OPGW Wind Speed and Direction Estimation via Rayleigh Scattering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Monitoring wind speed and direction on transmission lines is hindered by high magnetic and electric fields, and the maintenance and cost issues associated with installing numerous sensors over long distances.

Innovation Solution

An estimation program utilizing an optical fiber composite overhead ground wire (OPGW) that acquires backward Rayleigh scattered light to determine spectral densities of vibrations, estimating wind speed based on natural frequency spectral densities and wind direction from non-natural frequency spectral densities, eliminating the need for multiple sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sensors are installed on the transmission line to monitor wind speed and direction, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and maintenance costs increase due to the need for numerous sensors over long distances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewind speed and direction monitoringVSAvoidnumber of sensors required
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple sensing functions into a single optical fiber by utilizing different vibration frequency components. The optical fiber simultaneously detects wind speed through natural frequency vibration analysis and wind direction through non-natural frequency vibration analysis, eliminating the need for separate sensor installations for each parameter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical fiber serves multiple functions: it acts as both the transmission medium for power lines and the sensing element for wind monitoring. By analyzing vibration spectra at different frequency bands, a single optical fiber provides comprehensive wind environment information including both speed and direction, replacing multiple specialized sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If numerous sensors are installed along the transmission line, then monitoring coverage is improved, but ease of operation and maintenance deteriorate due to the large number of installation points

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring coverageVSAvoidsensor installation and maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple monitoring functions into a single optical fiber infrastructure that already exists on the transmission line. By processing vibration signals across different frequency bands from one optical fiber, the system achieves comprehensive monitoring coverage without requiring multiple separate sensor installations along the line.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of information

If wire-based sensor data transmission is used, then data transmission capability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to interference from high magnetic and electric fields

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoidresistance to electromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical signal transmission with optical signal transmission. By using optical fibers to carry sensing information, the system eliminates susceptibility to electromagnetic interference from high voltage and current fields around transmission lines, while maintaining full data transmission capability through optical signal processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 efficient detection of wind speed and direction without the need for extensive sensor installation, reducing maintenance and cost while overcoming field interference, thereby facilitating dynamic line rating for energy savings.

Implementation Method 1

acquiring a backward Rayleigh scattered light from an optical fiber composite overhead ground wire

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRayleigh scattering: Rayleigh Scattering

Implementation Method 2

determining each of spectral densities of each of a plurality of frequencies of vibration of the optical fiber composite overhead ground wire

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP4160166B1Estimation program, estimation device and estimation method
Publication Date: 2023.11.15 FUJITSU LTD
  • EP4160166B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4160166B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4160166B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

An estimation program causing a computer to execute a process is provided. The process includes acquiring a backward Rayleigh scattered light from an optical fiber composite overhead ground wire that is provided along an electrical power transmission line, determining each of spectral densities of each of a plurality of frequencies of vibration of the optical fiber composite overhead ground wire, on a basis of the backward Rayleigh scattered light, estimating a wind speed of a wind hitting the electrical power transmission line, on a basis of a first spectral density of a first frequency band including a natural frequency of the optical fiber composite overhead ground wire among the spectral densities, and estimating a wind direction of the wind, on a basis of a second spectral density of a second frequency band which does not include the natural frequency of the optical fiber composite overhead ground wire among the spectral densities.