ABB announced at Automation and Power World the release of a new current measuring system which provides new levels of space savings, accuracy and flexibility.

Known as the Current Measurement System (CMS), this new development will ensure a transparent overview of all power consumption, even in highly complex electronic systems. The system is designed to measure power flow right at the protective device of the circuit.

The compact current sensors are only 18mm wide and mount directly onto the popular ABB System proM minature circuit breakers or residual current devices. Up to 64 sensors can be connected to a single control unit via a ribbon cable. One button on the sensor, a touch screen and a cable harness has ensured a system with maximum simplicity.

CMS is highly expandable with its simple wiring via Modbus. The ability to have 64 sensors connected to one control unit makes it possible to easily expand the system to 247 control units on a single Modbus system. This could mean an extraordinary 15,808 measuring points on Modbus – more than enough for even highly complex electronic systems.

The sensors of the CMS provide high level performance with the convenience of a compact design.

The CMS sensors can measure up to 80A true RMS in AC or DC currents at accuracy levels of less than 0.5 percent AC. Each sensor is equipped with its own microprocessor and can transmit the readings securely via the bus interface to the control unit.

ABB Automation and Power World Australia 2012 is being held at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, October 23-24, 2012. The event showcases ABB’s extensive offerings and expertise in power and automation technologies; technologies that address the themes of energy efficiency, grid reliability, industrial productivity, lifecycle management and renewables and environment. More than 75 workshops, three industry-led panel sessions, as well as 168 product and solutions demonstrations are on display across 1200 sq m of exhibition space.