Power Line Monitoring System

The Power Line Monitoring System (PLMS) was developed to monitor the transition lines of the aging National Grid. Real-time monitoring can significantly increase the line carrying capacity, decrease congestions, and provide reliable power transmission. This novel sensor technology is able to identify different type of loadings and degradation mechanisms (temperature/current variations, corrosion, lightning strikes, Ice accumulation, wind loading, etc.). The results of continuous measurements are wirelessly transmitted to a centralized data center where it is processed and early warning signs are Identified.

 

Benefits

  • Cost-Effective Monitoring: 10USD/Sensor/Month
  • Increased Power Carrying Capacity
  • Reducing Congestion
  • Increased Market Efficiency
  • Effective and Reliable Power Transmission
  • Predictive Maintenance, Optimized Inspections
  • Pinpointing Faults (Storm Recovery)
  • Blackout Prevention
  • Real-Time Load Variation Map
  • Dynamic Line Rating (DLR)
  • Solution to Transmission Constraint Problems
  • Reduced Spinning Reserve

 

 

Features

Warning and Alarm Generation

  • High Line Temperature
  • Excessive Line Sag
  • Damaged Insulators
  • Loose Parts (dampers, marker balls, spacers …)
  • Current Leakage/Discharge
  • Excessive Vibration, Wind Excitation: Galloping
  • Lightning Strikes
  • Foreign object, Tree Contact
  • Ice Accumulation
  • Hot Splice
  • Fault

Rapid Installation by Drones
The sensors of the Power Line Monitoring System (PLMS) sensors are installed by drones on hot lines.

Long Range Radio (9-12miles, 15-20km)

The measured data (temperature, current, frequency, GPS...) are wirelessly transmitted to the Access Points using ISM frequency bands.

Cloud-Based Data Center (IoT)
The received data is stored in a secure centralized location where it is processed and analyzed by different algorithms.

Interactive Graphical User Interface (Google Maps)
The results of the processed data are visualized on maps and charts.

On-Board Sensors

  • Current Sensor
  • Temperature Sensors
  • Accelerometers
  • Gyroscopes
  • GPS
  • Humidity Sensor

Introduction Video

This YouTube video describes the benefits and the main features of the Power Line Monitoring System

Drone Installation Video

This YouTube video demonstrates the PLMS Sensor installation using a utility drone.

Forest Fire Protection

The PLMS is a powerful tool to prevent forest fires caused by power lines.

Camp Fire: November 2018, California

Burned: 153,336 acres

Damages: $16.5 Billion

Fatalities: 85

 

 

 


Collapsed Power Towers
Power towers are collapsed under the weight of the accumulated ice.
Ice Storm of 1998. Hydro Quebec

Blackout Prevention

 

Northeast blackout of 2003

Economic cost:  between $7 and $10 billion

Affected: 55 million people in the U.S. and in Ontario

Fatalities: 100 (estimated)