SENSORS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RESIDUAL CURRENT DETECTION

摘要

Embodiments relate to sensor systems and methods for detecting residual currents. In embodiments, a sensor comprises a magnetic core and a plurality of conductors passing through an aperture of the core. The magnetic core comprises a gap in the core itself, and a magnetic field sensor is arranged proximate to but not within this gap, in contrast with conventional approaches, in order to detect a net flux in the core. Advantageously, embodiments can be used in applications in which it is desired to detect AC or DC currents.

主权项

1. A residual current sensing system comprising:
a magnetic core comprising a gap, the gap having a width defined by opposing edges of the magnetic core such that the magnetic core is noncontiguous around a center aperture; a plurality of current conductors disposed within the center aperture; a sensor package having a first dimension greater than the width of the gap and arranged outside of and proximate to the gap such that the width and the first dimension are coaxial and the sensor package extends across the gap; and at least one sensor element disposed in the sensor package and configured to sense a magnetic field induced in the magnetic core when current flows in at least one of the plurality of conductors.