Other

Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation

General Electric Company

Roosevelt A Fernandes

Richard L Sieron

William R Smith-Vaniz

John E Burbank, Iii

Howard R Stillwell

A hot-stick mountable, line powered, EHV conductor mounted environmental monitoring apparatus. The sensor module contains sensors for monitoring solar insolation, wind speed, lightning flashes, ambient temperature, relative humidity and dew point, precipitation, conductor icing, acoustic corona detection and conductor vibration. The power line environmental monitoring sensor module is configured to be corona free and can be installed on or removed from an energized high voltage power conductor. Data commensurate with the measured parameters is communicated from the sensor module to a Central or Regional Power Dispatch Center via a Geosynchronous Orbiting Environmental satellite (GOES) or to a ground station in the vicinity of the sensor module.

High voltage conductor mounted line powered monitoring system

A mobile system for monitoring electrical, physical and/or environmental parameters and conditions associated with or in proximity to an energized electrical power conductor supported on a succession of towers extending along a power corridor. In a first embodiment, the system includes front and rear propulsion modules surrounding the conductor and carrying a payload module therebetween. The propulsion modules include linear induction or rotary DC motors deriving power directly from the power conductor. The payload module carries equipment such as video and infrared cameras, and apparatus for lightning flash, ambient temperature, acoustic and corona detection, and a transmitter for relaying appropriate signals to a remote ground station. In another embodiment, the payload module is mounted upon a lightning shield wire of the power line and is connected to a propeller-driven helium blimp for movement along the wire. In both embodiments, the line-mounted equipment includes appropriate apparatus which allows movement thereof past obstructions on the line.

Line-mounted, movable, power line monitoring system

A self contained sensor module mounted on a power transmission line. The module is capable of measuring various parameters such as line current, voltage, conductor temperature, and ambient temperature. The parameter values are processed by sensor electronics which digitize and transmit the values to a ground receiver. The sensor module normally derives its power through electromagnetic induction resulting from current flowing through the transmission line. The module contains a power back-up system, including a battery, which allows sensor operation with minimum current and zero current in the transmission line. The battery is float charged while the sensor is mounted on the transmission line using excess energy derived through electromagnetic induction. When line current drops to a predetermined minimum value, float charging is disabled and the battery supplies power to the sensor module. When battery power is depleted to a predetermined level, data processing and transmission are disabled until the battery can be recharged.

Transmission line sensor apparatus operable with near zero current line

Disclosed herein are individual sensor modules for mounting directly upon energized electrical power conductors and systems employing such modules, with principal emphasis upon the provision of both data transmitting and receiving means in each sensor module and at an associated ground station. The modules sense the instantaneous values of all parameters necessary to perform complete metering functions and, in one embodiment, are synchronized by a signal transmitted from the ground station and received by all modules so that the values are measured simultaneously on all conductors at a substation. The signals are transmitted by the modules in a time-synchronized manner and are in a condition for use directly by the ground station microprocessor. In another embodiment, data transmissions by a plurality of modules is synchronized to avoid data collisions by self-contained electronic apparatus within each module, requiring no synchronizing signal from the ground station. Also disclosed is a reliable battery back-up system, requiring essentially no removal and/or replacement of batteries for recharging, for providing power to the module electronics when there is little or no current flowing through the associated conductor.

Electrical power line and substation monitoring apparatus

The invention is primarily directed to sensor modules for mounting directly upon energized electrical power lines to monitor parameters associated with operation thereof, wherein the modules have a more compact lateral configuration than prior art modules designed for the same purpose. The modules include a first, cylindrical housing portion containing the sensing means and other electronic data processing and transmitting elements, and a second housing portion, affixed to the exterior of the first portion and extending not more than about 150.degree. around the periphery thereof, and enclosing mechanical elements of the module mounting means. The invention also concerns means for improving the accuracy of voltage measurements made by such modules by compensating for effects of adjacent, energized conductors, means for reducing the number of frequency channels required for RF data transmissions by a large number of sensor modules at a substation, means for acquiring time-synchronized data from multiple modules within a substation for accurate post-fault, sequence-of-events analysis, means for performing high speed sampling and comparison of cyclically variable parameters for relaying and harmonic measurement applications, and optical communications links for transmitting data from sensor modules.

Electrical power line monitoring systems, including harmonic value

A monitoring system using a unique remotely piloted drone with dual counter rotating propellers and carrying electric field sensing, thermal infra-red imaging, video imaging, acoustic and corona discharge sensing equipment. The compact remotely piloted drone flies along a power corridor and is maintained at a fixed distance from an outer phase conductor using on board electric field detection circuitry, video/infra-red imagery and an RF/laser altimeter. The counter rotating, twin-turbo driven configuration for the propellers mounted on coaxial vertical shafts provides a highly stable platform, unlike conventional manned helicopters presently used for routine right-of-way patrols. Dual, counter-rotating saucer-shaped auxiliary propellers provide a degree of stability far superior to a conventional helicopter, particularly in gusty winds. On board sensors and video cameras would permit electric utilities an economic approach to right-of-way monitoring, inspection of frayed conductors or deteriorated splices through infra-red sensing, detection of cracked insulators through acoustic/corona sensors, monitoring of critical, thermally limiting spans and other monitoring functions.

