Conductor support structure position monitoring system

Abstract

A sensor unit includes an orientation sensor, an electronic processor coupled to the orientation sensor, and a memory coupled to the electronic processor and storing support structure configuration data 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 data from the orientation sensor, and generate an alarm message in response to determining that the position violates a position threshold. The position threshold is generated based on the support structure configuration data.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on February 10, 2021, with application number 202180027332.7 and title "Conductor Support Structure Position Monitoring System".

[0002] Cross-references to related applications

[0003] This application claims priority to and benefits from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 972,903, filed on February 11, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to monitoring power distribution systems, and more specifically, to conductor support structure position monitoring systems. Background Technology

[0005] Conductors, such as electrical conductors, are widely used in many applications. They form an important part of power distribution systems, transmitting electricity from power generation facilities to the locations where users utilize it. Power distribution systems can include many types of conductors; for example, high-voltage conductors can be used near power generation facilities or for long-distance transmission, while medium- and low-voltage conductors can be used near locations where electricity is used, such as homes and businesses.

[0006] Many electrical conductors run overhead, meaning they are connected to conductor support structures that lift them above the ground. High-voltage conductors are typically laid through open spaces, but medium- and low-voltage conductors are closer to where electricity is used and can more easily cross roads, trees, or other objects. Other types of conductors are typically supported by conductor support structures, such as communication lines.

[0007] Power companies may expend significant resources on the repair and maintenance of electrical conductors and conductor support structures. Environmental conditions or accidents can damage conductor support structures and the conductors they support. For example, ice and snow buildup on conductors can load them to the point of stretching and breaking, or damage utility poles. Wind can also be a factor leading to conductor or conductor support structure breakage or wear. Wind can directly damage conductors, or it can cause tree branches or other obstacles to come into contact with conductors or conductor support structures, resulting in damage. Electrical conductors can also be damaged by objects such as vehicles, fallen trees, etc. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Conductor support structure monitoring is facilitated by a sensor unit that collects location data of the conductor support structure and identifies alarm conditions in response to location data deviating from location thresholds. Location thresholds can be generated based on support structure configuration data, such as conductor orientation, guy wire orientation, and adjacent hazard directions. In large-scale events, such as storms, where multiple conductor support structures are damaged, maintenance activities can be prioritized based on support structure configuration data indicating the presence of nearby roads, schools, or other high-risk areas.

[0009] In particular, the embodiments described herein provide a utility pole position monitoring system and method for monitoring the position of utility poles.

[0010] 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 and storing support structure configuration data and instructions. When executed by the electronic processor, the instructions cause the sensor unit to monitor the position of the conductor support structure associated with the sensor unit based on data from the orientation sensor, and to generate an alarm message in response to determining that the position violates a position threshold. The position threshold is generated based on the support structure configuration data.

[0011] In one aspect, the support structure configuration data includes at least one selected from the group consisting of conductor direction data, guy wire direction data, and danger direction data.

[0012] On the other hand, the position threshold includes a first radial band associated with a first radial position range and having a first value, and a second radial band associated with a second radial position range and having a second value lower than the first value.

[0013] On the other hand, the support structure configuration data specifies the conductor direction, with the first radial band associated with a position transverse to the conductor direction and the second radial band associated with a position perpendicular to the conductor direction.

[0014] On the other hand, the support structure configuration data specifies the direction of the guy wire support, and the second radial band is associated with the position opposite to the direction of the guy wire support.

[0015] On the other hand, the support structure configuration data specifies the danger direction, and the second radial band is associated with the position in the danger direction.

[0016] On the other hand, the sensor unit also includes a temperature sensor coupled to an electronic processor, which is configured to activate a galloping position threshold in response to a temperature indicated by the temperature sensor being less than a predetermined value. The electronic processor is also configured to generate an alarm message in response to determining that a monitored position violates the galloping position threshold.

[0017] On the other hand, the sensor unit also includes a communication interface coupled to an electronic processor, and the electronic processor is also configured to receive messages through the communication interface to enable a galloping position threshold, and to send an alarm message through the communication interface in response to determining that the position violates the galloping position threshold.

