What Is the Development Trend of AIS Current Transformers?

Hey everyone, I'm Echo, a 10-year veteran in the power system industry. Today we’re going to talk about an important topic — the future development trends of current transformers (CTs) used in Air Insulated Switchgear (AIS).

As technology advances and market demands evolve, these critical components are also undergoing continuous innovation. In this article, I’ll walk you through the key directions of future development based on my hands-on experience and industry observations.

1. Intelligence and Digitalization
1.1 Data Acquisition and Real-Time Monitoring

With the rapid growth of technologies like IoT (Internet of Things), big data, and cloud computing, future AIS CTs will become smarter. They won’t just convert current accurately — they’ll also collect real-time data and upload it to the cloud for remote monitoring.

• Advantages: Enables operators to monitor equipment status remotely, detect issues early, and reduce on-site inspections.
• Applications: Smart grids, smart cities, and energy management systems.

1.2 Fault Prediction and Self-Diagnosis

Equipped with built-in sensors and advanced algorithms, next-gen AIS CTs will be able to self-diagnose faults and issue early warnings before failures occur.

• Benefits: Improves reliability and safety while reducing maintenance costs.
• Challenges: Requires strong data processing capabilities and stable communication networks.

2. Higher Accuracy and Miniaturization
2.1 Improved Measurement Accuracy

As metering requirements become more stringent, future AIS CTs must offer higher precision — especially in high-voltage transmission and precision industrial applications.

• Targets:
  • Metering-grade CTs: ±0.2% error or less
  • Protection-grade CTs: ±0.5% or better
• Approaches: Use of new materials (e.g., nanocrystalline cores) and optimized magnetic circuit design.

2.2 Compact and Lightweight Design

To adapt to limited installation spaces and easier transportation, future AIS CTs will trend toward miniaturization and lightweight construction.

• Advantages: Saves space, simplifies installation and maintenance.
• Challenges: Shrinking size while maintaining performance requires advanced materials and manufacturing techniques.

3. Environmental Friendliness and Energy Efficiency
3.1 Eco-Friendly Materials

With increasing global focus on environmental protection, future AIS CTs will use more eco-friendly materials and reduce harmful substances.

• Examples: Lead-free solder, recyclable plastics.
• Impact: Complies with strict international regulations (e.g., RoHS, REACH) and enhances corporate social responsibility.

3.2 Energy-Efficient Design

Future CTs will also emphasize energy-saving features to lower operational consumption.

• Strategies: Optimized heat dissipation design, low-power electronic components.
• Benefits: Increases overall system efficiency and reduces operating costs.

4. Standardization and Globalization
4.1 Unified Standards

With globalization accelerating, design and production standards for AIS CTs are gradually converging. This helps facilitate international trade and improves product compatibility and quality.

• Standard Organizations: IEC, IEEE, and others are driving standardization efforts.
• Impact: Easier replacement and repair, reduced user complexity.

4.2 Integration into Global Markets

Manufacturers will increasingly tailor products to meet diverse international standards and regional needs.

• Strategy: Modular design for easy customization.
• Opportunity: Tap into emerging markets and expand market share globally.

5. Enhanced Reliability and Security
5.1 High-Reliability Design

Facing harsh working environments (e.g., high temperature, humidity, salt fog corrosion), future AIS CTs will adopt more durable materials and protective measures to ensure long-term stability.

• Improvements: Higher sealing ratings, corrosion-resistant materials, shockproof design.
• Result: Extended service life and reduced failure rates due to environmental stress.

5.2 Strengthened Security

As cyber threats grow, especially in smart grid environments, security has become a top priority for AIS CTs.

• Measures: Physical protection, encrypted communications, cybersecurity protocols.
• Importance: Ensures grid stability and prevents large-scale outages caused by information breaches.

6. Customization Services
6.1 Driven by User Needs

Different applications require different solutions. Future manufacturers will place greater emphasis on offering customized CT designs tailored to specific needs.

• Examples: Corrosion-resistant models for coastal areas, ultra-precise units for special voltage levels.
• Advantages: Better meets customer expectations and improves satisfaction.

6.2 Rapid Response Mechanisms

To address urgent or specialized project needs, manufacturers will build faster response systems to shorten delivery times and improve service levels.

• Methods: Supply chain optimization, flexible production lines.
• Results: Enhances competitiveness and secures more business opportunities.

Final Thoughts

In summary, the future development of AIS current transformers can be summarized in the following keywords:

• Intelligent and Digital: Real-time data acquisition, fault prediction.
• High Precision and Compact Size: Higher accuracy, smaller footprint.
• Eco-Friendly and Energy Efficient: Green materials, reduced energy loss.
• Standardized and Globalized: Unified standards, international compliance.
• Reliable and Secure: Stronger durability, improved cybersecurity.
• Customizable: Tailored solutions for diverse application scenarios.

These trends reflect not only technological progress but also evolving market demands. Only by keeping pace with the times and continuously innovating can companies stay competitive in this fast-changing field.

If you're interested in any specific aspect or have encountered challenges during operation, feel free to leave a comment or send me a message. I’d be happy to share more practical insights and field experience.

Here’s hoping every AIS current transformer runs safely, stably, and efficiently!

— Echo