Tap-off power from overhead ground wires: its feasibility and voltage stabilization system

In this article, the idea and feasibility to obtain power from the ground wires of a transmission line, as a result of the electromagnetic induction effect, is retaken and further explored. The transmission line adopted for the study operates at 525 kV. The results obtained showed that this form of power generation can be a feasible and cost-effective alternative for feeding inherent small loads existing along a high-voltage transmission line when compared to other forms of power supply. Because the current in the phase conductors varies throughout the day, a so the induced voltage does, a voltage stabilization system based on a step-down dc-dc converter was used. The performance and control of the dc-dc converter connected to the induction circuit (ground wires) showed also satisfactory results. Both PSCAD^® and Pspice programs were used as tools to conduct the simulations.