[0018] In another embodiment, the system includes multiple sensor units and a monitoring 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 conductor support structure associated with the sensor unit based on data from the orientation sensor. The electronic processor is also configured to generate an alarm message in response to determining that the position violates a position threshold. The monitoring unit is configured to receive alarm messages from the multiple sensor units and generate a priority list of maintenance activities based on the alarm messages.

[0019] In one aspect, the memory stores support structure configuration data, and alarm messages include support structure configuration data for associated sensor units. The monitoring unit is configured to generate a priority list of maintenance activities based on the support structure configuration data.

[0020] In another embodiment, a method for monitoring a conductor support structure includes receiving data from an orientation sensor in a sensor unit within an electronic processor. Based on the data from the orientation sensor, the position of the conductor support structure associated with the sensor unit is determined in the electronic processor. In response to the determined position violating a position threshold, the electronic processor transmits an alarm message on the communication interface of the sensor unit. The position threshold is generated based on support structure configuration data associated with the conductor support structure associated with the sensor unit.

[0021] In one aspect, the method also includes receiving alarm messages from multiple sensor units and generating a priority list of maintenance activities based on the alarm messages.

[0022] On the other hand, the alarm message includes configuration data of the supporting structure for the associated sensor units. The method also includes generating a priority list of maintenance activities based on the supporting structure configuration data.

[0023] On the other hand, the support structure configuration data includes at least one selected from the group consisting of conductor direction data, guy wire direction data, and danger direction data.

[0024] On the other hand, the position threshold includes a first radial band associated with a first radial position range and having a first value, and a second radial band associated with a second radial position range and having a second value lower than the first value.

[0025] On the other hand, the support structure configuration data specifies the conductor direction, with the first radial band associated with a position transverse to the conductor direction and the second radial band associated with a position perpendicular to the conductor direction.

[0026] On the other hand, the support structure configuration data specifies the direction of the guy wire support, and the second radial band is associated with the position opposite to the direction of the guy wire support.

[0027] On the other hand, the support structure configuration data specifies the danger direction, and the second radial band is associated with the position in the danger direction.

[0028] On the other hand, the method also includes enabling a galloping position threshold in response to a temperature indicated by a temperature sensor in the sensor unit being less than a predetermined value, and generating an alarm message in response to determining that the determined position violates the galloping position threshold.

[0029] On the other hand, the method also includes receiving a message via a communication interface to enable a galloping position threshold; and sending an alarm message via the communication interface in response to determining that the position threshold violates the galloping position threshold. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals denote the same or functionally similar elements throughout the individual views, together with the following detailed description, are incorporated in and form part of the specification to further illustrate embodiments including the concepts of the claims and to explain the various principles and advantages of these embodiments.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a conductor support structure monitoring system according to some embodiments.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of a sensor unit according to some embodiments.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a method for monitoring the position of a conductor support structure, performed by a computing device according to some embodiments.

[0034] Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the position thresholds generated from support structure configuration data according to some embodiments.

[0035] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for simplicity and clarity, the elements in the figures are illustrated but not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to aid in understanding the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0036] Apparatus and method components are indicated by conventional symbols in the accompanying drawings where appropriate, showing only those specific details relevant to understanding embodiments of this disclosure, so as not to obscure this disclosure with details readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of the description herein. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Before explaining any embodiment of this disclosure in detail, it should be understood that the application of this disclosure is not limited to the details of the construction and component arrangement described in the following description or shown in the accompanying drawings. This disclosure enables the implementation of other embodiments and can be practiced or implemented in various ways.

[0038] One or more embodiments are described and illustrated in the following description and accompanying drawings. These embodiments are not limited to the specific details provided herein and can be modified in various ways. Furthermore, other embodiments not described herein may exist. Moreover, functions described herein as being performed by one component can be performed by multiple components in a distributed manner. Similarly, functions performed by multiple components can be combined and performed by a single component. Likewise, components described as performing a particular function may also perform additional functions not described herein. For example, a device or structure “configured” in a particular manner is at least configured in that manner, but may also be configured in a manner not listed. Furthermore, some embodiments described herein may include one or more electronic processors configured to perform the described functions by executing instructions stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Similarly, embodiments described herein may be implemented as non-transitory computer-readable media storing instructions executable by one or more electronic processors to perform the functions. As used herein, “non-transitory computer-readable medium” includes all computer-readable media but excludes transient propagating signals. Therefore, non-transitory computer-readable media may include, for example, hard disks, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, ROMs (read-only memory), RAMs (random access memory), register memories, processor caches, or any combination thereof.

