Universal wireless powered terminals for robust overhead transmission line monitoring

Abstract

A universal and robust wireless power transfer (WPT) system crossing insulators to feed monitoring terminals on power towers of overhead transmission lines is presented in this study. Analyses of the WPT system crossing high‐voltage insulators string indicate that system characteristics and energy loss vary under different insulation conditions. Transfer characteristics of the WPT system with different relative positions between the coils and insulators are analysed to find an insensitive scheme. To achieve a non‐interacting and relatively efficient operation under the scenarios, magnetic shielding layers are designed to further isolate the WPT system and insulators. Moreover, the resonant frequency point tracking method of this specific WPT system is studied and implemented to achieve robust transfer efficiency. Experimental results prove the feasibility, and the system displays a robust transfer performance with various high‐voltage insulators. Such energy feeding system can be used in disc or composite insulation towers universally with simplified installation methods.