DRIVER SUPPORT STRUCTURE POSITION CONTROL SYSTEM

Abstract

A sensor unit includes an orientation sensor, an electronic processor coupled to the orientation sensor, and memory coupled to the electronic processor that stores configuration data for the support structure and instructions. When executed by the electronic processor, the instructions cause the sensor unit to monitor the position of a conductor support structure associated with the sensor unit based on the orientation sensor data and generate an alert message in response if the position violates a position threshold. The position threshold is generated based on the configuration data for the support structure.

Description

DRIVER SUPPORT STRUCTURE POSITION CONTROL SYSTEM CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority and benefit from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 972.903, filed on February 11, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. FIELD

[0002] The disclosure achievements relate to the control of power distribution systems and, more particularly, to a conductor support structure position control system. BACKGROUND

[0003] Conductors, such as power conductors, are widely used in many environments. They form an important part of the power distribution system, carrying power from generation facilities to the locations where customers use it. A power distribution system can include many types of conductors; for example, high-voltage conductors may be used closer to power generation facilities or for long-distance transmission, and medium- and low-voltage conductors may be used closer to the locations where power is used, such as homes and businesses.

[0004] Many power conductors are overhead, meaning the conductors are attached to conductor support structures that raise them above the ground. High-voltage power conductors are generally routed across open spaces, but medium- and low-voltage conductors, which are closer to the locations that use the power, are more likely to pass over or through roads, trees, or other objects. Other types of conductors are often supported by conductor support structures, such as communication lines.

[0005] An electric utility can spend significant resources on repairing and maintaining power conductors and conductor support structures. Environmental conditions or accidents can cause damage to conductor support structures and the conductors they support. For example, the accumulation of ice and snow on a conductor can stress it to the point where it stretches and breaks or damages the utility pole. Wind can also be a contributing factor to the breakage or deterioration of conductors or conductor support structures. Wind can directly damage a conductor or cause tree branches or other obstacles to come into contact with the conductor or conductor support structures, thus causing damage. A power conductor can also be damaged by objects such as vehicles, fallen trees, or similar debris. SUMMARY

[0006] Monitoring of the conductor support structure is facilitated by a sensor unit that collects position data for the conductor support structure and identifies an alert condition when the position data violates a position threshold. The position threshold can be generated based on the support structure's configuration data, such as the conductor's orientation, the orientation of the guy wire, and the orientation of adjacent hazards. In large-scale events, such as storms, where multiple conductor support structures are damaged, maintenance activities can be prioritized based on the support structure's configuration data, which indicates the presence of nearby roads, schools, or other high-risk areas.

[0007] In particular, the embodiments described herein provide a system for controlling the position of utility poles and methods for controlling the position of utility poles.

[0008] In one embodiment, a sensor unit includes an orientation sensor, an electronic processor coupled to the orientation sensor, and a memory coupled to the electronic processor that stores data and configuration instructions for the support structure. When executed by the electronic processor, the instructions cause the sensor unit to monitor the position of a driver support structure associated with the sensor unit based on the orientation sensor data and generate an alert message upon determining that the position violates a position threshold. The position threshold is generated based on the configuration data of the support structure.

[0009] In one aspect, the support structure configuration data comprises at least one selected from the selected group of conductor orientation data, tie-down cable orientation data, and hazard orientation data.

[0010] In another aspect, the position threshold comprises a first radial band associated with a first series of radial positions and having a first value and a second radial band associated with a second series of radial positions and having a second value lower than the first value.

[0011] In another aspect, the configuration data of the support structure specifies a conductor orientation, the first radial band is associated with positions transverse to the conductor orientation, and the second radial band is associated with positions perpendicular to the conductor orientation.

[0012] In another aspect, the configuration data of the support structure specifies a support direction of the clamping cable, and the second radial band is associated with positions opposite to the support direction of the clamping cable.

[0013] In another aspect, the support structure configuration data specifies a hazard direction, and the second radial band is associated with positions in the hazard direction.

[0014] In another aspect, the sensor unit also includes a temperature sensor coupled to the electronic processor configured to allow a gallop position threshold in response to a temperature indicated by the temperature sensor that is below a predetermined value. The electronic processor is further configured to generate an alert message in response to the determination that the monitored position violates the gallop position threshold.

