Precise Localization of High-Voltage Breakdown Events using $\phi$-Optical Time-Domain Reflectometry on an Optical Ground Wire

TL;DR

This paper introduces a $\phi$-OTDR technique for accurately detecting and localizing high-voltage breakdowns along optical ground wires by analyzing backscattered light, achieving approximately 10-meter spatial resolution over long distances.

Contribution

The study demonstrates the use of $\phi$-OTDR for precise localization of high-voltage discharges through phase and frequency analysis of backscattered light, with sub-kHz measurement confirming clear signatures.

Findings

Successful detection of high-voltage breakdowns

Achieved approximately 10 m spatial resolution

Effective long-distance acoustic reconstruction

Abstract

We present $\phi$-OTDR for detecting and localising full spark-gap breakdowns by analysing backscattered light phase and frequency-domain signatures during high-voltage discharges synchronised with oscilloscope-recorded events. Measuring sub-kHz confirms clear discharge signatures and acoustic reconstruction over long links with $\approx$ 10 m spatial resolution.