Electronic Energy Meter Based on a Tunnel Magnetoresistive Effect (TMR) Current Sensor

Area of Science:

• Electrical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• Accurate electrical energy measurement is crucial for grid management and control.
• Tunneling Magnetoresistance (TMR) sensors offer high sensitivity for current detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and microfabricate a TMR-based electrical current sensor.
• To develop a wattmeter utilizing the TMR sensor for active power measurement.
• To evaluate the sensor's performance in AC mains power applications.

Main Methods:

• Microfabrication of a TMR electrical current sensor.
• Physical and electrical characterization of the TMR sensor.
• Development and testing of a wattmeter for AC 50/60 Hz power loads up to 1000 W.

Main Results:

• The TMR sensor was successfully designed, microfabricated, and characterized.
• The developed wattmeter demonstrated a relative uncertainty below 1.5% for resistive loads.
• A relative uncertainty below 1% was achieved for capacitive loads.

Conclusions:

• TMR sensing technology is suitable for developing high-accuracy electrical current sensors.
• The TMR-based wattmeter shows significant potential for electrical energy management and control applications.
• This technology can contribute to efficient and precise monitoring of power delivery.