Fiber Optics in High Voltage Transmission EnvironmentsMy Reason for Choosing This Topic…OverviewCan high voltage electricity be sent through fiber optics cable?Why use fiber optics with transmission lines?Combination of Two Different ConceptsMost commonly used Fiber OpticDetails of ADSS CablesDetails of the OPGWCommon ProblemsSpace PotentialDry Band ArcingEmployment OptionsConclusion/SummaryReferencesFiber Optics in High Voltage Transmission EnvironmentsEE 566 October 8, 2003 By: Jason JonesMy Reason for Choosing This Topic… Find a Combination Between Fiber Optics and Power EngineeringThis is looking at Fiber Optics in an alternative industryFig. 1 Fig. 2Overview1. Basics of fiber optic and electrical transmission lines2. Different uses of fiber optic cable in the transmission grid system3. Employment options 4. Conclusion/summaryCan high voltage electricity be sent through fiber optics cable?• No conclusive evidence or research has shown that it is possible.•Only the use of converters, still not practical for long distances and high voltage.Why use fiber optics with transmission lines? Sensing and detection of electrical faults and failure(i.e –Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Systems – S.C.A.D.A)Can be used as a neutral or ground.No EMC/EMI issues.Communication between plants and substationsExtensive ROW (Right Of Way). The cost advantages of existing ROW makes utilities attractive line-leasing partners for many communications carriers.Combination of Two Different Concepts Fiber optic cables1. Transmits light (photons)2. Primarily for communications Electric cables1. Transmits electricity (electrons)2. Primarily for powering electrical devicesMost commonly used Fiber Optic All Dielectric Self Supporting (ADSS)Wrap type Optical Ground Wire (OPGW)Details of ADSS CablesHigh fiber countCheaper than OPGWInstalled along electrical transmission linesFig. 3Details of the OPGWOPGW is a composite wire which serves as a conventional overhead ground wire, with the added benefit of providing high-capacity and reliable fiber optic communication.Fig. 4Common ProblemsContamination – fertilizer, pesticides, exhaust, emissions, salt fog. Can only be solved on the design level, difficult because of high voltage design requirementsSpace Potential – Electrical potential induced on fiber optic cablesDry Band Arcing – Caused by the induced current during wet conditionsSpace PotentialInduced voltages can be in the tens of kV range. Causes dry-band voltages and currents.Causes huge and powerful electric fields.Fig. 5Dry Band ArcingCaused by Space Potential and frequency of current in the cable.Accurse in wet environmentsBecause of high induced voltage, current can be as low as 1.5mA. Fig. 6Employment OptionsPhillipsCorningFiber PlannersThe Furukawa Electric Co. Most power utility companies (i.e. National Grid, Alliant Energy, Duke Energy)Conclusion/SummaryMany research possibilities.Very interesting employment.Good chance of becoming an expert.High Voltage – BE CAREFULReferences“Electrical Design Parameters of All-Dielectric-Self-Supporting Fiber Optic Cable”, M.W. Touminen and R.G Olsen, IEEE Transactions on Power Delievery, Vol. 15, No. 3, July 2000“Corona Caused Deterioration of ADSS Fiber-Optic Cable on High Voltage Lines”, G.G Karady, G. Besztercey, IEEE Transactions on Power Delievery, Vol. 15, No. 3, October 1999“Sensor Design for Leakage Current Measurement on ADSS Fiber-Optic Cable”, G.G Karady, Q, Huang, M.R Hernandez, D. Srinivasan, IEEE