Patent Publication Number: US-2018031611-A1

Title: Dynamic real time transmission line monitor and method of monitoring a transmission line using the same

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/796,614, filed on Mar. 12, 2013, the entire content of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     Aspects of embodiments of the present invention relate to a dynamic real time transmission line monitor, a dynamic real time transmission line monitoring system, and a method of monitoring a transmission line using the same. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Transmission lines are used to supply electric power and may span large distances. Further, a distance between support points of a transmission line may be great, and an amount by which the transmission line may drop down, or sag, between the support points may vary depending on various factors, such as a temperature of the transmission line due to an ambient temperature or an amount of current passing through and heating the transmission line, or environmental factors such as wind or precipitation. When a transmission line drops down by a certain amount, it may contact an object, such as a tree, and result in a disruption in power transmission. 
     As such, it is desirable that a location of a transmission line in space be known. Further, regulations may require that locations of transmission lines in space be known. Some techniques have been used for predicting or approximating locations of transmission lines in space, such as techniques based on laser scanning using helicopters, and day-ahead forecasting based on an estimated amount of current to be passed through the transmission line, as well as previously collected data for predicted weather parameters. However, such techniques are static, rather than dynamic, and do not yield a real time location of a transmission line in space based on real time measurements. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to an aspect of embodiments of the present invention, a dynamic real time transmission line monitor includes a housing configured to receive a transmission line conductor through a cavity thereof, and a sensor to measure or detect a property of the transmission line, such as a temperature, position, current, acceleration/vibration, tilt, roll, and/or distance from an object. 
     According to another aspect of embodiments of the present invention, a dynamic real time transmission line monitor is configured to send a signal, such as an RF signal, while preventing or reducing a corona discharge. The signal may be sent to another line monitor or to a monitoring station, for example, and may contain real time information related to a property of the transmission line measured or sensed by the transmission line monitor. 
     According to another aspect of embodiments of the present invention, a dynamic real time transmission line monitor is installable on a transmission line and is self-powered by current of the transmission line. 
     According to another aspect of embodiments of the present invention, a dynamic real time transmission line monitor is installable on a live transmission line via a hot stick or a bare hand technique. 
     According to another aspect of embodiments of the present invention, a dynamic real time transmission line monitoring system includes a dynamic real time transmission line monitor having aspects and properties as described above, and which is configured to send real time information related to one or more properties (e.g., temperature, position, current, acceleration, vibration, tilt, roll, and/or distance from an object) of the transmission line to at least one of another transmission line monitor or a monitoring station. 
     According to another aspect of embodiments of the present invention, a method of dynamic real time transmission line monitoring includes installing a dynamic real time transmission line monitor having aspects and properties as described above on a transmission line, and remotely monitoring real time information related to the transmission line that is transmitted from the monitor. 
     According to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a dynamic real time transmission line monitor includes: a housing installable on a transmission line, the housing including: a base portion; and a cover portion coupled to the base portion and defining a cavity of the housing together with the base portion, at least one of the cover portion or the base portion being movable relative to the other between an open position of the housing in which a length of the transmission line is receivable in the cavity, and a closed position of the housing in which the length of the transmission line is retained in the cavity; a sensor configured to sense in real time at least one of a temperature, a position, a current, an acceleration, a vibration, a tilt, a roll, or a distance to a nearest object; and an antenna in the cavity of the housing, the antenna configured to transmit a signal including information sensed by the sensor away from the monitor in real time. 
     The cover portion may include a semiconductive material. In one embodiment, a thickness of the cover portion may be less than one tenth of a skin depth of the semiconductive material at which radio waves are blocked. In one embodiment, the semiconductive material has a resistivity of about 10-20 kohm/cm 2 , and the cover portion has a thickness of about 0.125 inches. 
     In one embodiment, the dynamic real time transmission line monitor further includes a first alignment portion, and a second alignment portion corresponding to the first alignment portion and configured to engage the first alignment portion for aligning the cover portion on the base portion. The first alignment portion may include a cone-shaped protrusion extending toward the cover portion, and the second alignment portion may include a recess having a shape corresponding to that of the protrusion for receiving the protrusion therein. 
     In one embodiment, the dynamic real time transmission line monitor is powered by a current of the transmission line. 
     The sensor may include at least one of a LIDAR sensor, a laser sensor, a temperature sensor, or an accelerometer. 
     In one embodiment, the sensor includes a temperature sensor, and the dynamic real time transmission line monitor further includes a target portion in contact with the transmission line, the temperature sensor being configured to sense a temperature of the target portion. The target portion may include an aluminum target with a controlled emissivity for accurate temperature measurement, such as black anodized. 
     In one embodiment, the dynamic real time transmission line monitor further includes a travel bolt, and a keeper portion engaged with the travel bolt and including a biasing mechanism biasing the housing toward the open position, the keeper portion being descendible upon rotation of the travel bolt to move the housing to the closed position, and being further descendible upon further rotation of the travel bolt to retain the transmission line after the housing is in the closed position. 
     In one embodiment, the dynamic real time transmission line monitor further includes an electronics assembly in the housing and being configured to receive the information from the sensor and cause the antenna to transmit the signal including the information. 
     According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a dynamic real time transmission line monitoring system includes: a dynamic real time transmission line monitor including a housing installable on a transmission line, a sensor configured to sense in real time at least one of a temperature, a position, a current, an acceleration, a vibration, a tilt, a roll, or a distance to a nearest object, and an antenna in the cavity of the housing, the antenna configured to transmit a signal including information sensed by the sensor away from the monitor in real time; and a remote receiving device receiving the signal from the dynamic real time transmission line monitor. 
     The remote receiving device may include at least one of a monitoring station or another dynamic real time transmission line monitor. 
     The remote receiving device may include a computer to accumulate data from the sensor and to calculate real time dynamic transmission line ratings of a critical span of the transmission line using the data accumulated from the sensor, local weather data, and an established algorithm. 
