WO2018206954A1

WO2018206954A1 - Current sensor

Info

Publication number: WO2018206954A1
Application number: PCT/GB2018/051253
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stanislaw Zurek
Original assignee: Megger Instruments Ltd
Priority date: 2017-05-10
Filing date: 2018-05-10
Publication date: 2018-11-15
Also published as: GB201707518D0; GB2562279A; GB2562279B

Abstract

An electrical current sensor (1) is provided, the electrical current sensor (1) comprising a solenoid (2) disposed about an at least partially magnetic core (3). The at least partially magnetic core (3) comprises a plurality of magnetic elements (4) configured to provide one or more regions of overlap (5) such that a gap is provided in each region of overlap (5). A geometry of the gap is substantially the same for each region of overlap (5) throughout the electrical current sensor (1).

Description

CURRENT SENSOR

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an electrical current sensor, in particular an electrical current sensor with a solenoid disposed about an at least partially magnetic core having a plurality of magnetic elements.

Background

Current sensors, in the form of a Rogowski coil (herein "RC"), have been known since the end of the 19^th century and are commonly used today for measuring electrical currents. Modern versions typically have a non-magnetic core, for example made from silicon rubber or plastic.

F. Alves, "High-frequency behaviour of magnetic composites based on FeSiBCuNb particles for power electronic s", IEEE Trans. Magnetics, Vol. 38 (5), 2002, p. 3135 describes a structure with magnetic flakes dispersed in a non-magnetic matrix.

Ren, Shiyan, Jiang Cao, and Huayun Yang. "Research of a novel Rogowski coil with special magnetic core." Precision Electromagnetic Measurements Digest, 2008. CPEM 2008. Conference on. IEEE, 2008 describes a Rogowski coil with a core having embedded particles.

Summary

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrical current sensor comprising a solenoid disposed about an at least partially magnetic core, the at least partially magnetic core comprising a plurality of magnetic elements. The plurality of magnetic elements is configured to provide one or more regions of overlap such that a gap is provided in each region of overlap. A geometry of the gap is substantially the same for each region of overlap throughout the electrical current sensor. This allows the core, and the current sensor as a whole, to have an effective magnetic permeability that is controllable at the design stage by the design of the positioning and overlap of the magnetic elements and that may be manufactured with repeatable performance, and that is consistent throughout the current sensor. In some embodiments of the invention, the geometry of the gap comprises a distance between overlapping magnetic elements, and a length of the region of overlap.

In some embodiments of the invention, the geometry of the gap comprises a thickness of the overlapping magnetic elements, and a length of the overlapping magnetic elements.

In some embodiments of the invention, the at least partially magnetic core comprises a non-magnetic substrate. The non-magnetic substrate may support the plurality of magnetic elements which allows the positioning or spacing, and thus magnetic coupling, between magnetic elements to be controllable. The effective magnetic permeability may therefore be set by the positioning of the magnetic elements.

For example, in some embodiments, the plurality of magnetic elements are arranged in a layer disposed on the non-magnetic substrate.

In some embodiments of the invention, the plurality of magnetic elements are arranged in a first layer and a second layer with the non-magnetic substrate between the first layer and the second layer.

In specific embodiments, a ratio g/o of the average distance between the first and second layers of magnetic elements g, and the average overlap between magnetic elements in the first and second layers o, is substantially the same for each region of overlap throughout the electrical current sensor.

In some embodiments of the invention, the plurality of magnetic elements are arranged in at least two layers such that each magnetic element in a layer overlaps with a magnetic element in an adjacent layer.

In particular embodiments, the electrical current sensor comprises non-magnetic spacers between overlapping magnetic elements, wherein the non-magnetic spacers are positioned in the regions of overlap.

In some embodiments of the invention, the plurality of magnetic elements are arranged in a single layer and shaped such that adjacent magnetic elements in the single layer overlap.

In some embodiments of the invention, the electrical current sensor comprises two magnetic elements arranged as intertwining strips.

In some embodiments of the invention, the electrical current sensor has a first configuration forming a closed loop, and a second configuration forming an open loop. In particular embodiments, the electrical current sensor comprises a hinge to open and close the electrical current sensor for transitioning between the first configuration and the second configuration.

In particular embodiments, the electrical current sensor comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first and second portions are engaged in the first configuration and disengaged in the second configuration.

In particular embodiments, the electrical current sensor comprises a slit such that the open loop is deformable in the second configuration for positioning the electrical current sensor about a device.

In some embodiments of the invention, the solenoid comprises winding of a substantially uniform pitch. This allows the current sensor to be more accurate, i.e. improves measurement uncertainty, due to the relationship between the current being measured and the output voltage.

