APPLICATION NOTE 308

CURRENT SENSOR –
Power Line Monitoring for Energy Demand Control

1. INTENTION
Based on EnOcean STM 1X0(C), the aim is to create a simple concept for a self-powered,
insulated current sensor to monitor power lines. Basic requirements:
„ Autonomous, isolated measurement
„ Measurement range 1 to 60 Aac
In fact with an STM 1X0(C) module you cannot continuously monitor line current in the
same way as with an ammeter because you can only read it at discrete moments, periodi-
cally. So there is no sense in knowing the exact current value at a random measurement
instant (it could be a transient peak for example, or zero crossing). The only alternative is
to read an effective averaged current value or even only to sense if a current flows or not.

2. CHALLANGE
An AC line usually works at 50/60 Hz, meaning that the voltage changes within about 10
ms between zero and peak. In addition, the drawn current will not usually have even a si-
nusoidal waveform (think of the modern switch-mode power supplies in so many consumer
devices or of ballasts). And due to external sources of interference the waveform can be
even more "dirty". So, except for very simple loads, the waveform of the current drawn by
a load does not resemble the voltage waveform. Besides the known phase shift and power
factor, current flows in pulses, causing harmonics and subharmonics of the power fre-
quency.
On the other hand, the STM 1X0(C) can monitor the current only periodically, and the
measurement time is limited to less than 2 ms for energy saving reasons. So the STM
1X0(C) and its additional circuitry have no time to form an averaged current value. This
would result in randomly different measured current values depending on the individual
sampling time within any mains period of about 20 ms.
One way of avoiding this is to measure a ready integrated and averaged effective value
delivered by a self-powered current transducer for example. The monitored line should also
safely deliver the (low) power needed for the transmitter.
As described in what follows, a wireless transmitter can be powered by a current transducer
to send the measured values every time a primary current flows.

3. SOLUTION – USING A SELF-POWERED CURRENT TRANSDUCER

The only really suitable passive, ultra-low-power or self-powered current sensor is the cur-
rent transducer (CT). CTs are generally used to measure AC amperage in an electrical cir-
cuit. They are accurate, safe, easy to implement and reliable in tough environmental and
thermal conditions. CTs are installed insulated around an energized conductor and sense
the magnetic field generated by the primary current flowing in the circuit. Unlike other
transducers, the primary winding current in a CT is independent of the secondary winding
load. This primary winding current depends only on the circuit into which the primary wind-
ing is connected. The idea is not new.

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APPLICATION NOTE 308

CURRENT SENSOR

For example, a self-powered current transducer can also be loaded with a LED as a discrete
current indicator to monitor the circuit condition in a remote location. When the remote
circuit current flows, the current transducer will generate enough "harvested" current to
illuminate a LED to indicate the current flowing. When the remote current ceases to flow,
the LED will be turned off. Such solutions are also available on the market (e.g. LCS10T12
AC Current Go/No go Indicator from ABB).

4. DESIGNING A DISCRETE LINE-POWERED ENERGY HARVESTER

In the wall distribution box you usually have access to the central wire you want to monitor
but no light, for example, to use a standard solar panel as a means of powering your STM
1X0(C) device. The following circuitry concept uses a second, low-cost 50/60 Hz CT as an
external current source, a burden resistor (very important!) to convert it into voltage, a
voltage limiter, a rectifier circuit and some additional components to generate a continuous,
filtered output voltage between about 2.3 and 5 V to power the transmitter module as soon
as the primary (monitored) current exceeds 0.7 A for example.

to VSC1 STM

VC
1µ 100µ
2x
Zener
2V7

Ip (line)

Fig. 1: Energy harvester concept

Select a discrete CT type with an opening size large enough to fit around the single moni-
tored wire, and that could deliver at least 2 V/A @5 k load, e.g. AC1005 from Talema. The
CT output (V/A) can be increased or decreased linearly over quite a wide range by adjust-
ing the burden resistor (current sink) value.

