Supervision of high voltage electricity pylons, principle structure and measurements for the selection of proper sensor systems

Electrical energy is an essential part of life in industry and private scope. Nearly permanent availability at almost all places in adequate quantity gives it a general value. This justifies considerable technical expense. Nevertheless, this complex energy system is vulnerable if an attack occurs in the area of high voltage distribution. Where energy is transferred across large distances in concentrated form, damage is relatively easy to cause. Damage leads to risk for people and enormous cost for repair of wiring and falling of use. Most attacks on high tension poles are performed by terrorists. The most frequently used tool is the saw. This method of attack is very slow and labor-intensive but easy to perform. Often the attack cannot be finished, when such terrorists have to leave the scene. Then the next storm could tilt the pole. If such forms of attack can be detected, quick engagement can help avoid bigger damage. Other methods of destroying a pole are faster, but require more effort to prepare and adequate tools. Such are welding, grinding and blasting. In such cases, the pole could be destroyed, but there is always a good chance to catch the violent person if a security system is in place. Therefore security choices for high tension poles are of great interest. This paper reports on first investigations of different sensors of this purpose.