University of Akron professors develop sensors to predict, detect, prevent electrical power outages

Story excerpt provided by Cleveland Plain Dealer. Written by Megan Becka.

AKRON, Ohio – The ability to predict, detect and prevent electrical power outages is now possible thanks to University of Akron electrical engineering professors Jose Alexis De Abreu-Garcia and Yilmaz Sozer.

The duo are using detection technology from Exacter, Inc. and scaling it down for electrical distribution and transmission line applications. The cell phone-sized “smart sensors” can detect and measure radio frequency signals emitted from electrical equipment. The sensors will allow electric utility companies to monitor the health of the power grid on an ongoing basis, and locate any locations that could cause power failures.

“The sensors being developed by our team will be measuring various factors that can adversely impact electrical transmission and cause power outages,” said De Abreu-Garcia in a news release. “Many of these measurements are not being monitored or collected today.”

Click here to read the complete article. Originally published April 10, 2018.