Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) is an effective method for power cable monitoring for several reasons:
- Early fault detection: Preventing downtime and potential safety hazards.
- Long-distance monitoring: Providing a cost-effective option for large-scale monitoring of power transmission and distribution networks.
- Non-invasive sensing: It does not require physical contact with the power cable being monitored offering a safe and low-risk monitoring option, especially for high-voltage power cables that can be difficult to access.
- High sensitivity: Providing early warning of potential cable faults, allowing for preventative maintenance to be carried out before a fault occurs, reducing downtime and repair costs.
- Versatility: Providing a monitoring solution for a wide range of power cable types such as underground, aerial, and submarine.
This information can be used to detect issues such as line sag, ice accumulation, and line corrosion, all of which can impact the stability and safety of the transmission line. By monitoring these factors, power transmission line operators can detect and address problems before they become serious, reducing downtime, and improving safety.
Additionally, DAS can cover long distances with a single fiber optic cable, making it well-suited for monitoring transmission lines over large areas.