[0015] In another aspect, the sensor unit further includes a communication interface coupled to the electronic processor, and the electronic processor is further configured to receive a message through the communication interface to enable a gallop position threshold and send an alert message through the communication interface in response to the determination that the position violates the gallop position threshold.

[0016] In another embodiment, a system includes a series of sensor units and a control unit. Each sensor unit includes an orientation sensor, an electronic processor coupled to the orientation sensor, and a memory coupled to the electronic processor. The electronic processor is configured to monitor the position of a driver support structure associated with the sensor unit based on data from the orientation sensor. The electronic processor is further configured to generate an alert message upon determining that the position violates a position threshold. The control unit is configured to receive alert messages from the plurality of sensor units and generate a prioritized list of maintenance activities based on the alert messages.

[0017] In one aspect, the memory stores configuration data for the support structure; alert messages include the support structure configuration data for the associated sensor units. The control unit is configured to generate the prioritized list of maintenance activities based on the support structure configuration data.

[0018] In another embodiment, a method for controlling driver support structures includes receiving orientation sensor data in a sensor unit into an electronic processor. The position of a driver support structure associated with the sensor unit is determined in the electronic processor based on the orientation sensor data. The electronic processor communicates an alert message on a communication interface of the sensor unit in response to the determination that the position violates a position threshold. The position threshold is generated based on the configuration data of the support structure associated with the driver support structure connected to the sensor unit.

[0019] In one aspect, the method also includes receiving alert messages from a plurality of sensor units and generating a prioritized list of maintenance activities based on the alert messages.

[0020] In another aspect, the alert messages include the configuration data of the support structure for the associated sensor units. The method also includes generating the prioritized list of maintenance activities based on the configuration data of the support structure.

[0021] In another aspect, the support structure configuration data includes at least one selected from the group of conductor orientation data, clamping cable orientation data, and hazard orientation data.

[0022] In another aspect, the position threshold includes a first radial band associated with a first series of radial positions and having a first value and a second radial band associated with a second series of radial positions and having a second value lower than the first value.

[0023] In another aspect, the configuration data of the support structure specify a conductor orientation, the first radial band is associated with positions transverse to the conductor orientation, and the second radial band is associated with positions perpendicular to the conductor orientation.

[0024] In another aspect, the configuration data of the support structure specifies a support direction of the clamping cable, and the second radial band is associated with positions opposite to the support direction of the clamping cable.

[0025] In another aspect, the support structure configuration data specifies a hazard direction, and the second radial band is associated with positions in the hazard direction.

[0026] In another aspect, the method also includes enabling a gallop position threshold in response to a temperature indicated by a temperature sensor in the sensor unit that is below a predetermined value, and generating an alert message in response to the determination that the determined positions violate the gallop position threshold.

[0027] In another aspect, the method further includes receiving a message through the communication interface to enable a gallop position threshold; and sending an alert message through the communication interface in response to the determination that the position threshold violates the gallop position threshold. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The accompanying figures, in which similar reference numbers refer to identical or functionally similar elements in all separate views, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated and form part of the memory, and serve to illustrate further embodiments of concepts included in the claims, and explain various principles and advantages of those embodiments.

[0029] Figure 1 is a diagram of a conductor support structure control system, according to some embodiments.

[0030] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a 10-sensor unit, according to some embodiments.

[0031] Figure 3 is a flowchart of a method performed by a computer device to control the position of the conductor support structure, according to 15 some embodiments.

[0032] Figures 4 and 5 are diagrams illustrating the position thresholds generated from the support structure configuration data, according to some 20 realizations.

[0033] Experts will appreciate that the elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated in relation to other elements to help improve understanding of the realizations in this disclosure.

[0034] The components of the apparatus and method have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, which show only those specific details that are relevant to understanding the realizations of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art who benefit from the description given in this document. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Before proceeding to explain in detail any embodiment of the disclosure, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the construction details and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The disclosure is susceptible to other embodiments and may be implemented or carried out in various ways.

