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Author: James Publish Time: 05-06-2025 Origin: Site
Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) is a central element of contemporary power networks. It incorporates both subterranean functionality (grounding) and datacom (data transmission), which makes it critical for power system safety and communication. What is more, how does OPGW work, and what is the actual task? This article describes the operation principle and internal structure of OPGW and shows its role in the communication and protection of the grid.
The OPGW has two functions:
Grounding and lightning protection: The outer layer is made of a metal conductor, which draws lightning strikes to the ground from transmission towers, therefore protecting the towers and equipment.
Data transmission: Inside the cable are the optical fibers that provide high-speed data communication in the power grid.
This integrated design enables one-time lowering of the infrastructure cost and improvement of the performance of the grid.
A. Conducting Electricity for Grounding
The exterior layer of OPGW made of aluminum or steel is an example of materials for building fiber. The ground wire (e.g., traditional ground wire) mainly carries fault currents, or lightning strikes, to the ground. In this way, the transmission lines are protected and the reliability of the system is enhanced.
B. Transmission of Data through Optical Fiber
The cable inside has optical fibers that bear data in the form of light signals. The fibers prove to be dielectric in nature as well as isolated from a metal sheath. When the light signals are involved, the electro-magnetic interferences won't affect the signals, and hence the communication remains intact over long distances.
OPGW typically contains single-mode fibers, which produce a beam with narrow width (typically 10 micrometers), capable of little diffusion. Here's how it works:
Light pulses provided by laser or LED make their way towards the fiber core.
The core is surrounded by cladding with an index of refraction lower than that of the core, which promotes total internal reflection, thus confining the light in the core region.
The decoded signals at the other end of the fiber serve as input for SCADA systems, protection relays, and so on.
SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems are crucial for the efficient operation of modern power grids. These systems support collection of data and regulation of equipment and they also heavily utilize OPGW. Here’s how:
It establishes a direct communication route for substations and centers of control.
Data exchange in it can be done in real time: voltage, current, breakage location, and equipment status.
The grid automation is fostered and the operation is remotely actuated, which increases the dependability of the system as well as the reacting speed in case of failure or emergency.
When it comes to real electric grid functioning, OPGW serves for:
Synchronized relaying: Fiber-optic signals are used to realize time synchronization of security devices along a distance.
Differential protection: OPGW substantiates the quick transportation of signals from the starting point to the ending end of a transmission line for the detection of faults.
Telemetry and remote control: Fundamental for load management and prevention of blackout.
OPGW stands not only for suspension cable; in fact, it performs as a high-tech communications network for future-oriented power systems. This is achieved by enclosing optical fibers into this conductive structure, which results in physical protection and good data connections. Engineers and operators working in high-voltage transmission and smart grid networks need first learn about OPGW functioning principle.
James is a technical manager and associate at Zion Communication.
Specializes in Optical Fiber communications, FTTH Solutions,
Fiber optic cables, ADSS cable, and ODN networks.
james@zion-communication.com
+86 13777460328
