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Gridlytics Pulse:
A new generation tool for LV network management

Advanced analytics is rapidly becoming a key tool for power grid companies in maintenance, planning, and investment management. What potential does transformer analytics offer for cost-effective maintenance of power grids?

What does transformer analytics mean?

The decentralization of energy production and growing electricity distribution demand and changing demand patterns require smarter ways to manage network maintenance and investments.

Transformer analytics offers a concrete solution to this challenge. Transformer analytics allows transformer data to be used to support decision-making and improve the efficiency of the entire grid.

"Transformer analytics refers to the use of measurement and operational data collected from transformers and electrical network equipment with the help of analytics and artificial intelligence."

Our target is to provide DSOs better understanding of the transformers delivering electricity to the customers. Along with electrical measurements providing information on load, information on physical environment is provided to support maintenance.

Transformer analytics can be used to identify, among other things, overload situations, temperature deviations in transformers, power quality problems, and risk areas in the network before faults occur.

Transformer analytics benefits and requirements

Figure 1. Benefits of transformer analytics.  Based on the data obtained from the transformer, it is possible to enter the maintenance process into predictive maintenance model, where maintenance measures are targeted where they are really needed. Timely maintenance reduces disturbances and lowers maintenance costs.

Better maintenance and investment decisions with data

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Maintenance
optimisation

Analytics can be used to identify transformers that are at risk of failure. This allows maintenance resources to be allocated correctly. Instead of conducting maintenance according to a schedule, it is performed based on actual need.

Verkon luotettavuus

Network planning and investment support

The consumption data show where the load is increasing. This helps in accurate decisions about new investments: allocation and priorization.

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Improving the reliability
of the electricity grid

Transformer analytics enables rapid detection of faults and voltage fluctuations. This translates directly into improved power quality and reliability for end customers.

Why is transformer analytics important?

The operating environment for electricity networks has changed rapidly. Renewable energy production, electric vehicle charging networks, and the transition to electric heating place variable but intensive loads on the grid. This makes grid management more complex than ever before.

Without accurate data analytics, decisions will continue to be made based on averages, even though actual usage varies significantly between regions and even between individual substations.

Transformer analytics provides accurate visibility into what is really happening in the network – in real time and locally.

Marko Juntunen

I'd be happy to tell you more!

Would you like to discuss the possibilities of transformer analytics in more detail? Would you like to hear more practical examples?

You can contact me by phone at +358 400 164 261 or by email at marko.juntunen@advian.fi.

How is transformer analytics implemented in an electricity network company?

When transformer analytics is to be used in the maintenance of electrical networks, it is advisable to divide the implementation into three phases.

Step 1:
Data mapping and baseline analysis

First, we determine what information is already being collected about transformers and electrical network equipment and in what format the data is stored.

Step 2:
Building an analytics model


Based on the data, a model is developed that identifies anomalies and risk indicators. AI-based classifiers and prediction models, among other things, can be used.

Step 3:
Visualizing results and putting them into action


The results are presented in a user interface where maintenance and planning personnel can make decisions. The goal is for analytics to support daily work—not add to its complexity.

A more reliable network, more efficient maintenance, smarter investments

Transformer analytics can be used to improve network reliability, streamline maintenance, and make smarter investments. As transformer analytics continues to evolve, we may reach a point where the network automatically responds to faults and optimizes load in real time.

However, successful transformer analytics is not just a technical solution. To reach its full potential, transformer analytics is a strategic decision. To get the most out of analytics, you need both a data platform and organizational commitment to knowledge management.

Small device, big impact

At Advian, we have developed cost-effective, remotely controlled, and scalable solutions that utilize transformer analytics in collaboration with electricity network companies.

We have combined data management, machine learning, and energy industry expertise into a single service package that is easy for customers to use.

The device we have developed to enable transformer analytics can be easily retrofitted directly into the transformer.

After installation, the device's sensors begin collecting the data needed for transformer analytics. The device can be used to collect real-time transformer-specific sensor data as needed and create various alerts based on the data, such as:

  • Medium voltage switchgear SF6 gas pressure alarm
  • Transformer thermal relay alarm
  • Medium voltage switchgear short circuit indication (x3, from three different cells)
  • Door alarm
  • Light sensor
  • Earth fault indicator
  • Disconnector status information and control
  • Dust alarm

The device has 6 sensor slots (I/O) as standard and can be expanded to 14 sensor slots on a customer-specific basis. The device can be conveniently controlled remotely.

 

Transformer analytics in action
Figure 2. A cost-effective solution for collecting and analyzing transformer data. Based on the data obtained from the transformer, it is possible to switch to predictive maintenance, where maintenance measures are targeted where they are really needed. This reduces disruptions and lowers maintenance costs.

Summary: Successful transformer analytics in an electricity network company

The application of advanced analytics in everyday life gives electricity network companies better opportunities to operate efficiently, proactively, and responsibly.  Transformer analytics and its effective utilization are definitely an important part of this whole.

We think, that if you work in the planning, operation, or maintenance of electrical networks, you should definitely start collecting real-time data from transformers. But how should you get started? We can help you with these considerations.

Contact us and we will work with you to figure out how to harness the potential of transformer analytics for your business, what kinds of use cases could be implemented, and what challenges we might encounter.

The collaboration on the project was a great success.
Cooperation with Advian has been smooth and straightforward, leaving us with a positive impression as a customer.

The project would not have been successful without Advian's experts.

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