In some embodiments of the invention, the magnetic elements have a relative magnetic permeability of at least 500. In some embodiments of the invention, the magnetic elements have a relative magnetic permeability of at least 10,000.

In some embodiments, the magnetic elements comprise magnetically soft material. In particular embodiments, the magnetic elements comprise a ferrite, electrical steel, nickel-iron alloy, or a nanocrystalline or amorphous ribbon.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a device to measure at least one of electrical resistance and electrical impedance. The device comprising a voltage-inducing loop and a current- sensing loop. At least one of the voltage-inducing loop and the current- sensing loop comprises an electrical current sensor according to any embodiment. This may allow the device to be used to make a measurement of resistance or impedance of circuits involving earthing electrodes. By using current sensors according to embodiments of the invention measurements may have increased accuracy and versatility in testing points when compared with other devices.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only, which is made with reference to the accompanying drawings. Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a perspective view of a current sensor according to embodiments of the invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a perspective view of a current sensor according to embodiments of the invention;

Figure 3 a is a schematic diagram of a side-on view of a current sensor according to embodiments of the invention;

Figure 3b is a schematic diagram of a top-down view of the current sensor shown in Figure 3 a;

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a perspective view of a current sensor according to embodiments of the invention;

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a top-down view of a current sensor according to embodiments of the invention;

Figure 6a is a schematic diagram of a top-down view of a current sensor in a first configuration according to embodiments of the invention;

Figure 6b is a schematic diagram of a top-down view of the current sensor shown in Figure 6a in a second configuration according to embodiments of the invention;

Figure 7a is a schematic diagram of a perspective view of a current sensor in a first configuration according to embodiments of the invention; and

Figure 7b is a schematic diagram of a perspective view of the current sensor shown in Figure 7a in a second configuration according to embodiments of the invention.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the invention are herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, for the purpose of explanation, numerous specific details of certain examples are set forth. Reference in the specification to "an example" or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least that one example, but not necessarily in other examples. It should further be noted that certain examples are described schematically with certain features omitted and/or necessarily simplified for ease of explanation and understanding of the concepts underlying the examples.

Rogowski coils (RCs) are used mainly for measuring alternating currents (AC).

They may provide reliable performance and linearity at currents of kilo-amperes (kA), in a wide frequency range up to megahertz (MHz). However, the non-magnetic core means that their sensitivity is relatively low and they typically cannot measure accurately below 1 ampere (A). For normal RC construction, 10 milli-amperes (mA) may be the lowest current measurable. Generally, the term "Rogowski coil" implies a sensor with a non-magnetic core. However, sensors with magnetic (or partially magnetic) cores may also be referred to as Rogowski coils.

The operation of Rogowski coils and the present flexible current sensor is based on a relationship between an input current passing through, and being measured by, the coil and a generated output voltage. With the relationship known, the output voltage can be measured and the input current inferred. This relationship may be given by:

where Vout is the output voltage, dii_n(t)/dt is the time differential of the input current as a function of time Jin(t), μτ is the relative magnetic permeability of the medium, μο is the magnetic constant or magnetic permeability of vacuum, A is the cross-sectional area of the core about which turns of wire are wound, / is the magnetic path length, and the sum is over each turn i up to the total number of turns N. The sum of partial voltages, each partial voltage corresponding to the voltage through each turn i of the coil, may also be referred to as a space integral.

For better proportionality between the output voltage Vout and input current Im(t) , the other terms in the equation should be kept as constant as possible throughout the core of the current sensor, μο is a natural constant, while A and / are relatively straightforward to manufacture such that they are constant throughout the coil. Thus, a current sensor where μ_τ is constant and the spacing between the turns of the coil is constant (uniform winding) would improve the measurement accuracy of a current.

The relative magnetic permeability of a material is related to a magnetic field strength H (measured in amps per metre) and a magnetic flux density B (measured in tesla) by B = μο μ_τ H. Thus, a constant μ_τ gives a linear relationship between B and H.

Introducing an air gap into a magnetic core may reduce the magnetic permeability μ_τ of the core while also increasing the linearity of the relationship between the magnetic field strength H and magnetic flux density B - sometimes referred to as a B-H curve or loop. The effective magnetic permeability μ_ε& of such a magnetic core with a gap may be considered to be:

