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The Sagometer™ is a second-generation design of a new technology developed for the express purpose of accurately monitoring conductor ground clearance/sag on overhead transmission lines. 

The Sagometer™ provides the information needed to confidently - -

• Study conductor behavior for the purpose of validating and/or enhancing static rating

• Establish the dynamic rating for a monitored line

• Collect data on high-temperature conductor operation

1.     The heart of the system is the “smart” camera that captures the image, locates the target and calculates the ground clearance.  Coupled with the camera, inside the same housing, is a specially designed illumination system so that the camera can see the target during all light conditions – night-time too.

        A proprietary technology is also used within the camera housing to precisely measure any housing rotation, due to structure or housing movement.  Thus, appropriate adjustments can be made to the clearance measurements.  The dimensions of the camera housing are 4½” diameter by 18” long.

2.     A datalogger stores information from the camera and makes it readily available to the user.  The datalogger and communications hardware are housed inside the “electronics” box (12”w x 16”h x 8”d).  Communication options include cellular, RF, satellite and wireless Internet.  

3.     Power options include both 115V-AC and 12V-DC.  Where AC power is not readily available, a small solar energy package powers the system.

4.     The target the camera tracks is relatively small (approximately 9” x 9”) and attaches to the conductor using a conventional hot-line clamp.  It is a passive device and has been tested for successful operation up to 500kV.

                                                      One of the key features that distinguishes the Sagometer™ from other monitoring systems is its ease of installation and portability.  The typical time for complete Sagometer™ install is 2 to 3 hours.  The Sagometer™ can be installed on any kind of structure by simply bolting or banding the different housings directly to the structure. All of the components, with exception of the target, are mounted a safe distance away from the conductors.  Only the target is installed on the conductor itself.  The target is typically installed about 150 feet from the camera using a hot-stick while the line is energized. The camera is mounted at approximately the same elevation as the target.  The electronics and power supply boxes can be located anywhere on the structure that is safe and convenient.

     For PLS-CADD^TM users, a “Line Rating” module is available that enables the direct integration of Sagometer™-generated clearance data, local current and weather data with PLS-CADD to create an interactive model for analyzing conductor behavior along the monitored line.  Whether used with real-time or historic data, the PLS-CADD^TM “Line Rating” module provides the most accurate means for reflecting line behavior beyond the monitored span.  It can be used to help identify critical-clearance spans, to validate static and contingency ratings or it can be run in a real-time mode in the background within an operating environment to provide critical data for establishing maximum operating currents.

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