Breakthrough smart sensor technology to be discussed at UA workshop

Representatives from power companies throughout the country are coming to Akron this Thursday, drawn by smart sensor technology developed at The University of Akron’s Center for Advanced Vehicles and Energy Systems (CAVES). The system continuously monitors transmission towers, substation transformers, and other electric utility components and, unlike current systems, can predict power outages so they can be prevented before they occur.

“This system would be a vast improvement over current monitoring systems because it would allow utility companies to stay on top of maintenance issues and avoid costly power outages,” says Dr. Alex De Abreu-Garcia, professor of electrical engineering at The University of Akron.

At the workshop, held at the Sheraton Suites in Cuyahoga Falls, researchers will present sensor technology funded by a $1.74 million Ohio Third Frontier Innovation Platform Award awarded to a UA team led by Dr. Alex De Abreu-Garcia, in conjunction with Exacter, Inc. and Jacco & Associates. The researchers will ask for feedback on the technology from utility leaders in attendance.

“We have $1.7 million in funding for smart sensors and innovative products already in the works, but we need the voice of the utility companies to be part of the breakthrough developments we are accomplishing in smart sensors for the transmission and distribution grids,” says Ajay Mahajan, associate dean for research in the College of Engineering.

The smart sensor technology developed by De Abreu-Garcia and Dr. Yilmaz Sozer, associate professor of electrical engineering, is a smart sensor that can be clamped to power lines without damaging or disrupting the existing infrastructure. The technology was designed to monitor current and future system shortcomings in underground secondary cables, transmission conductors, and various electronic equipment under operating conditions.

The workshop will take place June 25-26. Among more than a dozen utility companies in attendance are American Electric Power (AEP), Austin Energy, Consolidated Edison Co. of New York, Kansas City Power & Light (KCPL), Northern Indiana Public Service Co. (NIPSCO), PPL Electric Utilities, Portland General Electric, Oncor, Otter Tail Power Company, and Tucson Electric Power Co.