[0039] Furthermore, the phrases and terms used herein are for descriptive purposes only and should not be considered limiting. For example, the use of “including,” “containing,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof in this document means including the items listed thereafter and their equivalents, as well as additional items. The terms “connected” and “coupled” are used extensively and include both direct and indirect connections and couplings. Moreover, “connected” and “coupled” are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings and may include direct or indirect electrical connections or couplings. Furthermore, electronic communication and notification may be performed using wired connections, wireless connections, or combinations thereof, and may be transmitted directly or through one or more intermediate devices via various types of networks, communication channels, and connections. Additionally, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom may be used herein only to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions.

[0040] Figure 1 A conductor support structure monitoring system 100 according to some embodiments is described. The conductor support structure monitoring system 100 monitors a plurality of conductor support structures 105 supporting an overhead conductor 110. In some embodiments, the conductor 110 is an electric power line, but other types of conductors, such as communication lines, may be supported by the conductor support structures 105. In some embodiments, the conductor support structure monitoring system 100 monitors the position of the conductor support structures 105 to identify the 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, weather event, fallen tree, etc., thereby changing its orientation. Such a change of orientation may affect the integrity of the conductor 110, may endanger adjacent conductor support structures 105, or may endanger individuals near the affected conductor support structure 105 from injury by a fallen conductor 110 or a fallen conductor support structure 105.

[0041] In some embodiments, conductor support structure 105 is a cylindrical column or pole, such as a wooden, metal, or concrete pole. In some embodiments, conductor support structure 105 includes a plurality of cylindrical columns connected by a frame. In some embodiments, conductor support structure 105 is a tower with a frame (e.g., a metal frame). Sensor units 115 are connected to some or all of conductor support structures 105. In some embodiments, sensor units 115 are connected to a subset of conductor support structures 105. Although in some embodiments, sensor units 115 are connected to each conductor support structure 105. For example, sensor units 115 may be selectively connected to conductor support structures 105 that have characteristics representative of conductor support structures in a larger area (e.g., such conductor support structures may be located at locations with environmental conditions representative of other conductor support structures in a larger area). As another example, sensor units 115 may be selectively placed on conductor support structures 105 located in locations with a greater risk of failure, such as windy locations, or posing a greater risk to people or objects below the conductor in the event of a failure, which may be the case for conductor support structures near busy intersections, schools, busy pedestrian areas, etc.

[0042] It should be understood that Figure 1 A simplified representation of a conductor support structure monitoring system 100 is shown. The conductor support structure monitoring system 100 may have more conductor support structures and more conductors 110 than illustrated. Regardless of the number and location of sensor units 115 in the conductor support structure monitoring system 100, data collected at each sensor unit 115 can be transmitted to one or more computing devices for processing to determine the condition of one or more conductor support structures 105, indicating current or predicted maintenance needs. Figure 1 In this example, data from sensor unit 115 is wirelessly transmitted to monitoring unit 120. In this example, monitoring unit 120 is shown as a single computing device that collects data from all sensor units 115. In some embodiments, in a conductor support structure monitoring system 100 spanning a large area, multiple computing devices may be used to collect and process data from sensor units 115.

[0043] When multiple computing devices are used to implement monitoring unit 120, they can be located in one location or distributed across multiple locations. In the latter case, they can be networked and / or hierarchically organized, such that each computing device in the hierarchical structure can be configured to collect and process data collected by a subset of sensor units 115. For example, one computing device can be configured to collect and process data from sensor units 115 in one geographic area, and another computing device can be configured to collect and process data from sensor units 115 in another geographic area.

