Fiber optic sensors for the electric network management
Collaboration with industry
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Start date: 2004-01-01
Length: 24 months
Project abstract
The project involved two important Lombardia entities of public and private scientific research, the Politecnico di Milano and Pirelli Cavi Energia (now Prysmian Cavi Energia), aimed to increase competences, know-how and technologies in the field of fiber optic sensors. The project specifically focused on research, development and qualification of distributed optic fiber sensors for the temperature monitoring of energy cables in order to determine the maximum power under security conditions and subsequently to manage any overload. Beside the research activity, a training course was also included in the project, aimed to provide basic concepts on fiber optic sensors useful for research and development activities in this field. The project ended on December, 31st, 2005.
Project results
After preliminary experiments in laboratory on innovative sensor schemes, the most promising architecture was used for the development of a prototype able to monitor the operation conditions of energy cables. The characterization of the prototype carried out both in the DEI Labs and on field by means of medium and high voltage cables specifically equipped with fibers by Prysmian. This experiment allowed to qualify the device both at hardware and software level and in terms of functionality in the electric network management. Scientific publications about the project and testing of the developed device are in progress.
