Abstract: The micro intelligent sensor is an important technology to realize the status detection of power equipment and ensure the stable operation of power system. The photosensitive nanomaterials-based photoelectric sensors have the characteristics of high sensitivity, low power consumption and high integration, which is expected to be fully deployed in the condition detection of power equipment and have broad application prospects. The photoelectric response mechanisms of nanomaterials and summarizes recent advances in nanomaterials-based photoelectric sensors with different dimensions is explored in this paper. Additionally, a system integration design is proposed for applications such as abnormal discharge detection and system with integrated capabilities of sensing, data storage, and processing, along with its application strategies. Finally, the current problems are summarized and the prospects in future research is outlined.