NineSigma_RFP_60582

23611 Chagrin Blvd., Suite 320, Cleveland, OH 44122-5540 • Phone: (216) 295-4800 • www.ninesigma.com REQUEST # 60582 Monitoring System for Detecting Power Line Sag RFP format and graphics© Copyright 2009 NineSigma, Inc REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION NineSigma, representing a multi-billion dollar global electric and electronics equipment manufacturer, invites proposals for systems to detect sag for long distance overhead power lines. Of interest are systems that minimize or eliminate the use of distributed sensors along the power lines and on the towers. Typical power line configuration (see Figure 1): • Power line: 100-1,000 km • Span: a portion of line between adjacent towers, 0.3-1.0 km • Station: electric power station or sub-station • Critical clearance: critical distance between the power line and the object due to critical sag Anticipated sag monitoring and measurement technologies will: 1) Detect and measure sag with a maximum value between stations or substations. The maximum value is the greatest sag or the sag leading to a most critical clearance against the ground or objects. Necessary terrain information is provided by other means from the user of the monitoring system. Or, fied cific terrain information eing provided. hich is steps for achieving the target will be clarified. 2) The solution must be able to calculate the clearance between the line and the nearest object or the ground within the user-speci area, without spe b Specifications: • Monitoring cycle: 3 to 5 minutes • Sag/Clearance to ground or objects measurement accuracy: max 10 cm, w an ultimate target toward the phase 2 (commercialization) but not mandatory in phase 1 (technology development), if the Constraints: • Measurement can be done remotely, e.g., from electric power stations or sub-stations Measurement not only from 1 location but . quantity of sensors at the commercialization from 2 to 5 locations can be the solution. • No sensor device on each span or tower along the power lines is an ultimate target. However, such technologies should not be excluded that require a very limited quantity of sensors, e.g. 2-3 per 10 spans, or that can evolve to solutions with zero or a very limited RESPONSE DUE DATE: May 29, 2009 (click buttons above) MANAGER: Peter Yokoyama, yokoyama@ninesigma.com SOLUTION PROVIDER HELP DESK PHONE: 216-283-3901 Opportunity Technology Licensing, Contract Development, Joint Development Timeline Phase 1: Technology development (< 2 year) Phase 2: Commercialization (< 1 year) Financials Phase 1: ～300K USD (Depending on a complexity and a stage of development. Details to be discussed) Figure 1: Typical power line configuration NineSigma Request Page 2# 60582 Monitoring System for Detecting Power Line Sag 23611 Chagrin Blvd., Suite 320, Cleveland, OH 44122-5540 • Phone: (216) 295-4800 • www.ninesigma.com stage. Such sensors, if required, should be maintenance free. • Power line current should not be turned off at the installation of the proposed technology. Please use the response template for proposal submissions. (https://www.myninesigma.com/sites/public/_layout s/ProposalTemplates/Response_Template_60582. doc) BACKGROUND NineSigma’s client is seeking a real time high accurate sag monitoring and measurement technology with no or a very limited number of sensor devices on power lines. The objective is to pursue more scalable and cost effective solution than today’s technology as well as highly accurate measurement technology. Commonly used technologies for sag or clearance place sensor devices on each span or tower along the power lines to monitor and measure critical sags caused by local weather, unexpected defects or changes. The monitoring technologies built on sensor devices distributed on each span or tower, or those built on optical fiber cables installed along the power lines can certainly detect and measure the sag at a high accuracy. However, as the coverage of the power line increases, the installation and maintenance cost of such sensors or cables becomes a substantial cost for the common technologies. Anticipated values provided by the technology under exploration are cost effectiveness, scalability over the longer distance power lines, and an optimal use of a current transmission capacity based on Dynamic Current Rating. In order to launch such a technology at a right time, the client has decided to seek potential solutions from the global innovation community. POSSIBLE APPROACHES Enabling measurement technologies are based on but not limited to the following: • Time synchronized phasor measurements of power line current and/or voltages • Power Line Carrier (PLC) amplitude signal and/or frequency variation measurements • Ultrasonic guided wave measurement • Detecting irregularities or critical sag by measuring the phase difference of the electric surcharge at 2 or more locations • Use of a minimum number of sensors and a signal transmission method ○ Current sensor + GPS ○ Temperature sensor + wireless communication mean APPROACHES NOT OF INTEREST Approaches that require a high cost of installation, maintenance, and/or a costly operation: • Technology that requires camera, reflector, tension sensor, inclination sensor, GPS, etc. on each span or tower along power lines • Technology that requires installation of extra signal line, e.g. optical fiber along power lines • Solutions based on unmanned helicopter with cameras, laser sensing devices ANTICIPATED PROJECT PHASES OR PROJECT PLAN Phase 1: Technology development (< 2 year) • Feasibilities of the promising technologies are evaluated under the NDA after a preliminary screening of the incoming proposals. • Prototype and evaluate the technology that is judged feasible under a development agreement. Phase 2: Commercialization (< 1 year) • Development and verification continues to blush up the technology toward a commercialization. ITEMS TO BE INCLUDED IN THE PROPOSAL Please use the response template and include the followings in your proposals: • Organization information in brief • Overview of the proposed technology • Past achievements • Current performance (measurement accuracy, number of sensors per span, number of spans or span that can be measured) • Testing results that demonstrate a feasibility of the proposed or the baseline technology • Challenges to be overcome in order to meet the target specifications • Strength and uniqueness • Testing assets, e.g. their own power line, or access to public power line if partnering with electric utilities. NineSigma Request # 60582 Monitoring System for Detecting Power Line Sag Page 3 RESPONDING TO THIS REQUEST NON-CONFIDENTIAL DISCLOSURE By submitting a Response you represent that the Response does not and will not be deemed to contain any confidential information of any kind whatsoever. Your Response should be an executive summary (about 3 pages). The Response should briefly describe the technical approach and provide information on technology performance, background, and description of the responding team and their related experience. A Response Template is available from our website. By submitting a Response, you acknowledge that NineSigma’s client reserves the sole and absolute right and discretion to select for award all, some, or none of the Responses received for this announcement. NineSigma’s client also may choose to select only specific tasks within a proposal for award. NineSigma's client has the sole and absolute discretion to determine all award amounts. RESPONSE EVALUATION NineSigma’s client will evaluate the Response using the following criteria: • Overall scientific and technical merit of the proposed approach • Approach to proof of concept or performance • Potential for proprietary position (i.e., is the technology novel or protectable) • Economic potential of concept • Respondent’s capabilities and related experience • Realism of the proposed plan and cost estimates The client will contact respondents with highly responsive proposals for next steps. 23611 Chagrin Blvd., Suite 320, Cleveland, OH 44122-5540 • Phone: (216) 295-4800 • www.ninesigma.com