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Reduce number of transducers

Reduce number of transducers

Reduce number of transducers

(OP)
Hi guys,
I am new on this forum so dont be too harsh on me. I am currently working on a little project an i need some help. I wanna thank everyone in advance for any input, advice or guidence. My question is:

I have ten DC circuits coming into a combiner box. Each with its +ve and -ve lead wires.  The current in these circuits is typically 4-6 Amps and the voltage is typically 600 V DC or less.  My challenge is to monitor each of the currents in the +ve leads with the least cost.  The way i am monitoring right now is.. I have a DC current transducer around each circuit; however, it will be really expensive if i wanna monitor 12 or 24 circuits at the same time.  Can you think of a clever way where we can accomplish the function of monitoring intermittently each incoming circuit with a limited number of transducers? Is there a circuit switching mechanism that I can buy or design to reduce the number of trunsducers?  If I will be able to monitor every incoming circuit just once a minute that is adequate. Even once every five minutes is adequate. I already looked into multiplexers with some kind of timing mechanism but couldnt find any....

Sorry for such a long question. I honestly will appreciate any help/advice you guys can give me. Thanks  

RE: Reduce number of transducers

Why don't you tell us what you are doing and why?
I'm venting a little, but so many times we are in effect asked to play twenty questions before we get enough information to give a reasonable answer.
 

Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter

RE: Reduce number of transducers

Can you use shunts?  Shunts are much cheaper than DC current coils.

Then you may be able to easily use a flying cap type of multiplexer.

What is the maximum voltage in this panel?  Is it really 600VDC?!?

Keith Cress
kcress - http://www.flaminsystems.com

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