Sensor System for Detecting the Integrity of Power Distribution Cables

t is well-known in the electric power industry that power distribution cables can fail after years of service resulting in power outages, property damage, potential injuries and costly cable replacement. Furthermore, it has been estimated that simply replacing critical underground power distribution cables in the U.S. would cost many tens of billions of dollars. Consequently, electrical utilities need economical ways to evaluate underground cables before they fail.
To address this challenge, researchers at UC Berkeley have developed an innovative way to determine the integrity of power distribution cables. To minimize costs, this novel method doesn’t require the cable to be put out of service or dug-up from its underground location. This solution works with AC power distribution systems that operate at rms voltages ranging from 4 kV to 69 kV.