This post covers What are current transformers?, What are the types of current transformers?, What are current transformers?
What are current transformers?
Current transformers (CTs) are devices used to measure high current levels by converting them to a lower, manageable value that can be safely measured by instruments. The main types of current transformers include:
Wound type current transformers: They have a primary winding which is essentially a single turn of wire through which the current to be measured flows. The secondary winding is wound around this core and supplies the reduced current proportional to the primary current.
What are the types of current transformers?
Toroidal (or ring) type current transformers: These have a ring-shaped core through which the current-carrying conductor passes. The secondary winding is wrapped around the ring and this is often used for its ease of installation and compact size.
Clamp Current Transformers: These are designed to be clamped around a conductor without the need to disconnect it. They are convenient for measuring current in a live circuit and are used for AC and DC measurements in portable applications.
Bar type current transformers: These are used for high current applications and have a bar shaped core with a primary current passing through the bar. They are typically used in high voltage substations and industrial environments.
Converter types include:
AC-DC converters (rectifiers): These convert alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC). They are commonly used in power supplies for electronic devices and industrial processes.
DC-AC converters (inverters): These convert direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC). Inverters are used in renewable energy systems, such as solar panels, to convert generated DC energy into AC energy usable by the grid or household appliances.
DC-DC converters: These adjust the voltage level of a direct current. There are two main types: buck converters (step-down converters) and boost converters (step-up converters). They are used in a variety of applications, including power supplies for electronic circuits and battery-powered devices.
What are current transformers?
AC-AC converters: These change the voltage level or frequency of alternating current. Examples include transformers that step up or step down the alternating voltage and cycloconverters that change the frequency of the alternating current.
Converter sizes vary depending on their application and power rating. Sizes can range from small, compact converters for low-power electronics to large industrial converters capable of handling high-power applications. The exact size and dimensions depend on the power capacity, type and specific design requirements of the converter.
The two types of instrument transformers are:
Current Transformers (CT): These are used to measure and transform high currents to lower, manageable levels for measurement and monitoring. They are essential for protecting and controlling electrical systems.
Voltage Transformers (VT) or Potential Transformers (PT): These are used to step down high voltages to lower levels that can be safely measured by instruments. They ensure accurate voltage readings and system protection.
A current transformer is commonly called a CT. It measures and converts high current levels into a smaller proportional current that can be used safely for measurement and monitoring purposes.
We hope this article on What are current transformers? was helpful.