Power switchgear monitoring with optical fiber systems

Although early forms of optical fiber sensing systems have illustrated the potential of such methods for power system monitoring there have been practical deficiencies which have detracted from their widespread use. However, the many fundamental advantages of optical fiber sensing systems remain attractive. For instance, a major advantage is for the condition monitoring of a circuit breaker during fault current interruption when signatures of impending faults may be more distinguishable. A further implication is that such an approach minimises supply disruption since such monitoring would be undertaken live, a capability which emerges because of such a system´s electromagnetic immunity and its inherent electrical insulation properties. The author considers development philosophies which take better account of the power industry´s needs and which provide for a rational assimilation of the new technology by the industry