_ core

eff — ~7

/ r-core ^~

lcore where //core IS the magnetic permeability of the core material, /core is the length of the core, and /_gap is the length of the air gap. This equation is based on several assumptions, such as: the cross section area of the magnetic circuit is constant at every point of the circuit, and is the same for the core and for the gap; the length of the air gap is much shorter than the total path length of the magnetic core; the magnetisation is uniform and fringing effect is neglected; and the permeability of the core material is much greater than the permeability of air gap.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a current sensor that has increased uniformity of effective magnetic permeability throughout the sensor, such that measurements of low current (for example, current below 1 A) may be made with a higher value of certainty than known current sensors. For example, in current sensors where magnetic powder, particles or flakes is/are dispersed in a non-magnetic matrix or substrate, it may be difficult to say with sufficient accuracy the number of such particles present in a given volume of material. The uniformity of such a structure must therefore be estimated by statistical averaging. In the present current sensor, however, the uniformity of the structure is controlled by mechanical properties and geometry, and so may be determined and controlled to greater accuracy. The effective magnetic permeability of the present current sensor may therefore have greater controllability and predictability. Furthermore, the present sensor provides a simpler construction than known sensors, making assembly easier and allowing for improved precision in the positioning of its components.

Figures 1 to 5 show examples of different structures of electrical current sensors according to the present invention. Figures 6a to 7b show examples of electrical current sensors according to the present invention in perspective view. For example, the structures described with reference to Figures 1 to 5 may be implemented in electrical current sensor examples described with reference to Figures 6a to 7b.

Figures 1 to 5 show an electrical current sensor 1 comprising a solenoid 2 disposed about an at least partially magnetic core 3. The at least partially magnetic core 3 comprises a plurality of magnetic elements 4. The at least partially magnetic core 3 may, in some examples, comprise magnetic and non-magnetic parts and hence is referred to as at least partially magnetic. The at least partially magnetic core 3 may significantly increase sensitivity of the present current sensor compared to Rogowski Coils with non-magnetic cores, for example by a factor of around 30 to 50 times, or even exceeding 250 times for small currents.

The plurality of magnetic elements 4 is configured to provide one or more regions of overlap 5 such that a gap is provided in each region of overlap 5. A region of overlap may be a spatial region where at least two portions of a magnetic element 4, or at least two magnetic elements 4, overlap each other. A geometry of the gap is substantially the same for each region of overlap throughout the electrical current sensor.

The geometry of the gap may comprise, or be a geometrical function of, a length of the region of overlap 5, and a distance between the overlapping magnetic elements 4, or portions of a magnetic element 4, for example. In certain cases, the geometry of the gap may additionally or alternatively comprise a thickness of the overlapping magnetic elements 4, and a length of the overlapping magnetic elements 4.

In some embodiments, a volume of the gap is substantially constant throughout the electrical current sensor. For example, a volume of the respective gap may be delimited by the dimensions of the respective region of overlap 5, such as the overlapping area of the magnetic elements 4, or portions of a magnetic element 4, and a distance between the magnetic elements 4, or portions of a magnetic element 4. Each gap in the electrical current sensor may therefore have substantially the same volume, to within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% or 5% for example.

In some embodiments, each respective gap comprises no electronics or electronic components, for example a transducer or sensor. In other words, such electronic components are absent from each respective gap provided in each region of overlap 5, and in particular active electronic components are absent from each respective gap provided in each region of overlap 5.

Compared with current sensors having a core comprising magnetic particles or flakes dispersed in a non-magnetic matrix, the positioning of the discrete magnetic element(s) 4 in the present current sensor 1 may be controlled to greater precision. Thus, instead of an inhomogeneous distribution of magnetic particles, giving varying magnetic couplings between each pair of particles due to their varying non-uniform separations, the magnetic elements 4, or particular parts of a singular magnetic element 4, in the present current sensor 1 may be positioned to a greater accuracy and precision relative to one another. This allows for a greater controllability and predictability of the effective magnetic permeability of the core structure 3.

In some examples, the effective magnetic permeability of the at least partially magnetic core 3 is much greater than 1, for example at least 500, which may improve the sensitivity of the electrical current sensor 1 allowing smaller currents, for example 1 mA and below, to be measured. This provides a significant improvement in sensitivity over comparable RCs, with high-sensitivity RCs measuring currents in the order of 10 mA. In an example, the effective magnetic permeability of the at least partially magnetic core 3 is at least 2. In other examples, the effective magnetic permeability of the at least partially magnetic core 3 is approximately 30, or 100.

Figure 2 shows an embodiment with the at least partially magnetic core 3 comprising a non-magnetic substrate 6. The non-magnetic substrate may be, for example, polycarbonate plastic tape. In some examples of this embodiment, the nonmagnetic substrate 6 is between 0.01 and 1.0 mm in thickness. In examples of larger sensors, the non-magnetic substrate 6 may be greater than 10 mm in thickness.

