Abstract:
A system to monitor power line temperatures, ground moisture levels, to visually inspect the area around said power line poles and to transmit said data over short, mid, or long range to a monitoring base station for analysis. Said means for monitoring power line conditions are a non-contact temperature sensor, a photo-interrupter, and a digital camera. The camera will be capable of responding to motion automatically or be used in a remote fashion either by day or night. By utilizing the current monitoring setup the potential errors, dangers, or threats of power line failure may be avoided. Further, through the following set up analysis of a failure event at a specific (or group of) power line may be done on site, or remotely and will greatly increase the efficient analysis and repair of failure events.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES 
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     GOVERNMENT RIGHTS 
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     OTHER PUBLICATIONS 
     IEEE Std 142-1991 Chp. 2, pg 98-100; pg 171-173. 
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     Field of Invention 
     The technology described in the disclosed patent document relates generally to the field of optical, temperature, and remote ground sensing of high voltage power lines and the surrounding area thereof and the transfer of generated data to a utility station. 
     DISCUSSION 
     Purpose of the Invention 
     The purpose of the disclosed invention is to constantly measure and monitor the conditions around modern high voltage power lines. This is to be done via measuring the ground resistance of the earth at a location near the base of existing power line poles, by measuring the non-contact temperature of the high voltage lines themselves, and by employing the use of a camera to visually monitor the area around the base of the power pole both day and night. The disclosed device is designed to secure and monitor a power line from shutdown or failure of power transmission due to the overheating of conductor wires, and/or ground resistance values outside of a set threshold. This is done first by monitoring and measuring the change in ground resistance due to moisture from standard environmental conditions and second by visually monitoring the area around the tower base for movement. In the event of a failure a signal is generated and transmitted by short, mid, and long range transceivers to a monitoring base station or utility. 
     The invention will consist of three sensors, a line temperature sensor, a ground moisture sensor, and a camera capable of operating both day and night. The invention will further comprise a 1 st  transceiver node acting as a sensor signal conditioning unit (SCU) connected to each respective temperature sensor, a discrete interface circuit (DIC) so further condition a generated signal connected to each respective signal conditioning unit, a user interface device (UID) connected to each respective transceiver (not shown), an external memory unit (EMU), and a set of short, mid, and long range transmitting units (SRTU, MRTU, LRTU). 
     Measuring the ground resistance (and any change thereof) due to moisture around the power line pole base is accomplished with a photo-interrupter ground sensor or ground moisture sensor (GMS). Said sensor is buried under the ground to a depth of at least eight feet as required by the IEEE National Code. Further, the GMS is located at least twenty-five feet away from the perimeters of the encircled grounding electrodes of power lines. To that end the photo-interrupter circuit consists of an infrared (IR) light emitting diode (LED) and an IR phototransistor coupled to a comparator and is used to measure the resistance of the ground based on its moisture content whereby said resistance (compared to standard environmental conditions) should never exceed 25Ω. 
     This configuration of light sensing interrupt circuitry is superior to the prior art in that it has a higher sensitivity for detecting light scattered off of suspended atmospheric water droplets. These suspended atmospheric water droplets arise in a ground cavity from the presence of moisture. It is critical that the phototransistor and the IR light source be aligned properly so as to set a background voltage associated with standard conditions and to avoid faulty detection of moisture. 
     The GMS generates a constant analog signal that is monitored by the transceiver for a change in resistance of the ground around the tower. The transceiver converts the analog signal into a digital signal and compares said value to threshold values stored in an EMU. If the resistance exceeds 25 ohms, the transceiver generated signal will be further conditioned by the connected DIC and coupling circuit before being transmitted by a SRTU to a MRTU or a LRTU. The DIC is operably connected to a user interface device (UID) whereby a user at each node may access and analyze the data on site either before, during, or after transmission. The UID may comprise a red LED and green LED indication system, LCD touch screen, and/or a direct interface which may include, without limitation, a USB connect, Fire Wire, or serial input for analysis of the data by a peripheral user device such as a laptop. The incorporated UID may also contain circuitry (no shown) to allow a user access at each node via a wireless connection to a laptop or other such mobile wireless device including but not limited to a cell phone. 
