System and method for current sensing using Anti-differential, error correcting current sensing

Abstract

The present invention is directed to system and method for current sensing using an anti-differential, error correcting, current sensing system. The invention includes a conductive path configured to receive a current therethrough. A first current sensor is positioned on a first side of the conductive path and configured to monitor a first directional magnetic field induced by the current. A second current sensor is positioned on a second side of the conductive path, substantially opposite the first current sensor, and configured to monitor a second directional magnetic field induced by the current that is substantially opposite in direction to the first directional magnetic field. A processing component is configured to receive feedback from the first current sensor and the second current sensor and generate an anti-differential output from the feedback.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims the benefit of prior U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 507,896 filed Oct. 1, 2003 and entitled INTEGRATED, COMMUNICATING, NON-CONTACT CURRENT SENSOR AND ARC FAULT DETECTOR FOR BUS, CABLE AND FEED THROUGH INSTALLATIONS.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to current measuring and monitoring, more particularly, to a system and method for measuring current by sensing magnetic flux associated with current flow through a conductor. A dual Hall sensor configuration is utilized to sense magnetic flux and provide feedback to a processing component. The processing component is arranged to generate an anti-differential output from the feedback received to remove feedback attributable to magnetic fields induced externally from the conductor. [0003] Measuring and monitoring of current flow through a conductor is an important analysis that is performed in a wide variety of applicati...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015] The present invention is directed to a system and method that overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks. Specifically, an anti-differential, error correcting, sensor topology is utilized that eliminates the need for ferromagnetic concentrators. As such, the sensor eliminates the limitations associated with metal-core based current sensors and is capable of providing accurate current monitoring in the presence of external magnetic fields.

[0019] In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, an anti-differential current sensing system is disclosed that includes an electrically conductive path. A first Hall effect sensor is disposed proximate to a first side of the electrically conductive path and configured to generate a first measure of a current flow through the electrically conductive path by monitoring magnetic fields and a second Hall effect sensor is disposed proximate to a second side of the electrically conductive path, substantially opposite the first side of the electrically conductive path, and configured to generate a second measure of the current flow through the electrically conductive path by monitoring magnetic fields. A processing device is configured to receive the first measure of the current flow and the second measure of the current flow and generate an output from the first measure of the current flow and the second measure of the current flow substantially free of errors due to magnetic fields generated externally from the conductive path.

Problems solved by technology

Contact sensors are common in many circumstances but include many inherent limitations.

For example, while shunt-type sensors are readily applicable to direct current (DC) applications, shunt-type sensors are not suited to alternating current (AC) applications due to errors caused by induced loop voltages.

On the other hand, while current transformers (CT) are suited for AC applications, such are inapplicable to DC applications due to the fundamental nature of transformers.

In any case, these contact-based sensor systems are typically large and may be difficult to employ, especially in areas where tight size constraints are necessary.

Therefore, should the operating conditions lead to the saturation of the metal core, inaccurate current measurements may be gathered.

Accordingly, sensing ranges of metal core sensors are typically hard-limited to the “near-linear” operational range.

Additionally, sensors relying on metal cores can experience hysteresis in the metal core that may produce a zero current offset error.

As such, zero offsets are particularly troublesome when monitoring DC power systems.

As all permeable ferromagnetic materials exhibit some level of hysteresis, which produces an error at zero current, metal core sensors are susceptible to erroneous current measurements at low or no current levels.

Furthermore, while electronic-based sensors are typically limited by the voltage rails used in the sensor output stages, current sensors employing metal cores have an additional limitation imposed by the saturation point of the material.

However, these systems merely diminish the effects of the errors, and do not entirely eliminate the potential for errors and incorrect current readings.

However, while the removal of the metal core eliminates the potential for inaccurate current measurements due to metal core saturation, hysteresis, or eddy currents, the air core does not have the magnetic flux magnifying or concentrating effect of metal cores.

Therefore, air-core current sensors are readily susceptible to influence by external magnetic fields and may provide inaccurate current measurements.

As such, air-core sensors are typically unsuitable for applications where multiple high external magnetic fields are present.

As an overwhelming percentage of current sensors are required to be deployed in areas where numerous conductors and corresponding magnetic fields are in close proximity, air-core sensors are often undesirable.

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