     The computer may calculate a maximum line rating of the transmission line for a next day using the accumulated data and a weather prediction for the next day. 
     The system may be configured to take a corrective action based on at least one of the sensed distance to the nearest object or the calculated real time dynamic transmission line ratings. 
     According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method of dynamic real time transmission line monitoring includes: providing a dynamic real time transmission line monitor on a transmission line; sensing in real time at least one of a temperature, a position, a current, an acceleration, a vibration, a tilt, a roll, or a distance to a nearest object using a sensor of the dynamic real time transmission line monitor; and transmitting a signal including information sensed using the sensor to a remote receiving device in real time. 
     The providing the dynamic real time transmission line monitor on the transmission line may include installing the dynamic real time transmission line monitor on the transmission line while the transmission line is live. The installing the dynamic real time transmission line monitor on the transmission line may further include installing the dynamic real time transmission line monitor on the transmission line using a hot stick or bare hand. 
     In one embodiment, the dynamic real time transmission line monitor includes a housing including a base portion and a cover portion coupled to the base portion and defining a cavity of the housing together with the base portion, and at least one of the cover portion or the base portion is movable relative to the other between an open position of the housing in which the cover portion and the base portion are spaced apart, and a closed position of the housing, and the installing the dynamic real time transmission line monitor on the transmission line includes: inserting a length of the transmission line between the cover portion and the base portion into the cavity while the housing is in the open position; and moving the at least one of the cover portion or the base portion relative to the other to the closed position to retain the length of the transmission line in the cavity. 
     The sensor may include at least one of a LIDAR sensor, a laser sensor, a temperature sensor, or an accelerometer. 
     The remote receiving device may include at least one of a monitoring station or another dynamic real time transmission line monitor. 
     In one embodiment, the providing the dynamic real time transmission line monitor on the transmission line includes providing the dynamic real time transmission line monitor on a critical span of the transmission line, and the method further includes calculating real time dynamic transmission line ratings using local weather data and an established algorithm. 
     The method may further include calculating a maximum line rating of the transmission line for a next day using data measured by the dynamic real time transmission line monitor and a weather prediction for the next day. 
     The method may further include taking a corrective action based on at least one of the sensed distance to the nearest object or the calculated real time dynamic transmission line ratings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where: 
         FIG. 1  is a bottom perspective view of a dynamic real time transmission line monitor according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a bottom view of the transmission line monitor of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a side sectional view of the transmission line monitor of  FIG. 1 , taken at the line  3 - 3 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom perspective view of the transmission line monitor of  FIG. 1 , shown installed on a transmission line; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the transmission line monitor of  FIG. 1 , shown in an open position; 
         FIG. 6  is a front view of the transmission line monitor of  FIG. 1 , shown in an open position; 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded top perspective view of the transmission line monitor of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a top perspective view of a base portion of a housing of the transmission line monitor of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom perspective view of the base portion of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a top view of a cover portion of a housing of the transmission line monitor of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a side perspective view of the cover portion of the housing of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a front sectional view of the cover portion of  FIG. 10 , taken at the line  12 - 12 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a top perspective view of a lower non-conductive portion of a housing of the transmission line monitor of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a bottom perspective view of the lower non-conductive portion of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a top perspective view of an upper non-conductive portion of a housing of the transmission line monitor of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a bottom perspective view of the upper non-conductive portion of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a top perspective view of a keeper of the transmission line monitor of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 18  is an exploded top perspective view of an electronics assembly of the transmission line monitor of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIGS. 19A and 19B  are top and side views, respectively, of a temperature sensing target of the transmission line monitor of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a schematic view of a dynamic real time transmission line monitor installed on a transmission line, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 21A and 21B  are schematic views respectively illustrating roll and tilt of a dynamic real time transmission line monitor installed on a transmission line, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 22  is a schematic view of a dynamic real time transmission line monitoring system according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 23  is a flowchart showing tasks of a method of dynamic real time transmission line monitoring according to an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 24  is a flowchart showing tasks of a method of dynamic real time transmission line monitoring according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following detailed description, certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown and described, by way of illustration. As those skilled in the art would recognize, the described exemplary embodiments may be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, rather than restrictive. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 to 4 , a dynamic real time transmission line monitor  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing  102  having an interior cavity  104 . The transmission line monitor  100  is installable on a transmission line  10  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 4 ) and further includes one or more sensors  110  configured to sense in real time at least one of a temperature, a position, a current, an acceleration/vibration, a tilt, a roll, or a distance of the transmission line  10  from an object, and an antenna  112  configured to transmit a signal including information sensed by the sensor  110  away from the transmission line monitor  100  in real time. 
     The one or more sensors  110  are configured to sense in real time at least one of a temperature, a position, a current, an acceleration, a tilt, a roll, or a distance of the transmission line  10  from an object  15 . The one or more sensors  110 , in one embodiment, include an accelerometer  113  for measuring a vibration frequency spectrum or a tilt and roll of the transmission line  10 . In one embodiment, the accelerometer  113  is a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) accelerometer. The one or more sensors  110 , in one embodiment, include a temperature sensor  114  configured to measure a temperature of the transmission line  10 . In one embodiment, the temperature sensor  114  measures the temperature at a location of the transmission line  10  that is in the cavity  104  of the housing  102 . The temperature sensor  114  may be a thermocouple or an infrared temperature measuring device. In one embodiment, the one or more sensors  110  include a distance sensor  115  configured to measure a distance to an object  15 , such as a nearest object. In one embodiment, the distance sensor  115  is a LIDAR sensor that measures a distance to the object  15  (e.g., a nearest object). The one or more sensors  110 , in one embodiment, include an ambient temperature sensor  116  configured to measure an ambient temperature outside the housing  102 . The ambient temperature sensor  116  may be an infrared temperature measuring device. In one embodiment, the transmission line monitor  100  includes each of the temperature sensor  114 , the distance sensor  115 , the accelerometer  113 , and the ambient temperature sensor  116 . However, in other embodiments, one or more of the above-described sensors may not be present in the transmission line monitor  100 . Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described sensors, and, in other embodiments, the transmission line monitor  100  may include any other suitable sensors or devices configured to sense, measure, or detect a property of the transmission line  10  or environment. 
