High Voltage DC Line Fault Locating

HV dcLFL is a specialized process of identifying faults that occur along a transmission line. The achieved tolerance can be as close as a single span width, even along hundreds of kilometres. AeroVision Canada has developed and perfected a proprietary method of fault injection that applies drone-induced faults. This offers multiple benefits:

  • Personnel safety and an increase in stand-off distance for the fault location,
  • Significant operational cost reduction when fielding the necessary personnel to manage the staged fault testing campaign, 
  • Repeatability and efficiency of the line strikes, and
  • Targeted strike positions that do not damage the primary conductor line.

In a close working relationship with Manitoba Hydro International, who first developed the fault location technology for Manitoba Hydro’s Nelson River HVDC transmission lines, AVC has conducted many dozens of line strike operations across Canada. Components of the Utilities infrastructure that are tested can include:

  • PC computer-based master stations,
  • GPS timing units,
  • Surge capacitor and wave front detection unit electronics,
  • Fibre optical transmitters and receiver communication systems (DC switchyard to the main computer),
  • Optional active detection systems for more complex installations, which include combinations of cable and overhead line segments, and
  • Station-to-station communication system.

AeroVision Canada has the experience and knowledge to guide you through the planning, risk assessment and process of performing this type of live-power testing and is unique in the industry for this type of application. To learn more, contact us today at [email protected] .

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