The at least partially magnetic core 3 comprises a plurality of magnetic elements

4, and the magnetic elements 4 may be arranged in a layer disposed on the non-magnetic substrate 6 in examples. For example, the magnetic elements 4 may be affixed to the non-magnetic substrate 6 by an adhesive, and/or the non-magnetic substrate 6 may have an adhesive layer. The magnetic elements 4 may be metallic strips or plates in certain cases.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the at least partially magnetic core 3 comprises a first layer 7 of magnetic elements 4 and a second layer 8 of magnetic elements 4 with the non-magnetic substrate 6 between the first layer 7 and the second layer 8. In this embodiment, the first layer 7 of magnetic elements 4 is disposed on a first side of the non-magnetic substrate 6, and the second layer 8 of magnetic elements 4 is disposed on an opposite side to the first side of the non-magnetic substrate 6. In other embodiments, the first layer 7 and/or the second layer 8 of magnetic elements 4 may be partially or wholly embedded in the non-magnetic substrate 6, with nonmagnetic substrate 6 between the layers 7, 8.

The at least partially magnetic core 3 may have multiple layers of magnetic elements 4 disposed on opposite sides of the non-magnetic substrate 6 in certain embodiments. However, the at least partially magnetic core 3 having two layers 7, 8 as shown in Figure 2 may be beneficial for manufacturing.

The relative magnetic permeability μ of the magnetic elements 4 may be greater than 500 or 1000 in some examples, and preferably at least 10,000. The magnetic field is guided along a magnetic element 4, because it is energetically much easier for the field to flow inside of a high-// magnetic element than through the non-magnetic substrate 6. However, the magnetic elements 4 have finite length and so at the end of the element 4, the field is forced to "jump" across to the next high-// magnetic element via the shortest possible path, which will start and end perpendicularly to the surfaces of adjacent magnetic elements 4.

In another embodiment, the at least partially magnetic core 3 comprises a plurality of magnetic elements 4 arranged in at least one layer 7, 8 and disposed at least partially within the non-magnetic substrate 6. For example, instead of the magnetic elements 4 being disposed on a surface of the non-magnetic substrate 6 as shown in Figure 2, the magnetic elements 4 may be embedded, partially or fully, in the non- magnetic substrate 6. The embedding may be achieved, for example, by over-moulding in rubber or via 3D printing. In certain cases, the magnetic elements 4 may be skewed at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the at least partially magnet core 3. For example, the magnetic elements 4 may have a longitudinal axis that is not parallel nor orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the non-magnetic substrate 6. In these cases, adjacent magnetic elements 4 may overlap one another in a common plane.

In another embodiment, the plurality of magnetic elements 4 are arranged in at least two layers 7, 8, wherein each layer of magnetic elements 7, 8 is disposed at least partially within the non-magnetic substrate 6, such that each magnetic element 4 in a layer 7, 8 overlaps with a magnetic element 4 in an adjacent layer 7, 8.

An effective magnetic permeability /_Com_P of the example composite core 3 shown in Figure 2 may be given by: comp

where: /mat is the magnetic permeability of the magnetic elements; g is the distance between magnetic elements 4 in different layers 7, 8; t is the thickness of the magnetic elements; o is the length of the overlap region 5, along a longitudinal axis of the core 3, between magnetic elements 4 in different layers 7, 8; and s is the length of the magnetic elements along the longitudinal axis of the core 3. In some examples, the quantities g, t, o, and s may be averaged over the entire core 3. In other examples, the magnetic elements 4 may be uniform and arranged homogeneously along the length of the at least partially magnetic core 3, such that these quantities will have substantially the same value for each magnetic element 4 and each relationship between magnetic elements 4.

The quantity 2g · t/o may be considered to be an effective gap length of the at least partially magnetic core 3 comprising two layers 7, 8 of magnetic elements 4 (analogous effective gap length expressions may be specified for partially magnetic cores 3 comprising a different number of layers 7, 8). For example, when comparing the above equation for the effective magnetic permeability /_Com_P of the composite core 3 shown in Figure 2 to the general equation for effective magnetic permeability μ_εα of a core with a gap, it can be seen that the ratios /_gap/icore ^and 2g^■ t/o^■ s are related. In an at least partially magnetic core 3 made up of multiple uniform elements, each of length e, the length s of a magnetic element 4 is related to the total effective length of the magnetic elements 4 in the core 3 by a factor of e. This factor is cancelled out when multiplying the effective gap length for an element (2g^■ t/o) by e.

In some embodiments, the ratio g/o of: the average distance g between the first and second layers 7, 8 of magnetic elements 4; and the average overlap o between magnetic elements 4 in the first and second layers 7, 8; is substantially the same for each region of overlap throughout the electrical current sensor 1. For example the ratio g/o may be maintained to within 5% throughout the electrical current sensor 1. Thus, by using magnetic elements 4 with uniform thickness t, the effective gap length of the at least partially magnetic core 3, and therefore its effective magnetic permeability comp, may be kept constant. This allows for the linearity of the relationship between B and H, and between Vout and Im to be maintained throughout the at least partially magnetic core 3. The magnetic elements 4 may also have a high relative magnetic permeability of at least 500, 1000 or 10,000. This allows for high sensitivity of the electrical current sensor 1, with measurements of below 1 mA possible.