     The antenna  112  is configured to transmit a signal including information sensed by the one or more sensors  110  away from the transmission line monitor  100  in real time. The antenna  112 , in one embodiment, transmits a radio wave signal away from the transmission line monitor  100  in real time, and may include a board made of FR4 composite or a dipole antenna or another suitable antenna. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and, in other embodiments, the antenna  112  may be any other suitable device for transmitting a signal including information sensed by the one or more sensors  110  away from the transmission line monitor  100  in real time. 
     The housing  102  includes a base portion  120  and a cover portion  140 . The cover portion  140  is coupled to the base portion  120  and defines the cavity  104  of the housing  102  together with the base portion  120 . Further, at least one of the cover portion  140  or the base portion  120  is movable relative to the other between an open position (see  FIGS. 5 and 6 ) of the housing  102  in which a length of the transmission line  10  is receivable into or removable from the cavity  104  of the housing  102  through a gap  108  between the base portion  120  and the cover portion  140 , and a closed position (see  FIG. 1 ) of the housing  102  in which the length of the transmission line  10  is retained in the cavity  104 . 
     In one embodiment, the transmission line monitor  100  includes a travel bolt  105  engaged between the base portion  120  and the cover portion  140  for moving the housing  102  between the open and closed positions. Further, in one embodiment, the transmission line monitor  100  includes a keeper  106  coupled to the travel bolt  105  and which continues to descend to retain the transmission line  10  in the cavity  104  after the housing  102  is in the closed position such that the housing  102  may be moved to the closed position and the transmission line monitor  100  may be fixed in place on the transmission line  10  by rotation of only the single travel bolt  105 . The travel bolt  105  and the keeper  106  allow the transmission line monitor  100  to be easily installed on the transmission line  10  while the transmission line  10  is live using a hot stick or bare hand technique. In one embodiment, the travel bolt has a large size, such as ⅝-inch, to facilitate installation of the transmission line monitor  100  while the transmission line  10  is live using a hot stick or bare hand technique. 
     In one embodiment, the transmission line monitor  100  further includes a first alignment portion  132 , and a second alignment portion  134  corresponding to the first alignment portion  132  and configured to engage the first alignment portion  132  for aligning the cover portion  140  on the base portion  120 . In one embodiment, the first alignment portion  132  is a cone-shaped protrusion extending toward the cover portion  140 , and the second alignment portion  134  is a recess having a shape corresponding to that of the protrusion for receiving the protrusion therein. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and, in other embodiments, the first and second alignment portions  132  and  134  may have any other suitable configuration for aligning the cover portion  140  on the base portion  120 . Further, in one embodiment, the transmission line monitor  100  includes an anti-rotation post  135  configured to maintain an angular alignment of the cover portion  140  relative to base portion  120 . The anti-rotation post  135 , in one embodiment, is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe (e.g., ½-inch PVC pipe). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and, in other embodiments, the anti-rotation post  135  may be made of any other suitable material. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the base portion  120  includes a substantially closed bottom side  121  and an open upper side  122 . In one embodiment, the base portion  120  has an oblong shape with substantially straight front and rear sides  123   a ,  123   b,  and rounded first and second ends  124   a,    124   b.  The base portion  120  may also be rounded between the bottom side  121  and the upper side  122  along the front and rear sides  123   a,    123   b  and the first and second ends  124   a,    124   b.  However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described shape of the base portion  120 , and, in other embodiments, the base portion  120  may have any other suitable shape. An inner cavity  125  of the base portion  120  is defined between the front and rear sides  123   a,    123   b  and the first and second ends  124   a,    124   b.  First and second openings  126   a,    126   b  are formed at the first and second ends  124   a,    124   b,  respectively, and receive a portion of the transmission line  10  therein. In one embodiment, the first and second openings  126   a ,  126   b  each have a substantially semi-circular shape having a radius corresponding to that of the largest transmission line  10 . The base portion  120  includes a cradle portion  127  between the first and second openings  126   a,    126   b  which receives the transmission line  10  and has a substantially semi-circular shape having a radius corresponding to that of the largest transmission line  10 . In one embodiment, the cradle portion  127  may have a grooved receiving surface, as depicted in  FIG. 8 . The base portion  120  includes an opening  128   a  through the bottom side  121  receiving the travel bolt  105  therethrough, and may further include a recess  128   b  surrounding the opening  128   a  at an outer side of the bottom side  121 , such as for receiving a head of the travel bolt  105 . In one embodiment, the base portion  120  may include a plurality of fastener holes  129  around a periphery of a surface at the upper side  122 . Further, the base portion  120  may include openings  129   a  and  129   b  through the bottom side  121  through which the distance sensor  115  and the ambient temperature sensor  116  are exposed. The base portion  120 , in one embodiment, is made of aluminum, such as by casting or machining. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and, in other embodiments, the base portion  120  may be made of any other suitable material. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 10 to 12 , the cover portion  140  includes a substantially closed top side  141  and an open lower side  142 . The open lower side  142 , in one embodiment, has a perimeter shape substantially corresponding to a perimeter shape of the open upper side  122  of the base portion  120 . That is, in one embodiment, the cover portion  140  has an oblong shape with substantially straight front and rear sides  143   a ,  143   b,  and rounded first and second ends  144   a,    144   b.  The cover portion  140  may also be rounded between the top side  141  and the lower side  142  along the front and rear sides  143   a,    143   b  and the first and second ends  144   a,    144   b.  However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described shape of the cover portion  140 , and, in other embodiments, the cover portion  140  may have any other suitable shape. An inner cavity  145  of the cover portion  140  is defined between the front and rear sides  143   a,    143   b  and the first and second ends  144   a,    144   b.  The inner cavity  145  of the cover portion  140  and the inner cavity  125  of the base portion  120  together make up the cavity  104  of the housing  102 . Openings  146  are formed at the first and second ends  144   a,    144   b , respectively, and receive a portion of the transmission line  10  therein. In one embodiment, the openings  146  each have a substantially semi-circular shape having a radius corresponding to that of the largest transmission line  10 . The top side  141  includes a sloped or tapered portion  148  extending upward in a direction from the first end  144   a  toward the second end  144   b  to a highest part of the top side  141  to provide a space in the cavity  145  accommodating the antenna  112 . In one embodiment, the sloped or tapered portion  148  has a gentle slope or taper having a 1-inch diameter curvature or greater. In one embodiment, the cover portion  140  may include a plurality of fastener holes  149  around a periphery of the lower side  142 . 
