Electrical current visualization sensor based on magneto-electrochromic effect. (July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wu, Hanzhou; Fu, Shifeng; Wang, Shuhao; Pan, Han; Zha, Bingting; Gao, Anran; Li, Ling; Liu, Zhen; Liu, Lisha; Jiao, Jie; Bichurin, M.I.; Sokolov, Oleg; Wang, Yaojin
• Is Part Of: Nano energy. Volume 98(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-07
• Subjects: Magnetoelectric -- Multiferroic -- Piezoelectric -- Current sensor -- Electrochromic; Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanostructured materials -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Nanoscience; Nanostructured materials; Nanotechnology; Power resources -- Technological innovations; Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2022.107226
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2211-2855

Abstract

Abstract: Electrical safety is a major threat to public safety worldwide, with fires and explosions causing damage to property and loss of life. Detection and monitoring of the occurrence of destructive current spikes can provide valuable insights into system health and inform preventative maintenance. Current sensors based on the Magnetoelectric (ME) effect have been regarded as optimal solutions because of the low power consumption and high sensitivity of ME devices compared to conventional current sensors (current transformers, Hall-effect current sensors, etc.). However, none of the conventional sensing techniques can provide ex-situ recording or a means for a human-readable signal output. Development of a current sensor that can sense, visualize, and record a current level remains a challenge. Here, we report an electric current visualization sensor that uses a coupled magnetoelectric/electrochromic effect to transform environmental current energy into electrical signals, and subsequently to a color change readily interpreted by a human observer. The current visualization sensor uses a PZT piezoelectric microfiber composite (MFC) / FeSiB alloy (Metglas) laminate combined with a Prussian blue-based electrochromic device (ECD). Such a current sensor demonstrates high efficiency self-powered current sensing and non-volatile signal recording. Graphical Abstract: ga1 Highlights: An electric current visualization sensor that uses a coupled magnetoelectric-electrochromic effect has been designed. The sensor has the ability to display the health status of electrical power system in an easy way to observe, nonvolatile display. The current sensor demonstrates high efficiency self-powered current sensing and non-volatile signal recording. The system is expected to provide new routes for health monitoring in power distribution systems.