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12 Advantages of current transformers – detailed explanation]
Introduction
Advantages of current transformers – detailed explanation]: – L The electrical energy generated at the power plant is routed through power lines and distribution systems for consumption through individual applications. Current levels must be measured during generation and distribution to ensure optimal values are transmitted to various points in the power distribution system. This current is mostly very high and cannot be measured with a conventional ammeter.
A transformer is a device consisting of two coils called primary and secondary coils. It transfers energy from one side to the next with appropriate changes in current or voltage levels. Specialized transformers, called instrument transformers, measure extremely high voltages and currents along the electrical system. Current transformers used to measure or measure high current values are called current transformers.
What is a current transformer?
Current transformers are an essential part of the electric power industry, providing a means of measuring and monitoring the flow of current in power transmission and distribution systems. Directly measuring high currents with measuring instruments is not only expensive but sometimes extremely dangerous and tedious. Therefore, the current flowing through the circuit must decrease to the specific value to be measured.
A current transformer in series or in series with the circuit reduces the magnetic field created by the current flowing through the primary circuit and transfers it to the next circuit called the secondary. Because circulating current occurs in the secondary circuit, the amount of current flowing in the primary circuit can be measured using a measuring device connected in parallel with the secondary coil. The two basic purposes of current transformers are to measure current in high-voltage lines and to detect faulty power conditions to activate appropriate protection or safety systems.
Advantages of current transformer
Below are some advantages of the current transformer: –
1. Measuring high currents: (Advantages of current transformers)
The main purpose of a current transformer is to generate, from a primary current, a proportional secondary current that can be effectively measured or used to control different circuits. Larger current values can be measured effectively.
Current transformers can be used in general circuits to measure fault currents, operating with safe measurement of large currents, often at high voltages. The primary winding is connected in series with the mains current to be measured, while the optional winding is frequently connected to a meter, transfer resistor, or load resistor to increase the amplified low-level voltage for regulation purposes. control.
2. High electrical isolation: (Advantages of current transformers)
The ability to isolate high voltage and current at low values ensures safe operation and safe handling of equipment. Current transformers provide electrical isolation between the measuring instruments and the high-voltage circuit. Therefore, insulation requirements can be reduced in protection circuits and measuring instruments.
3. High-efficiency core: (Advantages of current transformers)
Frequently, high-efficiency permeable cores are used in current transformers to minimize electromagnetic current and reduce errors.
4. Easy powering and control: (Advantages of the current transformer)
The current transformer is powered by the current it measures. This does not require additional energy. Additionally, the output signal from the scanner directly activates electromechanical relays. It does not need additional amplification.
5. Simple structure: (Advantages of current transformer)
a current transformer is widely used as a measurement transformer or protection transformer. Another advantage of current transformers is their simple structure and ease of installation.
6. Types of clamps: (Advantages of current transformers)
The location of current transformers imposes certain limitations on shape and size. The current transformer is located inside the induction motor terminal box, around the phase conductors. This limits the maximum transformer core size. Clamps may be used to facilitate installation so that the transformer can be installed without disconnecting the phase conductors from the motor terminal.
7. Efficiency measurements: (Advantages of current transformers)
Various devices can be handled by a single current transformer. In addition, the measurement results are not affected by the temperature of the coil or magnetic core if the temperature is within acceptable limits.
8. Easy maintenance and installation: (Advantages of current transformers)
Damaged parts of current transformers can be easily replaced. The current transformer has strong mechanical strength and a compact design. They are not difficult to transport, store and install. Additionally, they do not require any maintenance throughout their life cycle.
9. Safe measurement of alternating current: (Advantages of current transformers)
The current transformer does not allow measurement of DC signals, so it is not suitable for detecting dielectric discharge; Regardless, it can be used to measure induced current and voltage waveforms with optional load impedance. External magnetic fields have virtually no effect on measurement results.
10. Types: (Advantages of current transformers)
current transformers have many types such as molded shell, total, split core cable, three phases, DIN rail, compact, flexible, split core residual current transformer, and Differential. These countless types have many different functions.
11. Wide Application: (Advantages of the current transformer)
CT can be used in many applications, e.g. branch circuit monitoring, substation fault detection, current estimation for generation motor measurement, industrial electricity measurement, and smart electricity measurement.
12. Cost: (Advantages of current transformers)
With the standardization of the rating of the secondary winding of a current transformer, it is possible to standardize measuring devices around the values This rated parameter will result in a significant reduction in the cost of current transformers and equipment.
Conclusion
Current transformers have a variety of applications, including measuring current and power, checking electrical network operations, and operating protective enclosures. Current transformers are used to measure high currents flowing through lines and moreover as isolation devices between the circuit and the measuring device. In general, current transformers allow users to determine the large value of current flowing through a circuit.
However, this is beneficial in real-time applications, as obtaining accurate readings without harmonics or current errors is an essential task. Furthermore, with the increasing demand, the precision and development of automatic digital current transformers help reduce power loss during transmission and transfer or further calculate load demand based on user request at that particular time. In the long run, current transformer testing and voltage transformer testing ensure that the measurement transformer operates correctly.