Camber Protection Systems

Reducing Wildfire Risk Through Advanced Broken Conductor Detection

Patented technology for advanced, high-sensitivity detection across transmission and distribution—enabling faster response and improved safety without hardware upgrades or communications-based schemes.

Viking Protection Systems Advancing Grid Safety and Wildfire Risk Mitigation

Viking Protection Systems, LLC, a majority-owned subsidiary of Camber Energy, Inc., delivers patented technologies that enhance grid safety, reliability, and performance through advanced broken conductor detection—supporting utilities in reducing wildfire risk and strengthening system resilience.

Engineered for transmission and distribution systems, Viking’s solutions enable high-sensitivity detection of open-conductor conditions and rapid protective response. Designed for seamless integration within existing infrastructure, they provide scalable protection enhancements without reliance on communications-based schemes or significant hardware modifications.

Consequences of an “Open Conductor”

When a high voltage conductor ‘breaks’ or ‘opens’ one or both sides of the conductor will contact ground or touch a grounded steel structure – which typically takes up to 1.5 seconds to occur – resulting in potential adverse reliability and safety (e.g. fire) consequences.

Gaps in Existing Protection Methods

Conventional protection systems frequently struggle to detect open-conductor events, especially under normal load conditions where fault current may be insufficient for reliable operation. Existing solutions often require communications infrastructure or specialized hardware, limiting scalability and increasing implementation complexity.

Rapid, Reliable Detection & Protective Response

Viking’s technology enables high-sensitivity, reliable detection of open-conductor conditions and initiates protective action within sub-second timeframes. Designed for seamless integration into existing infrastructure, it supports rapid deployment without reliance on communications-based schemes.

Features & Benefits of
Viking's Protection System:

Enhances Existing Technology

Requires no new hardware. Viking's  solution is a logic-based application that works within existing relays and reclosers.

Simple, Standalone Solution

No need for a central control system with costly, complex individual components that are inherently less reliable than Viking's solution

Cybersecurity

Resides within the existing equipment’s cybersecurity ecosystem
The speed within which the system can detect an open conductor (i.e. break in the power line), and therefore de-energize the circuit quicker
The speed within which the system can detect an open conductor (i.e. break in the power line), and therefore de-energize the circuit quicker
The speed within which the system can detect an open conductor (i.e. break in the power line), and therefore de-energize the circuit quicker
The speed within which the system can detect an open conductor (i.e. break in the power line), and therefore de-energize the circuit quicker
The speed within which the system can detect an open conductor (i.e. break in the power line), and therefore de-energize the circuit quicker
The speed within which the system can detect an open conductor (i.e. break in the power line), and therefore de-energize the circuit quicker

Problems with Existing Systems

Conventional methods that have been in use for over 50 years rely on a short circuit occurring from an energized line falling to the ground, at which time the system recognizes the short circuit and terminates the power source. These methods do not de-energize a broken powerline fast enough to prevent arcing which is a major cause of fires, and in some cases the existing system may not de-energize the line at all.
Public Safety Power Outages

Public Safety Power Shutdown Programs (PSPS) are Inefficient and Costly

PSPS programs require utilities to manually shut off electricity on transmission and distribution lines in fire-prone areas during high-risk periods. PSPS's have significant limitations and drawbacks:Major societal and economic disruptions and creates other public safety hazards.Takes out large areas to protect a small specific locationDoes not protect the area outside of the PSPS area. When an energized line outside of PSPS area makes contact with the ground or a grounded structure - sparks fly!Relies on human-to-human communication to initiate and execute the program and does not provide 24/7/365 protection.

Viking Protection Systems' Patented Solution is Designed to Prevent the Spark that Starts the Fire

Viking's solution detects a broken conductor and immediately de-energizes the line before it reaches the ground. Our technology integrates seamlessly with existing grid protection systems to:
Prevent fires and significantly improve public safety
Improve resiliency and reliability
Minimize the need for PSPS
Public Safety Power Outages

Technology Founder

Bob Stuart

“Every electric utility around the world can benefit from it [the technology]”
- Bob Stuart
Mr. Stuart has over 50 years of engineering, operation and protection experience with electric production, transmission, systems protection and control and substation design. He is a recognized expert in transmission system operation and system protection design and application for generation, transmission and distribution. Bob retired in 2004 as Manager of Operations Engineering from PG&E after thirty-five years of service. During his distinguished PG&E career, he led major initiatives in system protection, transmission operation, control, and disturbance analysis.

Throughout his career, Bob has been an innovator and has successfully championed the application of microprocessor technology for system protection and in the use of fault tolerant remedial action schemes. He has been involved in several projects related to power system reliability, design and review of protection standards and has led the effort to design and implement special protection and remedial action schemes to prevent blackouts. Bob was also the Principal Investigator for a NASA SBIR Phase II project, “Holomorphic Embedded Load Flow Methods for Autonomous Spacecraft Power Systems” in support of NASA’s Manned Mission to MARS project.

Education: (i) B.S., Electrical Engineering, California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo Senior Project on design of 500 kV substation; (ii) Registered Professional Engineer – State of California - License No. E8876; State of Texas – License No, 131616.
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Interested in Viking Protection Systems Broken Conductor Protection Technologies?

Contact Us
12 Greenway Plaza, Suite 1100, Houston, TX 77046
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