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Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed a non-invasive way to probe in-service power cables in order to detect impairments due to damage such as breakage or excessive corrosion.
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Brief Description A major challenge for the electric power industry is that power distribution cables can fail after years of service resulting in power outages, property damage, severe injuries and costly cable replacement. Furthermore, it has been estimated that simply replacing critical underground power distribution cables in the U.S. would cost many tens of billions of dollars. Consequently, electrical utilities need economical ways to evaluate cables while they are in service (i.e. transmitting electricity).To address this challenge, researchers at UC Berkeley have developed a non-invasive way to probe in-service power cables in order to detect impairments due to damage such as breakage or excessive corrosion of conductors. Suggested uses Maintenance of underground and above ground AC power distribution cables. Advantages Measures the integrity of underground and above ground electricity distribution cables; Economical in that to test a cable, it doesn't have to be put out-of-service or day-lighted. Patent Status Patent Pending