Application
High-voltage switchgear at a hydropower station in Shaanxi, China
FIBER OPTIC TEMPERATURE MONITORING CASE
Fiber Optic Temperature Monitoring for Hydropower Station Switchgear
Fluorescence-based fiber optic sensors monitor critical connection points inside high-voltage switchgear, providing electrically isolated temperature measurement in a strong EMI environment.
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Operating Environment
High voltage and strong electromagnetic interference
Measurement Focus
Critical switchgear connection points
System Integration
SCADA via Modbus communication
Project Overview
This project applied fluorescence-based fiber optic temperature sensing to high-voltage switchgear at a hydropower station in Shaanxi, China. Fiber optic probes were installed at selected electrical connection points to provide direct temperature measurement while maintaining electrical isolation from the high-voltage equipment.
The monitoring system was integrated with the station SCADA system through Modbus communication, allowing temperature data to be centrally monitored together with other equipment operating information.
Monitoring Requirement
Current-carrying joints, busbar connections and cable termination points inside switchgear can experience temperature rise during operation. Because these locations are enclosed and operate in a high-voltage environment with strong electromagnetic interference, conventional electrical temperature measurement can introduce additional insulation and signal-routing requirements.
The project required direct temperature measurement at selected internal connection points without introducing conductive sensing paths at the measurement locations. The temperature data also needed to be transmitted to the existing station monitoring system.
Fiber Optic Monitoring Solution
Fluorescence-based fiber optic temperature probes were installed at selected switchgear connection points. Each probe measures temperature at a defined location, while the optical fiber carries the excitation and return signals to the monitoring instrument.
Because the sensing and signal path is optical, the measurement is electrically isolated and immune to electromagnetic interference. This makes the technology suitable for temperature monitoring inside high-voltage switchgear.
- Direct measurement at critical connection points
- Electrical isolation at high-voltage sensing locations
- Immunity to electromagnetic interference
- Independent temperature monitoring channels
- Suitable for enclosed switchgear installations
Measurement Points & Channel Configuration
Monitoring points were selected according to the switchgear structure and the locations requiring temperature supervision. Fiber optic probes were assigned to critical electrical connection points, allowing each location to be monitored independently.
Individual channels can be identified by switchgear cubicle, phase or connection position. The number of probes and monitoring channels can be configured according to the actual equipment layout and monitoring requirements.
Installation & SCADA Integration
Fiber optic probes and optical cables were routed inside the switchgear while maintaining the required electrical clearances and avoiding interference with operating mechanisms. Cable routing also considered mechanical protection, installation space and future maintenance access.
The fiber optic temperature monitoring instrument was connected to the station SCADA system using Modbus communication. Temperature values from individual monitoring channels can therefore be viewed and managed through the existing station monitoring platform.
Project Result
The completed installation provides direct temperature monitoring of selected high-voltage switchgear connection points using an electrically isolated optical sensing path. Temperature data is collected by the fiber optic monitoring instrument and transmitted to the station SCADA system through Modbus communication.
The project demonstrates a practical fiber optic temperature monitoring configuration for hydropower stations, substations, power plants and other high-voltage switchgear applications where electrical isolation and EMI immunity are important.
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