Helping protect from solar radiation.

High-energy radiation from the sun’s surface can cause radio and magnetic disturbances on Earth, potentially disrupting power supplies and damaging transformers.

Several of Vaisala’s online transformer monitoring solutions have been installed by Elimpus Ltd., on behalf of Scottish Power to provide real-time condition updates. In one application, the Optimus DGA Monitor OPT100 will provide continuous updates on Scottish Power’s 1000MVA auto transformer and monitor for the impact of geomagnetically induced currents on the asset.

Scottish Power is a British energy provider and distribution network operator for central and southern Scotland, and parts of northern England and Wales. It is also the transmission grid owner for the south of Scotland. At a key site in Scotland’s central belt, Scottish Power wanted to protect a 1000MVA autotransformer from the effects of solar flares - periods when intense high-energy radiation is emitted from the sun’s surface, causing radio and magnetic disturbances on Earth. Coupled with local geology, these have the potential to disrupt power the magnetic circuit of transformers, leading to inefficient power transmission and significant damage to the transformers.

Accurate transformer monitoring with the Optimus DGA Monitor OPT100.
In order to accurately and continuously monitor the condition of its transformer, detect the effects of geomagnetically induced currents, and take proactive maintenance if required, Scottish Power commissioned the installation of an Optimus DGA Monitor OPT100 by Elimpus Ltd.

The OPT100 is Vaisala’s most advanced monitoring solution and assesses a transformer’s condition by measuring for the presence of moisture and seven different fault gases in transformer oil.

“Scottish Power has a number of strategic transformers on the transmission network that require advanced condition monitoring, and we have been increasingly wary of the effects of solar flares and geomagnetically induced currents to disrupt their efficient performance,” said Keith Black, System Performance Senior Engineer at Scottish Power. “The Vaisala unit was installed because it met our current specification of online DGA devices with the addition of being maintenance free.”

Employing advanced technology for the best outcomes.
The OPT100 draws on Vaisala’s long heritage in industrial measurement technology. The highest engineering quality is maintained by manufacturing all of the unit’s components in-house, including the innovative tuneable non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) filters, which ensure optimal condition monitoring performance regardless of operational conditions.

The tuneable NDIR filter provides confidence to the monitoring team that their measurements are stable over the long term. The tuneable NDIR filter prevents drift and ensures all dissolved gas concentrations are accurately measured.

An additional and key benefit of Vaisala’s OPT100 over other transformer monitoring equipment is its simple installation process, which enabled Elimpus and Scottish Power to quickly and independently bring the unit online. And, with no consumables, the unit requires no regular maintenance of its own.

Scottish Power has been using the OPT100 since November 2017, and has benefited from greater oversight of its asset’s condition. “The OPT100 gives us the ability to track any disturbance that may occur and extend the lifetime of our transformer, as well as reducing the possibility of any unplanned outages,” added Keith Black.

With online transformer monitoring set to become increasingly important, Scottish Power are installing more OPT100 units across their fleet of power transformers.

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@VaisalaGroup @SP_EnergyPeople @_Enviro_News #PAuto #Energy

Current Transformers to IEC standards.

The SIGA (Electronics) current transformer (CT) products conform to IEC regulations from design, through manufacturing to final test. Standards including IEC 61869 are addressed by specific conformance testing for current transformers, carried out in SIGA’s dedicated COVID-19-secure British workspaces by specially trained operators.

The company offers current transformers to meet all customer’s requirements for metering and protection purposes. These are busbar mounted and used in many different applications. For example, SIGA’s CTs are the basis of Parasense units used in supermarket refrigeration – a huge opportunity in the USA and elsewhere.

SIGA already supplies CTs into switchgear contractors for the rapidly growing data centre distribution industry. Other customers include providers of switchgear to aerospace, automotive, power generation, MOD applications and rail transport.

SIGA manufactures circular or rectangular type CTs, full block or split core, using a UL recognised semi rigid cast resin compound or an IP rated plastic box finish. Other finishes are available.

 The broad portfolio offers ring type current transformers suitable for primary currents from 50A-10000A along with rectangular current transformers with primary currents from 60A to 6300A having 1A or 5A secondary. These meet the following accuracy classes from 0.2 for metering purposes and class PX for protection. Fitted in applications with rated system volts 0.72/3kV, they can be built to meet a 3kV insulation level for up to 1 minute. 

