The management of critical assets in the energy value chain requires solutions that combine efficiency, sustainability and economic performance. To this end, it is essential to use digital services that enable real-time monitoring of equipment, anticipate failures and improve maintenance.
In this context, INESC-MN is developing a power meter for medium and low voltage lines. The system uses sensors that measure current without direct contact with cables. In addition, it is designed to operate autonomously: it does not require an external power source, using the magnetic field of the power line itself to generate the energy needed for its operation.
The project is currently in the phase of optimising the energy capture system to increase the available power. The sensors have already been selected and are being calibrated and prepared for testing in medium and low voltage environments, in collaboration with external partners. The system already integrates 4G communication, which is essential for data transmission in remote locations.
This project will contribute to more efficient and autonomous electrical networks, enabling continuous monitoring in hard-to-reach locations and significantly reducing operating costs and risks associated with manual maintenance of medium and low voltage assets.
