Our planet is swiftly shifting towards renewable energy sources, which necessitates the development of smarter and more efficient power grids. Nevertheless, this shift introduces new challenges. As we enhance the capacity of our power lines to handle the variability of renewable energy, the likelihood of accelerated cable aging rises, potentially leading to failures and grid instability. Airway Security’s Fiber based Current Monitoring (FbCM) addresses these risks by continuously monitoring cable sheath currents along the power cable. This monitoring technique can be utilized for both planning preventive maintenance strategies and identifying faults.
How Airway Security’s Fiber based Current Monitoring Works
Airway Security’s FbCM advances our premier Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) technology by incorporating electrical condition monitoring for high-voltage power cables. This cutting-edge system allows users to accurately identify cable faults and detect intrusions, while also enabling real-time monitoring of critical sheath currents.
Sheath currents offer essential insights into the condition of HVAC power cables, indicating problems such as bonding failures, insulation degradation, link box flooding, unexpected ground contacts, and sheath damage from third-party intrusions (TPI). With Airway Security’s FbCM solution, monitoring these vital parameters is straightforward, well-integrated, and highly precise.
The system operates using a DAS interrogator linked to multiple FbCM sensors that can be located in various areas. These sensors, strategically placed in remote settings like manholes or pits, utilize existing DAS optical fiber and do not require an additional power supply.
Benefits & advantages of Fiber based Current Monitoring
Airway Security’s FbCM technology offers a range of compelling benefits, making it a crucial addition to any DAS-based cable monitoring solution.
Real-time Detection of Critical Issues
FbCM continuously monitors sheath currents, providing instant detection of:
- Bonding issues
- Cable insulation failures
- Link box flooding
- Unwanted ground contacts
- Sheath damage from third-party intrusion (TPI)
Seamless Integration
No special interrogator or additional optical fiber is required. The FbCM sensors operate using the same DAS optical fiber infrastructure, allowing for straightforward integration into both new and existing DAS projects.
Wide Monitoring Coverage
One DAS interrogator can monitor FbCM sensors across multiple locations over distances of up to 50 km, making it highly efficient for extensive infrastructure.
Efficient Retrofitting
Installing FbCM into existing systems is hassle-free, with no need to disconnect power cables.
Key Product Features and Highlights
Passive Design
FbCM sensors are completely passive, meaning they require no external power supply, making them ideal for remote locations.
Compact and Robust
The sensors are designed for installation in tight spaces like manholes or pits, offering a durable solution for harsh environments.
Software-Adjustable Alarms
Alarm thresholds can be easily configured through the software, enabling precise monitoring tailored to your operational needs.
Real-Time Data Transmission
FbCM supports real-time transmission of current data and alarms directly to SCADA systems, ensuring swift response to any detected issue.
Combined Acoustic and Electrical Detection
DAS technology’s existing acoustic detection for intrusions can now be combined with electrical TPI detection through FbCM, providing a holistic monitoring solution.
Applications of Fiber based Current Monitoring in Power Systems
Airway Security’s FbCM solution has broad applicability across industries and infrastructure systems that rely on high-voltage AC power cables:
Applications of Fiber-Based Current Monitoring in Power Systems
Airway Security’s FbCM solution has broad applicability across industries and infrastructure systems that rely on high-voltage AC power cables:
- Renewable Energy Generation:
Windfarms that depend on extensive underground power cables benefit from FbCM’s real-time monitoring and fault detection.
- Power Transmission and Distribution:
FbCM ensures the reliability of power cables by continuously monitoring for insulation failures, bonding issues, and other critical faults.
Get in Touch With Our Experts
Airway Security, known for its reliable performance and ongoing innovation, provides a fully integrated, comprehensive solution crafted in Germany. Our team collaborates with you to choose the ideal combination of technologies that meet your needs.