Does waveform analysis hold the key to a predictive grid?

• Published in: 2014 Clemson University Power Systems Conference pp. 1 - 5
• Main Author: Nulty, Greg
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: IEEE 01.03.2014
• Subjects: algorithms; asset management; circuit breakers; distributed power generation; fault currents; fuses; power generation; power grid; power system faults; power system harmonics; reactive power; relays; Reliability; SCADA systems; substation; Switches; transmission lines
• DOI: 10.1109/PSC.2014.6808104

Waveforms can reveal what is a normal operation within your distribution and what is not. When fault current is detected, waveforms of the event and background information (e.g. temperature, GPS location, time) can reveal a lot not only about the real-time conditions of your electric grid, but these signatures could also hold the keys to predicting how to prevent future problems before they arise. But, capturing fault current is not enough to give utilities 100 percent visibility into the potential trouble spots on the distribution network. By capturing, classifying and analyzing fault currents, momentaries and line disturbances that do not cause immediate outages with a software analytics tool, we can build intelligence about what might cause a power failure in the future. For example, incidents like momentaries or line disturbances that spike seasonally across a circuit could prioritize needs around vegetation management. Or, by counting waveform signatures that are normal like recloser operations, it is possible to know when maintenance or replacement is needed - valuable information for a conditioned based asset management strategy.