The emergence and application of OPGW

The emergence and application of OPGW: Optical fiber composite overhead ground wire

OPGW is a type of line that is constructed using transmission lines and is usually used by power companies. This type of line achieves both grounding and communication purposes. OPGW lines consist of a tubular structure containing one or more optical cables, and the outer shell is made of steel and aluminum. The composite optical cable ground wire is installed at the top of the ultra-high voltage tower. Its conductive part provides grounding function and acts as a protective barrier against lightning strikes. The optical cable inside provides high-speed data transmission function, and its data transmission can be used for the protection and control of the power system itself, or for transmitting voice and data, or it can be rented to telecommunications operators as a backbone.

The optical cable itself is an insulator, so it is not affected by power transmission and lightning strikes. Typical OPGW lines contain single-mode optical fibers with low transmission loss, which achieve the purpose of long-distance high-speed transmission. The external properties of OPGW are similar to those of ACSR lines, and are used as overhead ground wires at the top of high-voltage towers. OPGW has the following advantages over buried optical cables. The installation cost is lower. Underground optical cables are easily cut due to road construction excavation, but OPGW is less likely to have this problem.

The emergence of OPGW is mainly due to technical and market demands. Technically, it is mainly about power communication needs and lightning protection and grounding needs. With the development of the power system, the demand for communication is increasing. OPGW optical cable places optical fiber in the ground wire of the overhead high-voltage transmission line, combining the dual functions of ground wire and communication, meeting the communication needs of the power system. At the same time, the conductive part of the OPGW optical cable provides a grounding function as a protective barrier against lightning strikes, and its outer aluminum alloy wire can effectively prevent damage from lightning strikes. OPGW optical cable not only meets the needs of power transmission, but also provides high-speed data transmission functions. It can be used for the protection and control of the power system itself, or leased to telecommunications operators as a backbone network. Compared with ADSS optical cables, OPGW optical cables do not need to consider adverse factors such as electromagnetic corrosion and human damage. They have high reliability, superior mechanical and electrical properties, and are economical and practical, which better meets market demand. ‌‌‌