[0036] One or more embodiments are described and illustrated. These embodiments are not limited to the specific details provided herein and may be modified in various ways. Furthermore, other embodiments may exist besides those described here. In addition, functionality described herein as being performed by one component may be performed by multiple components in a distributed manner. Likewise, functionality performed by multiple components may be consolidated and performed by a single component. Similarly, a component described as performing a particular functionality may also perform additional functionality not described herein. For example, a device or structure that is configured in a certain way is configured at least in that way, but may also be configured in ways not listed.Furthermore, some embodiments described herein may include one or more electronic processors configured to perform the described functionality by executing instructions stored on a non-transient, computer-readable medium. Similarly, the embodiments described herein may be implemented as a non-transient, computer-readable medium that stores instructions executable by one or more electronic processors to perform the described functionality. As used herein, non-transient, computer-readable medium includes all computer-readable media but does not consist of a transient propagating signal.Respectively, a non-transient computer-readable medium may include, for example, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, a ROM (read-only memory), a RAM (random access memory), register memory, a processor cache, or any combination thereof.

[0037] Furthermore, the phraseology and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered limiting. For example, the use of "includes," "contains," "comprises," "has," and variations thereof herein is intended to encompass the items listed below and their equivalents, as well as additional items. The terms "connected" and "coupled" are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect connection and coupling. In addition, "connected" and "coupled" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings and may include electrical connections or couplings, whether direct or indirect.Furthermore, electronic communications and notifications can be carried out via wired, wireless, or a combination of both connections and can be transmitted directly or through one or more intermediary devices across various types of networks, communication channels, and connections. Additionally, relational terms such as first and second, superior and inferior, and the like may be used here solely to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual relationship or order between those entities or actions.

[0038] Figure 1 illustrates a conductor support structure control system 100, according to some embodiments. The conductor support structure control system 100 monitors multiple conductor support structures 105 that support overhead conductors 110. In some embodiments, the conductors 110 are power lines, but the conductor support structures 105 can support other types of conductors, such as communication lines 105, to identify a need for maintenance or repair of selected conductor support structures 105. For example, an affected conductor support structure 105 may be moved or damaged due to a vehicle accident, a weather event, a fallen tree, or similar, so that its orientation is changed.Such a change in orientation may affect the integrity of conductors 110, may compromise nearby conductor support structures 105, or may endanger people near the conductor support structure 105 affected by the fall of conductors 110 or a fallen conductor support structure 105.

[0039] In some embodiments, a conductor support structure 105 is a pole or cylindrical post, such as a pole made of wood, metal, or concrete. In some embodiments, a conductor support structure 105 includes multiple cylindrical poles connected by a frame. In some embodiments, a conductor support structure 105 is a tower having a frame, such as a metal frame. Sensor units 115 are attached to some or all of the conductor support structures 105. In some embodiments, sensor units 115 are attached to a subset of the conductor support structures 105. However, in some embodiments, a sensor unit 115 is attached to each conductor support structure 105. For example, sensor units 115 can be selectively attached to conductor support structures 105 that have features representative of the conductor support structures over a larger area (e.g.(Such conductor support structures may be located in areas with environmental conditions representative of those of other support structures in a larger area). As another example, sensor units 115 may be selectively placed on conductor support structures 105 that are located in areas with a higher risk of failure, such as windy locations, or that present a higher risk to people or objects beneath the conductors in the event of a failure, as the case may be, for conductor support structures near busy intersections, schools, busy pedestrian areas, or similar locations.

[0040] It should be noted that Figure 1 shows a simplified representation of a conductor support structure control system 100. A conductor support structure control system 100 may have many more conductor support structures and many more conductors 110 than illustrated. Regardless of the number and location of the sensor units 115 in the conductor support structure control system 100, the data collected by each sensor unit 115 may be communicated to one or more computing devices for processing to determine a condition, in one or more of the conductor support structures 105, that indicates an actual or anticipated need for maintenance. In the example in Figure 1, the data from the sensor units 115 are communicated wirelessly to a control unit 120.In this example, the control unit 120 is illustrated as a single computing device that collects data from all the sensor units 115. In some embodiments, in a conductor support structure control system 100 that covers a large area, multiple computing devices can be used to collect and process data from the sensor units 115.