[0044] In some embodiments, data is transmitted directly from each sensor unit 115 to the monitoring unit 120. In some embodiments, data may be transmitted via one or more intermediate devices. Any suitable communication mechanism may be used for communication between the sensor unit 115 and the monitoring unit 120. For example, in some embodiments, data may be communicated wholly or partially via the electrical conductor itself. As a specific example, a sensor unit connected to a central data acquisition point (e.g., monitoring unit 120) via a conductor may transmit data via that conductor (e.g., via power line communication (PLC)). In the event of a fault or other condition preventing communication via the conductor, the sensor unit 115 may wirelessly transmit data to the monitoring unit 120, directly or indirectly, via another sensor unit 115 or other suitable intermediate 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 suitable for a given system or installation.

[0045] Each sensor unit 115 may include one or more types of sensors and circuitry for controlling data collection and transmission for analysis. In some embodiments, each sensor unit may include circuitry, such as an electronic processor, for processing data prior to transmission. The timing of sensor data transmission may be periodic, randomized, and / or dynamically determined based on the detection of changing conditions. For example, sensor data may be transmitted when a monitoring threshold configured for sensor unit 115 is violated. In some embodiments, monitoring unit 120 increases the reporting frequency of sensor unit 115 in response to changes in environmental conditions (e.g., blizzard, fallen trees, strong winds, etc.). In some embodiments, monitoring unit 120 polls sensor unit 115 to refresh data.

[0046] Figure 2This is a simplified block diagram of a sensor unit 115 according to some embodiments. Each sensor unit 115 may include an environment-sealed housing 200. Such housing 200 may be made of any suitable material, including materials used for components in external locations, such as materials found in power distribution systems and / or telephone systems. Sensors and control circuitry may be encapsulated within housing 200. One or more types of sensors may be included in the sensor unit 115, such as accelerometers (e.g., 2-axis, 3-axis, 4-axis, etc.), magnetometers (e.g., 2-axis, 3-axis, 4-axis, etc.), temperature sensors (e.g., thermistors), and / or position sensors (e.g., GPS, GLONASS). Figure 2 As shown, 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. Accelerometer 220 and magnetometer 225 may be referred to as orientation sensors. In some embodiments, accelerometer 220 and magnetometer 225 are triaxial devices. In some embodiments, data from temperature sensor 230 is used to provide temperature compensation for accelerometer 220 and magnetometer 225. It should be understood that sensor unit 115 may include any of many other types of sensors besides those described above or in place of them.

[0047] Memory 210 includes read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), other non-transitory computer-readable media, or combinations thereof. Electronic processor 205 is configured to communicate with memory 210 to store and retrieve stored data. Electronic processor 205 is configured to receive instructions and data from memory 210 and execute instructions. Specifically, electronic processor 205 executes instructions stored in memory 210 to perform the methods described herein. Battery 215 provides power to the various components of sensor unit 115. In some embodiments, sensor unit 115 receives external power, and battery 215 is omitted or used to provide backup power.

[0048] Communication interface 235 (e.g., a transceiver) allows electronic processor 205 to communicate with external devices (e.g., monitoring unit 120) via wired or wireless communication network 240. In some embodiments, communication interface 235 may include separate transmit and receive components. In some embodiments, communication interface 235 is a wireless transceiver that encodes information received from electronic processor 205 into carrier wireless signals and transmits the encoded wireless signals to monitoring unit 120 via communication network 240. Communication interface 235 also decodes information in the wireless signals received from monitoring unit 120 via communication network 240 and provides the decoded information to electronic processor 205. Communication network 240 may include power line networks or wireless networks (e.g., BLUETOOTH®, Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, cellular (3G, 4G, 5G, LTE), RF, LoRa, Zigbee, and / or other wireless communication protocols suitable for a given system or installation).

[0049] In some embodiments, memory 210 stores support structure configuration data 245 that describes the characteristics of a specific conductor support structure 105 associated with sensor unit 115. In some embodiments, the support structure configuration data 245 includes support structure physical data, sensor orientation data, position data, adjacent hazard direction data, etc. Electronic processor 205 uses the support structure configuration data 245 to determine thresholds for signaling alarm conditions to monitoring unit 120.

