Prisma Photonics Transforms Grid Monitoring With Optical Ground Wire
Prisma Photonics, a pioneering tech firm, is transforming the way transmission grid operators monitor and maintain their networks. By harnessing the power of optical ground wire fiber-optic cables, Prisma's innovative devices are not only protecting high-voltage wires from lightning strikes but also acting as a network of microphones, detecting a wide range of grid issues.
Prisma's optical interrogator devices, which plug into substations, send pulses of light and analyze reflections to detect shifts in temperature, pressure, strain, and other signals. This clever use of existing fiber-optic communications cables alongside transmission lines allows for early detection of issues such as short circuits, partial discharge, and even dynamic line rating for wind impact.
Climate change is exacerbating grid emergencies, subjecting transmission networks to increased stress from heat waves and winter freezes. Prisma's technology has already identified ice buildup on power lines, nearby wildfires, and even a meteor explosion in the Earth's upper atmosphere. High-voltage transmission lines can face issues like short-circuiting, sagging, damage from wildfire smoke, windblown debris, or wear and tear. Prisma's system offers a cost-effective and efficient solution compared to traditional sensors, which can be expensive and time-consuming to install and maintain.
Prisma Photonics is on a mission to prove the accuracy of its technology, aiming to replace purpose-built sensors and save transmission grid operators money and time. By turning fiber-optic cables into a network of microphones, Prisma is revolutionizing grid monitoring and maintenance, making transmission networks more resilient and reliable in the face of increasing climate-related challenges.
