Optical fiber-based power and data delivery system for high voltage electronic current transformer

This paper describes a prototype power delivery system developed for high voltage electronic current transformer (ECT) that uses laser light to transfer power to and communicates with the primary converter. The design is based on optical-to-electrical power converters, solid-state diode lasers and optical fibers. Command signals are transmitted via the same up-fiber used to send power from secondary power supply to primary converter. The upward data transmission is completed during the brief interruption of power delivery without affecting steady power-supply. A simple comparator added to the primary converter can take the command data. Experimental results show that the fibers can provide reliable up-link for data transmission at 200 kb/s from the secondary to the primary converter. Based on the delivery system, the secondary converter can control three auxiliary channels to provide additional information. These monitoring channels are used in a time-multiplexing mode to provide information about the operation temperature, voltage and current at the remote unit for monitoring the ECT. This preventive maintenance or built-in test can increase reliability by giving early warning for necessary maintenance request.