Use of Distributed Sensing for Strain Measurement and Acoustic Monitoring in Power Cables

This chapter describes distributed strain sensing and distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) applications of the fiber optic sensor for power cable applications. Distributed strain monitoring (DSM) systems are arriving into the market place. The strain measurement would help identify the exact touchdown point. Including an optical fiber in the distribution cables provided opportunities not only for telecommunication and temperature measurements using a distributed temperature sensing system but also proved useful in strain measurement via a DSM system. The chapter discusses studies completed at BC Hydro's subsidiary test laboratory that aim to understand the sensitivities of such a system, and identify some of the challenges surrounding its implementation on a real submarine cable application might offer. Cable stress can be calculated from the strain values within certain limits. DAS systems are fiber optic‐based optoelectronic instruments which measure acoustic interactions along the length of a fiber optic cable.