Optical techniques in condition monitoring [of insulation]

The aim of this paper is to describe some aspects of development and application of optical fibre technology in relation to condition monitoring in insulation systems. Optical fibres overcome the problems of differential earth potentials between locations, are largely immune to lightning strikes and other electromagnetic interference, and are electrically insulating. These advantages make the adoption of fibre optic technology in electrical power systems a very attractive proposition. Optical fibre based parameter sensing has developed to such an extent that it is becoming apparent that within the space of just a few years most newly installed monitoring and transmission systems relating to electrical power equipment will probably utilise optical means