Feasibility study of high voltage power line energy harvesting for self-powered sensor networks

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The nature of the work is to investigate various energy harvesters that collect the electromagnetic power from a high voltage transmission line. We will analyze the feasibility of using such harvesters as non-intrusive, permanent and stable power sources for power transmission line sensors. The potential use of the harvesters as steel power towers corrosion protection sources and as current monitors will also be investigated. Electricity is vital to our civilization. To maintain the normal operation of the power grid and to detect the power outage rapidly, sensors can be deployed along the power transmission line. These sensors need to be powered for collecting and transmitting data. Typical power supplies for these sensors are batteries, which last for a finite period and require routine replacement. The dispatch of workers for this task is costly as the power grids cover a large area. In addition, the battery replacement requires workers to be exposed under high voltage environment, which increases the risk of fatal accidents. In this project we study the approach to harvest energy non-intrusively from the high voltage power lines and use the energy to power up the sensors next to the lines. We will investigate various power line harvesters with regards to their efficiency, robustness, reliability, impact to the power grid as well as their power output in comparison to BC hydro's sensor power requirements. The anticipated outcome include a report submitted to BC hydro regarding the feasibility of this approach, based on the literature review and numerical verification through the PI's in-house simulation software. The positive outcome of the feasibility study will lead to future collaborations between the PI and BC hydro in developing the appropriate energy harvesters, which will significantly reduce the cost of sensor networks as well as outage risks. The proposed research will also lead to the training of highly qualified personnel with expertise suitable for BC hydro's need. Therefore, we believe the project is important and highly relevant to the company.