     The cover portion  140  is made of a semiconductive material, such that radio waves from the antenna  112  may penetrate through the cover portion  140  while a corona discharge is prevented or substantially prevented by the cover portion  140 . In one embodiment, the transmission line monitor  100  is free of corona discharge at 500 kV. In one embodiment, the cover portion  140  is made of ABS/PVC thermoplastic. In one embodiment, a thickness t 1  (see  FIG. 12 ) of the cover portion  140  may be less than one tenth of a skin depth of the semiconductive material at which radio waves are completely blocked, where the skin depth is a function of a resistivity of the semiconductive material. In one embodiment, the cover portion  140  is made of ABS/PVC thermoplastic having a thickness of about 0.125 inches. The semiconductive material may have a resistivity of about 10-20 kohm/cm 2 . 
     The transmission line monitor  100 , in one embodiment, further includes a non-conductive inner portion  150  between the base portion  120  and the cover portion  140  of the housing  102 . The non-conductive inner portion  150  includes a tubular portion or channel  155  (see  FIG. 1 ) receiving a length of the transmission line  10  that is in the cavity  104  of the housing  102 . The non-conductive inner portion  150 , in one embodiment, includes a lower non-conductive inner portion  151  in the cavity  125  of the base portion  120 , and an upper non-conductive inner portion  152  in the cavity  145  of the cover portion  140 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the lower non-conductive inner portion  151 , in one embodiment, includes a front lateral portion  153   a,  a rear lateral portion  153   b,  and a lower channel portion  154 . The lower non-conductive inner portion  151 , in one embodiment, has a perimeter shape substantially corresponding to a perimeter shape of the open upper side  122  of the base portion  120 . That is, in one embodiment, the lower non-conductive inner portion  151  has an oblong shape with substantially straight front and rear sides, and rounded first and second ends. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described shape of the lower non-conductive inner portion  151 , and, in other embodiments, the lower non-conductive inner portion  151  may have any other suitable shape. The lower channel portion  154  extends along a length of the lower non-conductive inner portion  151  and has a substantially semi-circular shape having a radius corresponding to that of the largest transmission line  10 . The first alignment portion  132 , in one embodiment, is on an upper surface of the front lateral portion  153   a  and is a cone-shaped protrusion extending toward the upper non-conductive inner portion  152 . The front lateral portion  153   a  has an opening  155   a  through which the travel bolt  105  passes at a location corresponding to the opening  128   a  of the base portion  120 . The front lateral portion  153   a  may also have an opening  155   b,  such as a threaded opening, in which the anti-rotation post  135  is received (e.g., threadedly engaged). Further, an opening  155   c  is formed through the lower channel portion  154  at a location corresponding to the cradle portion  127  of the base portion  120 . In one embodiment, the lower non-conductive inner portion  151  may include a plurality of fastener holes  155   d  around a periphery of the front and rear lateral portions  153   a  and  153   b,  and the lower non-conductive inner portion  151  may be fastened to the base portion  120  via fasteners through the fastener holes  155   d  and the fastener holes  129  of the base portion  120 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the upper non-conductive inner portion  152 , in one embodiment, includes a front lateral portion  156   a,  a rear lateral portion  156   b,  and an upper channel portion  157 . The upper non-conductive inner portion  152 , in one embodiment, has a perimeter shape substantially corresponding to a perimeter shape of the open lower side  142  of the cover portion  140 . That is, in one embodiment, the upper non-conductive inner portion  152  has an oblong shape with substantially straight front and rear sides, and rounded first and second ends. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described shape of the upper non-conductive inner portion  152 , and, in other embodiments, the upper non-conductive inner portion  152  may have any other suitable shape. The upper channel portion  157  extends along a length of the upper non-conductive inner portion  152  and has a substantially semi-circular shape having a radius corresponding to that of the largest transmission line  10 . The upper channel portion  157  of the upper non-conductive inner portion  152  and the lower channel portion  154  of the lower non-conductive inner portion  151  together make up the channel  155  of the non-conductive inner portion  150 . The second alignment portion  134 , in one embodiment, is at a lower surface of the front lateral portion  156   a  and is a recess having a shape substantially corresponding to the cone-shaped protrusion of the first alignment portion  132  for receiving the first alignment portion  132  therein to align the cover portion  140  on the base portion  120 . The recess of the second alignment portion  134  faces the lower non-conductive inner portion  151  and may be formed inside a hollow cone-shaped protrusion  134   a  protruding from an upper side of the front lateral portion  156   a.  The front lateral portion  156   a  has an opening  158   a  through which the travel bolt  105  passes at a location corresponding to the opening  155   a  of the lower non-conductive inner portion  151 . The front lateral portion  156   a  also has an opening  158   b  in which the anti-rotation post  135  is received. Further, an anti-rotation post stop  136  (see  FIG. 7 ) is received in the opening  158   b.  The opening  158   b  may be surrounded by a flanged portion extending from the upper side of the front lateral portion  156   a,  as depicted in  FIG. 15 . Further, an opening  158   c  is formed through the upper channel portion  157  at a location corresponding to a cradle portion  187  of the keeper  106 , described later herein. The upper non-conductive inner portion  152  may further include fastener holes  158   d  for fastening the antenna  112  to the upper non-conductive inner portion  152 , such as via antenna mounting brackets  118  (see  FIG. 7 ). In one embodiment, the upper non-conductive inner portion  152  may include a plurality of fastener holes  159  around a periphery of the front and rear lateral portions  156   a  and  156   b,  and the upper non-conductive inner portion  152  may be fastened to the cover portion  140  via fasteners through the fastener holes  159  and the fastener holes  149  of the cover portion  140 . 
