Distributed Electrical Sensing (DES) is a precision measurement technology that allows power system operators to protect and monitor their networks with unprecedented flexibility. Using the optical fibre within power networks, DES makes high-fidelity measurements of voltage and current at many locations over distances of up to 60 km from a substation.
The entire sensor array is completely passive, meaning no control power or auxiliary equipment is needed at sensing locations. Synchronised waveform data from all sensing locations is available at the speed of light, enabling a wide range of protection, control, and monitoring functions to improve reliability and security, reduce unplanned maintenance, and significantly reduce operational cost.