Optimization of magnetic sensor arrays for current measurement based on swarm intelligence and D‐optimality

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to improve the accuracy of innovative current transducers based on magnetic sensor arrays.

Design/methodology/approach

The positions and the orientations of the magnetic sensors are optimized. The objective function is defined according to D‐optimality theory and the optimization problem solved using particle swarm optimization (PSO).

Findings

PSO is shown to be efficient for the optimization problem and that, following the D‐optimality approach, a significant improvement in the measurement accuracy is obtained in terms of the errors typically used to classify current transducers.

Research limitations/implications

The paper does not take into account the effects of external magnetic fields.

Practical implications

A criterion and a methodology are suggested in order to design more accurate current transducers based on magnetic sensors.

Originality/value

A new methodology to optimize magnetic sensor arrays for current measurement.

Citation

Zhang, Z. and Di Rienzo, L. (2009), "Optimization of magnetic sensor arrays for current measurement based on swarm intelligence and D‐optimality", COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, Vol. 28 No. 5, pp. 1179-1190. https://doi.org/10.1108/03321640910969430