Accurate optical measurement of high voltage waveform using novel optical liquid crystal based sensor

Josiah Firth, Zourab Brodzeli, Mihai Ciobotaru, Toan Phung, François Ladouceur, Leonardo Silvestri

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We have developed a novel method for measuring electric field strength, and by inference, voltage for high power applications. This is achieved in a contact-less manner using a passive, liquid-crystal based optical device which guarantees galvanic isolation. We illustrate the method through a series of experiments in which we show that the device can measure electric field strength in a hysteresis-free and linear manner. The experimental setup restricted measurements to electric field strengths with an upper limit of 380 kV/m, but measurements of up to 2 MV/m should be possible. Applied voltage on a phase conductor can be measured to better than 1% accuracy for applied voltages above 10 kV and yet the device is sensitive enough to measure signals as low as 0.1 kV with no discernible drift. These results taken together demonstrate that our approach shows great promise for applications in which accurate high field strength or voltage measurements are required.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)164-172
Number of pages9
JournalSensors and Actuators, A: Physical
Volume268
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2017
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Cited By :1

Export Date: 12 May 2018

Keywords

  • High voltage sensor
  • Liquid crystal
  • Optical telemetry

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Accurate optical measurement of high voltage waveform using novel optical liquid crystal based sensor'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this