Overhead power lines play a crucial role in both telecommunications and power utilities, forming the backbone of essential infrastructure networks. Overhead optical fiber cable systems have become a key component in these networks, supporting reliable communication and power transmission. These systems provide a cost-effective and efficient solution, as no civil works are required, and the established rights of way help minimize both costs and setup time.
In an increasingly connected world, overhead line monitoring ensures uninterrupted service by enabling real-time fault detection, condition monitoring, and capacity optimization. Advanced technologies, such as predictive analytics and real-time data analysis, help utilities and telecom operators maintain reliable, efficient networks while reducing operational costs and improving response times to potential issues. Distributed fiber optic sensing is an ideal solution for monitoring these critical infrastructures, offering precise, real-time insights to ensure performance and safety.
Enhancing Fault Detection in Overhead Lines
Overhead power lines (OHL) are critical to modern electricity infrastructure, serving as the backbone that delivers power from transformer stations to cities and essential services. However, these lines are constantly exposed to environmental threats, including thunderstorms, storms, and other natural hazards, which can disrupt service and cause significant damage. Reliable monitoring of OHL is essential to maintaining an uninterrupted power supply.
Technologies like distributed fiber optic sensing significantly contribute to OHL monitoring by allowing continuous, real-time observation along the entire length of the line. With just a single fiber optic telecommunication cable, already commonly deployed along OHL, operators can monitor the entire network, spanning several kilometers, with ease. This capability provides early fault detection and valuable data online conditions, improving the overall efficiency, reducing downtime, and enhancing system reliability.
Improving Reliability and Operational Efficiency
Reliability and operational efficiency are critical for the stability of power grids. Advanced monitoring systems enhance grid reliability by enabling quick detection and location of faults, which is crucial for maintaining a stable power supply. Comprehensive electrical grid monitoring facilitates proactive maintenance, reducing the risk of outages and contributing to operational efficiency.
Implementing predictive maintenance helps prevent unplanned downtime by addressing potential equipment failures before they occur. Optimizing resource use and improving response times to outages helps utilities increase customer satisfaction and overall grid reliability.
Data from successful implementations indicate that smart monitoring systems have increased energy efficiency and optimized power distribution.
Assets
Our solutions are tailored for monitoring overhead transmission lines, including:
Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS)
DTS technology comprises a head-end unit and a long length of fiber optic sensor cable that can reach all points of interest (POI) within the asset.
The sensor cable is an ordinary fiber optic cable, terminated on the DTS head end, and can be up to 10 km in length per channel. It is important to note that this sensor cable is dielectric and passive and can therefore be used in the vicinity of bare metal busbars.
Increased electrical resistance due to loosened connections or overheating can lead to significant operational issues, such as equipment damage and power supply interruptions, particularly in semiconductor manufacturing and data centers.
DTS offers permanent consistent temperature measurements, with updates every minute. ...
Event Detection
Key capabilities include:
- Cable fault detection and location
- Cable condition monitoring
- Third party intrusion (TPI) monitoring
- Condition assessments
- Real time thermal rating (RTTR)
- Maximum permissible load
Technologies Used for Monitoring OHL
Distributed Temperature Sensing
Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) is crucial in cable condition monitoring. DTS provides real-time insights into cable performance by identifying hotspots, cold spots, and thermal bottlenecks that could affect efficiency and safety.
One of its key features is the ability to detect even the smallest anomalies from normal thermal behavior through machine learning thermal analysis (MLTA) . This early detection of abnormal conditions allows for timely intervention, optimizing performance and preventing potential failures, ensuring the long-term reliability and safety of the cable network.
Distributed Acoustic Sensing
Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) technology is used to monitor overhead power lines by detecting vibrations and acoustic signals that indicate potential risks or faults. DAS provides precise fault location and can identify issues early, helping to prevent damage and maintain reliable operation of the power network.
SmartVision Software
AP Sensing's SmartVision software suite provides an intuitive, easy-to-use graphical interface (GUI) for monitoring circuit conditions at a glance. It seamlessly integrates a wide array of DAS, DTS, CCTV, and other sensors within a single platform. Circuit layouts are visually mapped and color-coded, displaying cable temperatures and real-time changes in acoustic energy. Temperature graphs and hotspot tables are easily accessible, and cable route sections can be individually configured with flexible alarm levels and types. Key points of interest—such as cable joints, horizontal drillings, and manholes—can be analyzed with trend history, with access to historical data always available.
With a proven track record and continued innovation, AP Sensing offers a completely integrated, end-to-end solution made in Germany. Our team works together with you to select the right combination of technologies to fit your requirements. We also provide onsite services, hotline and online support, maintenance and product training.