Team Members: Joshua Struble (EE), Elijah Forney (EE), Thuy-Linh Nguyen (EE), Christopher Hulsebus (EE) Advisors: Glen Hillesland, John Lamont, Robert Weber Team: May01-12 Client: Skarshaug Testing Laboratory, Inc. Ames, IA The purpose of this project is to design a system for testing the insulation integrity of boom trucks while the boom is placed in contact with a high voltage line. This system is to have three modules or sub systems: sensing, signal encode including transmit, and signal receive including display. With the present method, linemen read a boom-mounted ammeter using field glasses, while standing on the ground at a safe distance from the truck. For this project, a device will be designed, using the leakage current sensed by the existing analog ammeter which is then converted into digital form, and transmitted to a handheld device, where it is translated in a digital read out. This hand held device is read by a lineman, standing a safe distance from the truck. This will make reading the leakage current easier, to verify the insulation integrity of the boom. Safety of linemen working from buckets must be assured by keeping the leakage current below specified values. -Utility Linemen-Equipment Maintenance Personnel The device to be able to withstand normal weather conditions and withstand temperatures ranging from –30 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit. -The measured leakage current will range from 0 to 2000 microamps. -The receiving end will be within 100 feet of the boom truck. -The duty cycle is limited to the battery life. -The boom truck will only be in contact with one line at a time. -The Leakage Current Detection System is working correctly. -The KV value and allowable leakage current are known for the line. -Lab Testing: Includes operational testing of the sensor, transmitter, and receiver for functionality and accuracy. -Field Testing: The device will be given to the client to be tested in a real world environment. -Total estimated cost: $1000-Total estimated team effort: 623 hours Design a radio frequency (RF) system to transmit data from the top end of the boom to a remote hand held device on the ground. This RF system will utilize the existing leakage current sensor in analog form, then convert it to a digital signal that will be transmitted to a hand held device about 100 feet away. This receiving module will display the leakage the current or some system message (i.e. Low Battery) the resultant leakage current data will verify safety degree of the truck and boom. The new system will measure the insulation integrity of the boom and truck to provide the same safety information as the existing system, with no change in the safety concept. This system could also be used in various field locations as well as in laboratory settings. The new system will consist of a leakage current sensor, from the existing system, together with an analog to digital converter, plus a transmitter and hand held display device, capable of operating within 100 feet of the point of contact with the high voltage line. This will eliminate the need for field glasses and the large meter display. The system will also be easily tested to ensure proper readings in the field. The new system will not add significant size to the existing hardware to keep it mobile and easily adaptable to the existing system. It will also have to be durable to withstand normal temperature and weather conditions. The new device will also have to be powered by batteries and add no more than $100 to the existing system. -Interface with current unit: This will be judged by successful integration with the current probe assembly. -Data Input to programmable unit: This will be judged by the successful input of the measured current signal into the programmable logic unit. -RF Transmission/Reception: This will be determined by a successful transmission and receiving of a digital bit stream. -Receiver/Display Interface: This will be successful upon the completion of the system to decode and display data. Boom and Truck Being Tested Typical Boom Truck Boom Truck Controls Present Current Detecting and Display DeviceNew Current Detecting, signal Transmitting and Display System Acceptable Leakage Current Values