Figures 3a and 3b show an embodiment wherein the magnetic elements 4 are arranged in two layers such that each magnetic element 4 in a layer overlaps with a magnetic element 4 in an adjacent layer. The magnetic elements 4 are connected at points 9 in regions of overlap 5. Figure 3a shows a side-on view of the sensor 1, while Figure 3b shows a top-down or "birds-eye" view. In some examples, there are more than two layers of magnetic elements 4.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 3a and 3b, there are non-magnetic spacers 10 between overlapping magnetic elements 4, and the non-magnetic spacers 10 are positioned in the regions of overlap 5.

In other embodiments, the magnetic elements 4 may be arranged in more than two layers such that magnetic elements 4 in a layer overlap with magnetic elements 4 in another of the layers.

In other embodiments, the magnetic elements 4 may be arranged in a single layer, for example, a series of magnetic elements 4 connected to one another by non- magnetic connectors 9.

Figure 4 shows an embodiment where the at least partially magnetic core 3 comprises a plurality of magnetic elements 4 arranged in a single layer and shaped such that adjacent magnetic elements 4 in the single layer overlap. Regions of overlap 5 may be present where adjacent magnetic elements 4 overlap one another due to their shape, for example an 'S' or 'Z' shape, as shown in Figure 4.

Figure 5 shows an embodiment where the electrical current sensor 1 comprises two magnetic elements 4 arranged as intertwining strips. The intertwined magnetic elements 4 may have regions of overlap 5 where the strips overlap one another, as shown in Figure 5.

In some embodiments, the electrical current sensor 1 has a first configuration forming a closed loop, and a second configuration forming an open loop. In the first configuration, the electrical current sensor 1 is configured for measuring a current passing through the closed loop, for example by a wire positioned in the interior of the loop. In the second configuration, the electrical current sensor 1 is configured for positioning about a current-carrying device such as a wire. For example, the open loop may be arranged about a fixed current-carrying device, or a current-carrying device that it is desirable not to disconnect in order to pass through the loop of the electrical current sensor 1.

Figures 6a and 6b show an example of an electrical current sensor 1 having a hinge 13 to open and close the electrical current sensor 1 for transitioning between the first configuration and the second configuration. The electrical current sensor 1 may have a first portion 11 and a second portion 12, wherein the first and second portions 11, 12 are engaged in the first configuration (Figure 6a) and disengaged in the second configuration (Figure 6b). In the example shown in Figures 6a and 6b, the first and second portions 11, 12 are arms, each arm having a respective face 14, 15 that are separated in the second configuration (Figure 6b) and meet at a join 16 in the first configuration (Figure 6a) to form the closed loop. In certain examples, the respective faces 14, 15 of the first and second portions 11, 12 may be interleave or otherwise correspond to one another such that they mate and engage securely when forming the closed loop in the first configuration.

The electrical current sensor 1 of this example may therefore be positioned about a current-carrying device when in the second, open, configuration shown in Figure 6b, and closed using the hinge 13 to form the closed loop of the first configuration shown in Figure 6a. In the first configuration, the electrical current sensor 1 may then be used to measure a current carried by the device.

Figures 7a and 7b show another example of an electrical current sensor 1 having a first portion 11 and a second portion 12, where the first and second portions 11, 12 are engaged in the first configuration (Figure 7a) and disengaged in the second configuration (Figure 7b). In this example, the first and second portions 11, 12 are separable, as shown in Figure 7b. In other examples, the electrical current sensor 1 may have more than two portions that are all engaged in the first configuration and disengaged in the second configuration. Such examples may be referred to as split cores.

Returning to Figures 7a and 7b, the first portion 11 has a first face 17 and a second face 18 which each respectively engage with the second portion 12 in the first configuration (Figure 7a) - meeting at respective joins 16a and 16b. The first face 17, the second face 18, and the second portion 12 may have corresponding engagement features for mating, in some examples, for example interleaving surfaces.

In some examples, the electrical current sensor may have a slit such that the open loop is deformable in the second configuration. This may allow for positioning the electrical current sensor about a device, for example by passing the device, such as a wire, through the slit and into the interior of the loop. The loop may then be closed when the electrical current sensor is positioned about the device, so that the current carried by the device may be measured by the electrical current sensor in the first configuration.

