Hall-Effect Sensor for Phase-Specific GIC Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring geomagnetically induced currents (GIC) in high-voltage transmission conductors only provide data from the neutral, lacking information on individual phase currents, which is insufficient for understanding and mitigating the impact of these currents on transformer systems.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method using a flux concentrator with a split core toroidal ferrite core and a hall-effect sensor assembly to capture and measure magnetic fields from high-voltage conductors, transmitting data wirelessly to a local access point, allowing for the measurement of DC currents in each phase without disconnecting or cutting the conductors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If DC currents are measured in the neutral of transformers, then access is possible and data is easy to integrate, but no knowledge is obtained as to what the level of DC currents are in the individual phases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement approach is segmented from the traditional neutral-point measurement to individual phase measurements. Each phase conductor is equipped with its own measurement device that can independently measure DC current, thereby obtaining phase-specific information while maintaining ease of operation through modular installation.
Solution Approach 2:
A current transformer or similar intermediary device is introduced between the phase conductor and the measurement system. This intermediary allows non-intrusive measurement of DC current in each phase without requiring direct contact or disconnection of the conductor, thus preserving ease of operation while enabling individual phase data collection.
2Loss of information
If measurement devices are installed on high voltage conductors, then individual phase current information is obtained, but access becomes difficult and measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A current transformer or magnetic sensor acts as an intermediary that couples the high-voltage phase conductor to the measurement system. This allows the measurement device to be isolated from the high-voltage environment, reducing complexity while enabling accurate DC current measurement in each phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system replaces direct mechanical contact or complex wiring arrangements with non-contact sensing methods. Magnetic field-based sensing allows DC current measurement without physical connection to the conductor, simplifying the measurement system while providing individual phase information.
3Measurement precision
If conductors are disconnected or cut to install measurement devices, then accurate current measurement is possible, but system continuity is disrupted and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A current transformer or magnetic sensor serves as an intermediary that enables accurate current measurement without disconnecting or cutting the conductor. The device clips around or attaches to the conductor while maintaining system continuity, thus achieving measurement precision without installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement device is designed to be self-installing on the conductor without requiring disconnection or cutting. The device can be attached while the conductor remains energized and continuous, allowing accurate measurement while maintaining system integrity and simplifying installation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate measurement of DC currents in each phase of high-voltage transmission conductors, providing critical data for understanding and mitigating the impact of GICs on transformer systems, preventing premature aging or failure.
Implementation Method 1
a flux concentrator having a split core toroidal ferrite core and winding wound around the core configured to capture a magnetic field from the power transmission conductor
Implementation Method 2
a hall-effect sensor assembly configured to receive the magnetic field from the flux concentrator and produce a voltage signal corresponding to the magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for measuring geomagnetically induced currents (GIC) is disclosed. The apparatus is configured to measure GICs temporarily flowing in high-voltage, 60 Hz power transmission conductors, and includes a securing means for securing the apparatus to the power transmission conductor. The apparatus further includes a flux concentrator having a toroidal ferrite core and winding wound around the core configured to capture a magnetic field from the power transmission conductor; a hall-effect sensor assembly configured to receive the magnetic field from the flux concentrator and produce a voltage signal corresponding to the magnetic field; and an electronics module configured to receive the voltage signal from the hall-effect sensor assembly, conduct measurements, and transmit the measurements to a local access point.