1

SF6-Free 550 kV Combined Optical Voltage and

Current Transducer System
Farnoosh Rahmatian, Member, IEEE, and Patrick P. Chavez

system in a HV substation is presented.

AbstractA three-phase optical voltage and current
transducer system (NXVCT) for accurate metering of a 550 kV
power transmission line is described. Extensive laboratory tests
were performed on these units. Accuracy tests on the optical
voltage transducers (OVTs) show compliance with IEC 0.1%
class requirements with respect to linearity over the extended
dynamic range of 10%-150% rated voltage, and with respect to
accuracy over temperature, from -40C to +60C. The NXVCTs
also passed a series of standard high-voltage type and routine
tests, including one-minute AC withstand at 800 kV, lightning
impulse tests at 1800 kV, chopped impulses at 2070 kV, wet
switching impulses at 1250 kV, and RIV tests. This NXVCT
system is now installed in a 500 kV substation.
Index Terms-- current measurement, electric field effects,
electric field measurement, electric fields, high-voltage
techniques, optics, optical current sensor, optical voltage sensor,
transducers, voltage measurement

II. TECHNOLOGY
The NXVCT system consists of three major sub-systems:
the HV columns, the electronics, and the cabling system. The
columns reside in the HV substation yard, separating high
voltage from ground, and housing optical voltage and current
sensing heads. HV lines pass through the current sensing
head of each column (see Fig. 1). The electronics associated
with the optical sensing heads reside in a rack remotely
located in a control room, and fiber optic cables carry light
between the electronics rack and the sensor heads in the
columns. The electronics quantify the influence of voltage or
current on light in the sensor heads and, thereby, determine a
measure of the corresponding voltage or current, respectively.

I. INTRODUCTION

PTICAL voltage and current sensing systems are finding

wide-spread applications in high-voltage (HV)
substations [1]-[10]. These instrument transformers have
generally been used where improved performance over
conventional capacitive or inductive instrument transformers
was required.
The improved performance has been
characterized by better accuracy over a larger dynamic range,
wider bandwidth, lighter weight, better galvanic isolation from
high voltage through use of glass fibers, elimination of oil
insulation, etc.
In recent years, thanks to the vast
development
of
optical
components
for
the
telecommunications market, the cost and reliability of optical
instrument transformers have evolved to the point where these
devices have become practical solutions for regular use in HV
substations.
In this paper, we present a three-phase combined optical
voltage and current transducer (NXVCT) system for use on a
550 kV class electric power transmission system. Here, we
concentrate mostly on the optical voltage sensing system.
First, the basic technology and the sensing system are briefly
described; next, the results of various type and routine tests
on the system are reviewed; finally, the installation of the

F. Rahmatian and P. Chavez are with NxtPhase Corporation, Vancouver,

BC,
V5M
1Z4,
Canada
(e-mails:
frahmatian@nxtphase.com,
pchavez@nxtphase.com).
2003 IEEE. Reprinted with permission from 2003 IEEE Transmission & Distribution Conference.
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Fig. 1. 550 kV NXVCT optical voltage and current transducer column.

A. Optical Voltage Transducer (OVT)

The voltage transducer is based on a distributed electric
field sensing architecture combined with resistive shielding to
obtain highly accurate voltage measurement (see [10]-[13).
Each optical voltage transducer (OVT) uses three Pockels cell
optical electric field sensors. The electric field sensors are
located strategically in a HV column, shielded by a resistive
grading between high voltage and ground. The resistive
shield reduces and moderates the field perturbations due to
environmental conditions present in a substation. Voltage is
calculated as a weighted sum of the electric field

B. Optical Current Transducer (OCT)

The current transducer is an in-line fiber optic Faraday
sensor that senses and integrates magnetic field created by
current (see [4], [5] for more details). It is designed to
maintain accuracy over a wide temperature range, -40C to
+60C, and over a wide dynamic range, 3 A to 2250 A.
C. Nameplate
Table I provides a copy of the nameplate data for one of
the 550 kV combined optical instrument transformers. It
contains all the ratings including lightning impulse level, wet
switching impulse level, AC withstand level, and accuracy
classes.

