Background and Motivation
Conductor galloping is a large-amplitude, low-frequency aeroelastic instability that can affect overhead transmission lines under specific combinations of wind conditions and conductor characteristics. The detection and characterization of galloping events in real-world conditions are essential for understanding the phenomenon and for developing reliable prediction and mitigation strategies.
This thesis focuses on the development of an innovative wireless monitoring system for the detection of conductor galloping on an existing transmission line in the United States. The use of wireless sensors offers the opportunity to develop a flexible and potentially scalable monitoring approach for real-world applications, combining wind engineering with modern sensing and IoT technologies.
Objectives
The main objectives of this thesis are:
- Review the existing literature on conductor galloping, monitoring techniques, and wireless sensing technologies.
- Develop a wireless sensor-based monitoring system for the detection and characterization of conductor galloping.
- Perform preliminary laboratory tests to assess the functionality and performance of the monitoring system.
- Analyse and process the data collected during the experimental field campaign.
- Identify and characterize galloping events occurring on the selected transmission line.
- Compare numerical predictions with experimental observations to assess the capability of existing approaches to predict galloping for the selected case study.
Methodology
The proposed research will involve:
- A comprehensive literature review on conductor galloping, structural monitoring, wireless sensing, and IoT technologies.
- Design, development, and integration of the wireless monitoring system.
- Preliminary laboratory testing and validation of the system functionalities.
- Deployment of the monitoring system on an existing transmission line in the United States.
- Processing and analysis of the data collected during the experimental campaign to identify and characterize galloping events.
- Numerical analysis of the selected case study and comparison with the experimental observations.
- Assessment of the accuracy and applicability of numerical galloping predictions based on real-world measurements.
- Discussion of the results with reference to current research and engineering practice.
Expected Outcomes
The thesis is expected to:
- Develop and experimentally validate an innovative wireless monitoring system for conductor galloping detection.
- Provide experimental data from an existing transmission line under real-world conditions.
- Improve the understanding of galloping behaviour through the analysis of field measurements.
- Assess the capability of numerical approaches to predict observed galloping events.
- Contribute to the development of innovative monitoring techniques for overhead transmission lines.
- Establish a basis for future applications of wireless sensing and IoT technologies in wind engineering.
Prerequisites
Good knowledge of MATLAB and basic data analysis skills are recommended. An interest in wind engineering, experimental activities, sensing technologies, and IoT is considered an advantage. Curiosity, problem-solving attitude, and willingness to work with experimental data are highly appreciated.
Contact
Federico Zanelli ✉ federico.zanelli@polimi.it