High accuracy optical electric field and voltage sensors

In this paper, we present an optical electric field and voltage sensor system having features that allow for reliable and very accurate measurement of electric fields and voltages in a HV environment. It is designed to meet the most stringent accuracy requirements of IEC or IEEE/ANSI standards for revenue metering over a wide temperature range and under varying input light intensity. The optical electric field sensor (EFS) system is based on a Pockels cell. The light source, the detection unit, and the processing unit are made of electronic (and opto-electronic) components and are integrated in a single electronics module. Optical fibers effectively guide the light between the electronics module and the sensor-head in the high voltage environment and provide galvanic isolation between these environments.