Richard Kluth

Fiber Optic Sensing Solutions

Distributed Acoustic Sensing and Distributed Temperature Sensing are fiber optic sensing solutions. These measure temperature along the fiber either utilizing a technique called Coherent Optical Time Domain Reflectometry (COTDR) or Optical Time Domain Reflectometry (OTDR). Therefore, turning the entire length of a fiber optic cable into a sensor.

The Applications

  • Power cable monitoring including HVAC and HVDC underground transmission power cables, overhead power lines and subsea cables
  • Perimeter Intrusion Detection System (PIDS) including both substation and generating station perimeter protection

Economic advantages of Distributed Acoustic Sensing and Distributed Temperature Sensing

The economics of a solution always comes into play when considering procuring or designing a Distributed Acoustic sensing (DAS), Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) and/or Real Time Thermal Rating (RTTR) system as part of a power cable monitoring system. However, it’s often hard to collate information or quantify as a result of the complexities of the systems.

Bandweaver’s article ‘What are the economic benefits of Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS), Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) and Real Time Thermal Rating (RTTR) systems for transmission and distribution cables?’ discusses this topic and uses a few key data points in order to quantify certain elements of this argument.

The article considers the potential benefits. For instance, improved situational awareness of power cable monitoring, improved security to reduce malicious or accidental Third Party Intrusion (TPI).

Examples of economic gains in utilising DAS, DTS and RTTR systems

1-          How distributed acoustic sensing can help prevent cable damage

2-          Using distributed temperature sensing and real time thermal rating systems to uprate cable

3-          How distributed temperature sensing can provide payback by reducing the downtimes by preventative maintenance of power cables.

To find out more read article – What are the economic benefits of Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS), Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) and Real Time Thermal Rating systems (RTTR) for transmission and distribution cables.

To find out more about Bandweaver’s Power sector solutions click here.