Distributed Fiber Optic Wind Speed Measurement Using Pinwheel Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wind speed measurement techniques at utility poles are inadequate for accurately detecting threatening conditions to overhead cables, as they rely on point measurements that may not reflect the actual stress on cables due to wind events.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of distributed fiber optic sensing systems (DFOS) in conjunction with fiber pinwheels, which translate wind energy into vibrational energy detectable by the DFOS, allowing for accurate wind speed measurement along the length of fiber optic cables without requiring auxiliary electrical power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If point measurement techniques are used for wind speed observation, then the measurement device is simple, but the measurement accuracy does not reflect actual cable stress conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement system into distributed segments along the fiber optic cable, with multiple pinwheel sensors positioned at different locations. This segmentation transforms a single point measurement into multiple distributed measurements, accurately capturing wind speed variations along the cable route and reflecting actual cable stress conditions at each location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional point measurement to distributed spatial measurement along the fiber cable length. By attaching pinwheel sensors at multiple positions along the fiber route, the system creates a multi-point measurement network that maps wind speed distribution across the service area, adding spatial dimensionality to the measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If distributed fiber optic sensing with fiber pinwheels is implemented, then wind speed measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing fiber optic cable infrastructure for dual purposes: both communication and sensing. The same fiber cable that carries communication signals also serves as the sensing medium for wind speed measurement, eliminating the need for separate dedicated sensing cables and reducing overall system complexity despite the distributed measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber optic cable serves itself by functioning both as the communication transmission medium and the sensing element. The pinwheel sensors attached to the cable utilize the cable's mechanical properties and the fiber optic technology's inherent sensitivity to external conditions, allowing the existing infrastructure to provide sensing functionality without requiring additional dedicated components.
3Reliability
If conventional point measurement is used, then the system requires less infrastructure, but it cannot provide real-time monitoring along cable routes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback monitoring by distributing pinwheel sensors along the fiber cable route, with each sensor providing real-time wind speed data to the central monitoring system. This feedback mechanism enables the utility to immediately detect high wind conditions at specific locations and take preventive actions, such as dispatching maintenance crews or activating cable protection measures, thereby enhancing cable protection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables preliminary protective actions by providing advance warning of high wind conditions through real-time monitoring. When sensors detect approaching storm conditions or exceeding wind speed thresholds, the system can trigger pre-configured responses such as automatic shutdown of affected sections, notification of maintenance teams, or activation of cable tensioning mechanisms before damage occurs.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables real-time monitoring and minimization of cable damage from wind events by providing accurate, micro-location wind speed measurements at utility poles, enhancing the reliability of cable maintenance and reducing downtime.
Implementation Method 1
The fiber pinwheels translate wind energy to vibrational energy that is detected by the DFOS
Implementation Method 2
The signals are analyzed, and an output is generated which is indicative of the environmental conditions encountered along the length of the fiber. The signal(s) so received may result from reflections in the fiber, such as Raman backscattering, Rayleigh backscattering, and Brillion backscattering.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure describe distributed fiber optic sensing (DFOS) systems, methods, and structures that advantageously measure wind speed at utility poles that support fiber optic cables and—in many applications—electrical and/or other communications cables (i.e., cable television).