measurement of partial discharge, and

lightning impulse test at 1800 kV, three negative
shots and three positive shots (1.2/50 s/s).
The type test column additionally underwent the following
tests:
wet switching impulse tests at 1250 kV, 15
positive polarity shots,
chopped impulse tests at 2070 kV, two negative
polarity shots, chopped between 3 and 5 s, and
RIV (Radio Influence Voltage) tests.
All HV tests were successfully performed at Powertech
Labs, Surrey, British Columbia.
B. OVT Accuracy (Linearity) Tests
Each NXVCT can potentially have three different types of
outputs: high-energy analog (HEA) output, low-energy analog
(LEA) output, and digital output. Table II contains the
specifications of each output. For this installation, the OVT
HEA was specified to meet ANSI/IEEE 0.3% accuracy class.
TABLE II
NXVCT OUTPUT SPECIFICATIONS

TABLE I
NXVCT NAMEPLATE INFORMATION
NXVCT-500
550 kV
1800 kV
1250 kV
800 kV
60 Hz
0.5/0.4 g
650 kg
3000 A
40 kA, symmetrical
113 kA, peak
0.6%
0.3%
1500 A, RF = 1.5
297.3 kV
1.1
IEEE 0.3%
2600:1
74750:1

III. RESULTS
The NXVCT system was tested according to IEC 60044-7,
60044-8, IEEE C57.13, IEEE C37.92, and the customers
internal standards for 550 kV voltage and current
transformers, see [14]-[17]. In most cases, if there was a
disagreement between the above standards, the most stringent
one was used.
A. HV Dielectric Tests
The optical instrument transformers went through various
HV dielectric tests. One of the columns went through type
tests, while the rest were exposed to routine and some special
tests. Every column was exposed to the following HV
dielectric tests:
one-minute AC voltage withstand test at 800 kV,

OVT
120 V, over-voltage 1.2,
Burden: 2.5VA

OCT
1 A, over-current 1.5,
Burden 2.5 VA

4 V for both protection

and metering,
Burden: 5 k 2 nF
IEC 61850-9-1 and IEC
60044-8

200 mV for protection,

4 V for metering,
Burden: 5 k 2 nF
IEC 61850-9-1 and IEC
60044-8

Fig. 2 shows the performance of one of the OVTs over the

dynamic range from 10% to 150% of rated voltage for the
LEA and from 10% to 120% for the HEA. The data clearly
show that the OVT meets and exceeds IEEE 0.3% and IEC
0.1% class accuracy requirements.
0.5

25
HEA Ratio Error
LEA Ratio Error
LEA Phase Error
HEA Phase Error

0.4
Ratio Error (%)

Device type
Maximum system voltage
Basic impulse insulation level
Wet switching impulse level
One-minute withstand voltage
Rated frequency
Earthquake withstand (Horizontal/Vertical)
Weight
Rated maximum thermal current
Rated short-circuit current: Thermal
Rated short-circuit current: Dynamic
CT accuracy: 3 75 A
75 2250 A
Rated accuracy current
Rated voltage: Primary (L-G)
Rated voltage factor, continuous
Voltage accuracy class
VT Ratio: HEA
LEA

High Energy
Analog (HEA)
Output
Low Energy
Analog (LEA)
Output
Digital Output

0.3
0.2

20
15
10

0.1

0.0

-0.1

-5

IEC 0.1%
Class

-0.2

Phase Error (minutes)

measurements in the electronic module [13].

The OVT presented here is a 550 kV class instrument
transformer designed to operate in an outdoor 500 kV
substation. It is specified to maintain its metering class
accuracy (ANSI/IEEE C57.13 0.3% class) over all ambient
conditions, including the temperature range of -40C to
+40C.

-10

-0.3

-15
0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

% Rated Voltage (100% = 297.3 kV)

Fig. 2. OVT linearity over dynamic range.

C. OVT Accuracy over Temperature

To verify performance of the OVT over the specified
ambient temperature from -40C to +40C, the OVTs were all
tested from -40C to +60C. Due to test chamber limitations,
the units were tested at a reduced voltage level, ~ 35 kV.