[0050] In some embodiments, the monitoring unit 120 includes data processing elements similar to the sensor unit 115, such as an electronic processor, memory, communication interface, and other elements, such as user input devices (e.g., a mouse, keyboard, or touchscreen), a display, etc. The electronic processor of the monitoring unit 120 executes instructions stored in the memory of the monitoring unit 120 to perform one or more elements of the methods described herein.

[0051] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a method 300 for monitoring the position of a conductor support structure, executed by a computing device according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, method 300 is executed by an electronic processor 205 of sensor unit 115. In block 305, support structure configuration data 245 is stored in sensor unit 115. For example, during installation, a technician may store the support structure configuration data 245 in memory 210 of sensor module 115.

[0052] In some embodiments, the support structure configuration data 245 includes physical data of the support structure, such as the height of the conductor support structure 105, the conductor orientation (e.g., the relative orientation or yaw of the conductors), the guy wire orientation (e.g., the relative orientation or yaw of one or more guy wires), etc. For reference, it is assumed that the orientation of the conductor support structure 105 is along the Z-axis. The magnetometer 225 is tilt-compensated; however, it is assumed that the conductor support structure 105 is in a substantially vertical orientation.

[0053] In some embodiments, the support structure configuration data 245 includes sensor orientation data, such as sensor elevation angle, sensor offset parameters indicating the position of sensor unit 115 relative to the center point of conductor support structure 105 at the mounting location of sensor unit 115, etc. In some embodiments, the support structure configuration data 245 includes location data, such as GPS coordinates. In some embodiments, the support structure configuration data 245 includes adjacent hazard direction data, such as the relative position of conductor support structure 105 to nearby hazards (e.g., sidewalks, roads, schools, etc.).

[0054] In block 310, a position threshold is determined based on support structure configuration data 245. In some embodiments, the electronic processor 205 determines the position threshold and one or more relationships (e.g., equations, lookup table parameters, etc.) that relate the support structure configuration information 245 to the position threshold based on the support structure configuration data 245. In some embodiments, a technician installing the sensor unit 115 can input or adjust the position threshold. In some embodiments, the position threshold varies based on the radial direction. For example, the position threshold may have a first value at a radial position tangential to the conductor and a second value at a radial position perpendicular to the conductor. As described below, a radial band can be defined for the position range.

[0055] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a position threshold according to some embodiments. Figure 4 In the example, conductor support structure 400 does not include any guy wires. Compass cover 405 indicates the orientation of conductor support structure 400. Support structure configuration data 245 of conductor support structure 400 specifies the height of conductor support structure 105 and conductor orientation 410 (e.g., 10 degrees off from north). Sensor orientation data in support structure configuration data 245 specifies sensor elevation and sensor offset parameters based on the diameter of conductor support structure 105 and the angle of the sensor unit at the mounting location of sensor unit 115 (e.g., 130 degrees off from north). Figure 4 In the example, some movement is expected along the vector defined in the direction tangential to the conductor. However, less movement is expected in the direction perpendicular to the conductor.

[0056] Based on the support structure configuration data 245, radial bands 415A and 415B are defined for positions approximately perpendicular to the conductor direction, and radial bands 420A and 420B are defined for positions approximately transverse to the conductor direction. The position thresholds of the vertical radial bands 415A and 415B differ from those of the transverse radial bands 420A and 420B. For example, the vertical radial bands 415A and 415B may have a position threshold of approximately 5 degrees (i.e., relative to the Z-axis), while the transverse radial bands 420A and 420B may have a position threshold of approximately 8 degrees. When the sensor unit 115 is installed, a visual display of the radial bands 415A, 415B, 420A, and 420B can be provided to a technician, and the technician can manually adjust the positions of the radial bands 415A, 415B and 420A, 420B.

[0057] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating alternative position thresholds according to some embodiments. A compass cover 505 indicates the orientation of the conductor support structure 500. Figure 5 In the example, conductor support structure 500 includes guy wires and is located near road 510. Support structure configuration data 245 of conductor support structure 500 specifies the height of conductor support structure 105, conductor orientation 515 (e.g., 10 degrees off from north), guy wire support orientations 520A, 520B (e.g., 310 degrees and 220 degrees), and danger direction 525 (i.e., associated with road 510). Sensor orientation data in support structure configuration data 245 specifies sensor elevation and sensor offset parameters based on the diameter of conductor support structure 105 and the angle of the sensor unit at the mounting location of sensor unit 115 (e.g., 130 degrees off from north). Figure 5 In the example, movement in the opposite direction to the guy wire support directions 520A, 520B is not actually expected. Typically, guy wires are installed and configured to reduce the likelihood of the conductor support structure 500 falling toward the road 510.