Since CTs are current transducers, theoretically a burden resistor should be used to convert
the output current into an appropriate voltage. The CT rectified output voltage (Vc) should
be limited to between 4 and 5 V for instance (max. rating voltage on the STM 1X0(C) power
input Vsc1 pin 19 is 5.5 V). According to manufacturer's data sheets and assuming a mini-
mum of 2.5 V as the secondary output DC voltage at the minimum primary current of 1 A,
the bur-den resistor would be Ro = 5 to 10 kΩ. Low-drop Schottky diodes should be used

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APPLICATION NOTE 308

CURRENT SENSOR

as a rectifier. However, to prevent any damage caused by overcurrent, an additional over-

voltage protection circuit like the two 2V7/0.5 W Zener diodes shown above must be also
implemented. In this case the burden resistor is no longer necessary and can be dispensed
with.
If the intention is only to send a Go/No go signal, this current transducer working as an
energy harvester would be enough to power the STM 1X0(C) to send a message periodi-
cally every time and as long as a primary current > e.g. 0.7 A flows. However a second
current transducer acting as a sensor as shown below is additionally needed for current
value monitoring.

5. CURRENT MEASUREMENT, FIRST APPROACH (P&P, PREFERRED SOLUTION)

Use a ready available "calibrated" device, e.g. H922

from Flex-Core (Fig. 2) as a current transducer.
The H922 is a low-cost, self-powered current
transducer with switch-selected 30, 60 or 120 A
settings and integrated electronic circuitry. It uses
swing-open jaws to clamp round a current-carrying
wire. Note that only one wire must be used for current
measurement.
This transducer is manufactured by Flex-Core and
further specifications can be found at
http://www.flex-core.com.
Fig. 2: Current Transducer (CT)

Some specifications
The mentioned transducer requires no external power supply; the device is parasitically
powered from the line current through its integrated current transformer.
„ Range: 0 to 30, 60, 120 A, switch-selected (H922)
„ Output: 0 to 5 Vdc, proportionally to primary current
„ Accuracy: better ±2% or ±1% FS
„ Size: 2.9 x 2.58 x 1.04 in (LxWxH)
„ Approvals: UL listed E150462
The delivered output voltage between 0 and 5 Vdc is available as long as the primary cur-
rent flows and it only needs to be divided by 2.5 (i.e. 0 to 2 V range) and applied at the
STM 1X0(C) AD input. This will detect the current flow and its changes and transmit the
information. An overvoltage protection, realized e.g. by two 2V7 Zener diodes connected
between the corresponding STM 1X0(C) AD input and GND is recommended in order to pre-
vent any damage.

© EnOcean | www.enocean.com Subject to modifications | Christian Bach | January 2009 | Page 3/ 4

APPLICATION NOTE 308

CURRENT SENSOR

N L AC1005 CT as power supply

Vcc
Rectifier +2,2...3.5V
& Limiting
GND STM110
Mains
AD input +0...2V linear
1:2.5
Divider
GND

H922 CT as current transducer

N L

Fig. 3: Block Diagram of the Current Sensor

Caution! A CT should never be open-circuited while main current is passing through the
primary winding. If the load (burden resistor or overvoltage protection) is removed from
the secondary winding while the main circuit current is flowing, the flux in the core shoots
up to a high level and a very high voltage appears across the open secondary circuit. Due
to the high turns ratio usually found in these transformers (e.g. 1:1000), the voltage can
reach under this condition a dangerously high level, which can break down the insulation
and damage the circuitry. It also becomes a hazard to personnel. It is strongly recom-
mended to put a short or other overvoltage limitation device on the secondary winding be-
fore removing the secondary load while the main current is flowing through the primary
winding.

Fig. 4: CT Equivalent Schematic

Some Notes about CTs

Current transducers provide a simple, low-cost but nevertheless accurate method of sens-
ing current flow in power conductors. They are available mostly in two basic configurations:
„ Ring-core CTs with holes (power conductor opening size).
„ Split-core CTs have one end removable so that the load conductor or bus bar does not
have to be disconnected to install the CT.
The ring-core style is the most readily used core geometry for current transducer applica-
tion. There is no air gap in the core, so the magnetizing current will always be small. Ring-
core geometry fits perfectly with flux flow in the core; therefore the core material can be
utilized efficiently giving you a small core and small core loss as a result. They are the pri-
mary choice for new installations. However, to retrofit an existing installation, a split-core
style could be the better alternative. Split-core CTs are very popular and suitable for fast
retrofitting. The split-core CT is smaller than the clamp-on probe style CT and is considera-
bly less expensive. It works best in a crowded electrical panel where space is often limited.

Disclaimer
The information provided in this document describes typical features of the EnOcean radio system and should not
be misunderstood as specified operating characteristics. No liability is assumed for errors and / or omissions. We
reserve the right to make changes without prior notice. For the latest documentation visit the EnOcean website at
www.enocean.com.

© EnOcean | www.enocean.com Subject to modifications | Christian Bach | January 2009 | Page 4/ 4