@ElectronicsSiga @NeeshamPR #Electronics #Pauto #IECStandards

Current transformers.

Customers can now choose from a wide range of current transformers available from Camille Bauer Metrawatt. These include standard current transformers in the SIRAX CT series with 1A or 5 A output, available in 4 variants.

These variants are: wound current, bushing-type (single-phase or three-phase), split core and compact SC series core-balanced current transformers. The DACT and KBU series, which are essential for measuring residual current in electrical systems, were recently added to the portfolio of residual current transformers. With an RCM (Residual Current Monitor), even the smallest residual currents (leakage currents) are detected with high precision by the residual current detector and transferred to a higher-level measurement device (for example SIRAX AM1000/3000, PQ3000/5000, etc.). This is to prevent damage to people and to system hardware before it can occur. Typical areas of application are data centres, hospitals, factories, public buildings, shopping centres, etc.

To complement the portfolio of residual current transformers, Camille Bauer Metrawatt AG is introducing unique and intelligent AC/DC current transformers to the market. Their advantage is being able to measure single phase currents up to 300AAC (max. 800VAC), or 400ADC (max. 1000VDC) in different frequency ranges which gives planners and system builders maximum flexibility. Energy meters integrated in the transformer are also optionally available. These save buying separate energy meters for internal invoicing, which simplifies the installation task and saves cost as a result.  Intelligent current transformers are thus ideal in applications for monitoring photovoltaic systems, battery charging systems, UPS systems as well as processes with changing frequencies. The transformer parameters can be configured either by DIP switches or through Modbus RTU, using a free, user-friendly software utility.

• Camille Bauer products are marketed in Ireland through Irish Power & Process.

#CamilleBauer #PAuto #TandM @irishpwrprocess 

Transformers for the safe measurement of heavy current.

Camille Bauer Metrawatt AG is introducing the SIRAX series of current transformers, as part of their marketing philosophy "everything from one source". This represents another milestone in the expansion of their product offering for heavy current engineering.

To keep track of electrical energy consumption, the relevant currents have to be measured. This is normally done by means of current transformers, which convert the primary rated current into a usable and galvanically isolated secondary measurement current (5A or 1A). These currents can be captured accurately, visualized and further processed by our measurement devices.

Depending on the required nominal rates, the required accuracy class, the diameter of the conductor or the available installation space, Camille Bauer Metrawatt AG has a very wide range of products available. All bushing-type or split-core current transformers are IEC 61869-2 compliant.

The bushing-type current transformers represent a highly accurate and yet cost-effective solution. They are clipped onto the primary conductor (current rail or cable) directly through the opening. The secondary side (usually a measurement device, an energy counter or a display) is connected using the front and rear mounting clips.

Thanks to their compact design and simplicity of installation, split-core current transformers are particularly suited to confined spaces or those that are difficult to access. The halves of the core can be separated to make installation on a cable or mounting rail even easier. Anywhere where it is problematic to interrupt the current circuit, or when a trouble-free retrofit of a measurement device is required, split-core current transformers from Camille Bauer Metrawatt AG are the right choice.

• Camille Bauer Metrawatt products are marketed in Ireland through Irish Power & Process.

#PAuto #CamilleBauer @irishpwrprocess

Transducers for high-precision current measurements.

Harting has announced the launch of a new range of current transformers. These transformers have been developed in close collaboration with key the companies in wind energy plant construction to specifically meet key ‘alternative energy industry’ requirements.

The product development has been focused on good functional reliability, and high mechanical stability. The result is accurate feed control with high levels of precision.

The new Harting window type current transformers can be used anywhere that high-precision current measurements are required, e.g. to measure the feed from decentralised power generation plants for billing activity with the network operator.

The new transformers are distinguished by their simple assembly, and the transducer has a rectangular shape with a cut that is selected so that it fits perfectly onto a DIN rail. Measuring range from 2,000 A to 10,000 A, both versions transform the measuring current to 5 A at rated current.
The included mounting accessories enable simple and safe installation with standard tools, while the accuracy class of 0.5 and 0.2 enables precise current measurement over a wide range. If needed, the transducers can be calibrated from the factory by a nationally recognised testing laboratory in order to make them acceptable for billing purposes.

