Wireless Power Line Sensor

Abstract

A wireless sensor apparatus for determining and reporting the status of an electrical wire, said sensor apparatus comprising: an electrically insulated housing; a non-contact electrical energy harvesting device, said energy harvest device disposed within said housing, said energy harvesting device comprising an electric current detector and voltage detector; an electric power source, said power source operatively connected to said energy harvesting device; a microcontroller, said microcontroller operably connected to said power source; a mechanically rigid base, said base operably connected to said housing and to said at least one strain gauge, said at least one strain gauge operably connected to said power source and to said microcontroller; a wireless data transmission antenna, said wireless data transmission antenna operably connected to said power source and to said microprocessor; a visual indicator, said visual indicator operably connected to said power source and to said microcontroller.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Field of the Art[0002]The present invention relates generally to systems, methods, and apparatuses for determining the mechanical load and electrical energy status of a wire. More specifically, the present invention relates to the use of a non-contact sensor within an insulator to determine the electrical and mechanical “status” of a utility power distribution line.[0003]2. Description of the Prior Art[0004]The impact of severe weather events on critical infrastructure can have devastating impacts. With regard to the electricity subsector, 90% of all power outages occur on the distribution system. Severe storms and natural disasters can cause a variety of safety hazards including downed power lines which create a dangerous environment for those working to recover from the damages of a weather event. Downed power lines may still carry live, high voltage electricity. Contact with a downed, energized power line can cause severe injury or even lead to fatality. Safety...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a wireless sensor apparatus for measuring the status of an electrical wire. The sensor is attached to the wire and is powered by a small amount of electric energy that it harvests from the surrounding environment. The apparatus includes a microcontroller and a means for measuring the mechanical load on the wire, as well as detecting the presence of electric current and voltage. The sensor also has a means for wireless data transmission, allowing data to be sent to a system user. The technical effect of this invention is the ability to easily measure the condition of an electrical wire without needing to physically touch it, thereby improving efficiency and safety in the field of electrical inspection.

Problems solved by technology

The impact of severe weather events on critical infrastructure can have devastating impacts.

Severe storms and natural disasters can cause a variety of safety hazards including downed power lines which create a dangerous environment for those working to recover from the damages of a weather event.

Contact with a downed, energized power line can cause severe injury or even lead to fatality.

This response can drain a utility's resources, particularly after a large event as they must tend to all calls for downed lines, regardless of whether the lines are energized or not, before they can begin their damage assessment and restoration process for restoring power to the community.

Additionally, a first responder's ability to access areas with downed power lines is hampered until a utility crew can physically come to the site to verify that any downed power lines are de-energized and the site is safe.

Conductors for lower voltages in distribution may have some insulation but are often bare as well.

Glass has a higher dielectric strength, but it attracts condensation and the thick irregular shapes needed for insulators are difficult to cast without internal strains.

The electrical breakdown of an insulator due to excessive voltage can occur a puncture arc or a flashover.

The heat resulting from the arc usually damages the insulator irreparably.

Dirt, pollution, salt, and particularly water on the surface of a high voltage insulator can create a conductive path across it, causing leakage currents and flashovers.

Beyond operating voltage of 33 kV, the pin type insulators become too bulky and hence uneconomical.

Additionally, as previously stated, a status indicator device should be incorporated into pre-existing system hardware, such as a power line “insulator.” However, the known prior art devices (described below) fail to meet these needs.

Another alternative utilizes a single inverter for engine starting and power delivery which does not permit these operations to be simultaneously performed.

The interruption causes an exhaustible power source to provide operating power to the data storage system.

The system includes a detection module which processes a set samples obtained from electrical waveforms propagated of through the power distribution system and appear to be statistically anomalous compared to other sample data.

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