Monitoring system for power lines and right-of-way using remotely

A self contained sensor module mounted on a power transmission line. The module is capable of measuring various parameters such as line current, voltage, conductor temperature, and ambient temperature. The parameter values are processed by sensor electronics which digitize and transmit the values to a ground receiver. The sensor module normally derives its power through electromagnetic induction resulting from current flowing through the transmission line. The module contains a power back-up system, including a battery, which allows sensor operation with minimum current and zero current in the transmission line. The battery is float charged while the sensor is mounted on the transmission line using excess energy derived through electromagnetic induction. When line current drops to a predetermined minimum value, float charging is disable and the battery supplies power to the sensor module. When battery power is depleted to a predetermined level, data processing and transmission are disabled until the battery can be recharged.

A remote sensing and communications system for installation on energized high voltage conductors is disclosed herein. The sensor modules are capable of measuring electrical, mechanical or environmental parameters in the vicinity of a high voltage conductor. The module digitizes and communicates the measured quantities via a communications subsystem mounted on and powered by an energized high voltage conductor without requiring a circuit interruption. Communications to a Central or Regional dispatch center at any desired distance from the sensing location is achieved using Ku-band or C-band spread spectrum satellite communications, or using the Geosynchronous Orbiting Environmental Satellites (GOES), or through fiber optic communications links. Individual subsystem modules are generally toroidal in shape and can be mounted on an energized high voltage conductor using a hot-stick or other means. The energized conductor current flow and electromagnetic field is used to generate a regulated power supply for the sensor module electronics. All the electronic components within the unit are protected by a signal conditioning network to preclude destruction of components in the event of lightning strike or other overvoltage conditions.

Line mounted apparatus for remote measurement of power system or

The disclosed invention is primarily directed to sensor modules for mounting directly upon energized electrical power lines to monitor parameters associated with operation thereof, wherein the modules have a more compact lateral configuration than prior art modules designed for the same purpose. The modules include a first, cylindrical housing portion containing the sensors and other electronic data processing and transmitting elements, and a second housing portion, affixed to the exterior of the first portion and extending not more than about 150.degree. around the periphery thereof, and enclosing mechanical elements of the module mounting. Also disclosed are circuitry for improving the accuracy of voltage measurements made by such modules by compensating for effects of adjacent, energized conductors, a method for reducing the number of frequency channels required for RF data transmissions by a large number of sensor modules at a substation, a method for acquiring time-synchronized data from multiple modules within a substation for accurate post-fault, sequence-of-events analysis, a method for performing high speed sampling and comparison of cyclically variable parameters for relaying and harmonic measurement applications, and optical communications links for transmitting data from sensor modules.

Electrical power line parameter measurement apparatus and systems,

A toroidal sensor module having a metallic outer skin and mounting means for installation upon and removal from an energized power conductor providing synchronized measurements of electrical parameters. In one embodiment the module is adapted to measure the values of voltage, current and phase angle of the conductor upon which it is mounted, and to communicate data representing such values to a ground station in the vicinity of the sensor module. The voltage and current are sensed simultaneously to provide time-synchronized readings with respect to voltage zero crossings from which the phase relationship is determined. The metallic skin of the module may be either capacitively or electrically coupled to the conductor for purposes of making conductor voltage measurements. The toroidal housing is divided into two, mutually insulated sections to prevent an electrical short circuit loop on any peripheral path on the housing extending through both sections, thereby allowing the electromagnetic field of the conductor to be coupled to sensing elements within the housing.

Electrical parameter sensing module for mounting on and removal from an

A 'hot-stick' mountable sensor module for attachment and removable from a live power transmission line. A tool is insertable into a mounted module to attach the module to the tool and permit removal of the module from the line.

Tool for mounting a sensor module on a live power transmission line

Disclosed herein are individual sensor modules for mounting directly upon energized electrical power conductors and systems employing such modules, with principal emphasis upon the provision of both data transmitting and receiving means in each sensor module and at an associated ground station. The modules sense the instantaneous values of all parameters necessary to perform complete metering functions and, in one embodiment, are synchronized by a signal transmitted from the ground station and received by all modules so that the values are measured simultaneously on all conductors at a substation. The signals are transmitted by the modules in a time-synchronized manner and are in a condition for use directly by the ground station microprocessor. In another embodiment, data transmissions by a plurality of modules is synchronized to avoid data collisions by self-contained means within each module, requiring no synchronizing signal from the ground station. Also disclosed is a reliable battery back-up system, requiring essentially no removal and/or replacement of batteries for recharging, for providing power to the module electronics when there is little or no current flowing through the associated conductor.

Electrical power line and substation monitoring apparatus and systems

An electrical power monitoring and control system including individual sensor modules for mounting directly upon energized electrical power conductors and systems employing such modules, with principal emphasis upon the provision of both data transmitting and receiving means in each sensor module and at an associated ground station. The modules sense the instantaneous values of all parameters necessary to perform complete metering functions and, in one embodiment, are synchronized by a signal transmitted from the ground station and received by all modules so that the values are measured simultaneously on all conductors at a substation. The signals are transmitted by the modules in a time-synchronized manner and are in a condition for use directly by the ground station microprocessor. In another embodiment, data transmissions by a plurality of modules is synchronized to avoid data collisions by self-contained means within each module, requiring no synchronizing signal from the ground station. The modules preferably include a reliable battery back-up system, requiring essentially no removal and/or replacement of batteries for recharging, for providing power to the module electronics when there is little or no current flowing through the associated conductor.

Growing community of inventors

Liverpool, NY, United States of America

Roosevelt A Fernandes