Abstract: The invention is primarily directed to hot-stick mountable wireless High Voltage Power Line Universal Monitors (PLUM) upon energized electrical power conductors. The PLUM wireless sensors monitor parameters associated with normal, overload and emergency operation of the power line. The present invention provides 0.2% metering grade voltage measurement accuracy through unique e-field measurements, synchronized through UltraSatNet Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) accuracy timing pulses. The invention further improves accuracy using a unique calibration technique during initial installation of the PLUM sensor modules. A PLUM master controller receives time-synchronized data from multiple modules within a substation and across a state-wide power grid for accurate post-fault, sequence-of-events analysis, high impedance fault signature analysis, and environmental and earthquake monitoring.

Abstract: Antennas useable in all types of weather conditions are disclosed for use in various applications. The antenna is a flat array with either microstrip or slotted waveguide radiating elements. The radiating elements can be either transmitting or receiving elements for the array, or can be two arrays, each dedicated to one half of the transmission link. The array is covered with a radome to prevent water droplets, ice, or snow from forming on the antenna surface, thus allowing beam launching or beam reception at the antenna surface. The antennas can be used in a wide field of applications, including microsatellite communications links. Also disclosed is a microstrip, dual-band phased array antenna having a top dielectric including an antenna array patch directly coupled to a receive feed network and a lower dielectric having a transmit feed that is coupled to the antenna array patch through an intermediate metallization layer having coupling slots.

Abstract: A communication network includes multiple mini-hub terminals for transmitting and receiving information from multiple remote terminals. Some of the multiple mini-hub terminals, and some of the multiple remote terminals are capable of wireless communication respectively with each other through satellite communication means. A co-located terminal is hard wire connected with at least some of the mini-hub terminals. At least some of the terminals includes a flat antenna comprising a ground plane and a substrate forming at least one in flat array antenna mounted relative to the ground plane. The flat array antenna has multiple spaced dipoles formed on the substrate to constitute the array, and a transmission line formed on the substrate connecting the spaced dipoles. The transmission line is for connection with a link to a terminal with which communication is to be affected by signals through the antenna. A mobile antenna has beam steering lenses for forcing the signal.

Abstract: A communication network comprises multiple mini-hub terminals for transmitting and receiving information from multiple remote terminals. Some of the multiple mini-hub terminals, and some of the multiple remote terminals are capable of wireless communication respectively with each other through satellite communication means. A co-located terminal is hard wire connected with at least some of the mini-hub terminals. At least some of the terminals includes a flat antenna comprising a ground plane and a substrate forming at least one in flat array antenna mounted relative to the ground plane. The flat array antenna has multiple spaced dipoles formed on the substrate to constitute the array, and a transmission line formed on the substrate connecting the spaced dipoles. The transmission line is for connection with a link to a terminal with which communication is to be affected by signals through the antenna. A mobile antenna has beam steering lenses for forcing the signal.

Abstract: A communication system uses controllers for bi-directional protocol conversion. There is a plurality of remote signal inputs comprised of supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) signals, and/or remote terminal unit (RTU) signals, and/or instrumentation monitoring signals, and/or instrumentation control signals having different protocols. The signals are either in synchronous and asynchronous data formats and include voice inputs. Multiplexing such signal inputs into a composite signal is effected for transmission over electronic and physical communication media using X.25 or higher protocol, at an aggregate transmission data rate of 9.6 Kbps or faster. One or more controller can be configured as the master of remote units. Such units can perform remote signal input emulation; master/remote apparatus emulation, permits user-defined signal port control access; and provides operational diagnostics of the units and their associated communication link.

Abstract: A satellite communication system between a hub terminal and remote terminals simultaneously uses two or more satellites for communication. Rapid signal acquisition for mobile terminals is achieved by incorporation of a Global Positioning System receiver to establish initial frequency and time references. High resolution time distribution is provided by use of spread spectrum coded signals. A combined Time Division Multiple Access/Code Multiplex architecture receives simultaneous signals of widely varying signal strengths. Rapid and numerous changes to the polling sequence is possible. The hub terminal incorporates two high directivity antennas each illuminating a separate geostationary satellite transponder with a spread spectrum coded signal, each orthogonal to the other. The remote terminals employ an antenna of sufficiently small aperture to enable simultaneous reception of both orthogonal transponder signals.