     The non-conductive inner portion  150 , in one embodiment, is made of fiberglass, such as by casting. In one embodiment, for example, the non-conductive inner portion  150  is made of a vinyl ester resin with 1/32-inch milled fibers. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and, in other embodiments, the non-conductive inner portion  150  may be made of a cast high-temperature polymer, glass-filled nylon, or any other suitable material. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 7 and 17 , the keeper  106 , in one embodiment, includes a keeper plate  180  and one or more biasing members  182 , such as compression springs. The keeper  106  is engaged with the travel bolt  105  and descends via rotation of the travel bolt  105  to move the housing  102  to the closed position and continues to descend upon further rotation of the travel bolt  105  to retain the transmission line  10  after the housing  102  is in the closed position. As such, the housing  102  may be moved to the closed position and the transmission line monitor  100  may be efficiently and easily fixed at a location on the transmission line  10  by rotation of only the single travel bolt  105 . The keeper plate  180 , in one embodiment, includes a body portion  183  and a tubular portion  185  protruding downward from the body portion  183 . The tubular portion  185  has an opening  186  in which the travel bolt  105  is received. The keeper plate  180  further includes a cradle portion  187  which retains the transmission line  10  opposite the cradle portion  127  of the base portion  120 . The keeper plate  180 , in one embodiment, is made of aluminum, such as by casting or machining. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and, in other embodiments, the keeper plate  180  may be made of any other suitable material. 
     The keeper  106  further includes a threaded member  190  threadedly engaged with the travel bolt  105  in a threaded opening  105   a  at an upper end thereof. The keeper  106  further includes a keeper cover  188  that is fixed to an upper side of the upper non-conductive inner portion  152 , and which provides an upper stop for the keeper plate  180 . The one or more biasing members  182  bias the keeper plate  180  against the keeper cover  188 . In one embodiment, the opening  186  may have a recess (e.g., a bore) at an upper portion of the opening  186  receiving a head of the threaded member  190 . Similarly, the opening  186  may have a recess (e.g., a bore), at a lower portion of the opening  186  and receiving the upper end of the travel bolt  105 . When the travel bolt  105  is rotated relative to the threaded member  190 , the keeper plate  180  is moved downward, and the cover portion  140  is moved downward together with the keeper plate  180  due to the one or more biasing members  182  biasing the keeper plate  180  against the keeper cover  188 . In this manner, the travel bolt  105  may be rotated until the housing  102  is in the closed position. After the housing  102  is in the closed position, the travel bolt  105  may be further rotated against a biasing force of the one or more biasing members  182 , such as compressing the compression springs, to move the keeper plate  180  further downward and retain the cradle portion  187  against the transmission line  10 . The one or more biasing members  182  bias the housing  102  toward the open position, and when the travel bolt  105  is rotated in an opposite direction, the one or more biasing members  182  force the keeper plate  180  upward. 
     With reference to  FIG. 18 , the electronics assembly  170 , in one embodiment, includes an electronics housing  171  and one or more circuit assemblies making up a computer of the transmission line monitor  100  that is configured to receive and manipulate information sensed by the one or more sensors  110 , and cause the signal containing the information to be transmitted from the antenna  112 . In one embodiment, the electronics housing  171  houses the one or more circuit assemblies and is sealed with a cover  172  and a gasket  173 . In one embodiment, the one or more circuit assemblies include a first circuit assembly  174   a,  a second circuit assembly  174   b,  a third circuit assembly  174   c,  and a fourth circuit assembly  174   d.  In one embodiment, the first circuit assembly  174   a  is a main circuit assembly of the electronics assembly  170  and may make up the computer. The second circuit assembly  174   b  may be a daughter board assembly for the antenna  112  and may be mounted in the electronics housing  171  via a mounting bracket  175 . The third and fourth circuit assembly  174   c  and  174   d  may be temperature sensor circuit assemblies corresponding to the temperature sensor  114  and the ambient temperature sensor  116 , respectively. The electronics housing  171 , in one embodiment, houses the distance sensor  115  and has an opening  171   a  formed through a bottom side of the electronics housing  171  through which the distance sensor  115  is exposed. The electronics assembly  170  may include a distance sensor mounting bracket  178  mounting the distance sensor  115  in the electronics housing  171 , and a gasket  176 , such as an O-ring, weatherproofing the opening  171   a.  The electronics housing  171  may also house the ambient temperature sensor  116  and have an opening  171   b  (see  FIG. 3 ) formed through the bottom side of the electronics housing  171  through which the ambient temperature sensor  116  is exposed. Further, the electronics housing  171  may house the temperature sensor  114 , and the cover  172  may have an opening  172   a  through which the temperature sensor  114  is exposed. In one embodiment, the electronics assembly  170  includes a cable  177  passing outside the electronics housing  171  to the antenna  112  to communicate therewith. The electronics housing  171  and the cover  172 , in one embodiment, are made of aluminum, such as by casting or machining. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and, in other embodiments, the electronics housing  171  and the cover  172  may be made of any other suitable material. 
