Remote sensing of overhead line conductor temperature using an infra-red sensor

This paper describes the design and construction of a sensor for the remote temperature measurement of 400 kV overhead conductors using an infrared detector. Overhead line conductor sag increases with operating temperature; if a conductor is allowed to operate at an elevated temperature then the minimum safety clearance of the conductor may be exceeded. An additional concern is annealing of the conductor strands. Greater utilisation of a line may be achieved using a dynamic rating algorithm for which conductor temperature measurement is important. The paper shows experimental results for the sensor when applied to a conductor simulated using a heated copper rod. The sensor was capable of measuring at a distance of up to 6 m. It is proposed that the sensor is mounted on a transmission tower at the same height as the lowest conductor. Further work required to improve the sensor is discussed.