Apparatus and method for identifying physical security risks to power transmission structures
AssigneeElectric Power Research Institute, Inc.
InventorAndrew John Phillips
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus and method for identifying physical security risks to power transmission structures and other associated assets of a power transmission system is disclosed. The apparatus includes a sensor having a sensor assembly; and a floating electrode electrically connected to the sensor and positioned adjacent to the asset being monitored. The floating electrode assumes a space potential created around the asset and provides a voltage signal to the sensor indicative of a voltage of the space potential. When an object approaches the asset, the space potential is impacted and the voltage signal changes to indicate the presence of the object.
Claims20
An apparatus to monitor security risks to a power transmission asset of a power transmission system, comprising:
- (a) a sensor having a sensor assembly;
- (b) a floating electrode electrically connected to the sensor and positioned adjacent to the power transmission asset being monitored, wherein the floating electrode assumes a space potential created around the power transmission asset and provides a voltage signal to the sensor indicative of a voltage of the space potential;
- (c) wherein when an object approaches the power transmission asset, the space potential is impacted and the voltage signal changes to indicate the presence of the object.
A method of monitoring security risks to a power transmission asset of a power transmission system, comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing an apparatus having a sensor assembly and a floating electrode connected to the sensor assembly;
- (b) mounting the sensor assembly to the power transmission asset being monitored;
- (c) using the sensor assembly to monitor a condition of the power transmission asset;
- and
- (d) using the sensor assembly to transmit an alarm when the condition of the power transmission asset exceeds a pre-determined threshold.
A method of monitoring security risks to a power transmission asset of a power transmission system, comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing an apparatus having:
- (i) a sensor;
- and
- (ii) a floating electrode electrically connected to the sensor;
- (b) positioning the floating electrode adjacent to the power transmission asset being monitored;
- (c) positioning the sensor adjacent to the power transmission asset being monitored;
- (d) using the apparatus to measure a voltage at the power transmission asset;
- and
- (e) using the apparatus to transmit an alarm to a remote receiver when the voltage drops below or exceeds a pre-determined threshold range.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.