A computer vision early-warning ice detection system for the Smart Grid

A state of the art early ice warning system has been developed and implemented for the Manitoba Hydro Ice Storm Management Program. The vision based ice detection system measures ice accumulation using digital images directly from the overhead line conductors. The ice detection system provides early warning ice alarms, ice accumulation rate information and accurate visual information of ice profiles to the appropriate staff using the corporate WAN infrastructure. Additional research has been undertaken in the development of an algorithm to aid in the detection of hoar frost transformation to ice. Hoar frost on the transmission conductors presents little risk, however under certain conditions hoar frost can transform into ice very quickly, creating a serious condition. New digital image recognition methods are under development and are presented in this paper. It is envisioned that these methods can predict the rate of change of the transformation of hoar frost into ice and thus provide an early warning indication.