Optical Aerial Cables for Power Lines
Introduction
Reliable provision of electrical energy at any time has become one of the most important tasks nowadays. Regional and international meshed transmission lines require modern network automation and remote control systems. Deregulation of telecom monopolies all over the world offer the power utilities additionally the chance either to rent transmission capacities or to become telecom operators themselves.
Backbone of such systems are fibre optic cable links. Optical fibre communications systems have the advantages of large capacity, high speed and long distance transmission. Additionally they are uninfluenced from electromagnetic fields and do not have any crosstalk. This is very important for installations in high voltage lines.
The easiest way to connect power plants and control stations is to use the existing high voltage lines. The most common method for this is to install an OPGW (Optical Ground Wire) as substitution of a usual ground wire. Other possibilities are the installation of ADSS (All-Dielectric Self-Supporting) and MASS (Metallic Aerial Self-Supporting) Even the exchange of phase conductors by OPPC (Optical Phase Conductor) is nowadays possible. With regard to line appearance, additional loads, reliability and lifetime a good OPGW is the best and most economic solution.
