Projeto e aplicação de etiqueta RFID UHF para monitoramento de poluição em torres de alta tensão.

Abstract

This work presents an experimental prototype of a Radio Frequency Identification - RFID tag for identification and monitoring of pollution in high voltage towers. Therefore, the following steps were carried out: dielectric characterization of the artificial pollution; design via simulation of RFID tags for application in metallic towers; manufacturing, validation and testing of tags; sensitivity analysis of tag reach; and computational algorithm for signal processing and subsequent statistical analysis. Pollution monitoring was based on variations in the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) by the reader due to the amount of pollution deposited. Tag validation and testing was performed outdoors with a de-energized high-voltage tower emulation. For all levels of deposited pollution analyzed, the maximum average range of the signal reading, in an external environment, was 18 meters. The RSSI data, obtained by reading the RFID tag, will be processed and analyzed, aiming to identify the levels of pollution deposited in the high voltage towers. The results demonstrate the potential of RFID tags for identifying and monitoring severe pollution in high voltage metal towers. Providing greater assertiveness in pollution diagnoses and consequently safer, more efficient and non-invasive inspection routines for insulator chains. Additionally, RFID tags make it possible to catalog high voltage towers used in the electrical power system. Pollution identification via RFID tags is a rapidly growing, non-invasive and low-cost technology for implementation in high voltage towers.