Network operators across the UK are now making substantial investments in monitoring equipment. With a wide range of equipment being selected, from simple load monitors through to the most sophisticated devices which not only monitor load but capture the small signals which indicate developing issues that, left un-addressed would impact customers years into the future.
It is anticipated that these devices will help the operators predict developing issues in time to counter them, but with the discussion focused on the technology deployed within the monitor, and how the data streams are handled and processed, an important point is often overlooked…before a monitor can add any value at all, it has to be installed. Not only that, but it must be installed correctly, and safely – not just for those who are carrying out the installation work, but for those who will work in the substations for the next fifteen or twenty years.
Imagine, in ten years’ time, if data from a monitor suggests that a problem is developing that requires urgent action be taken on a feeder – only to find out that the device had been incorrectly labelled or installed many years before. This could lead to knowing that there is a problem but on an unknown feeder in an unknown substation. This highlights the importance of not only performing each installation correctly, but also of recording each installation correctly.
Hundreds of thousands of monitors are planned to be deployed over the next five to ten years, this poses an important question - how do operators’ resource this as well as daily network management tasks and urgent responses to faults? In the current labour market, there are real challenges in resourcing installation teams, resulting in high quantities of monitors being left on shelves, rather than creating value on the network.
There are also a diverse number of LV monitors on the market, each with unique ways of installing. With network operators making investments in different types of monitors, this poses the challenge of training teams on each of these installation types. This makes it difficult for those who do manage to carry out installations to achieve economies of experience, or to seamlessly adopt best practise in their work.
Recognising the challenges facing the industry, Kelvatek has been working in partnership with a leading UK DNO to install thousands of LV monitors across their network over the past three years. After securing the appropriate authorisations required to manage and undertake monitor installations the Kelvatek teams can be used exclusively, or to augment a customer’s own resources.
Our dedicated installations teams have summarised installation best practice and key considerations;
- Prioritise installations on historically poor performing circuits. Kelvatek’s data scientists have been able to perform an in-depth analysis based on historic data sets and made a prioritised list of recommended circuits for the customer to review and decide upon.
- Ensure you invest in a monitor which has voltage and current monitoring cable sets supplied as standard as this allows monitors to be easily retrofitted to existing substation infrastructure.
- Consider how the monitor is ergonomically designed and ensure good cable husbandry when installing. This will ensure the monitors don’t impede everyday maintenance operations within a substation.
- How will the device be commissioned? For example, Kelvatek’s LV monitor PRESense, has an intuitive mobile phone/tablet application which features automatic substation geolocation, selectable network parameters and editable data input options to capture network data discrepancies to ensure a seamless commission.
- What happens if your installation teams run into challenges when installing? Does the supplier offer ongoing support? Kelvatek offers 24/7 remote support ensuring installation teams can get the right advice when they need it most.
- The benefits of an LV monitor are only realised if the installation and commissioning process is completed with data accuracy in mind. Confirmation of feeder cable routing and corresponding site labels with network plans is essential, with any errors being noted.
- Voltage connection on enclosed boards without a spare feeder way will require the fitment of fuse handles equipped with power take off. Site preparation is highly recommended and a back feed employed to prevent short interruptions to supply.
The installation challenge is unfortunately likely to continue in the medium term, and although with time installation best practice can be achieved, resource is only going to continue becoming more constrained as consumers become more reliant on the network. Working with a dedicated installation partner who has an expert team, can network operators navigate this challenge and ensure they are getting a ROI from their LV monitors from the offset.