To enable Harting’s new current transformers to be used in thermally critical environments such as bus bars in wind and solar plants, they are designed to operate over a broad temperature range of -25°C to +55 °C.

@harting #PAuto  

Flexible range of current transformers.

REO has launched a new range of current transformers designed to ensure high power efficiency and quality by offering highly accurate linear current sensing and electricity metering. These transformers come in a selection of power ranges to suit industry sectors including automation, railway engineering and renewable energy.

As electrical control systems get faster, they become responsible for higher currents and frequencies. This is driving demand for current transformers that can provide precise measurement even at these increased levels of operation and regardless of current type.

To meet this demand, REO’s range of current transformers are able to accurately measure currents up to 3000A and frequencies up to 150kHz while providing superior linearity and overcurrent protection. Each series of transformers is designed to deliver reliable power quality catering to a specific industrial sector; for example, the series IE is ideal for use under high currents in the rail sector.

Depending on the application in which it is being used, there are different electrical expectations for each current transformer. As an increasing number of electronic devices begin to operate on higher working frequencies, applications that involve such devices will require a current transformer with an extended frequency range, such as REO’s IN series of instrument transformers.

“As they are used in a wide range of applications it is essential that current transformers offer versatility,” explained Steve Hughes, managing director of REO UK. “Both in terms of technical and mechanical properties, a current transformer must be a perfect fit for a circuit before it can benefit the application.

“Housing and termination casing can be just as important to an application as the electrical characteristics of the transformer itself. Finding a product with the ideal frequency range isn't beneficial if it lacks suitable connections and fittings to be successfully implemented into a specific system.”

To ensure that companies get the best power quality solution, REO UK also offers a bespoke design service to develop application specific transformers. These transformers are designed and manufactured to be used in a specific system, allowing for optimal performance.

@REO_UK #PAuto 

Differential current transformer for current measurements up to 10 A

Harting has added a differential current transformer capable of carrying out current measurements at up to 10 A to its family of current sensors for industrial applications. Specifically designed for measurements of ambient conditions in the wind energy sector, the single-piece core transformer combines high functional reliability with extremely high mechanical stability for the most demanding applications.

The differential current transformer permits the measurement of the current deviation in supply and return conductors or the monitoring of earth leakage currents in single or multi-phase power cables.

The compact current transformer is designed for a maximum cable diameter of 110 mm, and is suitable for the detection of primary nominal currents of up to 10 A with a conversion ratio of 1:600. It can be used for measurements over the frequency range from 5 to 400 Hz.

The housing design is optimised for high holding forces of up to 250 kg, and features an IP65 degree of protection according to the IEC 60 529 standard. It employs Harting's proven HARAX(R) insulation displacement connection technology to provide simple, quick and tool-free assembly.

The wide temperature range of -15°C to +55°C permits use in heat-sensitive applications.

High performance current transducers!

LEM has added three new HO series of high performance current transducers which extend nominal current measurement up to 250A and offer a range of mounting options.

The recent launch of the first devices in the HO series enabled a breakthrough in the trade-off between performance, cost, size and mounting versatility. These three new HO series provide the mounting the user needs: PCB or panel or busbar, integrating the conductor or with an aperture (15 x 8 mm), a range of choices. The mounting options provide customers with the flexibility of up to three interchangeable mounts for the HO xxx-S panel mounted current transducers: one vertically, one horizontally and one on the busbar when used. The mount can be changed by the user for additional versatility.

HO series current transducers measure DC, AC, and pulsed signals using the latest generation of LEM’s Open-loop Hall-effect Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) which was introduced with the launch of the HO 8, 15, 25-NP and -NSM series and the HO 6, 10 and 25-P models.

The new series offer offset and gain drifts which are up to twice as accurate across the temperature range as the previous generation and have a faster response time of 2.5 to 3.5µs.

Operating from a single supply voltage of 3.3V or 5V, the HO series can measure up to x 2.5 the primary nominal current and integrate an additional pin which provides over-current detection set at x 2.93 the nominal current I PN (peak value). They also provide fault reporting in the event of memory corruption.

LEM’s ASIC technology enables Open Loop transducer performance to approach that of Closed Loop transducers to improve control and system efficiency at a significantly lower price.

High clearance and creepage distances of more than 8mm and a Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) of 600 mean that, despite small packages of 22.95cm3 to 33.15cm3, there is no compromise on the insulation level provided between the primary and measurement circuits.