     The transmission line monitor  100 , in one embodiment, further includes a current transformer  192  for powering the transmission line monitor  100 , such as the electronics assembly  170 , or computer, and the one or more sensors  110  using a current of the transmission line  10 . As such, the transmission line monitor  100  may be self-powered via the current of the transmission line  10 . The current transformer  192  may be housed in a current transformer housing  194 . Further, in one embodiment, a current of the transmission line  10  may be measured using the current transformer. In one embodiment, the transmission line monitor  100  includes an electronic switch and a position resistor. 
     The transmission line monitor  100 , in one embodiment, includes a temperature sensing target  195 , a temperature of which is measured by the temperature sensor  114 . 
     The temperature sensing target  195  is in contact with the transmission line  10  such that a temperature of the temperature sensing target  195  is the same or substantially the same as a temperature of the transmission line  10 . The temperature sensing target  195 , in one embodiment, is configured as shown in  FIGS. 19A and 19B . That is, in one embodiment, the temperature sensing target  195  includes a concave contact surface  196  having a radius of curvature corresponding to a radius of the transmission line  10 , and a target surface  198  opposite the contact surface  196 . For example, in one embodiment, where the transmission line monitor  100  is configured to be installed on a transmission line conductor having a diameter of two inches, the contact surface has a radius of one inch. In one embodiment, the temperature sensing target  195  is made of aluminum and is anodized black on at least the target surface  198  at which the temperature sensor  114  measures the temperature. The target surface  198  has an emissivity of one or approximately one due to the black anodizing to facilitate an accurate temperature measurement, compared to measuring the temperature directly of a surface of the transmission line  10 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 20 , the dynamic real time transmission line monitor  100  is shown installed on the transmission line  10 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the transmission line monitor  100  may be installed at a location along the transmission line  10  that is supported by a pair of towers  12 . For example, the transmission line monitor  100  may be installed on the transmission line  10  at a location that is equidistant or substantially equidistant from the towers  12 , as depicted in  FIG. 20 . A nearest object  15  (e.g., a tree or the ground) below the transmission line  10  is detected, and a distance d 1  to the object  15  is measured by the transmission line monitor  100 . According to an embodiment of the present invention, the transmission line monitor  100  is small and lightweight, such as about 16.5 inches long and less than 25 pounds, further facilitating easy installation of the transmission line monitor  100  on the transmission line  10 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 21A and 21B , a roll and a tilt of the dynamic real time transmission line monitor  100  installed on the transmission line are illustrated, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The transmission line monitor  100 , in one embodiment, detects and/or measures an amount of the roll (see  FIG. 21A ) via the accelerometer  113  (e.g., a MEMS accelerometer) described above. Further, the transmission line monitor  100 , in one embodiment, detects and/or measures an amount of the tilt (see  FIG. 21B ) via the accelerometer  113 . Because the transmission line monitor  100  is installed on the transmission line  10  at a location thereof, a roll and tilt of the transmission line  10  at the location where the transmission line monitor  100  is installed may be derived from the measured roll and tilt of the transmission line monitor  100 . Roll and tilt of the transmission line  10  may be caused by wind or precipitation, for example. 
     With reference to  FIG. 22 , a dynamic real time transmission line monitoring system  200  according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of dynamic real time transmission line monitors  210  and a monitoring station  220 . Each of the dynamic real time transmission line monitors  210  may have a same or similar configuration as the dynamic real time the transmission line monitor  100  described above. In one embodiment, the transmission line monitors  210  may be installed at different locations along the same transmission line  10  that is supported by towers  12 , as depicted in  FIG. 22 . However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and, in another embodiment, at least two of the transmission line monitors  210  may be installed on separate transmission lines  10 . Each of the dynamic real time transmission line monitors  210  includes one or more sensors  110  configured to sense in real time at least one of a temperature, a position, a current, an acceleration, a vibration, a tilt, a roll, or a distance of the transmission line  10  from a nearest object  15  (e.g., a tree or the ground) below the transmission line  10 . In one embodiment, the transmission line monitors  210  may be configured to send a signal containing information of a property of the transmission line  10  sensed by one or more sensors of the transmission line monitor  210  to the monitoring station  220  and/or to one another. That is, one of the transmission line monitors  210  may send a signal to another one of the transmission line monitors  210 , such as a nearest one of the transmission line monitors  210 . In this manner, the transmission line monitors  210  may relay signals to the monitoring station  220  across a great distance. Also, the transmission line monitors  210  may communicate information to one another. The monitoring station  220  may include a computer configured to analyze and store the information received from one or more of the transmission line monitors  210 , as well as produce screen prints displaying the information. In one embodiment, each of the transmission line monitors  210  may be remotely programmable, such as via the monitoring station  220 . According to another embodiment of the present invention, the dynamic real time transmission line monitoring system  200  may include only one dynamic real time transmission line monitor  210  and the monitoring station  220 , and the one transmission line monitor  210  sends a signal containing information of a property of the transmission line  10  sensed by one or more sensors of the transmission line monitor  210  to the monitoring station  220 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 23 , tasks of a method  300  of dynamic real time transmission line monitoring according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown. While the method  300  is described herein with respect to the dynamic real time transmission line monitor  100  and/or the dynamic real time transmission line monitoring system  200  described above, the method  300 , or at least some of the tasks thereof, may be performed using a dynamic real time transmission line monitor and/or a dynamic real time transmission line monitoring system according to other embodiments of the present invention. 
