Optical Measurement of Current and Voltage on Power Systems

Abstract

The basic principles of optical methods for measuring voltage and current at high voltage are presented. These include the magneto-optic effect, the electro-optic effect and the electrogyration effect, plus various detection and noise-reduction techniques. Both free-path and enclosed-path devices which have been constructed on these principles are described. The viability of these devices for the electricity-supply industry is assessed.