Fiber bragg grating sensor for differential fault detection in overhead power transmission lines

In this paper, a fiber optic based sensor capable of differential fault detection in power systems is investigated. Bragg wavelength shift, is used to measure fault current in power systems. Magnetic fields generated by currents in overhead transmission lines cause a strain in a magnetostrictive material which is then detected by a Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG). Optical Spectrum Analyzers (OSA) monitor the reflected FBG signals, and the Bragg wavelength shift is calculated. It is shown that the faults in the overhead transmission line cause a detectable wavelength shift from the Fiber Bragg Grating.