A system for the non-intrusive detection of damage in underground power cables: Damage modeling and sensor system desig

A system for non-intrusive sensing of underground power cable impedance is presented. The impedance sensor is used for the detection of damage to underground power cables. The system is capable of taking measurements without the need to interrupt power service. To isolate the impedance measurement from the effects of customer loading, a blocking unit is proposed which presents an open circuit to the impedance sensor in the transmission line at the point where the blocker is clamped onto the cable. Both of the proposed devices are prototyped and evaluated. The impedance sensor is demonstrated to be capable of accurate impedance measurements within a 2% error over a range from 50 to 1000 Ohms. The blocker is demonstrated to provide approximately 30 dB of attenuation over the designed ranged of measurement frequencies. The system can detect impedance changes resulting from corrosion or damage in underground power cables.