Modelling and design of low-power, non-conventional current sensors based on smart materials for high-voltage transmission lines

This paper presents a new technique for measurement of current based on magnetic shape memory (MSM) smart alloys. MSM alloys undergo shape changes when exposed to magnetic fields. The non-conventional instrument transformer (NCIT) proposed in this paper utilises this property to measure current. There is a correlation between the magnetic field produced by a current and the shape change of an MSM material (MSM sensor). By exploiting this correlation, we have shown that it is possible to measure alternating currents (a.c.) in high voltage overhead transmission lines. A change in the length of the MSM element causes voltage output in a linear variable differential transducer. The design of the NCIT was optimised for transmission lines. Several designs of its magnetic circuit were simulated using finite element package ANSYS APDL. Several key parameters were investigated to evaluate their effects on the sensitivity of the NCIT. Results are presented as the relationship between the current in the conductor and strain (linear elongation) of the MSM element. A commonly used conductor in high-voltage transmission lines was modelled together with the MSM element and the magnetic circuit. Recommendations have been made on the design of NCITs considering various parameters. In addition, analyses of errors in ANSYS models for the magnetic circuit have been presented. The developed methodology and obtained results are verified by comparing them to the results obtained through an experiment done by a manufacturer of MSM materials.