[0041] When multiple computing devices are used to implement control unit 120, they may be located in one location or distributed across multiple locations. In the latter case, they may be connected via a network and / or organized hierarchically so that each computing device in the hierarchy can be configured to collect and process data gathered by a subset of sensor units 115. For example, one computing device may be configured to collect and process data from sensor units 115 in one geographic region, and another computing device may be configured to collect and process data from sensor units 115 in a different geographic region.

[0042] In some embodiments, data is transmitted directly from each sensor unit 115 to the control unit 120. In other embodiments, data may be transmitted through one or more intermediary devices. Any suitable communication mechanism may be used for communication between the sensor units 115 and the control unit 120. For example, in some embodiments, data may be communicated wholly or partly through the power conductors themselves. As a specific example, a sensor unit connected to a central data collection point, such as the control unit 120, via a conductor, may transmit data through that conductor, such as via power line communication (PLC).In the event of a failure or other condition that prevents communication with the driver, sensor unit 115 can transmit data wirelessly to control unit 120, either directly or indirectly via another sensor unit 115 or another suitable intermediary device. Examples of wireless communication may include cellular (e.g., 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, etc.), Bluetooth, LoRa, Zigbee, RF, Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, and / or other wireless communication protocols applicable to a given system or installation.

[0043] Each sensor unit 115 may contain one or more types of sensors and circuitry to control data collection and transmission for analysis. In some embodiments, each sensor unit may contain circuitry, such as an electronic processor, to process the data before transmission. The times at which sensor data is transmitted may be periodic, random, and / or dynamically determined based on the detection of changing conditions. For example, sensor data may be transmitted when a control threshold configured for sensor unit 115 is violated. In some embodiments, control unit 120 increases the reporting frequency for sensor units 115 in response to a change in environmental conditions (e.g., a snowstorm, a tree falling, wind, etc.).In some embodiments, the control unit 120 polls the sensor units 115 to update the data.

[0044] Figure 2 is a simplified block diagram of a sensor unit 115, according to some embodiments. Each sensor unit 115 may contain an environmentally sealed housing 200. Such a housing 200 may be made of any suitable material, including materials used for components used in outdoor locations, such as those found in power distribution systems and / or telephone systems. The sensors and control circuitry may be enclosed within the housing 200. One or more types of sensors may be included in a sensor unit 115, such as an accelerometer (e.g., 2-axis, 3-axis, 4-axis, etc.), a magnetometer (e.g., 2-axis, 3-axis, 4-axis, etc.), a temperature sensor (e.g., thermistor), and / or a location sensor (e.g., GPS, GLONASS).As illustrated in Figure 2, the sensor unit 115 includes an electronic processor 205, a memory 210, a battery 215, an accelerometer 220, a magnetometer 225, a temperature sensor 230, and a communication interface 235. The accelerometer 220 and the magnetometer 225 may be referred to as orientation sensors. In some embodiments, the accelerometer 220 and the magnetometer 225 are three-axis devices. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor 230 data is used to provide temperature compensation for the accelerometer 220 and the magnetometer 225. It should be noted that the sensor unit 115 may include any other type of sensors in addition to or instead of those described above.

[0026] Memory 210 includes read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), other non-transient computer-readable media, or a combination thereof. The electronic processor 205 is configured to communicate with memory 210 to store and retrieve data. The electronic processor 205 is configured to receive instructions and data from memory 210 and execute those instructions, among other things. In particular, the electronic processor 205 executes instructions stored in memory 210 to perform the methods described in this document. The battery 215 provides power to the various components of the sensor unit 115. In some embodiments, the sensor unit 115 is powered externally, and the battery 215 is either omitted or used to provide backup power.

