Non-contact voltage measurement of residential cables based on internal parameter conversion and centering probe assistance

Abstract

Existing non-contact voltage measurement technology cannot be applied to residential cables containing neutral wire and earth wire in addition to live wire. A non-contact voltage measurement method of residential cables is introduced in this article. First, an equivalent circuit model of the residential cable measurement based on capacitive coupling is established. In order to solve the problem of uncertain coupling capacitance, which leading to the inability to accurately obtain the voltage amplitude, a calibration method based on internal parameter conversion and centering probe assistance is proposed. This method calibrates the cable voltage through different transfer relationships and sensor outputs, and no known reference excitation is required during calibration. Subsequently, the impact of internal parameters on measurement accuracy are analyzed and selection principles are provided. Through finite element simulation, the influence of metal spring for centering on voltage measurement is analyzed, and the measurement error of non-ideal cables (with eccentricity or ovality) is quantified. A prototype probe and internal parameter conversion circuit have been developed, and parasitic capacitance compensation have been completed. The measurement accuracy of 50 Hz voltage in a certain range (100–300 V) was tested in the laboratory, the maximum relative error of amplitude is −0.89%, and the relative error of phase is 0.68%. Four specifications of residential cables testing were completed, with a maximum relative error of −1.35%. Long- term testing was conducted on the actual field (output voltage of the distribution box), the test results showed that the output was linear, and the relative error were kept around 0.65% after primary calibration.