Integral current transformer shunt resistor

Abstract

An electrical power system may comprise a power source, an electrical load and an interconnection path between the power source and the electrical load. At least one power-source current transformer may be positioned at the power source. At least one remote current transformer may be positioned remotely from the power-source current transformer so that a portion of the interconnection path is between the power-source and the remote current transformer. A control circuit may be interposed between the power-source and remote current transformers and may be responsive to current imbalance between the power-source and remote current transformers to disconnect the power source from the electrical load in the event of such imbalance. The at least one power-source current transformer may comprise a secondary winding having first and second ends, and a resistor connected across the first and second ends. This resistor may provide a path for current transformer secondary current to flow in the event of an open circuit failure in the control circuit or the interconnection path between the current transformer and the control circuit. Consequently voltage across the current transformer secondary may be limited to a level that will not damage the secondary windings. The control circuit may detect the open circuit failure and act to isolate the power source from the load with the minimum of time delay. The current transformer is thereby protected from open circuit failures.