal
It is useful to design and use a model to
current,
operation v a rated short-time thermal current;
study SS operation, in the same way as
c a secondary winding support for CTs.
Physical principle The model proposed below only applies
generally toric and made of a non-
Application of Ampere's theorem to a to standard frequencies. For high
ferromagnetic material;
Rogowski coil (see fig. 3) shows that frequencies (several hundred kHz), the
c a secondary winding support
the voltage appearing at the terminals distributed capacitances of the
generally toric and made of a non-
of a load Z of very high value is a ferromagnetic material; secondary winding must be introduced
function of the current I = i(t). c a setting resistance connected to the as well as the various primary-
The current I to be measured creates secondary winding; secondary, primary-frame and
locally, at each turn, an induction c a magnetic shielding protecting the secondary-frame coupling capacities.
b = µ0 h, where µ0 is the permeability winding from any disturbances linked to Equivalent diagram
of vacuum, the winding support not the magnetic fields outside the sensor. Two equivalent diagrams can be drawn
being made with a ferromagnetic Dielectric components up:
material, and h the magnetic field c dielectric insulation c the first one (see fig. 12) is derived
corresponding to current I. The flux Just like current transformers, the from the CT diagram by the presence
encompassed by the entire sensor is primary and secondary of SS sensors of an ideal transformer, where:
written as: are insulated from each other by a solid v L = inductance value of the wiring
ø = ∑ turns π r 2 b dielectric resin in HVA. connecting the sensor to its load M,
Nr 2 µ
dø 0 di
e(t) = − =
dt 2R dt fig. 11: cross section of a SS sensor for HVA.
If i(t) = Ι 2 sin (ωt + ϕ ) thus
L Lf Rt Ra
di / dt = ω Ι 2 cos (ωt + ϕ )
i2 = N1 I 1/N2
and Ι1 N1 N2
Nr 2 µ L1 Zc
e(t) = − 0
ω Ι 2 cos (ωt + ϕ )
2R
= − K ω Ι 2 cos (ωt + ϕ )
fig. 12: equivalent CT type diagram of a SS sensor.
standards Ι1 E0
No national or international standards
L ω i2
currently define this type of sensor.
Consequently SS sensors on the
market today comply with the IEC 185 ψ
standard, except for the parameters U
concerning the secondary signal ϕ ϕ
supplying very specific protection and i2 (Ra + Rt) i2
control/monitoring units. These units
fig. 14: vectorial diagram of a SS sensor.
with their microprocessor technology,
enable, by simple parameterisation, via
a keyboard or display, all the functions
E0
(protection, measurement, automation = setting range linked to Ra
and communication) to be performed optimum setting = ε(reg) minimun
E
adapted to each installation. ε(nat) = natural error (manufacturing)
Note: ε(reg) = error after setting. L ω i(t)
Today these SS sensors and protection
and control/monitoring units, SEPAM, ε(reg) ε(nat)
Ι1
are designed and marketed by one
manufacturer only (Merlin Gerin). A
U
The output signals of the CTs and SSs converter and, if necessary, to the current to be measured, is cancelled by
are directly used by the protection and transmission system. a magnetic flux generated and
control/monitoring units. However, the In certain sensors, these two supplies, regulated by means of an auxiliary
signals of certain other current sensors primary and secondary, may be the current (zero flux current transformer).
must be processed electronically before same.
they can be used by these units: these Faraday effect optical
The sensing elements
are the hybrid sensors. Their diagram
resembles the one in figure 17.
Hybrid sensors have undergone major sensors
developments in the course of recent The laws of light physics will be briefly
Diagram years. A number of magnetic field reviewed below to help understanding
It may contain up to six elements: effects have been used in primary of the following sections.
c primary sensing element sensing elements, in particular:
Uses the various effects (optical, c optical effects Reminders
electronic or electrical) of the materials Use of the effects of the magnetic field c polarisation
subjected to a magnetic field created by on the properties of light (optical current A phenomenon specific to wave
the current to be measured. sensor). Optics may also be used propagation, in particular light waves,
c primary converter solely as a transmission system from a characterised by their vibration
Converts the effect used by the sensing primary sensing element of any type. direction in a given plane, known as the
element into a signal depending on the Transmission then takes place by propagation plane, containing the
primary current and adapted to the optical fibre. The use of devices propagation direction.
transmission system. obeying the laws of light physics When this plane keeps a direction set
c transmission system (sensing element and transmission in time, the light waves have a linear
Conveys the signal transmitted by the system) gives the sensor its perfect polarisation. If the plane rotates around
primary converter over a distance of galvanic insulation. This advantage has the propagation direction at constant
varying length. been made use of in many speed, polarisation is elliptical or, in a
c secondary converter development programmes, some of very specific case, circular.