They all maintained their specified accuracy over the entire

temperature range. Fig. 3 shows the results of accuracy tests
over temperature for one of the OVTs. The temperature
profile is in accordance with IEC 60044-8 [15]. The results
show that the OVT meets the accuracy requirements of IEC
0.1% class voltage transformers.
70
50

0.3

30

0.0

10

-0.3

-10

-0.6

-30

-0.9

-50

0.5 g-rms Vertical Vibration

Ratio Error (%)

11/30/02 11/30/02 11/30/02 12/1/02 12/1/02 12/1/02

6:00 AM 12:00 PM 6:00 PM 12:00 AM 6:00 AM 12:00 PM

Time

(a)

20

70
Ambient Temperature
Phase Error

10

50
30

10

-10

-10

-20

-30

-30

-50

11/30/02 11/30/02 11/30/02 12/1/02 12/1/02 12/1/02

6:00 AM 12:00 PM 6:00 PM 12:00 AM 6:00 AM 12:00 PM

Time

(b)
Fig. 3. OVT performance over temperature from -40C to +60C: (a) ratio
error, (b) phase error.

0.2

10

0.1

0.0

-0.1

-5
Ratio Error
Phase Error

-0.2

Temperature (C)

Phase Error (Minutes)

30

15

0.3

-0.3
0

60

120
180
Frequency (Hz)

240

Phase Error
(minutes)

Ratio Error

-10
-15
300

(a)
15

0.3
0.5 g-rms Horizontal Vibration
0.2

10

0.1

0.0

0
-5

-0.1
Ratio Error
Phase Error

-0.2
-0.3
0

60

120
180
Frequency (Hz)

240

Phase Error
(minutes)

Ratio Error (%)

0.6

Temperature (C)

Ambient Temperature

Ratio Error (%)

0.9

D. OVT Performance under Vibration

One of the advantages of optical instrument transformers
over conventional devices is their lower weight and, therefore,
ability to survive earthquake conditions. Fig. 4 shows a 550
kV class OVT being tested under vibration at Powertech
Labs. This unit was tested for both vertical and horizontal
vibration of 0.5 grms at up to 300Hz. The OVT was energized
at a reduced level, 80 kV, while undergoing vibration tests.
Fig. 5 shows the errors measured under various vibration
conditions. The data show that not only does the OVT
survive the vibrations, but it also maintains 0.1% class
accuracy throughout the test.

-10
-15
300

(b)
Fig. 5. OVT performance under 0.5 g (a) vertical and (b) horizontal vibration
while energized at 80 kV (27% of rated voltage).

IV. FIELD INSTALLATION

The NXVCT system was installed in a 500 kV substation
in late February 2003, see Fig. 6. The OVTs are in parallel
with a set of conventional 0.3% metering class capacitivelycoupled voltage transformers (CVTs), and the OCTs are in
series with a set of conventional 0.3% metering class ironcore current transformers (CTs). One purpose of the project
is to assess the accuracy of energy measurement at low
currents, where conventional CTs may have large errors.
Another objective over the next year is to evaluate the
accuracy of the CVTs as a function of temperature.
Fig. 4. 550 kV OVT being tested under vibration while energized at 80 kV at
Powertech labs.

Fig. 6. NXVCT optical voltage and current sensing system being installed in a
500 kV substation.

[10] F. Rahmatian, P. P. Chavez, and N. A. F. Jaeger, 138 kV and 345 kV

Wide-Band SF6-Free Optical Voltage Transducers, in Proceedings of
2002 IEEE Power Engineering Society Winter Meeting, Jan 28 Feb 1,
2002.
[11] F. Rahmatian, P. P. Chavez, and N. A. F. Jaeger, 230 kV Optical Voltage
Transducers Using Multiple Electric Field Sensors, IEEE Transactions
on Power Delivery, vol. 17, no. 2, pp. 417-422, Apr. 2002.
[12] P. P. Chavez, F. Rahmatian, and N. A. F. Jaeger, Accurate voltage
measurement with electric field sampling using permittivity shielding,
IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery, vol. 17, no. 2, pp. 362-368, Apr.
2002.
[13] P. P. Chavez, F. Rahmatian, and N. A. F. Jaeger, Accurate voltage
measurement by the quadrature method, IEEE Transactions on Power
Delivery, vol. 18, no. 1, pp. 14-19, Jan. 2003.
[14] High-voltage Test Techniques Part 1: General Definitions and Test
Requirements, International Standard IEC 60060-1, International
Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), Geneva, Switzerland.
[15] Instrument Transformers Part 8: Electronic Current Transformers,
International Standard IEC 60044-8 FDIS, Geneva, Switzerland.
[16] Instrument Transformers Part 7: Electronic Voltage Transformers,
International Standard IEC 60044-7 FDIS, Geneva, Switzerland.
[17] IEEE Standard Requirements for Instrument Transformers, IEEE
Standard C57.13-1993, 1993.

