Merits of a hybrid fluorescent fiber sensor and power over fiber partial discharge detection solution

Fluorescent fiber sensors fluoresce when light of various wavelengths is absorbed by the fiber. Fluorescent fiber sensors that fluoresce along the length of the fiber offer an advantage for detecting partial discharge (which generates UV and visible light), since light absorbed from any angle, along the entire length of the fiber, may be detected. However, other limitations have reduced the attractiveness of fluorescent fiber sensors for partial discharge detection, including short signal transmission range and constraints on fiber lengths due to high fiber attenuation, inability to pick up discharges internal to insulation, and the lack of multi-functional sensor capability. We describe the use of power over fiber as a means to enable multi-function sensors to be located near the source of partial discharge, and we explore the possibility of a hybrid power over fiber and fluorescent fiber sensor solution. This hybrid solution offers the potential to overcome the limitations of fluorescent fiber sensors. Furthermore, we expand the analysis to include the benefits of merging power over fiber with other fiber sensors. We find that new fiber sensor capabilities are created by combining these two technologies, and therefore enabling potential new applications, and market opportunities.