[0027] The communication interface 235 (e.g., a transceiver) enables communication between the electronic processor 205 and an external device, such as the control unit 120, via a wired or wireless communication network 240. In some embodiments, the communication interface 235 may include separate transmit and receive components. In some embodiments, the communication interface 235 is a wireless transceiver that encodes information received from the electronic processor 205 into a wireless carrier signal and transmits the encoded wireless signal to the control unit 120 via the communication network 240. The communication interface 235 also decodes information from a wireless signal received from the control unit 120 via the communication network 240 and provides the decoded information to the electronic processor 205.The 240 communication network may include a power line network or a wireless network (e.g., BLUETOOTH®, Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, cellular (3G, 4G, 5G, LTE), RF, LoRa, Zigbee and / or other wireless communication protocols applicable to a given system or installation).

[0028] In some embodiments, memory 210 stores support structure configuration data 245 that describes the characteristics of the particular driver support structure 105 associated with the sensor unit 115. In some embodiments, the support structure configuration data 245 includes physical data of the support structure, sensor orientation data, location data, adjacent hazard orientation data, and the like. The electronic processor 205 uses the support structure configuration data 245 to determine the thresholds for signaling alert conditions to the control unit 120.

[0029] In some embodiments, the control unit 120 includes data processing elements similar to those of the sensor unit 115, such as an electronic processor, memory, a communication interface, and other elements, including a user input device (e.g., mouse, keyboard, or touchscreen), a display, and the like. The electronic processor of the control unit 120 executes instructions stored in the control unit 120's memory to perform one or more of the methods described in this document.

[0045] Figure 3 is a flowchart of a method 300 implemented by a computer device to control the position of the conductor support structure, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, method 300 is implemented by the electronic processor 205 of the sensor unit 115. In block 305, the configuration data of the support structure 245 is stored in the sensor unit 115. For example, during installation, a technician can store the configuration data of the support structure 245 in memory 210 of the sensor unit 115.

[0046] In some embodiments, the configuration data for the support structure 245 includes physical data of the support structure, such as the height of the conductor support structure 105, a conductor orientation (e.g., a relative azimuth or yaw of the conductors), a guy wire orientation (e.g., a relative azimuth or yaw of one or more guy wires), and the like. For reference, the orientation of the conductor support structure 105 is assumed to be along the Z-axis. The magnetometer 225 has tilt compensation; however, the conductor support structure 105 is assumed to be in an essentially vertical orientation.

[0047] In some embodiments, the configuration data for the support structure 245 includes sensor orientation data, such as sensor elevation, a sensor offset parameter indicating the position of the sensor unit 115 with respect to a center point of the conductor support structure 105 in the installation position of the sensor unit 115, and the like. In some embodiments, the configuration data for the support structure 245 includes location data, such as GPS coordinates. In some embodiments, the configuration data for the support structure 245 includes adjacent hazard orientation data, such as a relative position between the conductor support structure 105 and a nearby hazard, such as a sidewalk, road, school, or the like.

[0048] In block 310, a position threshold is determined based on the configuration data of the support structure 245. In some embodiments, the electronic processor 205 determines the position threshold based on the configuration data of the support structure 245 and one or more relationships (for example, equations, lookup table parameters, or the like) that relate the configuration data of the support structure 245 to the position threshold. In some embodiments, a technician installing the sensor unit 115 can enter or adjust the position threshold. In some embodiments, the position threshold varies depending on the radial orientation. For example, the position threshold may have a first value at a radial position transverse to the conductors and a second value at a radial position perpendicular to the conductors. Radial bands may be defined for series of positions, as described below.

[0049] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating a position threshold, according to some embodiments. In the example in Figure 4, a conductor support structure 400 does not include tether cables. A compass overlay 405 indicates the orientation of the conductor support structure 400. The support structure configuration data 245 for the conductor support structure 400 specifies a conductor support structure height 105 and a conductor orientation 410 (e.g., 10 degrees off north). The sensor orientation data in the support structure configuration data 245 specifies a sensor elevation and a sensor offset parameter based on the conductor support structure diameter 105 and the sensor unit angle (e.g., 130 degrees from N) at the sensor unit installation position 115.In the example in Figure 4, some movement is expected along the defined vector in a direction transverse to the conductor's orientation. However, less movement is expected in a direction perpendicular to the conductor's orientation.

