Hydro-Québec

About: Hydro-Québec is a government organization based out in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Electric power system & Dielectric. The organization has 2596 authors who have published 4433 publications receiving 100878 citations.

Alarm system and method for detecting proximity of an object to electrical power lines

Abstract: An antenna receives, by capacitive effect, a current of which the intensity is a function of the distance separating the antenna from an electrical power line. The other factors that influence the current are fixed, constant or are considered negligible. A measuring and conditioning circuit converts the current at the output of the antenna into a coded signal and transmits this coded signal to a control unit. The control unit compares the coded signal to predetermined values stored therein. Alarms are generated by the control unit when the current from the antenna exceeds the predetermined values.

LineDrone Technology: Landing an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle on a Power Line

Abstract: This paper presents the design of a multirotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capable of landing semiautomatically on a power line while carrying a payload The vehicle then rolls along the line to perform an inspection Special attention is given to the vehicle's onboard vision system, which consists of a monocular camera and LiDAR used together to compute the pose of the vehicle relative to the power line Landing assistance is provided to the pilot by a position-based visual controller that aligns and keeps the vehicle centered along the power line The pilot remains in control of vertical and longitudinal movement during descent The proposed approach was tested on a full-scale test line and shows promise for future applications of high value to the electric industry such as non-destructive testing of power transmission lines

Modeling Ice Shedding Propagation on Transmission Lines with or without Interphase Spacers

Abstract: Ice shedding propagation on a single conductor and on a circuit of three conductors in a vertical configuration where conductors are linked with interphase spacers was modeled numerically. Several concentrated loads acting along the loaded span modeled the ice, and the shedding propagation was then simulated through the removal in a defined sequence of these concentrated loads. The model determines conductor displacement and the variation of conductor tension during the vibration following ice shedding propagation; and, thus, it predicts conductor rebound height, tension peak, and to what extent the conductor clearance is reduced during vibration. Ice shedding propagation on the full-scale test line of Hydro-Quebec was considered, and the model was validated by comparing simulation results to former experimental observations. The results show that the application of spacers reduces the severity of vibration considerably, and consequently increases the conductor clearance and reduces the risk of flashover. The dynamic effects of different shedding processes were also compared. The rebound height is the greatest for a single conductor when ice detachment propagates along the conductor, but then ice falls suddenly as a big chunk. However, the consequences of sudden detachment and shedding are obtained as the most severe when conductors are linked with spacers.

Remotely operated vehicle for inspection and intervention of a live line

Abstract: A vehicle for use on a live line. The vehicle is provided with three coplanar traction wheels mounted on a frame and spaced along a first longitudinal axis parallel to the live line and above therefrom. The vehicle is also provided with two movable coplanar pressure wheels mounted on the frame and spaced along a second longitudinal axis parallel to the line and below therefrom. The vehicle has a driving motor mounted on the frame, for driving the traction wheels. The motor has a source of energy, such as batteries. The vehicle has a pressure mechanism mounted on the frame and coupled to the pressure wheels, for maintaining the line squeezed between the traction wheels and the pressure wheels. The vehicle has a control mechanism coupled to the motor for controlling the motor. Thereby, in use, the vehicle is moved along the line. The vehicle can also be provided with a de-icing tool. The de-icing tool has a collar with two parts opening and closing around the line. The collar supports several blades concentrically spaced apart from each other and forming an open cone in a forward moving direction of the vehicle.

Study of slot partial discharges in air-cooled generators

Abstract: Two laboratory experiments were set up in order to investigate the influence of different parameters on slot partial discharge (PD) activity. The goal of the first experiment was to establish the relative importance of temperature and gap size on slot partial discharges (PDs). The second experiment was used to determine how different stresses (e.g. electrical, thermal and mechanical) influence the discharge mechanisms of stator bars affected by slot PDs. Finally, the results obtained in the laboratory were confirmed when compared with actual field measurements on a generator.