Overhead electric transmission lines are subjected to many natural hazards. Presently, the strength and remaining life of the transmission lines have primarily been determined by visual inspection. This paper presents results of our research, which has been focused on the feasibility analysis, and the development of an intelligent monitoring and integrity assessment system without the need for de-energizing or disassembly of transmission lines. This mechatronic system combines advances in electronics, mechanical system design, embedded signal processing and neural networks for signature analysis and feature extraction to create a smart diagnostic system for real-time operation. This paper also presents results from the actual field-testing of the Electromagnetic-Acoustic-Transducer (EMAT) monitoring system from utility companies. The utility companies are currently utilizing the EMAT to identify status of the overhead transmission lines without de-energizing and disassembly of their tower structures.

Volume Subject Area:
Dynamic Systems and Control
Topics:
Electric power transmission, Transmission lines, Public utilities, Acoustics, Artificial neural networks, Design, Electronics, Feature extraction, Hazards, Monitoring systems, Optical quality control, Signal processing, Testing, Transducers
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