[0050] Based on the configuration data for support structure 245, radial bands 415A and 415B are defined for positions generally perpendicular to the conductor orientation, and radial bands 420A and 420B are defined for positions generally transverse to the conductor orientation. The perpendicular radial bands 415A and 415B have position thresholds that differ from the position threshold of the transverse radial bands 420A and 420B. For example, the perpendicular radial bands 415A and 415B may have a position threshold of approximately 5 degrees (relative to the Z-axis), and the transverse radial bands 420A and 420B may have a position threshold of approximately 8 degrees. By installing the 115 sensor unit, a technician may be provided with a visual display of the radial bands 415A, 415B, 420A, 420B and may be able to manually adjust the positioning of the radial bands 415A, 415B, 420A, 420B.

[0051] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an alternative position threshold, according to some embodiments. A compass overlay 505 indicates the orientation of the conductor support structure 500. In the example in Figure 5, the conductor support structure 500 includes guy wires and is placed alongside a road 510. The support structure configuration data 245 for the conductor support structure 500 specify a conductor support structure height 105, a conductor orientation 515 (e.g., 10 degrees offset from north), guy wire support directions 520A, 520B (e.g., 310 degrees and 220 degrees), and hazard direction 525 (i.e., associated with road 510).The sensor orientation data in the support structure configuration data 245 specifies a sensor elevation and sensor displacement parameter based on the conductor support structure diameter 105 and the sensor unit angle (e.g., 130 degrees from N) at the sensor unit installation position 115. In the example in Figure 5, virtually no movement is expected in a direction opposite to the support directions of the guy wires 520A, 520B. The guy wires are typically installed and configured to reduce the likelihood of the conductor support structure 500 falling toward the roadway 510.

[0052] Based on the configuration data for the support structure 245, a radial band 530 is defined for positions generally opposite the support directions of the restraint cable 520A, 520B and in the danger direction 525, and a radial band 535 is defined for positions generally in the support directions of the restraint cable 520A, 520B and opposite the danger direction 525. The radial band 530 has a position threshold that is different from the position threshold of the radial band 535. For example, the radial band 530 may have a position threshold of approximately 5 degrees (i.e., relative to the Z-axis), and the radial band 535 may have a position threshold of approximately 8 degrees. In some embodiments, the restraint cables in the example of Figure 5 may be omitted, and the radial bands 530 and 535 may be determined based on the danger direction 525.By installing the 115 sensor unit, a technician can be provided with a visual display of the 530, 535 radial bands and can manually adjust the positioning of the 530, 535 radial bands.

[0053] Referring back to Figure 3, the electronic processor 205 controls the position of the conductor support structure in block 315. The position can be determined using data from the accelerometer 220, the magnetometer 225, or both. The sensor displacement data in the support structure configuration data 245 can be used to correlate the measurements from the sensor unit 115 with the actual position of the conductor support structure 105. The sensor unit 115 calculates the vertical orientation of the conductor support structure 105 based on the input from the accelerometer 220, where the Z-axis is known to be physically and permanently aligned with the longitudinal axis of the conductor support structure 105.In some examples, a three-axis accelerometer 220 is used such that variations in the position of the support structure in either direction x and y detects the tilt in the position of the conductor support structure 105. In some embodiments, the accelerometer 220 can determine variations of less than 1 degree in the angle (i.e., tilt) of the conductor support structure 105.

[0054] In block 320, the electronic processor 205 identifies whether the position of the conductor support structure violates the position threshold determined in block 310. As described above with reference to Figure 4, the position threshold can vary depending on the radial position. In some embodiments, the electronic processor 205 identifies whether the position of the conductor support structure violates the position threshold based on time-series data. For example, when the monitored position of the conductor support structure indicates that the conductor support structure is swinging backward, such as during a gallop event, a threshold violation can be identified. In some embodiments, a gallop position threshold may be different, for example, lower than the static position threshold shown in Figure 4.In some embodiments, a temperature threshold is used in conjunction with a gallop position threshold, since galloping typically occurs when temperatures are at or below freezing, there is a strong wind, and freezing precipitation has occurred or is occurring. Data from temperature sensor 230 can be used to enable the gallop position threshold. In some embodiments, control unit 120 determines whether weather conditions are such that a line gallop might occur and sends signals to sensor units 115, for example, via communication interfaces 235, to enable the gallop position threshold. In some embodiments, sensor unit 115 employs a waiting period after a violation of the initial position threshold is detected to determine whether the position has returned to within the position threshold.A position threshold violation is identified in response to a position threshold violation that persists after the waiting period has elapsed.

