Lem Introduces Coreless High-Current Sensors for Industrial and Rail Use
LEM Unveils Eco-Friendly Coreless Current Sensors for a Sustainable Future
BonChip Electronics, a leading distributor of LEM products, is excited to announce the launch of LEM's innovative Open Loop Coreless Integral (OLCI) current sensors. Designed with sustainability at the forefront, these sensors empower the renewable energy industry and contribute to wider global electrification efforts.
High-Performance Current Measurement for Demanding Applications
The OLCI sensors offer exceptional capabilities for measuring high DC currents:
- Wide Current Range: Accurately measure DC currents from 2 kA up to 42 kA, catering to a diverse range of applications.
- Surge Current Handling: These sensors handle surge currents without limitations, ensuring reliable operation under demanding conditions.
- Large Aperture: The spacious aperture design allows for precise measurement of high currents on large busbars.
- High-Frequency Bandwidth: With a bandwidth of up to 1 MHz, these sensors are suitable for high-frequency applications.
Significant Cost and Weight Advantages
OLCI sensors deliver significant benefits compared to traditional current transducers:
- Cost-Effective: Significantly lower in cost than open-loop or closed-loop current transducers within the same current measuring range.
- Lightweight Design: These sensors are 80% lighter, simplifying installation and integration.
Two Convenient Sensor Options
LEM offers two OLCI sensor configurations to suit various application needs:
- FRS Model: Ideal for primary busbar apertures of 104 mm x 22 mm.
- FL Model: This split-core design offers greater flexibility, allowing for opening and direct attachment to busbars with apertures up to 300 mm x 100 mm, eliminating the need for busbar disassembly during installation or maintenance.
Sustainable Design and Environmental Responsibility
OLCI sensors prioritize sustainability through several key features:
- Reduced Energy Consumption: Consume 85% less energy compared to similar closed-loop sensors, translating to significant energy savings.
- Minimized Raw Material Usage: The absence of a magnetic core and secondary copper winding, along with an integrated Rogowski coil and Hall elements, reduces raw material requirements.
- Lower Power Losses: The sensor design minimizes power losses, contributing to overall system efficiency.
- 100% Recyclable Materials: Both sensors are constructed from entirely recyclable materials, promoting environmental responsibility.
- Reduced Carbon Footprint: LEM's local European supply chain and use of 100% recyclable packaging minimize the environmental impact associated with transportation and delivery.
Applications for OLCI Sensors
The OLCI sensors find application in various sectors:
- Railway Industry: Trackside and onboard traction applications.
- Renewable Energy: High-power wind turbines and hydrogen electrolyzers.
- Industrial Applications: Low-voltage and medium-voltage variable frequency drives, induction welding applications, and DC grid monitoring.
Superior Performance and User Benefits
The OLCI sensors boast exceptional performance characteristics:
- Excellent Accuracy and High Signal Integrity: Delivers accurate measurements with a reliable 4 mA to 20 mA current output.
- Enhanced Stability: Hall elements ensure lower temperature drift, electrical offset, and noise compared to open-loop alternatives.
- Rapid Response Time: The elimination of low-pass filter effects from Eddy currents translates to faster response times.
- Rugged Design: Can withstand high dI/dt and high-frequency content, maintaining accuracy even under overcurrent conditions.
- Unipolar Power Supply: Reduces power consumption and system costs compared to traditional bipolar power supplies.
"Renewable energy and increased electrification are the cornerstones of a sustainable future, and LEM is committed to developing innovative solutions that support this vision," said Thomas Hargé, VP of product management at LEM. "The FRS and FL sensors represent a significant leap forward in sustainable industrial and rail applications. They offer powerful technical solutions for overcoming challenges associated with developing renewable energy systems."
Contact BonChip Electronics today to explore how LEM's OLCI coreless current sensors can empower your next sustainable energy project.
