Medidor ultrassônico de distância para aplicação em condutores de distribuição de energia elétrica

Abstract

This work presents the elaboration and development of a portable ultrasonic distance meter in detail for electric power distribution conductors’ application. This instrument was designed due to the need to measure the minimum height of conductors of low, medium and high voltage electrical energy in relation to the ground, when they are switched on, replacing the use of theodolites and high insulation fiber measuring rod, given that to providing safety, the mobility and the comfort of the professional who will carry out the measurements. The device performs distance measurements through sensors that emit ultrasonic signals and detect the reflection of these signals after the collision with the object, that is, without the need for direct contact with the energized cable. By measuring the emission time and signal detection, reflected by the object, the distance is calculated. The measurement of the ambient temperature was also implemented, since the cables of the electricity distribution networks suffer considerable dilatation due to the long spans lengths. The main components of this meter are ultrasonic sensors, temperature sensor, a display for operator interface and a microcontroller to control and process the readings of the sensors and make them available to the operator. It has buttons for navigating between the date and time functions, measurement of distances, temperature measurement and records consultation that have been stored in memory. The device obtained a maximum detection of approximately 5 m for targets with a diameter of up to 1 cm. Regardless of resolution limitations of the ultrasound sensor used, the developed device still has potential for application in detecting cables at smaller distances.