[0055] In some embodiments, thresholds are employed for parameters other than position. In some embodiments, a force threshold violation is identified in response to a force reading from accelerometer 220 that exceeds a threshold indicative of a vehicle or other body impacting the driver support structure 105. For example, accelerometer 220 may measure acceleration or other motion of the driver support structure 105 that indicates an impact. In some examples, accelerometer 220 and / or electronic processor 205 are calibrated to detect the impact of at least a 500 lb object (e.g., a vehicle) traveling at at least 15 miles per hour (mph). However, the accelerometer 220 and / or the electronic processor 205 can also be configured to detect impacts from objects weighing more than 500 lb or less than 500 lb and traveling at more than 15 mph or less than 15 mph.

[0056] In some embodiments, a temperature threshold violation is identified in response to a temperature reading from temperature sensor 230 that indicates a possible fire. In some examples, temperature sensor 230 may be installed in an enclosure that extends beyond the sealed housing 200 of sensor unit 115, so that an increase in the air temperature surrounding the conductor support structure 105 may indicate a fire in the conductor support structure 105 and / or on the ground near the conductor support structure 105. In some cases, the electronic processor 205 may evaluate a temperature change over time to determine whether a fire is indicated (e.g., a temperature threshold violation has occurred). For example, an increase of 20 degrees Celsius (C) over a period of 30 seconds may result in a temperature threshold violation.However, other temperature thresholds are being considered.

[0057] In some embodiments, a fault current violation is identified in response to a reading from magnetometer 225 indicating a fault current in conductors 110. Example faults may include short circuits, such as phase-to-ground and phase-to-phase. In one embodiment, magnetometer 335 is configured to monitor an electromagnetic field (EMI) generated by AC current flowing in one or more conductors supported by the conductor support structure 105 to determine if an AC fault current spike has occurred. In some embodiments, the AC fault current spike can be determined by magnetometer 225 after only three cycles of AC current (approximately 50 ms), and an associated AC fault alert can be generated.

[0058] In block 325, the electronic processor 205 generates an alert message in response to the conductor support structure's position violating the position threshold in block 320. In some embodiments, the sensor unit 115 sends an alert message to the control unit 120 indicating the alert condition. In some embodiments, the alert message includes the location of the conductor support structure 105, the determined position of the conductor support structure (e.g., displaced from normal), the presence of any adjacent hazards, an alert level generated based on the direction or magnitude of the violation, and the like. In the case of an impact event, the alert message may indicate an impact, and the sensor unit 115 may continue monitoring the position at a higher data rate for a predetermined time interval after detecting the impact to determine if the position has changed.A subsequent alert message can be generated based on the changed position. In the event of an AC power failure, the 115 sensor unit sends an alert message indicating the AC power failure to one or more upstream distribution devices to open the electrical circuit (e.g., circuit breakers) or to take other actions to address the AC power failure.

[0059] In some embodiments, the control unit 120 combines data from different sensor units 115. For example, when a gallop occurs, the sensor units 115 must generate alerts in nearby conductor support structures 105. Similarly, AC fault currents must be detected by the sensor units 115 in nearby conductor support structures 105.

[0060] Alert messages provided by sensor unit 115 can provide information for prioritizing maintenance or repair activities. Conductor support structures 105 with large positional offsets can be prioritized, as these structures may be completely flat and could be associated with downed power lines. Conductor support structures 105 can also be prioritized where the support structure configuration data indicates the presence of nearby hazards, such as roads, schools, or other high-risk areas. In a case where the alert message indicates a high temperature, control unit 120 can probe nearby sensor units 115 to try to identify whether a fire may be present in nearby utility support structures 105, thereby identifying the extent of the fire.In some embodiments, fire may destroy sensor unit 115 shortly after it identifies and communicates the temperature alert, so the presence of fire or the spread of fire can be confirmed by assessing the temperature in adjacent sensor units 115.

