A fiber-optic current sensor for aerospace applications
Abstract
A robust, accurate, broad-band, alternating current sensor using fiber optics is being developed for space applications at power frequencies as high as 20 kHz. It can also be used in low and high voltage 60 Hz terrestrial power systems and in 400 Hz aircraft systems. It is intrinsically electromagnetic interference (EMI) immune and has the added benefit of excellent isolation. The sensor uses the Faraday effect in optical fiber and standard polarimetric measurements to sense electrical current. The primary component of the sensor is a specially treated coil of single-mode optical fiber, through which the current carrying conductor passes. Improved precision is accomplished by temperature compensation by means of signals from a novel fiber-optic temperature sensor embedded in the sensing head. The technology contained in the sensor is examined and the results of precision tests conducted at various temperatures within the wide operating range are given. The results of early EMI tests are also given.
- Publication:
-
Proposed for presentation at the 25th Intersociety Energy Conversion Engineering Conference
- Pub Date:
- 1990
- Bibcode:
- 1990iece.conf...12P
- Keywords:
-
- Ammeters;
- Electric Current;
- Electrical Measurement;
- Fiber Optics;
- Optoelectronic Devices;
- Alternating Current;
- Broadband;
- Electromagnetic Interference;
- Environmental Tests;
- Faraday Effect;
- Optical Fibers;
- Polarimetry;
- Temperature Compensation;
- Temperature Sensors;
- Instrumentation and Photography