Distributed fiber-optics hot spot sensor: Final report

Technical Report · Tue Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:5581267

Kingsley, S A; McGinniss, V D

This report describes a new fiber-optic technique for detecting hotspots in electrical machinery, particularly in stator windings of large generators and in transformers. The technique employed is based on an optical radar approach and proprietary coating materials whose optical losses and/or refractive indices are a marked function of temperature. The technique may also be employed for the monitoring of transmission lines, since there are considerable economic factors involved with maintaining the maximum loading on a line without causing local overheating. The Distributed Fiber-Optic Sensing System (DFOSS) can be said to employ FODAR (Fiber Optic Detection and Ranging) techniques. Various materials have been identified that might be suitable for a distributed hot-spot sensor. The approach adopted here to obtain temperature-sensitivie optical fibers is to choose a special polymer material that can act like a core or cladding. In particular, coatings have been developed which are suitable as optical claddings for borosilicate types of fiber. These coatings change their optical properties, i.e., refractive index, scattering and absorption, as a function of temperature. 19 refs., 24 figs., 6 tabs.

• Research Organization: Battelle Columbus Div., OH (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5581267
• Report Number(s): EPRI-EL-5568; ON: TI88920149
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION
BOROSILICATE GLASS
DEPOSITION
DESIGN
DOCUMENT TYPES
FIBER OPTICS
FOSSIL-FUEL POWER PLANTS
GLASS
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
MONITORING
MONITORS
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
PERFORMANCE TESTING
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
POWER PLANTS
PROGRESS REPORT
REFRACTIVITY
SURFACE COATING
TEMPERATURE MONITORING
TESTING
THERMAL POWER PLANTS