Introduction

The reliability and operational efficiency of grid can be greatly improved using condition monitoring (CM) technology. CM on the components of transmission and distribution network not only prevents component and consequential network failure, it supports effective predictive i.e. condition-based maintenance to improve the operational efficiency. In Singapore, online CM technology has been widely adopted in transmission network. However, due to current high cost of online CM technology at distribution level, manual CM is still the only practical approach undertaken by most utilities worldwide. Therefore, developing a cost-effective online CM system is imperatively important to further enhance the reliability and improving operational efficiency of distribution network.

Objective

This R&D project aims at developing a cost-effective and advanced online CM system for distribution switchgear to enable applying online CM technology and condition-based maintenance strategy for distribution networks in Singapore and beyond.

Methodology

The project will leverage various advanced technologies in developing this online CM system that include:

• Sensing technology on developing cost-effective partial discharge (PD) sensors to detect and pick up PD signals;
• Integrated circuit (IC) technology on developing cost-effective data acquisition (DAQ) module to converter analog signal to digital signal for advanced data processing,
• Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies for PD Detection/PD identification to facilitate switchgear health diagnostics; and
• IT and communication technology for a whole online CM system for monitoring all distribution switchgear across Singapore.

Outcome

This research project will deliver a novel, cost-effective and advanced online CM solution to monitor distribution switchgears in real-time. This includes trending analysis to advance the utility asset management strategy. Such pre-empt approaches will drastically reduce outages of distribution network.

The developed online CM technology will enhance the reliability and operational efficiency of distribution network in Singapore, and possibly be adopted worldwide in other electrical grids (transmission and distribution).