A novel electro-optic hybrid current measurement instrument for high-voltage power lines

Details of an electro-optic, hybrid current-sensing instrument, and its application to high-voltage power line current measurement, are presented. The current is first detected via a Rogowski coil, followed by conversion of the detected current into a frequency-modulated optical pulse signal in the high-voltage area. Subsequently, the optical pulse signal is transmitted to the ground through an optical fiber cable. Finally, the measured current is recovered from the optical pulse signal by a ground-located signal-processing module. Compared with conventional current transformers, widely used for high-voltage line current measurement, this instrument provides a significant reduction in size, weight, and cost, together with features of convenient installation, secure operation, and high accuracy. Furthermore, it can be configured to be compatible with conventional secondary meters widely used in today´s power plants and substations. In 1996, a prototype of this instrument was demonstrated online at a power substation and has shown good accuracy, stability, and safety for more than two years