Smart patch integration development of compression connector structural health monitoring in overhead transmission lines

Hong Wang, Jy An J. Wang, Fei Ren, John Chan

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Integration of smart patches into full-tension splice connectors in overhead power transmission lines was investigated. Lead zirconate titanate (PZT)-5A was used as a smart material and an aluminum beam was used as a host structure. Negative electrode termination was examined by using copper adhesive tape and direct bonding methods. Various commercial adhesives were studied for PZT integration onto the host structure. Aluminum beam specimens with integrated PZT smart patches were tested under thermal cycling at a temperature of 125°C, which is the higher-end temperature experienced by in-service aluminum conductor steel-reinforced cables. Electromechanical impedance (EMI) measurements were conducted at room temperature, and the root mean square deviation (RMSD) of the conductance signals was used to analyze the EMI data. It has been shown that the negative electrode method has an important effect on the performance of the integrated PZT. The PZT displayed more susceptibility to cracking when copper tape was used than when direct bonding was used. The reliability of PZT in direct bonding depended on the adhesives used in bonding layers. Although a hard alumina-based adhesive can lead to cracking of the PZT, a higherature epoxy with adequate flexibility, such as Duralco 4538D, can provide the desired performance under target thermal cycling conditions. The RMSD parameter can characterize conductance signatures effectively. It also was demonstrated that RMSD can be used to quantify the fatigue of the PZT integration system, although RMSD is used primarily as a damage index in monitoring structural health.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSmart Materials and Nondestructive Evaluation for Energy Systems 2016
EditorsKara J. Peters, Norbert G. Meyendorf, Theodoros E. Matikas
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781510600478
DOIs
StatePublished - 2016
EventSmart Materials and Nondestructive Evaluation for Energy Systems 2016 - Las Vegas, United States
Duration: Mar 21 2016Mar 23 2016

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume9806
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Conference

ConferenceSmart Materials and Nondestructive Evaluation for Energy Systems 2016
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityLas Vegas
Period03/21/1603/23/16

Keywords

  • PZT
  • compression connector
  • integration
  • smart patch
  • structural health monitoring
  • transmission lines

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