TIME-SYNCHRONIZED MICRO-CPOW MEASUREMENT DEVICE

A time-synchronized micro-scale continuous point-on-wave (CPoW) measurement device, referred to as micro-CPoW, is provided. The distribution system is an integral part of the electric power system, but not much is known about how it behaves in real-time. To address this knowledge gap, a low-cost, time-synchronized, CPoW measurement system is designed, built, and characterized herein. The purpose of the micro-CPoW measurement device is to monitor the instantaneous electric current flowing through a distribution line in real time. Detection of harmonics, identification of incipient fault conditions, and general power quality monitoring are typical uses for the measured information. Because the micro-CPoW measurement device is self-powered by the line current and communicates wirelessly, it can be installed without ground-mounted instrument transformers, low-voltage power sources, or communications cabling. Thus, this particular design of CPoW module is intended to be installed directly on a power line without the need for external support equipment.