An overview of optical-fibre technology applications in electrical power systems

摘要

Over recent years a rapidly growing interest in optical-fibre technology (OFT) has been evident and the subject has matured to the point where its applications to different industrial activities are now clearly seen and their impact has been felt. Advances in optical technology have been spurred by research efforts at universities, research organisations and large corporations with activities devoted extensively to optical-fibre systems developments, especially for communications. In particular, electrical power systems have received considerable attention in terms of the potential applicability of OFT, and this trend is likely to continue for many years to come. The technology has been diverse enough to warrant several reviews of the field and developments within it since the late-1970s{sup}1, the early 1980s{sup}2 and the 1990s{sup}(3,4). Major unknowns are how rapidly this technology will be adopted and where it will have the greatest impact.