Reference-Free Real-Time Power Line Monitoring Using Distributed Anti-Stokes Raman Thermometry for Smart Power Grids

We report the experimental demonstration of a reference-free Distributed Anti-Stokes Raman Thermometry (DART) scheme for real-time power line monitoring in overhead power transmission (OPGW/OPC) cables. Our work is based on the loop configuration in which only the anti-Stokes intensity is captured and processed to determine the temperature, thereby providing a self-calibrated solution that is tailor-made for a rugged field measurement. Temperature experienced by the optical fiber embedded in the power cable is estimated through a simple heat transfer model and is experimentally validated using a homebuilt DART system with a root mean square (RMS) temperature error of 0.33 degrees C.