The Silent Revolution

by Mario Kuisis

 

Predictive Relay Technology

                                                               

In the world of technology

Significant milestones are reached

Sometimes with great fanfare

Sometimes almost going unnoticed

But always with a lasting impact

Predictive Relay Technology

Represents such a milestone, and

Is in danger of going unnoticed, but

Deserves more attention!

Why?

Cost savings and efficiency

Brought about by

Reduced day-to-day maintenance costs

Reduced plant downtime

Prevention of failures

How?

By embracing predictive diagnostics in the form of

Predictive Relay Technology

To understand a predictive relay, let’s use an illustration close to home

What is a Predictive Relay?

Imagine you are in good health . . . with a permanently connected micro ECG, also monitoring your temperature,

breathing, perspiration rate, etc., with micro-computer aided diagnostics, and GSM contact to your heart specialist. What are your chances of heart failure?

Chances of heart failure in this situation are certainly minimised, more likely totally eliminated, provided the specialist reads the danger signals gives you adequate warning and good advice for corrective action which you take seriously.

What is a Predictive Relay?

What is a Predictive Relay?

The combination of the micro ECG machine the sensors for temperature, etc. the micro-computer the diagnostic software & specialist the GSM modem together constitute a Predictive

Relay

What is a Predictive Relay?

A predictive relay continuously monitors condition together with influencing operational & environmental parameters which it stores, analyses, trends and interprets in order to diagnose the present status and make a prognosis of future condition. If life-threatening deterioration is predicted it communicates programmed alarm or preventative action.

Definition of a Predictive Relay

Relating this to power station plant

Electrical machines also have “hearts” Recent research has produced the

equivalent of the ECG machine and diagnostics software

Robust micro-computers with extensive data storage and processing power are common

Sensor technology has advanced equally Communication is possible almost

anywhere

This means

Predictive relay technology is now a commercial reality for most items of critical electrical power station plant

This includes Generators Motors Transformers Switchgear Peripheral MV, HV & EHV equipment

Why is this so important?

It is customary to invest heavily in protective relays

No electrical system is built without them

But these serve only to limit damage They are a form of insurance We assume the fault “will happen” Why not apply the same approach to

prevent the fault in the first place?

A revolutionary solution

Because it has never before been possible in the form of a

Practical, Economic Device!

Until now, this has been the preserveof costly, risky and complex special periodic tests of limited value requiring experts to interpret

How does this help?

The diagnostics available from the device pinpoints the defect

Limited repair or refurbishment is quicker and cheaper than complete repair or replacement – sometimes nil!

Downside system damage is prevented System uptime is not compromised

Why has it not been done before?

The technological hurdles are enormous

Measurement sensitivity

Extreme environments

High level data processing and storage

Advanced signal processing techniques

Need for compatibility with plant systems

Ability to measure all parameters

Need for flexible communication options

Need for robustness

Need for absolute reliability

Calibration issues

Need for simplicity

Why has it not been done before?

These hurdles have been overcome!

Status of the technology

Predictive relay technology is well established in a large number of 1st world countries

Benefits have been proven through identification of a large number of incipient faults which were exposed on pre-emptive removal and inspection

Illustration

Examples: predictive relay applications

How to take advantage

First and foremost, a new mindset

Don’t just limit fault damage with a protective relay

Prevent the fault with a Predictive Relay

Summary A revolutionary technological milestone

has been reached Faults on key power station plant can

now be predicted and avoided This is achieved by supplementing

Protective Relays with Predictive Relays The technology is fully commercialised,

proven and readily available

Thank you

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