Optical mv current & voltage sensors as a new generation instrument transformer for distribution automation

Major drivers are shaping the next generation European Grid. Electricity demand is predicted to grow faster than average in the coming decades. By 2020, the power generation sector will be subject to 100% CO2 auctioning, while required to reduce its emissions by more than 200 Mt CO2. Also by 2020, consumer demand will exceed schedulable renewable capacities by more than 200 GW, causing challenges in grid management. Challenged by differing voltage systems and configurations, the push to reduce nuclear generation, and the growing focus on renewable energy sources European utilities are seeking new, more effective technologies to deploy across existing distribution systems. For energy efficiency applications such as active Demand Response and Volt/VAR Control, a high average accuracy is required. For Fault Detection and Isolation, high dynamic current range and fast response are required. For Quality of Power, the most important data measurement feature is high frequency response. This paper describes how optical medium voltage (MV) current and voltage sensors, as next-generation instrument transformers with very high dynamic current range, best-in-class accuracy, and high frequency response, meet these challenges. It also describes energy efficiency improvements and voltage management techniques that are reducing energy demand at Alabama Power (USA) and how IMS of Brazil is using real time measurement of medium voltage and current to monitor power quality.