14 Nov 2006 -- VILLACH, Austria /PRNewswire/ -- An innovative sensor technology is able to monitor high voltage power lines and provide information on load-oriented power flows.
SAW (Surface Acoustic Wave)-based systems that are based on radiotechnology measure the physical dimensions of power lines such as temperature, pressure or voltage. These systems transfer high frequency signals via wireless technology, operate completely passive - without energy supply - and are able to withstand extreme temperatures (ranging from -55degrees to +400 degrees Celsius). These properties qualify the systems for monitoring conductor strands.
The Austrian CTR AG is specialised in the development of SAW systems. CTRis currently working on the development of sensor technology to monitor temperatures in conductor strands. The Dresdner Lemke Diagnostics GmbH, atechnology leader in the manufacture of diagnostic and monitoring devices for the power supply industry is especially interested in CTR's technology. The permissible load on power lines depends on the temperature of the conductorstrands. "So far, the temperature was estimated based on wind speed andenvironmental temperature, however, more detailed information requiresprecise measurements. Cable-based measurements do not work due to highvoltage. Infrared measurements are impractical because of the intense vibrations of the strands. The SAW technology is the solution to all these problems," Alfred Binder, SAW Program Director for CTR, states.
A reader on the power pole contacts the sensor mounted on the line viaradio technology; the sensor transmits the temperature information that willbe used to control the network load. Basically, the SAW-system is anautomated system for load monitoring in high voltage power lines. The use ofthe additional information provided by the SAW technology allows transmissionof different amounts of energy, based on existing environmental conditions,over the monitored lines. The first installations are currently under way.
The SAW sensor is composed of a piezoelectric crystal with metallicstructures. The reader sends an electromagnetic signal that a specialtransducer (mounted on the SAW sensor) converts into mechanical oscillations.The waves thus created spread out on the crystal's surface and are partiallyreflected by the reflectors and re-transformed into electromagnetic waves.Based on the reflectors' distribution, a fixed code is detected whichuniquely identifies the sensor. The crystal's temperature-based contractionor expansion causes a runtime modification of the signal received. Inaddition to RFID, a temperature measurement with a resolution of up to 0.01degrees C is also feasible. This additional property is especially useful inthe case of challenging industrial uses.
For questions please contact: CTR Carinthian Tech Research AG Europastrasse 4/1, 9524 Villach Mag. Birgit Rader-Brunner Public Relations Fax: +43-04242-56300-400 Cell: +43-0664-4884712 birgit.rader@ctr.at
CTR AG - Carinthian Tech Research
For questions please contact: CTR Carinthian Tech Research AG, Europastrasse 4/1, 9524 Villach, Mag. Birgit Rader-Brunner, Public Relations, Fax: +43-04242-56300-400, Cell: +43-0664-4884712, birgit.rader@ctr.at
