Radio frequency identification for the measurement of overhead power transmission line conductors sag

Abstract

This dissertation deals with the challenge of power utility in South Africa which is on proactive detection of fallen power line conductors and real time sagging measurement together with slipping of such conductors. Various methods which are currently used for sag detection were characterized and evaluated to the aim of the research. A mathematical reconstruction done to estimate the lowest point of the conductor in a span is presented. Practical simulations and application of radio frequency identification (RFID) for sag detection is attempted through matlab software. RFID radar system is then analyzed in different modes and found to give precision measurement for sag in real time as opposed to global positioning system (GPS) if one dimension of the tag assumed fixed on the power line. Lastly errors detected on the measurements are corrected using a trainable artificial neural network. A conclusion is made by making recommendations in the advancement of the research.