In the examples described, a magnetic element 4 may be a magnetic member, such as a solid piece or strip of material that, as a whole, comprises magnetic properties. Alternatively, a magnetic element 4 may be formed by a depression or cavity in the non-magnetic substrate 6 that is at least partially filled with a magnetic powder or liquid. For example, the concentration of magnetic powder or liquid having a defined boundary with the non-magnetic substrate 6 may be considered a magnetic element 4. A plurality of such cavities in the non-magnetic substrate 6, each at least partially filled with magnetic powder or liquid, may therefore be considered a plurality of magnetic elements 4. In certain cases, the magnetic element(s) 4 described herein may have a relative magnetic permeability of at least 500, or at least 1,000, or at least 10,000. The magnetic element(s) may comprise magnetically soft material, for example iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), or cobalt (Co), or a mixture comprising at least two of these three metals such as a nickel-iron alloy. In an example, the magnetic elements(s) 4 are made from an alloy comprising 80% nickel and 20% iron. In other cases, the magnetic element(s) 4 may be formed from nanocrystalline or amorphous ribbon, or electrical steel, for example cut into strips. In other examples, the magnetic element(s) may comprise a ferrite, oxide, or powder-based material.

In any of the embodiments and examples described herein, the solenoid 2 disposed about the at least partially magnetic core 3 may have winding of a uniform pitch. As the value for the output voltage depends on a space integral over all turns i of the solenoid 2 up to the total number of turns N, a uniform winding of the solenoid 2 allows the same value for output voltage to be determined regardless of the position of the current sensor with respect to the electrical conductor being measured. Thus, in cases where the solenoid 2 has a winding of a uniform pitch, the present flexible current sensor 1 may be used more reliably, as its position relative to the electrical conductor being measured does not affect the measurement reading.

In any of the embodiments and examples described herein, the electrical current sensor 1 may be substantially rigid or substantially flexible. For example, in embodiments where the electrical current sensor 1 is flexible, the electrical current sensor 1 is sufficiently flexible to allow it to be opened sufficiently wide and arranged about a current-carrying structure. In examples, the current-carrying structure may be any conductor for example a wire, a cable, or a metallic structural member such as a support leg of an electricity pylon. In certain cases, the flexible current sensor 1 may be flexed to create an opening for the current-carrying structure to be passed through. The flexible current sensor 1 may also be flexed to close the opening and form a closed loop for measuring the current passing through the current-carrying structure. In other cases, the flexible current sensor 1, and where applicable the non-magnetic substrate 6, may be sufficiently flexible to allow the flexible current sensor 1 to be wrapped around the current-carrying structure with multiple turns. In embodiments where the electrical current sensor 1 is rigid, the electrical current sensor 1 is sufficiently rigid to allow it to maintain its shape when in the closed configuration about a current-carrying structure. In the examples of Figures 6a and 6b, and Figures 7a and 7b, the electrical current sensor 1 may be substantially rigid such that, when closed by the hinge 13 (Figure 6b) or by the second portion 12 (Figure 7b), the electrical current sensor 1 forms a sufficiently rigid loop about the current-carrying structure.

Current sensors, according to examples described above, may be used in devices for measuring resistance or impedance for example, in devices for performing a measurement of resistance or impedance using the stake-less method. The stake-less method is used for measuring circuit resistance or impedance, to determine whether an earthing electrode has developed a fault, without the use of auxiliary test spikes. The method may comprise attaching a transformer and a current- sensor to a circuit comprising an earthing electrode to be tested, either directly at the electrode or elsewhere in the circuit. The transformer may be attached to the circuit such that a current may be induced in the circuit comprising the earthing electrode under test by applying a predetermined voltage across a primary winding of the transformer. Applying the voltage across the primary winding of the transformer will generate a magnetic field in the core of the transformer. This magnetic field may induce the current in the circuit to be tested. As the number of turns in the primary winding of the transformer is predetermined and taking the number of turns of the circuit through the transformer to be one, the voltage induced in the circuit can be determined based on the input voltage and the turn ratio. The current sensor may then measure the current induced in the circuit. By applying a constant voltage across the primary winding of the transformer, the current induced in the circuit may be directly proportional to the resistance or impedance of the circuit which is being measured. Hence, a determination of the resistance or impedance in the circuit comprising the earthing electrode may be made.

Figure 11 shows an example of a device for measuring resistance or impedance. The device comprises a voltage-inducing loop 15, a current-sensing loop 16, and a test unit 17. A circuit to be tested has an impedance indicated by Zioop 18. The voltage- inducing loop 15 may be used to induce a voltage in the circuit. The circuit may represent a circuit comprising an earthing electrode wherein the impedance of the circuit is to be tested. In some examples, the voltage-inducing loop 15 may comprise the current sensor according to the examples described herein configured as such. A current sensor according to the examples described herein may be reconfigured to be a voltage-inducing loop 15 by applying a predetermined voltage across the solenoid, wherein the example voltage-inducing loop 15 shown in Figure 11 comprises a solenoid with one turn. However, in practice the solenoid may comprise a plurality of turns for example, as shown in Figure 1. Applying a predetermined voltage across the solenoid of the current sensor in the voltage-inducing loop 15 may cause a magnetic field to be generated in the at least partially magnetic core of the voltage-inducing loop 15. With the current sensor positioned around a conductor in the circuit, a current may be induced in the circuit. The current induced in the circuit being related to the voltage applied across the solenoid and the impedance of the circuit.

