Energy scavenging on distribution network cables

Abstract

For large scale monitoring on an electricity distribution network, it is desirable to have instrumentation that is self-powered to avoid the requirement for installing a mains 50Hz/60Hz plug socket to power the measuring device. This is particularly important if widescale monitoring is required, as the costs of installing a socket at each measurement location could add up to be significant. This paper reviews current state of the art energy scavenging and then suggests alternative ways of scavenging energy from the electricity distribution cables to be monitored. The paper investigates installing an energy scavenger which uses the energy in low frequency electromagnetic fields. The theory behind the measurement is explained along with a selection of different hardware setups. Around 25mW of ac power has been measured as being available. However, this is not yet at a level that is sufficiently useful to power a low cost microprocessor with mobile communications.