Smart Grid Projects - DNV Kema

20ProjectKEMA has introduced a unique, innovative system called KEMA Smart Cable Guard ® , whichcontinuously listens to the ‘heartbeat’ of an MV cable by monitoring and locating partialdischarge activity. At each end of the cable, a sensor and a control unit are installed tomeasure partial discharge (PD) activity along the entire length of the cable connection whileit is in use. The measurements are sent by GPRS to KEMA’s control center, where they areanalyzed and interpreted. When critical PD values are detected, details of the defect’slocation are sent to the network operator, with advice about what should be done.The network operator can then take precautionary action, such as redirecting the power orplacing a generator set to secure the supply before doing the necessary repairs. In this way,the operator can avoid the adverse media reports, unhappy customers and possiblecompensation claims liable to result from a blackout. A continuous flow of information aboutthe condition of the cable network also provides the owner with a foundation for optimizedreplacement and maintenance strategies and efficient risk management. It also meanspreviously unavailable insight into the behavior of MV cables and accessories.Benefitsn Continuous access to MV network status informationn Early warnings and advice about appropriate actionn Indicative distance-to-defect informationn Reduction and distribution of maintenance costsn No need to interrupt power during installation or daily usen Prevention of negative publicity and claim reductionn Public image enhancement: innovative and reliable grid managementProject coordinatorn KEMA, the NetherlandsProject partnersn Alliander, the Netherlandsn Eindhoven University of Technology, the Netherlandsn Enexis, the Netherlandsn Stedin, the NetherlandsProject detailsn Duration: 2005 – Ongoing