A stable 2 W supply optical-powering system

An optical-powering system has been developed for the power supply of sensors and measurement equipment used in high-voltage environments. It mainly consists of laser diodes, optical fibers and photovoltaic (PV) cells and can deliver 2 W of electrical power. The system has a feedback control function that compares PV cell output current to the target current, and controls the laser output to equalize them. Thus, the PV cell output remains stable even if the temperature of the PV cell increases or the fiber bends. The system also has a safety function that shuts down the laser if an optical fiber is cut. Therefore, the system is more practical and can be more widely used, than existing systems. The system was tested under high-voltage conditions, and the results indicate that it can be used as the supply power for lightning sensors while maintaining electrical isolation.