Typically, the standard scaled analogue voltage from the HO output is converted into a digital value by an Analogue-to-Digital Converter (ADC) which requires a reference voltage provided by the HO. However, the HO series can also be configured to take measurements relative to an external reference voltage.

The comprehensive range of options offered by HO transducers makes them suitable for a wide selection of applications where high performance and mounting flexibility are required. These applications include solar combiner boxes and solar-power inverters, as well as small smart meters, variable speed drives, uninterruptible and switch-mode power supplies, air conditioning, home appliances, static converters for DC motor drives, and robotics. The wide operating temperature range of -40 to +105°C also makes the HO series suitable for use in any industrial applications.

HO series current transducers are CE marked and conform to the EN 50178 standard as well as being covered by LEM’s five-year warranty.

High-accuracy current measurement to electric vehicle battery packs

Transducer specialist LEM has announced the CAB high-accuracy current transducer that enables makers of battery packs for Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) to achieve a new level of precision when measuring current flow into and out of the battery. Car makers need this data to maximise the range of the vehicle, to keep the battery in good condition, and to enable use of the optimum size of battery pack.
(State-Of-Charge (SOC) is a critical measurement function in EVs and HEVs. During the driving cycle the battery is either driving the vehicle, or current flow is reversed in regenerative braking or charging, returning energy to the battery. In these transient conditions battery voltage does not give a good indication of SOC – each unit of charge (Coulombs) delivered by, and returned to, the battery has to be accurately tracked, which demands precise current measurement.)

LEM's CAB transducer offers current measurement capability of up to ±400A, with unlimited overload capacity, and with excellent accuracy: Coulomb-counting error over the driving cycle is reduced to under 0.1%. It is galvanically-isolated and non-intrusive; no electrical connection to the power circuit is needed. This ensures safe operation and, in contrast to techniques that use a sensing resistor in the power feed, generates no waste heat or losses.

The CAB takes the form of a small panel-mounted module measuring just 71 x 52 x 21 mm, excluding mountings, that has an aperture through which the primary (battery feed to the vehicle motors) conductor passes. It operates from the vehicle's 12V power supply, and is rated for operation from -40 to +105 ºC. The CAB transducer transmits its data to the EV/HEV's control circuitry using the automotive-industry standard CAN bus; LEM can supply variants that deliver data via other bus and interface standards, on request.

In the CAB transducer, LEM chose to use its proven implementation of the fluxgate principle. Fluxgate transducers use an advanced magnetic current-measurement principle that inherently cancels or nulls many of the offset and drift errors that appear in simpler current-sensing techniques.

CT range extended

Carlo Gavazzi has expanded its CTD family of current transformers with the addition of six solid-core and five split-core models pushing capability up to 4000A. Like the existing CTD portfolio the new devices are easy to install, simple to wire and deliver enhanced safety assurance.

With the new current transformers, the company able to provide solutions from 50A right up to the highest currents for energy management applications, including motor control and power control centres. Split core versions provide Class 1 measurement to EN60044-1 standards, with the new CTD-5S designed for 26 x 32mm bus bars and primary currents from 125A to 400A. CTD-6S extends capability to the 200-1000A range on 50 x 52mm bus-bars, whilst models CTD-8S, CTD-9S and CTD-10S cover current ranges of 400-2500A, 500-4000A and 400-4000A respectively, on 30 x 80, 35 x 125 and 50 x 126mm bus bars.

New solid-core models are rated Class 0.5 and are available in either vertical or horizontal mounting formats on the larger bus bars, ranging from the 400-2500A CTD-8H / CTD-8V to 400-4000A CTD-10H/CTD-10V models.

All of the new devices cater for 5A or 1A secondary current measurements. Furthermore, current transformer output can be bridged without changing connection of the secondary, so avoiding any output over-voltage during either the maintenance or installation procedure.

The CTD’s screw terminals are compatible with all wire types on the secondary side, making connections easy and flexible with up to eight-wire connection; and the use of up to 10 isolated screws ensures strong and reliable attachment of the current transformer to bus bars. Simple output and earth connections, together with the ability to seal terminal-block covers and the split-core bar fixing screws, provide the assurance of maximum safety protection.

The CTD family are compatible with Carlo Gavazzi’s full range of energy management products and digital panel meters, and suitable for both motor control and power control centres.