Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing (DFOS) is emerging as a revolutionary technology in the field of power cable monitoring that is helping to improve the integrity and efficiency of power distribution networks. DFOS can convert the fiber optic cables embedded in power cables into a sophisticated monitoring system capable of capturing in real time signals indicative of various external and internal aspects affecting power cables.
A DFOS monitoring system offers significant advantages in both CAPEX (capital expenditure) and OPEX (operating expenditure). In terms of CAPEX, DFOS utilizes the existing fiber optic infrastructure, reducing the need to invest in new equipment and cabling. In terms of OPEX, the availability rate is remarkably high due to the passive and durable nature of fiber optic, which require less maintenance and have lower operating costs compared to traditional systems based on electrical or mechanical sensors.
An efficient alarm system is essential for monitoring power cables, ensuring timely responses to emerging issues while minimizing false alerts. DFOS facilitates this by employing advanced algorithms and artificial intelligence techniques to analyze detected events and classify them based on predefined criteria. This intelligent processing ensures that operators receive only the most relevant alerts, delivered through their preferred channels, whether it’s a user interface, SMS or email. It is even possible to integrate our solution with the customer’s own surveillance system.
Beyond immediate safety and reliability benefits, DFOS empowers utilities with invaluable data for proactive maintenance and optimization efforts. By leveraging insights gleaned from DFOS monitoring data, operators can implement predictive maintenance strategies, scheduling interventions based on the real-time condition of power cables. This proactive approach not only reduces downtime and maintenance costs but also enhances the overall resilience and efficiency of the power distribution network.
In conclusion, DFOS emerges as a transformative technology for power cables monitoring, offering unparalleled insights, efficiency gains, and proactive maintenance capabilities. By harnessing the power of DFOS, utilities can ensure the reliability, safety, and longevity of their power infrastructure in an increasingly dynamic and demanding environment.
Listen
The interrogation unit transforms the optical fiber into a sensor with thousands of microphones that constantly listens to what is going on around it.
Analyze
The processing unit analyses the information received and classifies it into the various basic events perfectly localized with an accuracy of several meters.
Report
The system groups the events and informs the user only of the alarms that are of interest to him according to his needs.
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The acquired signals of the HDAS are traces that represent the strain variation along the optical fibre. We accumulate the traces in a waterfall plot, that allows us to analyse the vibration both in time and in space. We use digital image processing techniques in order to enhance the significative patterns of interest, and to reduce the noise.
Then, depending on the application, we apply a number of image analysis techniques using algorithms and mathematical models to detect and recognise patterns. For some use cases, we have developed supervised machine learning models, for other use cases “classic” algorithms give very good results.
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