A Low-Cost Modular Optical Voltage Sensor for Power Transmission Applications

Because investment in the United States power grid infrastructure has not kept pace with increased energy demands, existing power lines must operate close to conservative safety limits. In order to improve efficiency and maintain reliability, advanced sensors are needed to provide measurements of critical power line parameter to utility operators in real-time. In addition, next generation sensors must be low-cost to allow widespread deployment. This project will develop a low-cost optical voltage sensor for deployment on power lines over the full range of distribution and transmission voltages. The sensor will be comprised of modular sections that can be produced in high volume, using advanced manufacturing techniques to dramatically reduce costs. Phase I addressed the design of the optical sensor to ensure accurate measurements under all operating conditions. Exceptional accuracy was demonstrated at lower voltages, with a clear design path shown for extending the concept to 765 kV. Phase II will develop and implement a full-scale prototype manufacturing process to produce complete modular optical sensors for testing. The stacked optical modular topology will support a voltage sensor capable of accurate, transient, and real time measurements for transmission applications up to 765 kV. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The optical voltage sensor should have a wide range of possible applications for the electric utility industry. The device ¿ which will offer a high-accuracy, low cost, environmentally-friendly, voltage measurement technology ¿ should replace conventional instrument transformers that have exceeded their design lifetime.