Smart grids rely on sensors: fault indicators, icing and galloping monitors, cameras, micro-weather stations and tower tilt sensors.
On remote spans, their biggest problem is not the sensor itself, but how to power it.
Running an auxiliary LV line along the route is expensive and slow. Battery-only systems force crews to climb towers for replacement. In bad weather, the device that should send an alarm is often the first one to die.
LinkSolar’s Overhead Line Power Supply System is designed exactly for this challenge. It mounts directly on the high-voltage conductor and turns line current + sunlight into a stable low-voltage supply for your monitoring equipment.
How the overhead line power system works
The unit is a compact, sealed platform designed for 35 kV and above overhead lines. It integrates three parts in one enclosure:
- Line current pickup – a built-in current transformer harvests a small amount of energy from the conductor.
- Curved solar module – the black curved surface on the housing adds extra power from sunlight.
- Battery and DC output – an internal Li-ion pack stores energy and provides a stable low-voltage DC output for your devices.
Once clamped to the conductor, the system continuously charges the battery whenever the line is energized or exposed to sun, keeping your sensors powered day and night with no external wiring.
Typical applications on transmission lines
This overhead line power platform is used wherever you need low-power electronics directly on the conductor or tower:
- Fault diagnosis and indicators
Power for fault passage indicators and compact fault recorders, improving location accuracy and reducing outage time. - Icing and galloping monitoring
Energy for image-based icing detectors and tension / angle sensors that measure galloping amplitude and warn before mechanical damage occurs. - Line corridor video and fire monitoring
Continuous power for small PTZ or bullet cameras watching the right-of-way for wildfire, intrusion or falling trees. - Micro-weather and tower condition monitoring
Supply for mini weather stations, sag and clearance sensors, and tower tilt devices in landslide or high-wind areas.
With one standard power platform, utilities and system integrators can deploy different sensors along the same route without redesigning the energy source each time.
How the system is installed and operates
Clamp-on aluminum housing
Lightweight die-cast aluminum body with hinged top/bottom and integrated clamp band. Designed for conductors 23–40 mm in diameter, with grip strength exceeding 50 N in the transverse direction.
Elliptical profile with integrated solar cover
The streamlined oval shape increases solar capture on the curved PV surface compared with flat enclosures. The PV is protected by a high-transmittance, high-strength, anti-yellowing glass shield.
Harsh-environment design
Fully sealed to IP66 with an operating temperature from –40 to +85 °C and humidity up to 100 % RH. Suitable for alpine, coastal, desert and tropical environments, up to 5500 m altitude.
Electrical Characteristics
Line voltage: 35 kV and above overhead transmission lines
CT input: designed for primary currents around 5–20 A; typical available power ≥1.5 W into downstream circuits
PV input: approx. 6 W nominal with ~22 % module efficiency
Battery: 7.4 V / 10 Ah Li-ion pack for multi-day autonomy
DC output: adjustable around 8.4 V to match your device input, with over-voltage and current-limit protection
Key benefits for utilities and system integrators
OEM and system integration with LinkSolar
LinkSolar can supply the overhead line power platform as a stand-alone product or as part of a complete monitoring solution.
- Output voltage, connectors and cable harnesses can be customized to your sensor and communication hardware.
- We design matching small solar modules and brackets when tower-mounted devices also need auxiliary power.
- Our engineering team supports power budgeting, site layout and pilot project planning for transmission utilities and solution providers.
