A review on optical current transducers for power system metering

Current and Voltage sensors have existed as a special field for more than 100 years in Power Systems. In the last two decades there has been a fast development for systems based on fiber optical technology. As consequence, groups of IEEE- PSRC, IEC TC57, CIGRE SC A3, and some others are involved in developing activities in the area of optical systems for protective relaying. This paper provides an overview on those activities discussed by international groups. The document is divided into the four major sections. The first one explains the interaction of sensors within a protection scheme. The second section deals with the designing and components of fiber-optic current sensors (FOCS). Once presented their description, there are divulged general tests identified as relevant. Finally a brief comparison with conventional sensors is presented