High-voltage transmission lines present an opportunity for scientific experimentation. [Double M Innovations] has recently tested the concept of harnessing electricity from these lines using fixed fences in a YouTube video.
The experiment utilized a heavy-duty 88 µF, 1200 V capacitor, a full bridge rectifier, and a 73-meter (240 feet) coax cable connected to the bottom of the HV transmission lines. The cable was set at a height corresponding to a 1.2 m (4 ft) fence, ensuring no contact with the ground. One end of the copper coax shield was linked to the full bridge conductor, and the other end was connected to a metal pole. The capacitor was charged, reaching a voltage of 1000 VAC, and slowly built up to 1000 VDC. Based on the capacitance and final voltage measurements, approximately 36.2 Joule of energy could be collected, showcasing the potential of gathering power from several kilometers of insulation wire under high-voltage lines. Legal considerations regarding energy storage using a fence wire should be discussed with local power companies. Special thanks to [Keith Olson] for the tip.
