Prisma Photonics, which has been using optical fibers to monitor Israel’s national transmission electrical grid since 2020, was awarded a contract by Israel Electric Corporation (IEC) to extend coverage to 1,000 km (over 620 miles), which is 20% of the transmission grid.
Prisma Photonics said its solution will monitor events threatening the regular operation of the power network and alert on faults with exact geographical locations. Its solution uses the existing optical fiber network to monitor hundreds and even thousands of kilometers on the grid. It measures weather conditions around the electrical lines, locating faults and vandalism. The information and alerts pinpoint the location of the closest power tower, enabling quick response to restore service to normal. PrismaPower also uncovers slow processes such as partial discharges, which can harm the network, thus allowing preventive maintenance and increasing the power network’s resiliency.
“We’re happy to expand our collaboration with Prisma Photonics and believe in the power of advanced technology to address environmental and climate challenges, taking the energy ecosystem forward,” says Amir Livne, Senior VP of Strategy and Innovation, IEC. “Prisma Photonics adds an important aspect to Israel Electric Corporation’s commitment to innovation, developing and improving our existing grid while facing the growth in power demand and realizing our long-term net zero and renewable energy visions. A reliable, valuable, and accessible electric supply for Israel must be maintained.”
“We are extending our coverage to 1,000 km using new technology to a span no one has attempted before. It is an impressive and trustful step by IEC, following our initial collaboration”, says Dr. Eran Inbar, Prisma Photonics CEO. “The extension could improve the Israeli power ecosystem, presenting an innovative solution to market obstacles here, in Israel, and abroad. Adding Dynamic Line Rating to assess transmission line capacity will enhance power delivery over existing lines during peak demand. Without installing additional sensors on the wires, all this will be accomplished over IEC’s existing optical fiber network.”
