Search Results (3)

This paper investigates the accuracy of conventional inductive current transformers (iCTs) and Rogowski coils (RCs) in measuring distorted currents, evaluating compliance with the WB0 (up to the 13th harmonic) and WB1 (up to the 60th harmonic) accuracy classes according to the IEC 61869-1 standard. A custom reference iCT, calibrated via the ampere-turns method to achieve a superior baseline accuracy (0.02%), served as the primary benchmark. A zero-flux electronic transducer was utilized strictly to verify this reference. Despite inherent core nonlinearity, tested conventional iCTs with reduced to minimum secondary burdens successfully met the class 0.5-WB1 requirements. In the case of tested Rogowski coils, the study reveals that their wideband performance depends on physical design of the particular type. High-sensitivity coils suffer from increased parasitic capacitance and self-inductance, causing significant additional phase shift at higher frequencies, whereas low-sensitivity, small-diameter coils offer superior linearity. Overall, the tested RCs generally ensured compliance with the 0.5-WB1 class across the evaluated frequency range, with certain units successfully achieving the more restrictive 0.2-WB1 class. Ultimately, conventional iCTs remain a highly reliable solution for metering purposes in low-voltage networks, while properly selected Rogowski coils provide a valuable alternative for power quality analysis and harmonic distortion measurements. Full article

Nanocrystalline material provides an opportunity to improve the wideband performance of inductive current transformers and enables the possibility of ensuring their transformation accuracy for distorted and sinusoidal current from 50 Hz up to 20 kHz. Introduced in the year 2023, the standard IEC 61869-1 defines optional wideband accuracy classes for inductive current transformers with the WB2 class extension for harmonic frequencies up to 20 kHz. In this paper, design requirements in order to develop high accuracy 0.1-WB2 class wideband inductive current transformers compliant with the standards IEC 61869-1/2 are presented. It is shown that the main emphasis and design difficulties in ensuring high transformation accuracy still concern the lowest frequency of wideband operation—the fundamental component. However, it is of high importance that in order to obtain the highest possible wideband transformation accuracy of inductive current transformer for the low order higher harmonics, we ensure the lowest possible self-distortion of secondary current by minimalization of the load of its secondary winding is achieved—it should operate close to the short circuit conditions. Therefore, the low-power inductive CT should be designed and used for measurements in the power grid, as they will ensure the highest wideband transformation accuracy. Full article

This paper presents the evaluation of tested inductive CTs’ accuracy for distorted current harmonics in accordance with the optional accuracy class WB1 introduced by the new edition of the standard IEC 61869-1 published in the year 2023. The tests were performed in compliance with the interpretation sheet IEC 61869-2:2012/ISH1:2022. Therefore, the resistive and the resistive–inductive loads of the secondary winding of tested inductive CTs were used, as this was required for the given test conditions. The results indicate that the units designed for the transformation of a sinusoidal current of a frequency of 50 Hz ensure the high wideband transformation accuracy of the distorted current harmonics, as demanded by the power quality monitoring and distorted electrical power and energy requirements. The key to this is proper design using modern magnetic material(s) for the magnetic core and its oversizing in relation to the requirements for a given accuracy class defined for the transformation of sinusoidal currents with a rated frequency. Both tested inductive CTs with a rated primary current RMS value equal to 300 A, class 0.2 and 0.5, ensured compliance with the requirements of the WB1 wideband accuracy class. Full article