[0061] Specific embodiments have been described in the preceding specification. However, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of disclosure as set forth in the following claims. Accordingly, the specification and figures should be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense, and it is intended that all such modifications fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0062] Several features and advantages of some implementations are set out below.

Claims

1. A sensor unit, comprising: an orientation sensor; an electronic processor coupled to the orientation sensor; and memory coupled to the electronic processor and storing support structure configuration data and instructions that, when executed by the electronic processor, cause the sensor unit to: monitor a position of a driver support structure associated with the sensor unit based on the orientation sensor data; and generate an alert message in response to the determination that the position violates a position threshold, wherein the position threshold is generated based on the support structure configuration data.

2. The sensor unit of claim 1, wherein the configuration data of the support structure comprises at least one selected from the selected group of conductor orientation data, clamping cable orientation data, and hazard orientation data. Radial orientation is associated with positions in the hazard direction.

7. The sensor unit of claim 1, further comprising a temperature sensor coupled to the electronic processor, and wherein the electronic processor is further configured to: enable a gallop position threshold in response to a temperature indicated by the temperature sensor that is lower than a predetermined value; and generate an alert message in response to the determination that the controlled position violates the gallop position threshold.

8. The sensor unit of claim 1, further comprising a communication interface coupled to the electronic processor, wherein the electronic processor is further configured to: receive a message through the communication interface to enable a gallop position threshold; and send an alert message through the communication interface in response to the determination that the position violates the gallop position threshold.

9. A system comprising: a plurality of sensor units, each sensor unit comprising: an orientation sensor; an electronic processor coupled to the orientation sensor; and memory coupled to the electronic processor and storing instructions that, when executed by the electronic processor, cause the sensor unit to: monitor a position of a driver support structure associated with the sensor unit based on data from the orientation sensor; and generate an alert message in response to the determination that the position violates a position threshold; a control unit configured to receive alert messages from the plurality of sensor units and generate a prioritized list of maintenance activities based on the alert messages.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the memory stores support structure configuration data, the alert messages include the support structure configuration data for the associated sensor units, and the control unit is configured to generate the prioritized list of maintenance activities based on the support structure configuration data.

11. A method for controlling conductor support structures, comprising: receiving in an electronic processor data from an orientation sensor in a sensor unit; determining, in the electronic processor, a support position of a conductor structure associated with the sensor unit based on data from the orientation sensor; and communicating an alert message, by the electronic processor, in a communication interface of the sensor unit that responds to the determination that the position violates a position threshold, wherein the position threshold is generated based on the configuration data of the support structure associated with the conductor support structure associated with the sensor unit.

12. The method of claim 11, comprising: receiving alert messages from a plurality of sensor units; and generating a prioritized list of maintenance activities based on the alert messages.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the alert messages include the configuration data of the support structure for the associated sensor units, and the method comprises: generating the prioritized list of maintenance activities based on the configuration data of the support structure.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the support structure configuration data comprises at least one selected from the selected group of conductor orientation data, clamping cable orientation data, and hazard orientation data.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the position threshold comprises a first radial band associated with a first series of radial positions and having a first value, and a second radial band associated with a second series of radial positions and having a second value lower than the first value.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the configuration data of the support structure specify a conductor orientation, the first radial band is associated with positions transverse to the conductor orientation, and the second radial band is associated with positions perpendicular to the conductor orientation.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the configuration data of the support structure specify a support direction of the clamping cable, and the second radial band is associated with positions opposite to the support direction of the clamping cable.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the configuration data of the support structure specify a hazard direction, and the second radial band is associated with positions in the hazard direction.

19. The method of claim 11, comprising: enabling a gallop position threshold in response to a temperature indicated by a temperature sensor of the sensor unit that is lower than a predetermined value; and generating an alert message in response to the determination that the determined position violates the gallop position threshold.

20. The method of claim 11, comprising: receiving a message through the communication interface to enable a gallop position threshold; and sending an alert message through the communication interface in response to the determination that the position violates the gallop position threshold.

Images