This has further strengthened the push for a pan-European energy system with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with calls for decarbonization, electrification, and digitalization reshaping the entire energy system.
In the context of the energy transition, transmission and distribution network operators face new power quality challenges, including increased harmonics and DC pollution. This is also due to changes in power generation, transmission, and distribution technologies, as well as in design and operating philosophies.
This means that utility operators need a new generation of transducers to ensure future-proof current transformers measure a wide range of current flow properties.
GE Renewable Energy has set the goal of offering a high-precision, universal current transformer (CT) in its HYpact switchgear for a broad frequency range, from DC to 50 kHz, and from mA to kA for digitization purposes, regardless of the rated current. GE Renewable Energy is constantly seeking smart solutions to reduce interface engineering and utilize a single CT for all customer requirements, potentially saving valuable interface engineering time on their projects.
Senseleq has designed, tested, and delivered a wide-range, annular-core universal current transducer equivalent to the following specifications to meet future requirements – based on zero-flux technology:
- Measurement class 100 A 0.2S
- Measurement class 2,500 A 0.2S
- Protection class 2,500 A 5P20
- Wide DC range.
The result is a current transducer that measures from 1 A to 50 kA with the accuracy shown in the diagram below.
The same current transducer has also provided highly accurate DC performance from -6 kA to +6 kA. The current transducer's bandwidth is measured in the range of a few hundred kHz. The current transducer's performance under high levels of DC contamination has also been tested and confirmed.
Senseleq has supplied the wide-range current transducers in the same cast resin housing as the ring-core inductive current transducers, with the same mechanical configurations, etc., so they can be installed and operated without additional mechanical complexity or safety risks. The wide-range current transducer is combined with multiple measurement and protection cores in the same housing.
This hybrid option offers the possibility of implementing the new measurement technology in combination with the well-established inductive current transducers. This also enables potential retrofit solutions, which could be an increasingly significant challenge given the demands of the energy transition.
This current transducer will be installed in the first digital HYpact module at GE's Kassel facility for a pilot project in Germany. The module is scheduled to be energized in the second quarter of 2022.
GE Renewable Energy is a $16 billion business that combines one of the broadest portfolios in the renewable energy industry to deliver end-to-end solutions to customers who demand reliable and affordable green energy. Combining onshore and offshore wind, turbine blades, hydropower, storage, utility-scale solar and grid solutions, as well as hybrid renewables and digital services offerings, GE Renewable Energy has installed more than 400 gigawatts of clean renewable energy and equipped more than 90% of the world's utilities with its grid solutions. With nearly 40,000 employees in more than 80 countries, GE Renewable Energy creates value for customers seeking to power the world with affordable, reliable, and sustainable green energy.
Senseleq is a joint venture between ELEQ and Danisense. It offers current measurement transducers specifically designed for power transmission and distribution applications. Leveraging the extensive experience of its partners, Senseleq provides transducers based on zero-flux technology that can measure current from DC up to several hundred kHz for high and medium voltage applications, serving as current transformers for a wide range of applications.
