A current transformer (CT) is a type of sensor that consists of a combination of electric and magnetic circuits, and it measures large ac currents. When a large amount of current flows into the primary winding, the alternating magnetic flux in the iron core induces an electromotive force in the secondary winding. The characteristics of a CT are determined by the iron core design because the iron core is saturated above a certain magnetic flux density. In particular, when a large current, such as a current surge, is input into a CT, the iron core becomes saturated and the induced electromotive force in the secondary winding fluctuates severely. Under these conditions, the CT no longer functions as a sensor. In this study, the characteristics of the secondary winding were investigated using the time-difference finite element method when a current surge was provided as an input. The CT was modeled as a two-dimensional analysis object using constraints, and the saturation characteristics of the iron core were evaluated using the Newton-Rhapson method. The results of the calculation were compared with the experimental data. The results of this study will prove useful in the designs of the iron core and the windings of CTs.
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