     In monitoring the line and ground conditions within normal operating parameters the UID will maintain a state in which the green LED on the user interface is illuminated. This is done so that a user may quickly, visually assess, from a distance which lines are in fault, thereby negating the necessity of checking each pole&#39;s interface device by connecting a laptop. If operating parameters are exceeded, the GSM&#39;s UID will turn the green LED off and illuminate the red LED. From here the user would then either use the LCD screen or connect an external laptop to analyze the data. 
     With respect to the second sensor, the non-contact line temperature sensor, analogous setups exist. Such that for the line temperature sensor (LTS), the connected transceiver will monitor the change in the line temperature of the conduction wire on the tower. The use of a non-contact temperature sensor including but not limited to a 0° C. to 500° C. IR phototransistor to monitor the line condition is 95% more accurate than other contact temperature measuring systems and is not effected by environmental conditions such as wind or rain. If the temperature of the line or wire increases above a set threshold, the SCU will condition the generated signal and transmit in an analogous manner to a base station. 
     The line transceiver(s) and attached sensors will be powered by batteries which will be recharged by solar panels. The line computer may also be powered by any number of means including but not limited to direct line power, induction, fuel cell, etc. Further the transmission units of either the GSM or LTS may be comprised of an AM or FM radio transmitter, satellite, optical, or wireless router technologies. 
     Transmission of line conditions are relayed to a main control unit computer via a series of node channels in a hybrid topology network. Said node channels are a system of relaying computers between the measured line and the main control unit computer at the utility station. Each high-voltage electrical pole has an ID code assigned by the utility (already in use) that must be programmed into each transceiver and correlated to the transceiver generated ID code so that the utility knows which high-voltage electrical poles are at fault. Further, each node incorporates circuitry on each sensor which has a built in data history function accessible via the utility or on site. What follows is a brief example description of a power line event. 
     An event, defined as an anomalous line temperature, ground moisture reading, or camera input, occurs in which a local computer generates a data signal from the event to be transmitted to the closest central node within a set range of the hybrid topology network. The data packet(s) is transmitted on a primary frequency (in the case of RF) to said node where it is passed along from node to node until it reaches the main control unit computer at the designated utility. Depending on the distance between nodes, the closest receiving/transmitting node capable of passing along the signal may be a short, mid, or long range transmitter. At the utility an acknowledgement signal is generated and sent back to the line computer that generated the anomalous signal. If the line computer does not receive an acknowledgement signal the line computer will then send a second data packet(s) on a secondary frequency and await acknowledgement. This will continue over a range of frequencies until acknowledgement is received by the line computer. Data transmission occurs through radio frequency (both AM and FM), satellite frequencies, microwaves, direct hard line connection, LAN, WLAN, etc. 
     Visual monitoring of the area around the base of each tower is achieved by the use of a digital camera. The camera is connected to the same circuitry as the LTS and signal generation and monitoring follows the same procedure as the line temperature generated signal. The camera has the added option of being automatically controlled by additional circuitry (not shown) or controlled manually either at the UID or remotely by the utility base station. In the event that a failure requires on site monitoring or care, service personnel may be dispatched by the utility station to assess the situation on the ground. 
     Typical systems exist for monitoring bulk electrical power of high voltage power lines. These incorporate systems whereby the monitoring devices are attached to said power lines directly and either transmit data directly to a base station or to a local receiver which then communicates the data to the base station. Several drawbacks exist to these approaches. First when the monitoring devices are directly attached to a high voltage power line, maintenance becomes cumbersome at best and dangerous at worst as one would have to contend with the large voltages flowing through said power lines. Secondly said directly attached monitoring devices are powered by induction from the high voltage power lines them selves. In the event of a failure on one of the lines such that power ceases the monitoring capability of the device ceases as well. From the perspective of a base station there would simply be no signal generated. Lastly in a device of this type, having the monitoring device on the power lines themselves means that the device would be located at a great distance from the ground and thereby difficult to see. This would make assessment of the state of either the device or the line conditions impossible to a utility worker located at the base of the power line pole. What is needed is a system that solves these discrepancies to allow for a more efficient and cost effective means of monitoring the state of high voltage power lines. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     In accordance with the teachings of this invention as embodied and described herein, systems are provided for a means to monitor power line temperatures, ground moisture levels, to visually inspect the area around said power line poles and to transmit said data over short, mid, or long range to a monitoring base station for analysis. Said means for monitoring power line conditions are a non-contact temperature sensor, a photo-interrupter, and a digital camera. The camera will be capable of responding to motion automatically or be used in a remote fashion either by day or night. 