In some examples the current-sensing loop 16 may comprise the current sensor according to examples described herein. The current- sensing loop 16 being configured as a current sensor according to examples described above, wherein the examples shown in Figure 11 comprises a solenoid with one turn. However, in practice the solenoid may comprise a plurality of turns for example as shown in Figure 1. With the current-sensing loop 16 positioned around a current carrying conductor, a magnetic field, proportional to the current in the current carrying conductor and the turn ratio between the circuit and the solenoid in the current- sensing loop 16, is generated in the at least partially magnetic core of the current sensor. This in turn may be sensed using a solenoid, comprising at least one winding, positioned around the at least partially magnetic core and connected to the test unit 17.

The test unit 17 shown in Figure 11 may comprise a voltage source for applying a predetermined voltage across the solenoid of the voltage-inducing loop 15. The test unit may comprise a signal processing unit to measure a signal output from the current- sensing loop. The signal output may be used to determine the current in the circuit under test. The signal processing unit may also receive an indication of the voltage across the solenoid in the voltage-inducing loop 15 and thereby may be configured to determine the resistance or impedance in the circuit under test based on the turn ratios, the applied voltage and the measured current. In some examples the signal processing unit may determine any information relating to; resistance, reactance, impedance, phase, and waveform in the circuit under test. In some examples the signal processing unit comprises the voltage source.

In some examples the voltage-inducing loop 15 and the current- sensing loop 15 are connected to separate test units, wherein the test unit connected to the voltage- inducing loop may comprise a voltage source and the test unit connected to the current- sensing loop may comprise a signal processing unit. The two test units may be connected to each other or connected to a computing device either by wires or wirelessly by the use of any number of wireless communication devices. Wherein any of the two test units or the computing device may determine the resistance or impedance in the circuit under test based on the predetermined voltage, the signals received by the signal processing unit, and other information relating to the device such as turn ratios for the voltage-inducing loop and the current-sensing loop.

In some examples, at least one of the voltage-inducing loop 15 and current- sensing loop 16 may comprise a current sensor according to examples described herein. In other examples both the voltage-inducing loop 15 and current- sensing loop 16 may comprise a current sensor according to the examples described above, configured respectively.

At least one of the voltage-inducing loop 15 and the current- sensing loop 16 may comprise a closure mechanism to secure the ends of the respective loop when positioned around a conductor in a circuit to be tested. The closure mechanism may comprise at least partially magnetic material to provide an improved magnetic path between the ends of the loop.

The voltage-inducing loop 15 and the current sensing loop 16 may be connected either at a shared closure mechanism or by an insulating portion of each loop. The voltage-inducing loop and the current-sensing loop may each comprise an outer layer of insulating material. The voltage-inducing loop and the current sensing loop may comprise a single outer layer of insulating material, thereby joining the two loops. There may be a layer of insulating material between the voltage-inducing loop and the current- sensing loop. Many arrangements of the voltage-inducing loop and the current- sensing loop are possible. For example, Figure 12 shows a configuration wherein the voltage- inducing loop and current- sensing loop are concentric and coplanar. This configuration may be implemented in devices wherein the voltage-inducing loop and the current- sensing loop comprise an outer layer of insulating material. This may allow the voltage- inducing loop and the current-sensing loop of the device to be positioned around current carrying conductors which are positioned within openings narrower than the combined width of the loops. In some examples, the voltage-inducing loop and the current- sensing loop may be concentric but may not lie in the same plane. In other examples, the voltage-inducing loop and the current sensing loop may be adjacent to one another in different planes. The voltage-inducing loop and the current-sensing loop may have the same radius, or their radii may differ. The cross section of voltage-inducing loop and the current- sensing loop may differ for example, the voltage-inducing loop may have a larger cross section than the current- sensing loop or vice versa.

