Power Line TEM Surveys for Deep Subsurface Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional transient electromagnetic (TEM) surveys are limited by the need for expensive, complex airborne equipment and are difficult to conduct in urban or residential areas, and they struggle to detect deep subsurface features.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using pre-existing power transmission lines as a source of energy to generate subsurface images by detecting transients such as lightning strikes or artificially induced events, which induce electromagnetic signals that propagate into the subsurface, allowing for deeper feature detection without the need for airborne equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional airborne TEM equipment is used, then subsurface imaging capability is achieved, but the system becomes expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by utilizing existing power transmission lines and their natural transient events (lightning strikes, switching operations) as the electromagnetic source, eliminating the need for dedicated airborne transmitter equipment. The power infrastructure serves itself by providing both the energy source and the detection medium through sensors attached to the same lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by using power transmission lines for multiple purposes: they continue their primary function of power delivery while simultaneously serving as electromagnetic wave sources and detection antennas for subsurface imaging. This multi-functional use eliminates the need for specialized airborne equipment.
2Measurement precision
If traditional airborne TEM equipment is used, then subsurface imaging is possible, but accessibility to urban areas is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By using the existing power line infrastructure that already penetrates urban areas, the system gains automatic access to previously inaccessible regions. The power lines serve the dual purpose of power delivery and electromagnetic source, eliminating the need for airborne equipment that requires flight clearance approvals.
Solution Approach 2:
The power transmission lines act as an intermediary medium that bridges the gap between ground-based detection capabilities and deep subsurface targets. They transmit electromagnetic energy directly into the ground at multiple urban locations, enabling imaging where airborne methods are restricted.
3Measurement precision
If traditional TEM methods are used, then subsurface features can be detected, but detection depth is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy source parameters from the weak, controlled pulses of traditional TEM to the extremely high-power transient events naturally occurring in power lines (lightning strikes produce gigawatt-level power). This parameter change enables electromagnetic waves to penetrate much deeper into the subsurface, reaching depths of kilometers to detect features like deep basalts.
4Measurement precision
If traditional TEM surveys are conducted, then subsurface data is obtained, but repeated surveys over broad areas are inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous monitoring by leveraging the ongoing transient events that naturally occur in the power grid. Instead of conducting discrete, resource-intensive airborne surveys, the network continuously captures subsurface information whenever transients occur, allowing repeated imaging of the same area without additional deployment efforts.
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 repeated surveys over broad geographic areas, detects deeper subsurface features like deep basalts, and is applicable in areas inaccessible to traditional airborne TEM, improving carbon capture and storage monitoring, water management, and construction applications.
Implementation Method 1
detecting an electrical signal induced in the power line at the two or more predetermined locations by a return electromagnetic signal generated by eddy currents induced in the subsurface by the transient event
Implementation Method 2
detecting an electrical signal induced in the power line at the two or more predetermined locations by a return electromagnetic signal generated by eddy currents induced in the subsurface by the transient event
Implementation Method 3
generated by eddy currents induced in the subsurface
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes a system and method for generating images by performing TEM surveys using pre-existing infrastructure such as transmission lines, or power lines, and naturally occurring transients such as lightning strikes or load switching. A relatively inexpensive sensor array can be installed on overhead power lines (e.g., electrical transmission or sub-transmission lines) which can detect transients in the overhead power lines. Transients in the overhead power lines can cause the power lines to emit pulses of electromagnetic (EM) radiation, which propagate into the earth's subsurface. This sudden change in electromagnetic field in the subsurface can induce eddy currents, which in turn emit return EM radiation that can propagate back to the overhead power line and induce secondary voltage and current transients. The magnitude of these secondary transients, and their time delay from the original transient are influenced by the properties of the subsurface in which the eddy currents formed.