Converts this signal, representing the which resulted in the Faraday effect c birefringence
primary current, into an electrical signal current sensor. Certain natural bodies exhibit the
which can be used by the protection c electronic effects phenomenon of birefringence. A flat
and control/monitoring units. Influence of a magnetic field on a light passing through them is not
c primary supply semiconductor (Hall effect current propagated at the same speed
Supplies necessary energy to the sensor) and on a ferromagnetic according to whether its polarisation
sensing element, the primary converter material (resistivity variation used in plane is parallel to one or the other of
and, if necessary, the transmission magneto-resistant current sensors). the two perpendicular directions
system. c electrical effects specific to the birefringent body.
c secondary supply The flux created in a magnetic circuit by Birefringence may be intrinsic
Supplies energy to the secondary the magnetic field coming from the (anisotropic materials) or induced by a
stress:
v mechanical stress or photo-elastic
effect,
v electrical stress or Kerr or Pockels
Ι primary primary transmission secondary
sensing electro-optical effect,
converter system converter
primary element secondary v magnetic stress or Faraday magneto-
current signal optical effect.
(i or u)
Faraday effect
In 1845 Michael Faraday discovered
that the polarisation plane of polarised
primary secondary
light rotates as it passes through a
supply supply piece of glass placed in a strong
magnetic field and propagated parallel
to this field. The polarisation rotation
fig. 17: hybrid sensor diagram.
angle (F) is proportional to the
~}|{z }|
along the optical path L (see fig. 18). Faraday effect
F = V ∫ H dL optical medium
In this equation, V is a characteristic of linear polarisation
~{~}{z~}|{zy,~}|zy,
the optical medium, known as Verdet's incident light
constant. Generally small, it has a polarisation plane
rotation angle
varying dependence on temperature.
As the Faraday effect is divergent, a F
monochromatic light (with single
frequency) must be used. linear polarisation
y
,
In practice transmitted light
This effect is used with optical crystals
or fibres. In both cases a light source is
required and the optical information
must be processed so that it can be L
used by the protection and control/ H
monitoring units. magnetic
c light source field
Frequently a monomode laser diode
with a wavelength approaching
780 nanometres: Verdet's constant is
greatest in this part of the wavelength fig. 18: graphic representation of the Faraday effect.
spectrum.
c optical crystal a - exploded view of an optical crystal sensor b - diagram of an optical fibre sensor
One or more crystals can be used,
Ι
surrounding to a greater or lesser 4 crystals making up
extent the conductor in which the the sensing element
current to be measured flows (see
fig. 19a). In free field optical
configuration, which is the most primary L
frequent case with crystals, conductor L
mechanical-optical alignment problems
are particularly great. F2 SSP
appendix 3: bibliography
[1] Techniques de l'ingénieur: [4] Méthode rapide de [7] Le transformateur de courant pour
Transformateurs de mesure. prédétermination des transformateurs la protection en HT,
D 4720 12-1990, D 4722 12-1990, de courant, Cahier Technique Merlin Gerin n° 164.
D 4724 3-1991, R1016 10-1992. Pierre SCHUELLER (Merlin Gerin) M. ORLHAC.
[2] CEI 44-6 : First edition page 41 to 45, RGE n°4 april 1990.
1992-03 : Transformateurs de mesure. [5] Techniques de l’ingénieur:
Part 6 : Prescriptions concernant les Capteurs de courant à fibres
transformateurs de courant pour optiques.
protection pour la réponse en régime R 1016 10-1992.
transitoire. [6] La CEM: la compatibilité
[3] CEI 185 : Second edition 1987 and électromagnétique,
its amendment 1 1990-07. Cahier Technique Merlin Gerin n° 149.
Transformateurs de courant. F. VAILLANT.