Your Reliable Partner
Current Transformers: Guide to Selecting for Renewables
Discover how current sensors, including current transformers and Hall Effect sensors, boost efficiency and safety in renewable energy systems.
Accurate high-current measurement is critical in renewable energy design. Even minor sensing errors can cause energy loss or inverter faults. Current transformers (CTs), current sensors, and Hall effect sensors ensure reliable performance and electrical isolation in solar, wind, and hydro systems.
Common Current Sensing Challenges
- Maintaining isolation in high-voltage environments
- Achieving accuracy across wide current ranges
- Detecting faults instantly without adding power loss
- Ensuring compatibility with control and monitoring systems
These issues highlight why selecting the right current transformer is essential for safety, efficiency, and system reliability.
How Current Transformers Solve These Challenges
Important Tip for your Design
Choose a CT with a rated burden and turns ratio that match your measurement range to prevent core saturation and ensure consistent accuracy.
Safe Isolation and High Accuracy
Current transformers operate on the principle of electromagnetic induction. They produce a secondary current proportional to the primary current, enabling safe, isolated measurement of high-voltage signals.
Real-Time Feedback for Smarter Control
In a 10 kW solar inverter, CTs provide precise feedback to the control circuit. This ensures that the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm receives accurate, real-time current data — allowing the system to adjust dynamically and optimize energy output.
Through continuous feedback, CTs also help prevent overload conditions by signaling protection systems like circuit breakers or disconnect switches.
Comparing Current Transformers and Hall Effect Sensors
While CTs remain a top choice for AC current measurement, other technologies such as Hall Effect sensors complement them in modern renewable systems.
|
Current Transformers (CT)
|
Hall Effect Sensors
|
|---|---|
|
High isolation and linearity
|
Measure both AC and DC currents
|
|
Ideal for AC measurement
|
Compact form factor for space-limited designs
|
|
No external power required
|
Immune to electrical noise
|
|
Proven reliability for grid-connected systems
|
Provide digital outputs for smart control systems
|
Transition Insight:
Design engineers often combine both technologies — CTs for accurate, isolated AC measurement and Hall sensors for digital communication and DC sensing.
Current Transformers Applications in Renewable Energy Systems
Solar Power Systems
In photovoltaic (PV) installations, CTs track current flow between the inverter and the grid interface. This allows engineers to monitor output and detect faults like panel shading or deterioration early.
CT Benefits in PV Systems:
- Accurate measurement during MPPT operation
- Electrical isolation between DC and grid circuits
- Real-time monitoring for system protection
Wind Turbines
CTs measure generator output current and feed the data to control systems that adjust blade pitch and generator load — optimizing energy conversion based on wind conditions.
Hydroelectric and Tidal Systems
In hydro and tidal setups, CTs monitor generator output current and help regulate turbine orientation or water flow. This real-time control ensures stable operation and improved power efficiency.
Key Takeaways
Safety
Current transformers provide safe and isolated current measurement, protecting both equipment and operators from high-voltage risks in modern renewable systems.
Accuracy
CTs ensure precise and linear measurement, enabling stable MPPT performance and reliable energy conversion.
Efficiency
Well-designed CTs deliver long-term stability and protection, maintaining performance in demanding renewable environments.
Reliability
Accurate current sensing maximizes power output and extends equipment lifespan across renewable energy systems.
Why Choose Acton as Your Current Sensor Distributor
Acton Technology is the authorized distributor of Monolithic Power Systems (MPS) in Southeast Asia, with main offices in Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. We offer advanced current transformers, current sensors, and power management solutions for renewable and industrial applications.
Acton delivers reliable, high-performance components backed by consistent supply, responsive local support, and deep technical expertise. From solar and wind systems to automotive and industrial automation, Acton helps engineers and sourcing teams select the right MPS solutions, ensuring safety, accuracy, reliability, and efficiency in every design.
For sourcing or technical support, contact us at contact@acton-tech.com.
Find our offices in Malaysia, Philippines, and Singapore
We Provide Solutions.
Discover our Power Management Solutions