Reliability considerations: optical sensors for the control and measurement of power

The aerospace, space and military industries have succeeded in using the discipline of reliability engineering to predict the mean-time-between-failure (MTBF) and the mean time to failure (MTTF) for complex electronic, optical and mechanical systems. As the power industry adopts new technologies to control and protect its assets, complex electronic and optical systems are becoming prevalent with the consequence that reliability analysis tools are becoming increasingly relevant and useful. Techniques such as parts count method, parts stress analysis (PSA) and failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), themselves staples of the aforementioned industries, will become a regular part of the design process for power industry equipment. NxtPhase Corporation is currently adapting the fiber optic gyroscope sensor (FOGS) technology from aerospace industry applications to systems that will provide accurate measurements of current, at transmission line voltages, over a 30-year lifetime. Extensive use of reliability engineering tools will ensure that the reliability performance achieved by the FOGS technology in aerospace applications is replicated in products for the optical power measurement domain.