Mar 5 2015
Micromem Technologies Inc. ("Micromem") ("the Company") through its wholly owned subsidiary, Micromem Applied Sensor Technologies Inc. (MAST), is pleased to announce that it has successfully demonstrated the installation of the mounting system that will be used to house its patent pending Power Line Condition Monitoring sensor suite using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).
The sensor platform incorporates 14 MEMS sensors, scavenges power from the catenary using patent pending techniques, automatically establishes a mesh communication network upon installation and weighs less than two pounds. The system is fully operational upon installation. This is another example of smart infrastructure that will provide wireless real time communication of the status of the power lines to a central station.
UAV Attachment Mechanism for Power Line Condition Monitoring Device
The test was done on power lines adjacent to the Vandenberg Air Force bases in California. A video of the installation is being prepared and will be added to the website. The test established that Micromem can install approximately 20 units per hour. The trademark and patent pending "clam shell" being used is the actual size and weight of the housing unit and was manufactured by using a 3D printer. See illustration of the "clam shell" below.
The ability to use a UAV virtually eliminates the cost and time involved in the installation of these types of devices particularly over long distances and terrain that is difficult to access. This demonstration will allow Micromem, in conjunction with its utility partner, to begin installation for live testing of completed Power Line Monitoring sensor devices by July 2015.