[0058] Based on the support structure configuration data 245, radial band 530 is defined for a position generally opposite to the guy wire support directions 520A, 520B and on the danger direction 525, and radial band 535 is defined for a position generally on the guy wire support directions 520A, 522B and opposite to the danger direction 525. Radial band 530 has a different position threshold than radial band 535. For example, radial band 530 may have a position threshold of approximately 5 degrees (i.e., relative to the Z-axis), and radial band 535 may have a position threshold of approximately 8 degrees. In some embodiments, this can be omitted. Figure 5The example shows a pull cord, and the radial bands 530, 535 can be determined based on the danger direction 525. When the sensor unit 115 is installed, it can provide a visual display of the radial bands 530, 535 for technicians, and the technicians can manually adjust the position of the radial bands 530, 535.

[0059] return Figure 3 At box 315, electronic processor 205 monitors the position of the conductor support structure. The position can be determined using data from accelerometer 220, magnetometer 225, or both. Sensor offset data in support structure configuration data 245 can be used to correlate measurements from sensor unit 115 with the actual position of conductor support structure 105. Sensor unit 115 calculates the vertical orientation of conductor support structure 105 based on input from accelerometer 220, where the Z-axis is known to be physically and permanently aligned with the longitudinal axis of conductor support structure 105. In some examples, triaxial accelerometer 220 is used such that changes in the position of the support structure in the x or y direction detect tilt in the position of conductor support structure 105. In some embodiments, accelerometer 220 is capable of determining sub-1-degree changes in the angle (i.e., tilt) of conductor support structure 105.

[0060] At box 320, electronic processor 205 identifies whether the position of the conductor support structure violates the position threshold determined at box 310. (See above for reference.) Figure 4 The position threshold may vary depending on the radial position. In some embodiments, the electronic processor 205 identifies whether the conductor support structure position violates the position threshold based on time-series data. For example, if the monitored conductor support structure position indicates that the conductor support structure is swinging backward, such as during a galloping event, a threshold violation can be identified. In some embodiments, the galloping position threshold may be different from (e.g., less than) the position threshold. Figure 4 The static location threshold is shown in the figure. In some embodiments, the temperature threshold is used in conjunction with the gallop location threshold because galloping typically occurs when the temperature is equal to or below freezing, there is strong wind, and freezing deposits have occurred or are occurring. Data from the temperature sensor 230 can be used to enable the gallop location threshold. In some embodiments, the monitoring unit 120 determines whether weather conditions make line galloping possible and signals, for example, via the communication interface 235 to the sensor unit 115 to enable the use of the gallop location threshold. In some embodiments, the sensor unit 115 employs a waiting period after detecting an initial location threshold violation to determine whether the location returns to within the location threshold. A location threshold violation is identified in response to a continued location threshold violation after the waiting period has elapsed.

[0061] In some embodiments, the threshold is used for parameters other than location. In some embodiments, a force threshold violation is identified in response to a force reading from accelerometer 220 exceeding a threshold indicating an impact of a vehicle or other object onto conductor support structure 105. For example, accelerometer 220 may measure acceleration or other movement of conductor support structure 105 indicating an impact. In some examples, accelerometer 220 and / or electronic processor 205 are calibrated to detect impacts from objects weighing at least 500 pounds (e.g., vehicles) traveling at at least 15 miles per hour (mph). However, accelerometer 220 and / or electronic processor 205 may also be configured to detect impacts from objects weighing greater than or less than 500 pounds traveling at speeds greater than or less than 15 mph.

[0062] In some embodiments, a temperature threshold violation is identified in response to a temperature reading from temperature sensor 230 indicating a possible fire. In some examples, temperature sensor 230 may be mounted in a housing 200 extending beyond sensor unit 115, such that an increase in the air temperature around conductor support structure 105 may indicate a fire on and / or on the ground near conductor support structure 105. In some cases, electronic processor 205 may evaluate temperature changes 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 30 seconds may result in a temperature threshold violation. However, other temperature thresholds may be considered.

