<title>Detection of problems in high-power voltage transmission and distribution lines with an infrared scanner/video system</title>

Abstract

ABSTRACT Detection of problems in high voltage power lines is difficult with ground based equipment because infrared (IR)sensor units are subject to error caused by background thermal patterns such as clouds and tall trees. Travel is oftenslow due to soft sandy soil, moist areas, gullies, and creeks. Such difficulties were eliminated by the use of an airborneProbe Eye Scanner/Normal Color (NC) Video System (PESNVS) in an exploratory test. The equipment was mounted ina Piper Twin Comanche and was flown over power lines in east Florida. For ground verification, the PESNVS wasmounted in a 4-wheeled vehicle and operated in field surveys under the high tension power lines where three anomalieshad been detected aerially. Faulty components (operating above normal temperature) of the same high tensiontransmission lines were confirmed by the ground surveys.1. INTRODUCTIONElectronic sensors and imaging systems that respond to the slightly longer wavelengths of IR radiation emitted bywarm or hot objects have been used in military applications ranging from night-vision scopes to heat-seeking missiles.While the use of the IR systems was initiated by the atomic industry, other applications include detection of forest fires,pollution of streams and bodies of water by undesirable effluent, and freeze damaged plants. Over the past 15 to 20years, IR imaging systems have also been used in a wide spectrum of industrial and manufacturing applications using theirability to visualize heat from otherwise invisible radiation One of the most familiar uses of IR sensors is in northernareas of the U. S., where gauging heat loss through doors and windows of buildings are part of efforts to control energy.Use of IR systems has been more concentrated in permanent buildings, as potential heat losses occur in some sites due tomalfunctions in electrical equipment The most cost effective use of JR sensors has been the inspection of electricalutilities in substations and buiIdings Inspection and maintenance of high tension power transmission lines are expensiveprocedures that have to be conducted on a scheduled basis. In Florida, particularly near the beaches, high tension powerline components are subjected to weathering and salt spray contamination A number of utility companies use JR sensorsystems to detect equipment problems in substations where hotter components are frequently faulty and thus detectable?The ma.ority of these IR systems are expensive, delicate instruments, requiring considerable care and are not user