Unraveling the Power of Rogowski Coils: A Paradigm Shift from Current Transformers

In the ever-evolving landscape of electrical engineering and power measurement, the choice of sensors plays a pivotal role in ensuring accuracy, reliability, and efficiency. Traditional devices like current transformers have long been the go-to solution for measuring electrical current, but in recent years, a new contender has emerged—the Rogowski coil. This innovative sensor offers a range of benefits that are reshaping the way we approach current measurement. In this blog post, we'll explore the advantages of using Rogowski coils over their more conventional counterparts.

Flexibility and Size:
Unlike rigid and bulky current transformers, Rogowski coils are flexible and can be easily wrapped around irregularly shaped conductors. This flexibility allows for easy installation in tight spaces, making them ideal for limited-space applications.

Wide Frequency Response:
Rogowski coils exhibit a wide frequency response, making them suitable for measuring both AC and transient currents. particularly in applications where the frequency of the current may vary, such as in power quality analysis or the detection of transient events.

No Saturation Issues:
Current transformers can experience saturation when exposed to high levels of current, leading to distorted measurements and potential damage to the device. Rogowski coils are inherently immune to saturation, ensuring accurate measurements even in high-current scenarios.

High Accuracy and Linearity:
Rogowski coils offer excellent accuracy and linearity across a wide range of currents and are crucial in applications where precision is paramount, such as power monitoring.

Isolation and Safety:
Rogowski coils provide electrical isolation between the measured conductor and the measurement circuit, enhancing safety by reducing the risk of electric shock and simplifying the installation process. Current transformers, in contrast, may require additional insulation measures to achieve similar levels of safety.

Ease of Installation and Maintenance:
Installing Rogowski coils is straightforward, especially when retrofitting. The flexibility of the coil allows for easy wrapping around existing conductors without the need for disconnecting the circuit. This ease of installation translates to cost and time savings. The absence of iron cores also eliminates the need for maintenance associated with ageing insulation or core degradation.

In the dynamic world of electrical engineering, embracing new technologies is essential to staying ahead of the curve. The Rogowski coil, with its flexibility, wide frequency response, immunity to saturation, high accuracy, and safety features, gives a compelling case for its adoption in current measurement applications. As industries strive for greater efficiency and accuracy in power monitoring, the Rogowski coil stands out as a versatile alternative to traditional current transformers.

Want more information, reach out to our Sales Team at sales@itl-uk.com

Powering Up with Precision: The Advantages of High-Quality Generator Current Transformers for Power Plants

Powering Up with Precision: The Advantages of High-Quality Generator Current Transformers for Power Plants

In the dynamic world of power generation, every component counts. Power plants are tasked with providing electricity to homes, businesses, and industries, often 24/7. To ensure seamless operation, every element of the electrical system must be optimised for efficiency, reliability, and safety. One such element that holds a pivotal role in power plants is the Generator Current Transformer (GCT). This blog post explores the benefits of sourcing GCTs from highly qualified manufacturers like Instrument Transformers Limited (ITL) for power plant applications.

The Heart of the Matter: Generator Current Transformers
Generator Current Transformers are not mere cogs in the wheel of power generation; they are the heartbeats of the electrical system. These transformers are responsible for accurately measuring the current generated by the generators and playing a pivotal role in relaying signals to protective relays, monitoring equipment, and control systems. Any inaccuracies or inefficiencies in GCT performance can have a cascading effect on the entire power plant's operation.

Benefits of Choosing a Highly Qualified Manufacturer
Precision and Accuracy:
When it comes to GCTs, precision is non-negotiable. As a highly qualified manufacturer, Instrument Transformers Limited (ITL) has invested in cutting-edge technology, state-of-the-art manufacturing processes, and stringent quality control to ensure their transformers provide precise current measurements. This accuracy is essential for maintaining the stability and efficiency of a power plant's electrical system.

Reliability:
Power outages are costly and inconvenient. Choosing a reputable manufacturer guarantees that GCTs are built to withstand the rigours of continuous operation. High-quality materials and manufacturing processes contribute to the longevity and reliability of these transformers, reducing the likelihood of downtime and maintenance.

Safety:
Safety is paramount in power plant operations. GCTs from reputable manufacturers adhere to stringent safety standards and undergo rigorous testing to ensure they can handle high-current applications without compromising safety. This safeguards plant personnel and equipment from potential hazards.

