Secondary substations are crucial components for the operation of the distribution grid. Unfortunately, most secondary substations today are not monitored at all and the condition of the substation is inspected onsite once a year. Hence, the substation could have the door open or be affected by flooding without the knowledge of the distribution companies.

We believe the secondary substation of the future will incorporate intelligent devices for sensing, controlling, and decision making. This will play an important role in order to achieve more cost-effective operations of the future electric distribution grid. Increased monitoring of the secondary substations will also, along with new tools and methodologies for decision support lead to more optimal planning and asset management of the future system.

Projects

Digital Inspection Elvia

Digital Inspection Agder Energi

Digital Inspection ABB Electrification

Can use of advanced sensor technology improve the monitoring of substations and at the same time reduce the need for manual inspections? That is what we are trying to find out together with CINELDI-partner Elvia.

In this Pilot we are testing different sensors to see if we can make inspection and monitoring of secondary substations more efficient. We are e.g. testing proximity and touch sensors to see if we can identify open doors and position of switchesm, and temperature sensors which can make identification of faulty components faster. In addition, we are testing a more experimental sensor for identification of falling threes on the power line. See more about this part of the project in the video above. So far 2000 sensors with 200 cloud connectors from CINELDI partner Disruptive Technologies have been installed.

Contact person Elvia:

What is the value of using sensor technology for monitoring of secondary substations?

Together with CINELDI-partner Agder Energi Nett we test and evaluate the value of monitoring using different sensors in the secondary substation. Temperature, humidity and proximity sensors from CINELDI-partner Disruptive Technology are installed in 33 secondary substations, where they are being tested to evaluate if they are suited for the purpose. They data collected will be presented in relevant systems for decision-makers.

Important issues investigated in this pilot is the operation of the entire value chain for the sensors, from collection to analysis. And the evaluation of the utility value of sensors for the distribution company.

Contact person Agder Energi Nett:

Digital inspection involves development and testing of a modular solutions for connecting storage, inverters and sensors to ABBs smart secondary substations in order to demonstrate utility value and develop a standard product for the national and international market.

Contact person at ABB Electrification: