Study of optimal placement of compact optical current sensor for practical applications

Abstract

A study of the magnetic field in the vicinity of a magnetic split core to determine the optimal placement of a compact optical sensor was carried out to allow the development of a practical optical current meter for medium voltage (1 to 34.5 kV) applications. The magnetic split core structure enables a greater confinement of the magnetic field related to the current to be measured and reduced influence of external magnetic fields, as well as a mean to plug and unplug of the optical current meter on an electrical distribution line by allowing the conductor to be easily inserted into the magnetic core.