In some examples, the device may compensate for magnetic interference between the voltage-inducing loop and the current- sensing loop. The current- sensing loop may comprise a secondary winding around the core of the current- sensing loop and connected to a signal source or wound around the voltage-inducing loop. The secondary winding may have a configurable impedance implemented by the inclusion of other electrical equipment. The winding is configured such that it generates a magnetic field of equal magnitude but opposite polarity to the field induced in the core of the current- sensing loop by the interference from the voltage-inducing loop. In some examples, the device may compensate for electrical interference between the voltage- inducing loop and the current-sensing loop. The device may comprise an auxiliary signal source. The auxiliary signal source may be tapped from the voltage-inducing loop to achieve the correct compensation. The device may comprise a parasitic winding around the voltage-inducing loop, where the auxiliary circuit containing this parasitic winding has a configurable impedance. An analogue-to-digital converter may be used to digitise the signal output from the current- sensing loop and an algorithm can be applied to the digitised signal.

Using a current sensor according to the examples described above in at least one of the voltage-inducing loop and current- sensing loop may allow the voltage-inducing loop and current- sensing loop to be positioned around a conductor such as the foot of a pylon, or an earthing electrode with a diameter larger than 100 millimetres.

Claims

1. An electrical current sensor comprising a solenoid disposed about an at least partially magnetic core, the at least partially magnetic core comprising a plurality of magnetic elements,

wherein the plurality of magnetic elements is configured to provide one or more regions of overlap such that a gap is provided in each region of overlap,

wherein a geometry of the gap is substantially the same for each region of overlap throughout the electrical current sensor.

2. An electrical current sensor according to claim 1, wherein the geometry of the gap comprises an area of overlap between overlapping magnetic elements.

3. An electrical current sensor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the geometry of the gap comprises a distance between overlapping magnetic elements, and a length of the region of overlap.

4. An electrical current sensor according to any preceding claim, wherein the geometry of the gap comprises a thickness of the overlapping magnetic elements, and a length of the overlapping magnetic elements.

5. An electrical current sensor according to any preceding claim, the at least partially magnetic core comprising a non-magnetic substrate.

6. An electrical current sensor according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of magnetic elements are arranged in a layer disposed on the non-magnetic substrate.

7. An electrical current sensor according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of magnetic elements are arranged in a first layer and a second layer with the non- magnetic substrate between the first layer and the second layer.

8. An electrical current sensor according to claim 7, wherein the geometry of the gap comprises a ratio g/o of the average distance between the first and second layers of magnetic elements g, and the average overlap between magnetic elements in the first and second layers o, wherein the ratio g/o is substantially the same for each region of overlap throughout the electrical current sensor.

9. An electrical current sensor according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plurality of magnetic elements are arranged in at least two layers such that each magnetic element in a layer overlaps with a magnetic element in an adjacent layer.

10. An electrical current sensor according to claim 9 comprising nonmagnetic spacers between overlapping magnetic elements, wherein the non-magnetic spacers are positioned in the regions of overlap.

11. An electrical current sensor according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plurality of magnetic elements are arranged in a single layer and shaped such that adjacent magnetic elements in the single layer overlap.

12. An electrical current sensor according to any of claims 1 to 4 comprising two magnetic elements arranged as intertwining strips.

13. An electrical current sensor according to any preceding claim, having a first configuration forming a closed loop, and a second configuration forming an open loop.

14. An electrical current sensor according to claim 13 comprising a hinge to open and close the electrical current sensor for transitioning between the first configuration and the second configuration.

15. An electrical current sensor according to claim 13 comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first and second portions are engaged in the first configuration and disengaged in the second configuration.

16. An electrical current sensor according to claim 13 comprising a slit such that the open loop is deformable in the second configuration for positioning the electrical current sensor about a device.

17. An electrical current sensor according to any preceding claim, wherein the solenoid comprises winding of a substantially uniform pitch.

18. An electrical current sensor according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the plurality of magnetic elements has a relative magnetic permeability of at least 500.

19. An electrical current sensor according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the plurality of magnetic elements has a relative magnetic permeability of at least 10,000.

20. An electrical current sensor according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the plurality of magnetic elements comprises magnetically soft material.

21. An electrical current sensor according to claim 20, wherein each of the plurality of magnetic elements comprises a ferrite, electrical steel, nickel-iron alloy, or a nanocrystalline or amorphous ribbon.

22. A device to measure at least one of electrical resistance and electrical impedance, the device comprising:

a voltage-inducing loop; and

a current- sensing loop;

wherein at least one of the voltage-inducing loop and the current- sensing loop comprises the electrical current sensor according to any preceding claim configured as such.

23. A device to measure at least one of electrical resistance and electrical impedance according to claim 22, wherein the voltage-inducing loop and the current- sensing loop are at least one of concentric and coplanar.

24. A device to measure at least one of electrical resistance and electrical impedance according to any one of claim 22 and claim 23, comprising a voltage source to supply a predetermined voltage to the voltage-inducing loop.

25. A device to measure at least one of electrical resistance and electrical impedance according to any of claims 22-24, comprising a signal processing unit to measure a signal output from the current- sensing loop.