Uma nova proposta para mitigação de desligamentos forçados em linhas aéreas de transmissão de energia elétrica correlacionados ao bird streamer

Abstract

The present work presents the development of a bird repellent methodology for towers of the Brazilian electric power transmission system, in order to assist in obtaining a solid method for mitigating indeterminate forced disconnections in transmission lines, which are correlated to birds . The metallic structures of the electric power system are excellent places for birds to create their perches, consequently producing hindrances in the performance of electric power transmission. The southern region of Brazil has a very active migratory activity of birds, mainly the Curicaca bird, which finds excellent landing and nesting sites in the aerial towers. These animals can be electrocuted by touching their bodies against the bare conductors and, due to their permanence on the structure for long periods, end up defecating on the insulators. The accumulation of excrement in the insulators can cause direct physical contact between the conductor and the metallic structure, which also triggers a short circuit. Also, during the act of defecating the bird, the jet of excrement or bird streamer can cause an electric arc between the conductor and the tower. Thus, the method is demonstrated through a prototype device developed at the Federal University of Pampa, being able to chase these birds away from the metallic structures in a non-invasive way, preserving the animals and the environment that surrounds the aerial network. When a bird lands on the top of the tower, an innocuous repulsive audible warning to the animals will be automatically issued. The prototype is made up of the interconnection between two sensor modules, a controlled pulse generator, an audio module, an amplifier and two speakers, protected by a metal box from the weather and the electromagnetic influence of the transmission lines. The device has a total power of 20.16 W, feeding its circuit through a 10 W solar panel, coupled in a sealed battery of 12 V /7 A.h. The electronic system was tested and verified in the laboratory, highlighting its simple operation. Finally, its effectiveness will be analyzed in future works, since it requires a longer period of operation in the field for such an evaluation.