Customisation:
Power plants come in various shapes and sizes, each with unique electrical system requirements. Instrument Transformers Limited (ITL) offers customisation options, allowing power plants to tailor GCTs to their specific needs. This flexibility ensures that the transformers seamlessly integrate into the plant's infrastructure. Typically, from 10,000A to 30,000A primary with either 1A, 5A or custom secondary, ITL's team has the knowledge and skill to support customer requirements.

Compliance:
Power generation is a heavily regulated industry. Instrument Transformers Limited (ITL) prioritises compliance with industry standards such as IEC & IEEE. This ensures that power plants remain in good standing with regulatory authorities and avoid costly penalties or operational disruptions.

Technical Support:
The support provided by Instrument Transformers Limited (ITL) extends beyond the sale. Offering technical assistance and support, helping power plant operators get the most out of their GCTs and addressing any issues promptly.

In power generation, precision, reliability, and safety are paramount. Choosing a highly qualified manufacturer like Instrument Transformers Limited (ITL) for Generator Current Transformers is not just a smart decision; it's an essential one. As proven with many international power plant GCT projects executed cements Instrument Transformers Limited's (ITL's) reputation as the go-to organisation.

These transformers are the linchpin of a power plant's electrical system, and their performance can make or break operations. When you invest in high-quality GCTs, you're investing in the uninterrupted power supply that fuels our modern world. So, don't compromise—power up your plant with precision and reliability from the start with Instrument Transformers Limited (ITL).

ITL expands MV & HV product range with new partnership

Glasgow, UK, October 2020, Power technology company Synaptec has announced a new partnership with Instrument Transformers Limited (ITL) which will open up new market opportunities for both companies.

The partnership has been formed in response to changing customer demand as the power industry adapts to the challenges presented by decarbonisation and decentralisation. By marketing Synaptec’s unique photonic sensing technology alongside ITL’s transformer & transducer products, ITL’s customers will now be able to access complete software and hardware solutions to meet these challenges.

The inclusion of Synaptec’s sensor passive technology within ITL’s current transformers & transducers brings new market opportunities for both companies; for Synaptec the medium voltage market and for ITL the high voltage market. Not limited to physical products an analytics software platform called Synthesis is also available to help system operators make informed decisions about the health of their network assets.

Saul Matthews, Commercial Director at Synaptec, said:

“This development of our existing relationship with ITL marks an important milestone for both businesses at a time when the power sector is undergoing the biggest transformation we’ll see in our lifetimes. ITL’s long-standing and trusted supplier status makes them the ideal partner to help their customers embrace new instrumentation technologies with confidence. Together we will help with automation of condition monitoring, improved wide-area protection schemes and optimised asset management costs"

ITL's Managing Director, Ray Porrelli, said:

“This is a unique opportunity to expand our scope of service to the MV and HV power sector in partnership with Synaptec who have developed highly sophisticated technology for use in the measurement, protection and control of plant and equipment. Using completely passive sensor technology married with traditional current and voltage transformers in a novel way allows informed visibility for effective and efficient control of a power network with time-critical protection and control, real-time monitoring and trend analysis for asset management. All of which helps minimise service interruptions extends the life of an asset and provides a higher return on investment.”

Typically, protection transformers are more difficult to design and this bespoke element is where the synergy with Synaptec lies - both companies build their systems according to customer requirements and for ITL the inclusion of Synaptec’s technology opens up the opportunity for growth into a new market.

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For more information on the cutting edge technology check our distrubuted sensors for photonic protection and monitoring technology web pages.

ITL brings Clean Air to the UK

As the power industry continues to reduce its carbon impact, ITL has partnered with Trench Group to bring to the UK the first-ever Power VT/SSVT with eco-friendly insulation gas Clean Air with a GWP of Zero.

The Trench Blue Power VT/SSVTs have the same reliability as comparable units with conventional insulation technologies. With experience gathered over decades in gas insulation, Trench is the only manufacturer who can offer a Power VT/SSVT with zero global warming potential.

The new insulation technology provides the same operational safety in terms of internal arc requirements, practically no ageing of the insulation gas as well as maintenance-free design. Life expectation remains the same as other gas-insulated units.

An additional benefit for the customer is that Clean Air insulation gas does not belong to the fluorinated greenhouse gasses (F-gases) and therefore, specialised training and certification required for this type of gas handling isn't required. Clean Air can be used everywhere without a tracer gas.

To learn more about the advantages of a Blue Power VT/SSVT check out latest information brochure