Detecting Broken Strands in Transmission Lines Based on Pulsed Eddy Current

Abstract

High-voltage transmission lines are the main facilities for power transmission, and they are mainly composed of aluminum conductor steel-reinforced (ACSR). Over long-term outdoor use, overhead transmission lines will encounter lightning strikes, chemical pollutant corrosion, deicing, wind vibration, and other external forces. This often results in a series of potential failures, such as breakage, for the strands. In order to ensure the safe operation of the power grid and avoid fatal accidents, such as line breaks, it is necessary to identify and repair line faults. Among them, the main basis for the regular detection and replacement of high-voltage transmission lines is whether a broken strand defect appears. In this paper, a type of pulsed eddy current (PEC) sensor is developed to detect the broken strand defect in transmission lines. The simulation and experimental results showed that the designed PEC sensor could effectively and accurately identify the fault.