V. SUMMARY
VII. BIOGRAPHIES

A three-phase combined optical voltage and current sensor

system for use in 550 kV substations is presented. The
NXVCTs have been extensively tested for dielectric
performance in a HV laboratory. They have also shown
excellent accuracy over a wide dynamic range and under
various environmental conditions, e.g., temperature and
vibration. The system is now installed in a HV substation and
will be used to collect comparative data with conventional
instrument transformers.
VI. REFERENCES
[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[9]

C. Reinbold and Z. Mahmood, Current and Voltage Measurement with

Optical Sensor Technology, in Proceedings of 3rd EPRI Optical Sensor
Systems Workshop, Pittsburgh, PA, Oct. 17-19, 2001, pp. E2-E11.
D. Chatrefou, Optical Sensors in High Voltage Substations Part 1:
Alstrom Products and IPP Applications, in Proceedings of 3rd EPRI
Optical Sensor Systems Workshop, Pittsburgh, PA, Oct. 17-19, 2001, pp.
G1-G6.
D. Chatrefou, Optical Sensors in High Voltage Substations Part 2:
Protection Application, Digital Interface, EDF 420 kV Experiment, in
Proceedings of 3rd EPRI Optical Sensor Systems Workshop, Pittsburgh,
PA, Oct. 17-19, 2001, pp. K1-K7.
J. Blake and A. H. Rose, Portable Fiber Optic CT for Field calibration
Applications, in Proceedings of 3rd EPRI Optical Sensor Systems
Workshop, Pittsburgh, PA, Oct. 17-19, 2001, pp. Q1-Q5.
J. Blake W. Williams, C. Glasow, R. Bergh, K. Fetting, E. Hadley, and G.
Sanders, Optic Current Transducer for High Voltage Applications, in
Proceedings of 2nd EPRI Optical Sensor Systems Workshop, Atlanta,
GA, Jan. 26-28, 2000.
T. Sawa, K. Kurosawa, T. Kaminishi, and T. Yokota, Development of
optical instrument transformers, IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery,
vol. 5, no. 2, April 1990, pp. 884-891.
J. C. Santos, M. C. Taplamacioglu, and K. Hidaka, Pockels high-voltage
measurement system, IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery, Vol. 15,
No. 1, January 2000, pp. 8-13.
C. P. Yakymyshyn, M. Brubaker, P. Johnston, and C. Reinhold,
Manufacturing challenges of optical current and voltage sensors for utility
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420 kV electric power systems, Optical Engineering, vol. 39, no. 11,
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Farnoosh Rahmatian (S89, M91) was born

in Tehran, Iran, in 1969. He received the
B.A.Sc. (Hon.), M.A.Sc., and Ph.D. degrees
from the University of British Columbia,
Vancouver, BC, Canada, in 1991, 1993, and
1997, respectively, all in electrical engineering.
Since 1997, he has been the Director of
Research & Development at NxtPhase
Corporation, also in Vancouver, working on
precision high-voltage optical instrument
transformers for use in high-voltage electric
power transmission systems.
He is also an adjunct professor at the Department of Electrical and Computer
Engineering at the University of British Columbia, a member of IEC TC38
Working Group on instrument transformers, Standards Council of Canada, IEEE
Power Engineering Society, and IEEE Lasers and Electro-Optics Society.
Patrick P. Chavez was born in Vancouver, BC,
Canada, in 1971. He received his B.A.Sc.,
M.A.Sc., and Ph.D. degrees from the University
of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada, in
1995, 1997, and 2001, respectively, all in
electrical and computer engineering. Since
2001, he has been working as High-Voltage
Design Engineer at NxtPhase Corporation. He
has also worked as an adjunct professor at the
Department of Electrical and Computer
Engineering at the University of British
Columbia. His fields of interest include highvoltage instrumentation and numerical analysis
in industrial applications.