Current and power sensor for multi-wire cables

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed toward systems and methods for measuring electric current in a multi-wire cable, as well as the apparent and real power associated with an electrical load connected to the cable. A probe comprising an array of small form-factor, high-speed magnetometers is operatively coupled with the cable such that the magnetometers partially surround the cable. Each magnetometer detects the composite magnetic field at its location, and this plurality of measurements is used to generate a magnetic-field map. The contributions of the current flow in each wire are identified by deconvolving the magnetic-field map, enabling their locations to be determined and monitoring of the current and power flow. A sensor included in the probe is used to determine the phase of the applied voltage. The phase difference between the voltage and current is then used to determine the real power dissipation of the load.