Case Study
132kV GIS Cable Termination Monitoring
Gas insulated switchgear (GIS) are installed in some 132kV substations to control, protect and isolate power systems.
There may be times where the cable termination connections are not completely secured to the switchgear. Due to cooling, during large and relatively fast load reductions, potentially two scenarios could happen.
1. The cable conductor can contract along its length, leading it and the insulation to pull out from the rest of the termination, potentially resulting in partial discharge (PD) causing damage to the termination
2. The cable conductor contracts along its length leaving the insulation intact, potentially leading to partial discharge activity resulting in the termination insulation becoming compromised and causing damage to the cable sealing end (CSE).
Currently there isn't a non-intrusive way of testing these terminations in situ to determine if they're mechanically secured. An intrusive inspection to examine the terminations could result in permanent damage to the equipment, therefore making it necessary to fit new lengths of cable to the termination.
The expense of an intrusive inspection would be disproportionate to the perceived risk and lengthy power outages.
The Solution
The project is currently developing a monitoring system capable of detecting faults in the cable sealing ends (CSE) before they cause a power network system failure (known as a flashover), resulting in customer outage.
The solution will record and analyse readings from the CSE and provide early warnings of potential faults, enabling the network to respond and resolve any detected issues accordingly.
Approach
The EIC launched a call for innovation on behalf of SP Transmission, as part of which Elimpus' idea was shortlisted. All parties were then subsequently supported with the development of project plan and assisted the completion of legal contractual arrangements in accordance with the Network Innovation Allowance (NIA) framework.
The Project
The project started in July 2023 and has eight stages. The aim is to develop a hardware capable of measuring temperature, partial discharge and vibration simultaneously within the system. This hardware will continuously monitor these critical variables non-invasively and provide fault alarms, ensuring any issues are promptly detected and resolved.
Key Lessons:
1. The thermal modelling of the CSE required 3D modelling as opposed to 2D for a more reliable analysis of components
2. Reliance on third parties for relevant project information has caused delays due to queries around intellectual property.
New Steps
Following the thermal modelling of analysis of the CSE, the next step is to design and manufacture a suitable monitoring device for installation in a substation to monitor/analyse the CSE data.
The Project
Live field trials demonstrated various benefits for network partners, including reduced operational expenditure (OPEX). One trial conducted on a sample section of the gas distribution network in the north of England demonstrated that LeakVISION reduced the overall time required to locate and repair multiple gas escapes, minimising disruption to customers.
As part of the SIF funded project, a trial was completed in a live hydrogen pipeline to assess the device’s functionality and its capability to safely detect leaks. The trial proved successful, providing confirmation that both the deployment and retrieval approach for the device are secure.
- The successful implementation of a live thermal imaging robotic system within an operational gas distribution network.
- The system potentially could identify specific ‘areas of interest’ that require remediation.
- The system has future capability to guide more agile asset investment decisions.
- A robotic device that uses a heating element to warm-up flowing gas, in a live distribution network, safely and without incident.
- Identification of design improvements for field operations.
The Impact
Customer Service
Minimised disruptions from excavations to assess pipes in difficult to reach places.
Societal
Reductions in the number of excavations and faster repair times.
Environmental
Reductions in the volume of gas vented to the atmosphere during complex-to-locate gas escapes.
Operational
A reduced number of excavations will lead to improved safety and will result in fewer injuries to operatives.
The Project
The aim of StreetScore Phase 2 project was to improve the accessibility and experience of street works for customers in vulnerable situations and the wider public. The focus was on prototyping and validating concepts that could minimise disruptions experienced during street works, before potentially undertaking further developmental and testing activities that facilitates the transition to Business as Usual (BAU) deployment(s).
Workshops were also held to facilitate active engagement between network operators and key stakeholders, such as community groups, charities and advocacy groups. These sessions allowed network operators to develop a greater understanding of the challenges faced by customers in vulnerable situations and provided valuable insights into how customers adapt their behaviours and lifestyle around street works. The feedback gathered has also helped to inform the shortlisting of potential prototypes and concepts for future development.
The Impact
Customers
Improvements in accessibility and safety around street works, particularly for customers in vulnerable situations.
Community engagement
Improved engagement between network operators and third parties like community groups and charities.
Health and safety
Potential to reduce the number of incidents for customers when navigating street works. Learnings from the project have also enabled recommendations for changes or updates to existing regulations.
Financial
Improved guidance in working around street works thus reducing instances of fines for networks.
The Impact
Customers
Improvements in accessibility and safety around street works, particularly for customers in vulnerable situations.
Community engagement
Improved engagement between network operators and third parties like community groups and charities.
Health and safety
Potential to reduce the number of incidents for customers when navigating street works.
Financial
Improved guidance in working around street works thus reducing instances of fines for networks.
Access to the latest opportunities in the industry
Funding support and guidance
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Access to the latest opportunities in the industry
Funding support and guidance
Connect and collaborate with innovators in the industry
Sign up to our energy innovation hub to take advantage of the benefits and see our innovation opportunities