Can a flexible coil really handle protection tripping?
Yes. The AcuCT Flex Pro is fully compliant with IEC 61869-10 Class 5P standards. This certifies that it meets the rigorous linearity and accuracy requirements necessary for protective relaying decisions, ensuring zero saturation even at high fault currents.
What happens if the secondary circuit is accidentally opened?
Unlike iron-core CTs, which generate dangerous high-voltage spikes (arc flash hazards) if the secondary is opened, the Rogowski coil is inherently safe. It outputs a low-voltage mV signal, allowing for safe maintenance without the need for shorting blocks.
Do I need an external integrator?
No. If your protection relay supports Low Energy Analog (LEA) inputs, the coil connects directly via the passive RJ45 interface, eliminating the need for external power or integrators.
Can I extend the signal cable length?
Yes. Due to the high-impedance nature of LEA inputs, the signal leads can be extended up to 50 meters (approx. 164 ft) using shielded twisted pair cable without significant signal degradation.
Is the coil suitable for outdoor or harsh environments?
Accuenergy offers an IP68-rated option that is fully waterproof and dustproof. Additionally, the Extended Temperature (ET) model operates reliably from -45°C to 125°C (-49°F to 257°F), making it suitable for extreme weather conditions.
How do I ensure the coil stays centered for accuracy?
Proper centering is critical for Class 5P accuracy. The AcuCT Flex Pro Series includes specialized mounting brackets designed to secure the coil perfectly around the conductor, preventing shifting or sagging over time.
What is sensitivity (mV/A) and why is it important in protection relays and AcuCT Flex Pro series?
Sensitivity is the ratio of the output voltage to the primary current. It is expressed in mV/A.
The AcuCT Flex Pro series measures the primary current and produces a proportional low voltage output signal to the protection relay. Sensitivity is important to ensure that the relays can accurately detect fault conditions in the system and respond accordingly.
What information about the AcuCT Flex Pro series is essential for the effective operation of the protective relay?
The essential information includes:
| Serial Number | For proper identification and traceability. |
| Accuracy | The maximum allowable measurement error. |
| Protection class | Indicates accuracy of the AcuCT Flex Pro series in high-fault current events. |
| Rated Primary current (Ipr) | Input current measured by the AcuCT Flex Pro series. |
| Rated Secondary Voltage (Usr) | Proportional low output voltage to the rated primary current Ipr. |
| Rated Extended Primary Current Factor (Kpr) | A multiplier to the rated primary current Ipr to indicate the range of current handling capacity during fault conditions. For e.g.: If the Ipr is 500A and Kpr is 8, then the AcuCT Flex Pro series can accurately measure up to 4000A (500A x 8 = 4000A) without losing its accuracy. |
| Phase offset correction (Φo_Cor) | Used to compensate for the phase shift occurred inherently during measurement to avoid false alarms in the systems. |
| Coil Factor (CFI) | Coil specific multiplier applied to the relay settings to compensate for manufacturing tolerances, ensuring maximum precision. |
| Low Pass Integrator Time Constant (LPIT (di/dt)) | The time constant used by integrator to reconstruct current waveform from AcuCT Flex Pro series’ derivative output. This ensures an accurate transient response during fault conditions. |
What are the common applications of the AcuCT Flex Pro series?
AcuCT Flex Pro is designed for protection and control applications, which require a wide range of current where traditional iron core CTs may saturate and fail. They include:
| Arc Flash Protection | During high fault currents, traditional CTs might saturate and fail, AcuCT Flex Pro remains linear which helps relay to detect and respond to faults within milliseconds. This will reduce the arc flash energy and ensures personnel safety. |
| Generator Protection | Provides accurate measurement across a wide range of conditions including overloads, faults and transient events. |
| Transformer Protection | Traditional CTs may saturate during Inrush current events leading to nuisance trip. AcuCT Flex Pro series has an air core, so it does not saturate, which ensures that the system triggers trip state only during actual fault conditions. |
| Zero Export / Non-export scheme | Precise current sensing is necessary at grid connections (for e.g.: At solar and energy distributed sites) to maintain compliance and prevent unintended power export. |
Can I use the AcuCT Flex Pro with a 1A or 5A Relay?
No, not directly. The AcuCT Flex Pro series provides a millivolt (mV) output.
It can be used with a 1A or 5A Relay if paired with an Accuenergy RIK 1AR or RIK 5A Integrator.
Does Accuenergy provide any additional accessories with the AcuCT Flex Pro series?
Yes. There is a mounting bracket provided with the AcuCT Flex Pro series to secure the coil to the busbar or transformer bushings, to ensure stable positioning and reliable measurement.