OPTICAL VOLTAGE SENSING FOR UNDERGROUND MEDIUM VOLTAGE WIRES

摘要

An optical voltage sensor for measuring voltage on an underground power line or for use in other scenarios in which access to a conductor is available through a blind hole. The optical voltage sensor includes a light modulating member, such as a Pockel's crystal. A reflective, conductive member is positioned at one end of the light modulating member and another conductive member is positioned at an opposed end. A voltage capacitively coupled to the reflective conductive member induces a voltage across the light modulating member, thereby impacting the amount of modulation. A beam of light is directed through the crystal and reflected back out of the crystal, where the amount of modulating can be measured. The amount of modulation indicates a measured voltage, and can be transmitted to a monitoring station where processing can determine the status of the power grid or generate other results based on the measured voltage.

主权项

1. An optical voltage sensor, comprising:
a light modulating member comprising a first end and a second end, the light modulating member changing a property of light passing through the member based on a voltage on the light modulating member; a conductive, reflective member disposed at the first end; and a conductive member disposed at the second end of the light modulating member.