     In one embodiment, the method  300  of dynamic real time transmission line monitoring includes a task  310  of installing the dynamic real time transmission line monitor  100  on the transmission line  10 . The transmission line monitor  100  is installed on a length of the transmission line  10  conductor, such as an aluminum conductor having a suitable diameter and voltage. For example, the transmission line  10  may be a 2-inch diameter conductor and may have a voltage of 100 kV. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. In the task  310 , the transmission line monitor  100  is installed on the transmission line  10  while the housing  102  is in the open position such that the length of the transmission line  10  is received into the cavity  104  and, more specifically, the channel  155  of the transmission line monitor  100  through the gap  108  (see  FIG. 6 ). The transmission line monitor  100 , as a result of its construction according to embodiments of the present invention, may be installed on the transmission line  10  while the transmission line  10  is live using either a bare hand or hot stick technique. 
     The method  300 , in one embodiment, includes a task  320  of moving the housing  102  of the transmission line monitor  100  to a closed position to retain the transmission line monitor  100  on the length of the transmission line  10 . In one embodiment, the task  320  includes moving at least one of the cover portion  140  or the base portion  120  relative to the other to the closed position of the housing  102  to retain the length of the transmission line  10  in the cavity  104  and, more specifically, the channel  155 . In the task  320 , the travel bolt  105  is turned to move at least one of the cover portion  140  or the base portion  120  relative to the other to the closed position of the housing  102 . In one embodiment, the travel bolt  105  is turned further after the housing  102  is in the closed position such that the keeper  106  engages the transmission line monitor  100  on the transmission line  10 . As such, the transmission line monitor  100  may be retained at a fixed position on the transmission line  10 . As discussed above with respect to the task  310 , the housing  102  of the transmission line monitor  100  may be moved to the closed position to retain the transmission line monitor  100  on the length of the transmission line  10  while the transmission line  10  is live using either a bare hand or hot stick technique. 
     The method  300 , in one embodiment, includes a task  330  of powering the transmission line monitor  100  using a current of the transmission line  10 . The transmission line monitor  100  may include a current transformer used to power the computer and sensors of the transmission line monitor  100  using current of the transmission line  10 . As such, the transmission line monitor  100  may be self-powered via the current of the transmission line  10 . In one embodiment, a current of the transmission line  10  is measured, and the current transformer may be used for measuring the current of the transmission line  10 . In one embodiment, the transmission line monitor  100  includes an electronic switch which, after the transmission line monitor  100  is powered on via the current transformer and the current of the transmission line  10 , switches such that the current transformer measures the current of the transmission line  10 . 
     In one embodiment, the method  300  of dynamic real time transmission line monitoring further includes a task  340  of sensing a temperature of the transmission line  10  in real time. The temperature of the transmission line  10  is measured by the temperature sensor  114  at a location of the transmission line  10  that is in the cavity  104  and, more specifically, the channel  155  of the housing  102 . The temperature sensor  114  may be a thermocouple or an infrared temperature measuring device. In one embodiment, the temperature sensor  114  measures the temperature of the temperature sensing target  195  that is in contact with the transmission line  10  such that the temperature of the temperature sensing target  195  is the same or substantially the same as a temperature of the transmission line  10 . The temperature sensing target  195 , in one embodiment, is anodized black and has an emissivity of one or approximately one on at least the target surface  198  at which the temperature sensor  114  measures the temperature such that an accurate temperature measurement may be obtained. 
     The method  300 , in one embodiment, includes a task  350  of sensing vibration, acceleration, tilt, and/or roll of the transmission line  10  in real time. In one embodiment, a vibration frequency spectrum and/or a tilt and roll of the transmission line  10  is measured using the accelerometer  113 , which may be a MEMS accelerometer. For example, the accelerometer  113  may measure a frequency spectrum at which the transmission line  10  is vibrating, which may be a galloping vibration or a low-amplitude aeolian vibration caused by wind which may cause fatigue in the transmission line  10 . 
     In one embodiment, the method  300  of dynamic real time transmission line monitoring further includes a task  360  of sensing a distance of the transmission line  10  from a nearest object in real time. The transmission line monitor  100  may be used to detect and measure a distance d 1  to a nearest object  15  (see  FIG. 20 ), such as a tree, the ground, or any other object below the transmission line monitor  100 . The distance d 1  is measured in real time using the distance sensor  115 , which may be a LIDAR sensor. For example, the distance d 1  may vary in real time due to wind, precipitation, ambient temperature, or the temperature of the transmission line  10 , which may cause sagging at elevated temperatures, such as caused by a high current passing through the transmission line  10 . 
     The method  300 , in one embodiment, includes a task  370  of transmitting a signal to the monitoring station  220 . The signal including information sensed by the one or more sensors  110  is transmitted from the transmission line monitor  10  by the antenna  112  in real time. In one embodiment, the antenna  112  transmits a radio wave signal to the monitoring station  220 . According to embodiments of the present invention, as a result of the construction of the transmission line monitor  100 , the signal is effectively transmitted from the antenna  112  while a corona discharge from the antenna  112  is prevented or substantially prevented. The monitoring station  220 , or control center, may be any suitable station configured to receive the signal from the antenna  112  of the transmission line monitor  100 . In one embodiment, the transmission line monitor  100  may transmit a signal to more than one monitoring station  220 . 
     The method  300 , in one embodiment, includes a task  380  of transmitting a signal to another transmission line monitor. The signal including information sensed by the one or more sensors  110  is transmitted from the transmission line monitor  10  by the antenna  112  in real time. The signal, in one embodiment, is transmitted from one transmission line monitor  100  to one or more other transmission line monitors  100 . For example, the signal may be transmitted from a first transmission line monitor  100  to one or more second transmission line monitors  100  installed on a same transmission line  10  as the first transmission line monitor  100  or on one or more other transmission lines  10 . Each of the second transmission line monitors  100  may, in turn, transmit a signal including information sensed by the first transmission line monitor  100 , as well as information sensed by the second transmission line monitor  100 . In this manner, a large amount of information sensed at various locations along one or more transmission lines may be communicated over a large distance to one or more monitoring stations  220 . Further, in one embodiment, the signal may be transmitted from one transmission line monitor  100  to one or more other transmission line monitors  100  and also directly to the monitoring station  220  as described above with respect to the task  370 . 