Abstract: A hot-stick mountable, line powered, EHV conductor mounted environmental monitoring apparatus. The sensor module contains sensors for monitoring solar insolation, wind speed, lightning flashes, ambient temperature, relative humidity and dew point, precipitation, conductor icing, acoustic corona detection and conductor vibration. The power line environmental monitoring sensor module is configured to be corona free and can be installed on or removed from an energized high voltage power conductor. Data commensurate with the measured parameters is communicated from the sensor module to a Central or Regional Power Dispatch Center via a Geosynchronous Orbiting Environmental satellite (GOES) or to a ground station in the vicinity of the sensor module.

Abstract: A mobile system for monitoring electrical, physical and/or environmental parameters and conditions associated with or in proximity to an energized electrical power conductor supported on a succession of towers extending along a power corridor. In a first embodiment, the system includes front and rear propulsion modules surrounding the conductor and carrying a payload module therebetween. The propulsion modules include linear induction or rotary DC motors deriving power directly from the power conductor. The payload module carries equipment such as video and infrared cameras, and apparatus for lightning flash, ambient temperature, acoustic and corona detection, and a transmitter for relaying appropriate signals to a remote ground station. In another embodiment, the payload module is mounted upon a lightning shield wire of the power line and is connected to a propeller-driven helium blimp for movement along the wire.

Abstract: A hot-stick mountable, line powered, EHV conductor mounted environmental monitoring apparatus. The sensor module contains sensors for monitoring solar insolation, wind speed, lightning flashes, ambient temperature, relative humidity and dew point, precipitation, conductor icing, acoustic corona detection and conductor vibration. The power line environmental monitoring sensor module is configured to be corona free and can be installed on or removed from an energized high voltage power conductor. Data commensurate with the measured parameters is communicated from the sensor module to a Central or Regional Power Dispatch Center via a Geosynchronous Orbiting Environmental satellite (GOES) or to a ground station in the vicinity of the sensor module.

Abstract: A self contained sensor module mounted on a power transmission line. The module is capable of measuring various parameters such as line current, voltage, conductor temperature, and ambient temperature. The parameter values are processed by sensor electronics which digitize and transmit the values to a ground receiver. The sensor module normally derives its power through electromagnetic induction resulting from current flowing through the transmission line. The module contains a power back-up system, including a battery, which allows sensor operation with minimum current and zero current in the transmission line. The battery is float charged while the sensor is mounted on the transmission line using excess energy derived through electromagnetic induction. When line current drops to a predetermined minimum value, float charging is disabled and the battery supplies power to the sensor module.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are individual sensor modules for mounting directly upon energized electrical power conductors and systems employing such modules, with principal emphasis upon the provision of both data transmitting and receiving means in each sensor module and at an associated ground station. The modules sense the instantaneous values of all parameters necessary to perform complete metering functions and, in one embodiment, are synchronized by a signal transmitted from the ground station and received by all modules so that the values are measured simultaneously on all conductors at a substation. The signals are transmitted by the modules in a time-synchronized manner and are in a condition for use directly by the ground station microprocessor. In another embodiment, data transmissions by a plurality of modules is synchronized to avoid data collisions by self-contained electronic apparatus within each module, requiring no synchronizing signal from the ground station.

Abstract: The invention is primarily directed to sensor modules for mounting directly upon energized electrical power lines to monitor parameters associated with operation thereof, wherein the modules have a more compact lateral configuration than prior art modules designed for the same purpose. The modules include a first, cylindrical housing portion containing the sensing means and other electronic data processing and transmitting elements, and a second housing portion, affixed to the exterior of the first portion and extending not more than about 150.degree. around the periphery thereof, and enclosing mechanical elements of the module mounting means.

Abstract: A monitoring system using a unique remotely piloted drone with dual counter rotating propellers and carrying electric field sensing, thermal infra-red imaging, video imaging, acoustic and corona discharge sensing equipment. The compact remotely piloted drone flies along a power corridor and is maintained at a fixed distance from an outer phase conductor using on board electric field detection circuitry, video/infra-red imagery and an RF/laser altimeter.The counter rotating, twin-turbo driven configuration for the propellers mounted on coaxial vertical shafts provides a highly stable platform, unlike conventional manned helicopters presently used for routine right-of-way patrols. Dual, counter-rotating saucer-shaped auxiliary propellers provide a degree of stability far superior to a conventional helicopter, particularly in gusty winds.

