Case Study
HV Feeder Monitoring to Pre-Empt Faults
Key benefits/themes:
Customer | Health & Safety | Financial
The Challenge
Distribution network operators (DNO) are required to keep customer lights on safely at the lowest possible cost. However, occasional power cuts remain inevitable and DNO are committed to minimising their impact.
Any supply interruptions are tracked and measured using the customer interruptions (CI) and customer minutes lost (CML) metrics. Most CI and CML on the high voltage (HV) network. The DNO implement a variety of measures to reduce these, most of which tackle faults that have already occurred. While operational teams are on standby to carry out repairs, this can be complex and time consuming depending on the location of the fault.
The DNO recognise that improvements could be made to network performance and costs by monitoring key network characteristics in real time and implementing proactive intervention strategies. This required having a better understanding of:
1. Identifiable network characteristics before different faults occur
2. Operational processes to successfully pre-empt an emerging fault
3. Identifiable network characteristics before different types of faults occur
4. Methods for identifying the location of an emerging fault
5. Operational processes and steps to be followed to successfully pre-empt an emerging fault.
The Solution
In order to address this challenge, this project trialled distribution fault anticipation (DFA) technology to help identify network faults, including in situations before customer power supplies were adversely interrupted.
DFA devices, which consist of an integrated smart disturbance recorder and data repository, deployed in tandem with a network analysis tool (ASPEN Distriview) for site location purposes, were installed in substations.
The DFA system works by monitoring voltage and current on electricity circuits to detect the smallest of network disturbances, which are often below the threshold of traditional network protection systems. The device then assesses both 'normal' and 'abnormal' waveforms via a sophisticated internal algorithm library, presenting the outcomes to DNO in near real time for consideration to enable best course of action.
Chino Atako, Senior Asset Engineer
UK Power Networks
"The successful trial of the DFA solution has demonstrated that it is possible to pre-empt faults on the HV distribution network. Funding streams such as the NIA (and similar) are essential for identifying novel solutions to deliver continuous network improvements."
Project Partners
New Zealand-based Lord Consulting, along with partner company Lord Power Equipment, put forward the solution in response to call for innovation that was launched by the EIC on behalf of UKPN in 2017.
UK-based Nortech Innovation also contributed a fault passage indicator technology to the project
The EIC guided the innovators through the innovation call process and supported the innovators with project plan development, legal contracting and project delivery which, thanks to network innovation allowance (NIA) funding, included trials with UK Power Networks and Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN).
Over the past four years, the trials have provided evidence that the DFA technology has the potential to deliver early earning and fault locations before (or immediately after) an abnormality occurs on the distribution network. This represents a significant step forward since it will help DNO to perform repairs before they result in an unplanned interruption of supply.
The Project
The aim of the project was to test the DFA devices alongside other network monitoring equipment, such as fault passage indicators.
A trial was performed at the Power Networks Demonstration Centre (PNDC) at Strathclyde University to determine the suitability of the hardware to be used on systems in the UK. This included a review of the installation process and tests to simulate selected fault scenarios, before committing to installations on the distribution networks.
The project has helped establish how the DFA technology can be used alongside other DNO operational software, such as 'Power On' to provide an effective way to identify and locate network anomalies on HV and 33kV feeders, either before, or immediately after faults appear.
It has also enabled new learning in the following areas.
1. Viability of this real-time method to consistently identify disturbances on the electricity network
2. Types of pre-fault conditions that could be detected by the device
3. Process to identify the source of disturbances
4. Process to effectively use outputs from the device to identify and repair the network before faults appear.
The Impact
Customer
Reduction in power supply interruptions to customers.
Health & Safety
Potential safety improvements for operational staff or public around DN assets.
Financial
Reduction in fault repair costs and potential way to improve network performance.
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.
Next steps
The project has now concluded but trials remain ongoing, providing additional learning to both UKPN and SSEN.
Once the trials have been completed, the DNO plan to test the market for similar or complementary solutions, before potentially committing to a wider BAU roll-out.
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