Proactive Condition Monitoring for Power Grid

Abstract

Increased dependability and the demand of electric power have compelled the electrical utilities to focus on the modernization of power distribution systems. One of the major deriving forces to modernize is the demand for improved reliability, efficiency, and safety of power grid. This asks for optimization of capital assets while minimizing the operation and maintenance costs of the network. Currently, implementation of smart grid technologies is the key focus of EU in power system arena. Complying with the road map of the European Strategic Energy Technology Plan SET 2020 and SET 2050, broad ranging smart grid transformation is bringing both opportunities and challenges [1]. Because of smart grid based technological advancements, physical and operational character of the network is changing. One of the major targets of the energy roadmaps is the advancements in the methodologies for monitoring and diagnostics of the network components in order to extend the in-service lifetime of the power networks. The additional operational challenges requires significant upgradation of the condition monitoring solutions for critical components of the network that is the aim of this research work.