[0063] In some embodiments, a fault current violation is identified in response to a reading from magnetometer 225 in the identification conductor 110. Exemplary faults may include short circuits, such as relative to ground and relative to a phase. In one embodiment, magnetometer 335 is configured to monitor the electromagnetic (EMI) field generated by AC current flowing in one or more conductors supported by 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 (approximately 50 ms) of the AC current, and an associated AC current fault alarm can be generated.

[0064] At block 325, electronic processor 205 generates an alarm message in response to a conductor support structure position at block 320 that violates a position threshold. In some embodiments, sensor unit 115 sends an alarm message to monitoring unit 120 indicating an alarm condition. In some embodiments, the alarm message includes the position of conductor support structure 105, a determined conductor support structure position (e.g., deviation from normal position), the presence of any adjacent hazards, an alarm level generated based on the direction or magnitude of the violation, etc. In the case of a collision event, the alarm message may indicate a collision, and sensor unit 115 may continue monitoring the position at a higher data rate for a predetermined time interval after detecting a collision to determine whether the position has changed. Subsequent alarm messages may be generated based on the changed position. In the case of an AC current fault condition, sensor unit 115 sends an alarm message indicating an AC current fault to one or more upstream power distribution devices to disconnect the circuit (e.g., a circuit breaker) or take other actions to resolve the AC current fault condition.

[0065] In some embodiments, the monitoring unit 120 combines data from different sensor units 115. For example, when galloping occurs, sensor units 115 on adjacent conductor support structures 105 should generate an alarm. Similarly, sensor units 115 on adjacent conductor support structures 105 should also detect AC fault currents.

[0066] The alarm messages provided by sensor unit 115 can provide information for determining the priority of maintenance or repair activities. Conductor support structure 105 with a large positional offset may be prioritized because it can be completely downward and can be associated with downward-facing electrical conductors. Conductor support structure 105 may also be prioritized where support structure configuration data indicates the presence of nearby hazards, such as roads, schools, or other high-risk areas. In the event of an alarm message indicating high temperature, monitoring unit 120 may poll nearby sensor units 115 to attempt to identify whether a fire exists on a nearby utility support structure 105, thereby identifying the extent of the fire. In some embodiments, a fire may destroy sensor unit 115 shortly after a temperature alarm is identified and communicated; therefore, the presence or spread of a fire can be confirmed by assessing the temperature at adjacent sensor units 115.

[0067] Specific embodiments have been described in the foregoing specification. However, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure as set forth in the following claims. Therefore, the specification and drawings are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this teaching.

[0068] The following claims set forth various features and advantages of some embodiments.

Claims

1. A sensor unit, comprising: One or more orientation sensors, the one or more orientation sensors being coupled to the conductor support structure and configured to sense position data of the conductor support structure; Temperature sensor; An electronic processor, which communicates electronically with the one or more orientation sensors and the temperature sensor; as well as A memory, coupled to the electronic processor and storing support structure configuration data and instructions, wherein the instructions, when executed by the electronic processor, cause the electronic processor to: The position of the conductor support structure associated with the sensor unit is determined based on data from the one or more orientation sensors. In response to the temperature indicated by the temperature sensor being lower than a predetermined value, the galloping position threshold is activated. Determine that the position violates the galloping position threshold, and An alarm message is generated in response to determining that the position violates the galloping position threshold.

2. The sensor unit according to claim 1, wherein, The support structure configuration data includes at least one selected from the group consisting of conductor direction data, guy wire direction data, and danger direction data.

3. The sensor unit according to claim 1, wherein, The electronic processor is further configured to determine whether a determined position of the conductor support structure violates one or more predetermined position thresholds associated with the conductor support structure, wherein the predetermined position thresholds are determined based on stored support structure configuration data.

4. The sensor unit according to claim 3, wherein, The one or more predetermined position thresholds include at least one selected from the group of a first radial band associated with a first radial position range and having a first value and a second radial band associated with a second radial position range and having a second value lower than the first value.

