Arc Aid

Objective(s)

The project aims to:

• Trial the Metrysense 5000 fault indicator
• Demonstrate how this unit can be utilised to improve the fault location in case of ASC earthing configurations, therefore helping to keep Peterson coils network arrangements commissioned safely
• Analyse how reliable, robust and cost effective the new protection/monitoring system is
• Demonstrate how operational costs and CMLs can be reduced on trial feeders if the technology is successful
• Assess the safety improvement following the deployment of the units

Problem(s)

Table for ASC arrangements could help DNOs locate and resolve a fault faster than a full line patrol, reducing operational costs and improving safety, ultimately providing a better service to our customers.

Method(s)

This project will trial a new type of fault indicator (Metrysense 5000) which will help locate faults in a shorter time compared to a full line patrol, therefore reducing operational costs, the number of customers off supply and Customer Minutes Lost (CMLs). This will also decrease the time a live conductor could potentially be on the ground, and therefore will reduce the risk to members of the public.

Metrysense 5000 is a fault indicator suitable for the arc suppression coil network arrangement, which can offer detailed information to a DNO’s control centre on the fault location. This has been used successfully in other countries for similar network configurations but at higher voltage levels. This technology has never been tested in the United Kingdom.

Metrysense 5000 will send real time data once integrated into UK Power Networks’ and WPD’s SCADA system. As part of the project, the fault indicator will be tested first at the Power Networks Demonstration Centre (PNDC) in a simulated network environment. If the testing is successful, it will

be followed by training of operational staff, integration into the SCADA system, equipment installation and commissioning across five 11kV feeders in EPN and 10 33kV feeders from a Bulk Supply Point (BSP) in the South West.

• Scope

  The scope of the project is to:

  1. Procure the equipment required for the testing at the PNDC and for the network trial
  2. Test the Metrysense 5000 fault indicator at the PNDC in conditions that replicate the network
  3. Analyse the results from the PNDC trial to assess if the technology is suitable
  4. Train staff in the installation of these units
  5. Install units in EPN
  6. Install units in South West
  7. Integrate the sensors into UK Power Networks’ and Western Power distribution’s control and SCADA system
  8. Collect data in the trial area
  9. Review the success of the trial including the expected benefits. The business case (i.e. Cost Benefit Analysis -) will be updated based on the project findings and, if appropriate, a new standard and procedure for the implementation of the technology into the business will be created 
  10. If appropriate, plan the adoption of this new type of fault indicator as Business as Usual solution
• Success criteria

  The project will be considered successful if:

  • The units can be evaluated for fault location in 11kV and 33kV ASC networks
  • An assessment of the real benefits delivered by METRYSENSE 5000 fault indicator when installed on the network has been carried out to provide the evidence required to decide whether the solution should be implemented more widely or not.
• Potential for new learning

  This project will provide insight in how UK Power Networks and Western Power Distribution can continue to operate arc suppression coils while reducing fault location and interruption time and reducing the potential hazard. The data gathered will also help the industry understand cross-country faults, its wider implications and how they can be prevented. Cross-country faults are faults observed at a lower voltage level after automatic power restoration following a fault at a higher voltage. A correlation between cross-country faults and ASC operation has been noticed but little else is known with the current data. Reports will be created at the end of each testing phase, i.e. the simulated environment testing and the live feeder trial. This will be available to all DNOs and will be shared with the members of the Energy Networks Association relay and protection working group.

• Document and links

  Arc-Aid - NIA Project Registration and PEA Document

  Project Final Learnings Report 

• Monthly updates

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