Abstract: A self contained sensor module mounted on a power transmission line. The module is capable of measuring various parameters such as line current, voltage, conductor temperature, and ambient temperature. The parameter values are processed by sensor electronics which digitize and transmit the values to a ground receiver. The sensor module normally derives its power through electromagnetic induction resulting from current flowing through the transmission line. The module contains a power back-up system, including a battery, which allows sensor operation with minimum current and zero current in the transmission line. The battery is float charged while the sensor is mounted on the transmission line using excess energy derived through electromagnetic induction. When line current drops to a predetermined minimum value, float charging is disable and the battery supplies power to the sensor module.

Abstract: A remote sensing and communications system for installation on energized high voltage conductors is disclosed herein. The sensor modules are capable of measuring electrical, mechanical or environmental parameters in the vicinity of a high voltage conductor. The module digitizes and communicates the measured quantities via a communications subsystem mounted on and powered by an energized high voltage conductor without requiring a circuit interruption. Communications to a Central or Regional dispatch center at any desired distance from the sensing location is achieved using Ku-band or C-band spread spectrum satellite communications, or using the Geosynchronous Orbiting Environmental Satellites (GOES), or through fiber optic communications links.Individual subsystem modules are generally toroidal in shape and can be mounted on an energized high voltage conductor using a hot-stick or other means.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is primarily directed to sensor modules for mounting directly upon energized electrical power lines to monitor parameters associated with operation thereof, wherein the modules have a more compact lateral configuration than prior art modules designed for the same purpose. The modules include a first, cylindrical housing portion containing the sensors and other electronic data processing and transmitting elements, and a second housing portion, affixed to the exterior of the first portion and extending not more than about 150.degree. around the periphery thereof, and enclosing mechanical elements of the module mounting.

Abstract: A toroidal sensor module having a metallic outer skin and mounting means for installation upon and removal from an energized power conductor providing synchronized measurements of electrical parameters. In one embodiment the module is adapted to measure the values of voltage, current and phase angle of the conductor upon which it is mounted, and to communicate data representing such values to a ground station in the vicinity of the sensor module. The voltage and current are sensed simultaneously to provide time-synchronized readings with respect to voltage zero crossings from which the phase relationship is determined. The metallic skin of the module may be either capacitively or electrically coupled to the conductor for purposes of making conductor voltage measurements.

Abstract: A "hot-stick" mountable sensor module for attachment and removable from a live power transmission line. A tool is insertable into a mounted module to attach the module to the tool and permit removal of the module from the line.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are individual sensor modules for mounting directly upon energized electrical power conductors and systems employing such modules, with principal emphasis upon the provision of both data transmitting and receiving means in each sensor module and at an associated ground station. The modules sense the instantaneous values of all parameters necessary to perform complete metering functions and, in one embodiment, are synchronized by a signal transmitted from the ground station and received by all modules so that the values are measured simultaneously on all conductors at a substation. The signals are transmitted by the modules in a time-synchronized manner and are in a condition for use directly by the ground station microprocessor. In another embodiment, data transmissions by a plurality of modules is synchronized to avoid data collisions by self-contained means within each module, requiring no synchronizing signal from the ground station.

Abstract: An electrical power monitoring and control system including individual sensor modules for mounting directly upon energized electrical power conductors and systems employing such modules, with principal emphasis upon the provision of both data transmitting and receiving means in each sensor module and at an associated ground station. The modules sense the instantaneous values of all parameters necessary to perform complete metering functions and, in one embodiment, are synchronized by a signal transmitted from the ground station and received by all modules so that the values are measured simultaneously on all conductors at a substation. The signals are transmitted by the modules in a time-synchronized manner and are in a condition for use directly by the ground station microprocessor. In another embodiment, data transmissions by a plurality of modules is synchronized to avoid data collisions by self-contained means within each module, requiring no synchronizing signal from the ground station.