Alternative Power Sources for Autonomous Sensors in High Voltage Plant

Enhanced condition monitoring of the electric grid infrastructure could be achieved by adding more sensors to track the plant health more accurately. However, the installation or operating costs of any additional sensors could outweigh the benefits they bring due to the requirements for new cabling or battery maintenance. High voltage plant, such as substation, contains several potential energy sources. Harvesting the energy from ambient sources to power sensors could support a move towards autonomous wireless condition monitoring sensors while reduced the overall cost of owning and operating an enhanced condition monitoring system. This paper reviews the potential sources of power that may be used to supply autonomous sensor nodes.