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A Current Transformer Using Magneto-optic Sensor

B. Sayadpour, Electric Power Research Center, Tehran,
In this paper design and test of a lab sample of a current transformer using magneto-optic
effect is discussed. It is possible to measure currents up to 2KA at high voltage power
systems.

The main parts of this system are:

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Electro-optical transmittedreceiver and electronic processor and display placed at the

ground potential level.
Magneto-optic sensor using Faraday effect, Analyzer, Collimators and coupling lenses
placed at the high voltage power line.

The measured current data is in the form of analog optical modulated signals and its
transmitter form HV unit to ground by optical fiber. optical transmitter is coupled to a
fiber optic transmission line and goes to HV unit. At the HV unit the emitted light of
transmitter is collimated to a polarize which is made of calcite, then the polarized light is
passed through the sensor. New sensor used in this system is constructed of four
separated prisms together in a circular shape that forces the passing light by consecutive
refiactions going around the electrical current conductor. This path of light is always
parallel with or orthogonal to the direction of current conductor.
The polarization plane of output light of sensor wiJl be rotated proportional to the
variations of magnetic field and of course variations of electrical current. The Faraday
rotation angle equation is:

p = V.H.L.

p: Rotation angle of polarization.

H: Magnetic field intensity around the conductor.
V: Verdet constant
At the output of sensor, there is an analyzer which modulates the intensity of the output
light by the variations of polarization angle, and also the analyzer separates the output
light into two light beams with opposite variations in intensity of 180 degrees difference in
phase angle. By using the optical fiber the intensity modulated output beams of light
intensity proportional to the conductors current is detected by receiver / low noise
amplifiers i d then passed to the analog electronic circuit to be processed and displayed.

0-7803-3895-2/97/$10.00 01997 IEEE

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With using a two channel receiver circuit the common mode noises are rejected by
differencing the two detected signals at the processor unit.. Data and electrical signal is
available at output of processing unit to display the current amplitude or be used for
protection systems. Tests and experimental results show that linearity and precision of
this system is comparable to ordinary type of current transformers. Also it is possible to
measure DC currents of HVDC power line.

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