Differential Current Sensor

• US 20140176118A1
• Filed: 12/20/2012
• Published: 06/26/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 12/20/2012
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Electro-Motive Diesel Incorporated (Caterpillar Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Electro-Motive Diesel Incorporated (Caterpillar Incorporated)
• Inventors: Madsen, John E.
• Application Number:
  US13/721,577
• Publication Number:
  US 20140176118A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 324/117.H
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 15/18 using inductive devices, e.g. transformers
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 15/202 using Hall-effect devices Hall elements in arrangements for measuring electrical power G01R21/08
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 19/10 Measuring sum, difference or ratio

Abstract

A differential current sensor is disclosed. The differential current sensor includes a holder having a plurality of primary wire conduits, a secondary wire located in magnetic proximity to the primary wire conduits, and a magnetic core having a first end receiving a plurality of windings of the secondary wire, and a second, opposing end having a gap.

Claims

1. A differential current sensor comprising:

a holder having a plurality of primary wire conduits located proximate each other;

a secondary wire located in magnetic proximity to the primary wire conduits; and

a magnetic core having a first end receiving a plurality of windings of the secondary wire, and a second, opposing end having a gap.

2. The differential current sensor of claim 1, further comprising an open loop sensor located in the gap.

3. The differential current sensor of claim 2, wherein the open loop sensor is a Hall Effect sensor.

4. The differential current sensor of claim 1, wherein the plurality of windings includes greater than 100 windings.

5. The differential current sensor of claim 1, wherein the plurality of windings includes greater than 500 windings.

6. The differential current sensor of claim 1, wherein the plurality of windings includes greater than 1000 windings.

7. The differential current sensor of claim 1, wherein the magnetic core is laminated.

8. The differential current sensor of claim 1, wherein the holder includes a metallic component.

9. The differential current sensor of claim 8, wherein the secondary wire includes at least one winding around the metallic component and in magnetic proximity to the primary wire conduits.

10. An electrical device having a differential current sensor, comprising:

a plurality of primary wires providing current to the electrical device;

a holder having a plurality of primary wire conduits positioning the primary wires proximate each other;

a secondary wire located in magnetic proximity to the primary wires; and

a magnetic core having a first end receiving a plurality of windings of the secondary wire, and a second, opposing end having a gap.

11. The electrical device of claim 10, wherein the electrical device is a motor.

12. The electrical device of claim 11, wherein the motor is a traction motor for a locomotive.