     By utilizing the current monitoring setup the potential errors, dangers, or threats of power line failure may be avoided. Further, through the following set up analysis of a failure event at a specific (or group of) power line may be done on site, or remotely and will greatly increase the efficient analysis and repair of failure events. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an example block diagram of a system for transferring sensor information to a utility source. 
         FIG. 2  is an overall block diagram of the subsystem for transferring the ground sensor information to the base station. 
         FIG. 3  is an expanded block diagram of the subsystem for transferring the ground sensor information to the master transceiver or base station. 
         FIG. 4  is an electrical schematic diagram of the photo interrupter circuit. 
         FIG. 5  is an expanded block diagram of the subsystem for transferring the temperature and camera sensor information to the master transceiver or base station. 
         FIG. 6  is a typical example of the mechanical set up of the camera. 
         FIG. 7  is an example of the hybrid topological network used to transfer sensor data to a utility. 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart diagram illustrating one embodiment of the photo interrupter sensor. 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart diagram illustrating one embodiment of the temperature and camera sensor. 
         FIG. 10  is a flowchart diagram illustrating the sensor transfer data communication. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly  FIG. 1 , the present invention as shown in one embodiment is an example block diagram  11  for sensing and transferring power line and ground moisture conditions to a utility source via short, mid, and long range transceivers. Said sensors may include a ground moisture sensor  13 , a temperature sensor  27 , and a camera  28 . The ground moisture sensor  13  and the camera  28  are designed to measure and monitor the area around the base of a power line pole and the temperature sensor  27  is designed to measure the temperature of high voltage power lines. Upon detecting conditions in their respective regions the sensors will pass on their data to a series of short range transceivers  14 , then a mid range transceiver  15 , then a long range transceiver  16 , and finally to a monitoring base station such as a utility company. 
       FIG. 2  shows a block diagram of the first module transceiver assembly  17 , in which the ground sensor  13  senses the Earth ground resistance via moisture change. The ground sensor  13  then generates an analog signal in which the 1 st  transceiver node  18  then converts to a digital signal and via a comparator outputs said signal (not to exceed a set 25 ohm threshold value for upper limit and a user defined lower limit based on the soil conditions at each respective pole) to a master transceiver  19 . The master transceiver  19  will then send said output signal via a long range transceiver  16  to a base station for monitoring. 
       FIG. 3  shows an expanded view of the circuitry  20  for the ground sensor  13  and the 1 st  transceiver node  18 . In one embodiment the ground sensor  13  is a photo interrupter circuit (as shown in  FIG. 4 ) that is designed to detect the moisture content of the ground surrounding a power line pole. This is achieved by the use of a light emitting source, and a light receiving source where said light emitting and receiving source may be without limitation in the infrared region of the spectrum. Further, said light emitting and receiving source may be without limitation a light emitting diode (LED) and a phototransistor as shown. The light source and sink are positioned such that the light must traverse a known distance before intercepting the light sink. As particles of moisture or H 2 O pass through the light path a portion of the light will be absorbed thus decreasing the intensity of the light beam and directly measuring the ground moisture concentration. 
     Returning to  FIG. 3  the circuitry  20  is powered by a solar panel  25  DC power supply  22 . The circuitry  20  may also be powered by any number of means including but not limited to direct line power, induction, fuel cell, etc. Upon analog signal generation by the photo interrupter sensor  13 , said signal is converted to a digital signal via the analog/digital converter  18  and compared  18  to stored threshold values within the external memory  21 . 
     The discrete interface circuit  23  and coupling circuit  24  provides filtering (RX Front End) for the on-chip A/D and drives (TX Amp) the transmit signal. The coupling circuit  24  further acts as a high-pass filter to provide surge and line transient protection in addition to blocking low frequency signals. 
