Spiral core current transformer for energy harvesting applications

A current transformer assembly for harvesting power from a power line and powering electronics in the assembly, the assembly comprising:

• a current transformer including a cylindrical split housing, a housing slot and a central opening, the housing including a first housing half and a second housing half coupled by a hinge so as to allow the power line to be inserted between the housing halves and into the central opening, the current transformer further including a spindle member for accepting a current transformer magnetic tape operating as a core of the current transformer;
• and
• a cylindrical cartridge including a cartridge housing that is coupled to the split housing and includes a cartridge slot and a tape carrier on which the tape is wound, where the magnetic tape is fed through the cartridge slot and the housing slot and onto the spindle member;
• and
• a winding device coupled to the cartridge and being operable to unwind the transformer magnetic tape from the cartridge and wind the magnetic tape onto the spindle member.

A current transformer assembly for harvesting power from a power line and powering electronics in the assembly, the assembly comprising:

• a structure including an inner rail and an outer rail defining a gap therebetween, the structure being separated into a lower section, a first side section being coupled to one side of the lower section by a first spring-loaded hinge and a second side section being coupled to another side of the lower section by a second spring-loaded hinge, the first side section including a first magnetic tab opposite to the first spring-loaded hinge and the second side section including a second magnetic tab opposite to the second spring-loaded hinge;
• a snap rod extending across the central opening and being positioned between the first and second side sections against the bias of the first and second spring-loaded hinges;
• an elastic band extending across the central opening and being coupled at both ends to the lower section, wherein the power line is inserted into the central opening between the first and second magnetic tabs in a manner that breaks the snap rod and engages the elastic band so that the spring-loaded hinges close the structure causing the first and second magnetic tabs to engage each other so that the power line is positioned and secured between the tabs and the elastic band;
• a tape carrier mounted to the outer rail and holding a wound current transformer magnetic tape, the magnetic tape extending through a slot in the outer rail;
• and
• a crank mounted to the structure and including a friction roller mounted thereto that engages the magnetic tape, the crank being operable to rotate the friction roller causing the magnetic tape to move through the slot and wind in the gap.