Power harvesting from shield wires for monitoring apparatus on overhead transmission lines

The apparatus installed on overhead power transmission lines for security or monitoring purposes are usually powered by photovoltaic (PV) cells. In this paper, we investigate a reliable and low maintenance alternative to the use of PV cells. The currents in the phase cables induce AC currents in the overhead shield wire. Current transformers, installed on this wire, can supply power to devices on the top of the towers. The simulations with the ATP program and field measurements show the feasibility of this powering method.