       FIG. 5  shows an expanded view of the circuitry  26  for the temperature  27  and camera  28  sensors as well as the transceiver node  29 , discrete interface circuitry  32 , and coupling circuit  33 . The circuitry performs in an analogous fashion as that in  FIG. 3 . with the additional camera  28  and H-bridge  30  circuitry. The circuitry  26  is powered by a solar panel  34  DC power supply  31 , but may also be powered by any number of means including but not limited to direct line power, induction, fuel cell, etc. The non contract temperature sensor may be any commercially available infrared temperature sensor capable of detection ranges including but not limited to 0° to 500° C. Upon analog signal generation by the temperature sensor  27 , said signal is converted to a digital signal via the analog/digital converter  29  and compared to stored threshold values via a comparator  29 . The discrete interface circuit  32  and coupling circuit  33  provides filtering (RX Front End) for the on-chip A/D and drives (TX Amp) the transmit signal. The coupling circuit  33  further acts as a high-pass filter to provide surge and line transient protection in addition to blocking low frequency signals. 
     The camera may be without limitation any commercially available CCD or CMOS type device. Upon digital signal generation by the camera sensor  28  the transceiver node  29 , discrete interface circuit  32 , and coupling circuit  33  filter and boost the signal for transmitting. The motion of the camera sensor is controlled by an H-bridge circuit  30  that generates a clockwise (CW) or counterclockwise (CWW) motion, which may be operated automatically in response to an event or by manual remote access. 
       FIG. 6  shows a typical mechanical setup  36  of the camera  28  and temperature  27  sensors as they would be mounted on a sensor pole located near the base of a power line pole. 
       FIG. 7  shows a typical hybrid topology network setup  36  as used by the short range transceivers  37  to send data to the mid  38  and long range transceivers  39  to ferry data from the powered line pole locations to the various mid and long range transceivers and ultimately to the base station  40  for monitoring. 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  show an example flowchart diagram of the operation of the photo interrupter, temperature and camera systems respectively. 
     The flowchart of  FIG. 8  starts  41  with the photo interrupter  42  detecting a ground condition and generating a signal. Said signal is sent to a short range transceiver  43  and then to a comparator  44 . The comparator  44  will compare the signal generated to reference values stored in memory. If the signal value is within range then no further action is taken and the procedure recycle back to the start  41  position. If, however, the signal is above or below the threshold value, the signal is transferred back to the short range transceiver  43 , sent to the mid or long range transceiver  47  before being acquired by the base station  50 . If a user wishes to asses the data  49  and the state of the signal, said user may do so at a PC interface  48  located on either the mid or long range transceiver  47  modules. Once the signal has been acquired by the base station  50  the procedure ends  51  and resets to the start  41  position. 
     The flowchart of  FIG. 9  starts  52  with the simultaneous monitoring of the line temperature sensor  55  and control of the camera rotation  53 / 54 . The camera rotation sensor can rotate the camera either 360 degrees clockwise  53  or 360 degrees counterclockwise  54 . This is done to monitor the temperature of the power lines and the area around the power line poles such that if the camera and subsequently the temperature sensor detects a power line conduction temperature that is greater than a set threshold value it will generate a signal and send said signal to a short range transceiver  56 . The signal then is sent to a mid or long range transceiver  57  before being acquired by the base station  50 . If a use wishes to asses the data  59  and the state of the signal, said user may do so at a PC interface  58  located on either the mid or long range transceiver  57  modules. Once the signal has been acquired by the base station  60  the procedure ends  61  and resets to the start  52  position. 
     Lastly,  FIG. 10  shows a flowchart diagram of the general transfer of sensor data (conduction temperature and camera input  63 , and ground moisture content  64 ) to the base station  69 . If a signal is generated, said signal is sent to a short range transceiver node  14 , which is passed on to a second mid range transceiver  15  with an identification code (ID) to identify which power line pole has a fault. This signal is then passed on to a long range transceiver  16  at which point the signal or data  66  may be accessed by a user on the ground via a PC user interface  65  or passed on to a base station  67  or utility. Once the signal has been acquired by the base station  67  the procedure ends  68  and resets to the start  62  position. In the method shown, certain elements may be performed simultaneously or in a different order than that shown. 
     The various embodiments of the present invention as shown in  FIGS. 1-10  may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations that fall within the scope of the present invention, and may be applied to any type of system involving the sensing and measuring of conditions at or surrounding a high voltage power line. 
     The foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from such discussion and from the accompanying drawings and claims, that various changes, modifications and variations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.