Magnetic Sensor Array-Based AC Current Measurement for Multiconductor Cables Using Evolutionary Computation Method

A novel and accurate AC current measurement method for multiconductor cables is proposed in this paper by employing magnetic sensor arrays and evolutionary algorithms. The positions of several conductors within the electrical cables are determined by the computing method. Then the currents in these conductors can be measured in real time by using a matrix multiplication computation. The mathematical model for estimating conductor currents is investigated considering two configurations, i.e., single conductor and multiconductors in the cable. Evolutionary computation methods are investigated and implemented to improve the computing accuracy. In particular, the performances of a variety of evolutionary algorithms in the current computation are compared. The differential evolution (DE) computation method is found outperforming other methods after conducting numerous simulation studies. Finally, comprehensive experiments are carried out by utilizing the DE method to validate the theoretical studies. The experimental results sufficiently verify the feasibility and reliability of the proposed AC current measurement method for multiconductor cables.