     The method  300 , in one embodiment, includes a task  390  of monitoring information transmitted to the monitoring station. As discussed above, the monitoring station  220 , or control center, may be any suitable station configured to receive the signal from one or more of the transmission line monitors  100 . The monitoring station  220  may also include a computer for storing and analyzing information data received from the one or more transmission line monitors  100 , as well as for producing alarms and/or screen prints displaying the information, or for further processing or communicating the information to a user. In one embodiment, the real time information is received by the monitoring station  220  and monitored as the real time information itself. However, in another embodiment, the real time information received by the monitoring station  220  may be monitored or analyzed together with previously collected data, estimated parameters (e.g., estimated weather parameters), and/or day-ahead forecasts, for example. 
     While in one embodiment, the method  300  of dynamic real time transmission line monitoring may include each of the tasks described above and shown in  FIG. 23 , in other embodiments of the present invention, in a method of dynamic real time transmission line monitoring, one or more of the tasks described above and shown in  FIG. 23  may be absent and/or additional tasks may be performed. Further, in the method  300  of dynamic real time transmission line monitoring according to one embodiment, the tasks may be performed in the order depicted in  FIG. 23 . However, the present invention is not limited thereto and, in a method of dynamic real time transmission line monitoring according to other embodiments of the present invention, the tasks described above and shown in  FIG. 23  may be performed in any other suitable sequence. 
     According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the transmission line monitor, when attached to the most critical spans of a transmission line (i.e. the spans with the least amount of clearance to ground) and when coupled with local weather data, can be used to calculate real time dynamic transmission line ratings using well established theory, such as IEEE 738-2012 “Standard for Calculating the Current-Temperature Relationship of Bare Overhead Conductors.” By accumulating this data along with the weather predictions for each day, it is possible to build an intelligent algorithm that will forecast the maximum line rating for the next day using the next day&#39;s weather forecast. In this way, using the transmission line monitor according to embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to increase or maximize the capacity of transmission line networks. In addition, if the weather forecast turns out to be incorrect, the transmission line monitor is a safety device that may send a signal to warn an operator of the transmission line system that a clearance violation is about to take place, or has already taken place. This will allow the operators to take one or more corrective actions (e.g., reducing a current through the transmission line and/or moving a load from the transmission line to one or more other transmission lines) before a clearance violation occurs. 
     With reference to  FIG. 24 , tasks of a method  400  of dynamic real time transmission line monitoring according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown. The method  400  may be performed using the dynamic real time transmission line monitor  100  and/or the dynamic real time transmission line monitoring system  200  described above, for example, or at least some of the tasks thereof, may be performed using a dynamic real time transmission line monitor and/or a dynamic real time transmission line monitoring system according to other embodiments of the present invention. Also, one or more of the tasks of the method  400  described below may be omitted, and/or one or more additional tasks may be performed. Further, one or more of the tasks of the method  300  described above with respect to  FIG. 23  may be performed together with one or more of the tasks of the method  400 . 
     In one embodiment, the method  400  of dynamic real time transmission line monitoring includes a task  410  of providing a dynamic real time transmission line monitor on a critical span of a transmission line. For example, the dynamic real time transmission line monitor may be installed on a transmission line in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the task  310 . Further, each of a plurality of dynamic real time transmission line monitors may be installed at a respective critical span, as the critical spans may vary due to changing wind or weather patterns, for example. 
     The method  400  further includes a task  420  of accumulating measurement data from the transmission line monitor. As described above, the transmission line monitor may sense measurement data in real time of at least one of a temperature, a position, a current, an acceleration, a vibration, a tilt, or a roll of the transmission line. That is, the transmission line monitor, using one or more sensors, may sense measurement data of ambient temperature, wind speed and direction, solar radiation, and/or other weather factors, current and temperature of the transmission line, and also a distance of the transmission line from a nearest object, as shown in a task  450 . Further, a task  430  of calculating real time dynamic transmission line ratings, as described above, is performed. That is, real time dynamic transmission line ratings may be calculated using the accumulated measurement data and well established theory, such as IEEE 738-2012 “Standard for Calculating the Current-Temperature Relationship of Bare Overhead Conductors.” Further, in a task  440 , by accumulating the data along with the weather predictions for each day, an intelligent algorithm may be used that will forecast the maximum line rating for the next day using the next day&#39;s weather forecast together with the data of conditions accumulated from the past. The measurement data may be accumulated and analyzed by a device such as a remote computer or database server, which may be located at a monitoring station, as described above. 
     In the task  450 , a distance of the transmission line from a nearest object is measured, and, in a task  460 , the transmission line monitor may detect an actual clearance violation based on the measured distance. Also, a clearance violation may be predicted or forecasted based on the accumulated data and the algorithm. A weather forecast may also be used in predicting a clearance violation. In a task  470 , if such a clearance violation is detected or predicted, a corrective action may be taken. One or more such corrective actions may include reducing a current in the transmission line or moving a load to one or more adjacent lines, for example. 
     Although the drawings and accompanying description illustrate some exemplary embodiments of a transmission line monitor and a method of monitoring a transmission line using the same, it will be apparent that the novel aspects of the present invention may also be carried out by utilizing alternative structures, sizes, shapes, and/or materials in embodiments of the present invention. Also, in other embodiments, components described above with respect to one embodiment may be included together with or interchanged with those of other embodiments. 
     The preceding description has been presented with reference to certain embodiments of the invention. Persons skilled in the art and technology to which this invention pertains will appreciate that alterations and changes in the described structures and methods of operation can be practiced without meaningfully departing from the principles, spirit, and scope of this invention.