A Distribution Line Database Recorder

This paper describes a new recorder for distribution line data collection. Application of the recorder and some benefits of its data handling features are discussed. In operation, a current supplied from a novel current driven clamp-on current transformer using fiber optic isolation and voltage from an existing distribution transformer are supplied to a solid state recorder. An electrically erasable solid state recording system for demand data, coupled with a battery backed-up clock/calendar, provides up to 33 days of data on a 15 minute demand basis. Read out is via an on board liquid crystal display or via an RS-232 data format to an IBM compatible personal computer. The resulting data, providing voltage, current, and phase angle on a demand basis as well as temperature plus time and date, can be used to fully characterize a distribution line on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Two applications of the recorder on typical distribution systems are presented.