5. The sensor unit according to claim 1, wherein, The support structure configuration data specifies the conductor direction, with a first radial band associated with a position transverse to the conductor direction and a second radial band associated with a position perpendicular to the conductor direction.

6. The sensor unit according to claim 1, wherein, The support structure configuration data specifies the direction of the guy wire support, and the second radial band is associated with a position opposite to the direction of the guy wire support.

7. The sensor unit according to claim 1, comprising a communication interface coupled to the electronic processor, wherein, The electronic processor is also configured to, Messages are received via the communication interface to enable the galloping position threshold, and In response to determining that the position violates the galloping position threshold, an alarm message is sent through the communication interface.

8. A system comprising: Multiple sensor units, each sensor unit including: One or more orientation sensors, the one or more orientation sensors being configured to sense position data of the conductive support structure; Temperature sensor; An electronic processor, which communicates electronically with the one or more orientation sensors and the temperature sensor; A memory coupled to the electronic processor and storing instructions that, when executed by the electronic processor, cause the electronic processor to: The position of the conductor support structure associated with the sensor unit is determined based on data from the one or more orientation sensors. In response to the temperature indicated by the temperature sensor being lower than a predetermined value, the galloping position threshold is activated. Determine that the position violates the galloping position; and An alarm message is generated in response to determining that the position violates the galloping position threshold; and A monitoring unit that electronically communicates with at least one of the plurality of sensor units and is configured to receive alarm messages from the plurality of sensor units, wherein the monitoring unit includes an electronic processor configured to generate a priority list of maintenance activities based on the alarm messages.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein, The memory stores support structure configuration data, the alarm message includes the support structure configuration data of the associated sensor units, and the monitoring unit is configured to generate a priority list of maintenance activities based on the support structure configuration data.

10. The system according to claim 8, wherein, The electronic processor is further configured to, Determine whether the determined position of the conductor support structure violates one or more predetermined position thresholds associated with the conductor support structure, wherein the predetermined position thresholds are stored in the memory, and A location alarm message is generated in response to determining that the identified location violates one or more predetermined location thresholds.

11. A method for monitoring a conductor support structure, comprising: In the electronic processor, orientation data is received from an orientation sensor in a sensor unit coupled to a conductor support structure; Temperature data is received from a temperature sensor in a sensor unit coupled to the conductor support structure in the electronic processor; In the electronic processor, the position of the conductor support structure associated with the sensor unit is determined based on data from the orientation sensor; The galloping position threshold is activated in response to the received temperature data being less than a predetermined value; The determined position is found to violate the galloping position threshold; as well as In response to determining that the determined position violates the galloping position threshold, the electronic processor transmits an alarm message on the communication interface of the sensor unit.

12. The method of claim 11, comprising: Receive alarm messages from multiple sensor units; as well as A priority list for maintenance activities is generated based on the alarm message.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The alarm message includes support structure configuration data for the associated sensor unit, and the method includes: The priority list for maintenance activities is generated based on the support structure configuration data.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The support structure configuration data includes at least one selected from the group of conductor direction data, guy wire direction data, and danger direction data.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The support structure configuration data specifies the conductor direction, with a first radial band associated with a position transverse to the conductor direction and a second radial band associated with a position perpendicular to the conductor direction.

16. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The support structure configuration data specifies the direction of the guy wire support, and the second radial band is associated with a position opposite to the direction of the guy wire support.

17. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The support structure configuration data specifies the danger direction, and the second radial band is associated with the position in the danger direction.

18. The method of claim 11, comprising: In response to determining that the determined position violates a conductor support structure position threshold, the electronic processor transmits a position alarm message on the communication interface of the sensor unit, wherein the conductor support structure position threshold is generated based on support structure configuration data associated with the conductor support structure associated with the sensor unit.

19. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The galloping position threshold includes a first radial band associated with a first radial position range and having a first value, and a second radial band associated with a second radial position range and having a second value lower than the first value.

20. The method of claim 11, comprising: Messages are received via the communication interface to enable the galloping position threshold; as well as In response to determining that the position violates the galloping position threshold, an alarm message is sent through the communication interface.

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