A new optical fiber sensor system enhances the accuracy of measuring the rotation angle of high-voltage disconnecting switches. Traditional electronic angle sensors often face significant challenges when installed on such equipment, leading to inaccuracies due to electromagnetic interference and complex insulation requirements.
This innovative study, published by authors Jing Z., Qingchuan G., Pu W., et al., presents a solution to these prevalent issues through the development of reflective optical fiber sensors. The findings from this research, released on March 18, 2025, reveal substantial advancements over prior technologies, significantly improving the reliability of electrical measurements.
The angle measurement system utilizes fiber-optic technology to transform the rotation angle of disconnecting switches. The operation relies on converting mechanical movement to measurable optical signals, circumventing common problems associated with traditional electronic sensors. The system demonstrates impressive capabilities, achieving average absolute errors as low as 0.18 degrees after implementing dual optical-path compensation methods alongside optimization via the Sparrow Search Algorithm (SSA) integrated with backpropagation neural networks (SSA-BP).
Prior methodologies for monitoring high-voltage disconnecting switches had limitations, often unable to directly reflect the condition of the physical blades. Issues like electromagnetic interference and the necessity for additional power supplies complicated installations and limited the effectiveness of conventional electronic sensors.
The study presents the fiber-optic sensor's design, which integrates fragmentary data collection and advanced analytical techniques, showing clear instrumentation improvements over previous models. The optical setup functions through the emission of laser beams, which reflect off strategically placed mirrors, enabling the sensor to precisely capture movement angles.
Representing significant progress, the results of the experiments show the dual-path receiving compensation method, alongside the SSA-BP compensation technique, drastically minimizes nonlinear errors—down by 10.08 percentage points relative to previous configurations. According to the authors, "The average absolute error decreased to 0.18 and 0.3 after the dual-path receiving compensation method and SSA-BP compensation." This demonstrates the robustness of the methodology and the potential enhancements it provides for operational safety and efficiency.
This leap forward not only enhances measurement accuracy but also addresses long-standing issues of sensor installations on high-voltage equipment. The reflective optical fiber sensors' inherent properties, including corrosion resistance and thermal tolerance, make them viable for extended operations within challenging environments.
The innovative system could have compelling applications across power delivery networks, promising more accurate monitoring solutions for utilities, promoting enhanced operational reliability and safety protocols. The successful implementation of this technology leads to stronger grid stability and less downtime due to switch malfunction.
Moving forward, this fiber-optic sensor method holds promise for broader applications within various industrial settings, especially those demanding precise measurement capabilities. The findings of Jing Z. and colleagues pave the way for advancements within the field of electrical engineering, indicating potential future research directions aimed at refining and scaling this technology.