Case Study: Boosting Power Cable Reliability with Prysmian's DTS in Herum, Norway
In Herum, Norway, DSO Lede enhanced power cable reliability and efficiency using Prysmian’s DTS technology; the real-time monitoring system enabled early fault detection and optimized performance, setting a new standard for power distribution.
Project Overview: Enhancing Power Cable Efficiency in Herum, Norway
In Herum, Norway, the Distribution System Operator (DSO) Lede embarked on an ambitious project to enhance the reliability and efficiency of their medium voltage TSLF (Triple-Sheathed Low-Frequency) power cables. This project involved the application of Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) technology, produced by Prysmian, integrated with optical fibers within the power cables.
The Challenge: Addressing Cable Stability and Longevity Issues
Lede faced the challenge of ensuring the stability and longevity of their medium voltage TSLF power cables; these are crucial for maintaining a reliable power supply to the region. Using traditional monitoring methods would be inadequate for detecting localized hotspots and potential faults, potentially leading to cable failures. Lede needed a more advanced and precise monitoring solution.
The Solution: Implementing Prysmian's DTS Technology for Real-Time Monitoring
Prysmian's DTS system, which utilizes optical fibers embedded within the TSLF power cables, was the suited solution. This technology leverages the physical phenomenon of Raman scattering, where an optical laser pulse is transmitted through the fiber, and the scattered light is analyzed to measure temperature variations along the cable's length. It provides continuous, real-time data on the thermal conditions of the cables, and succesfully helped Lede to navigate through their challenges.
Implementation: Seamless Integration of DTS Systems
The optical fibers were integrated into the cables during the manufacturing process, ensuring seamless incorporation into the existing infrastructure. Moreover, the DTS system was then connected to a central monitoring station, where the data could be analyzed and visualized.
Benefits: Realizing the Advantages of DTS Technology
Prysmian's DTS technology brought several key benefits to Lede:
- Enhanced Monitoring: Real-time temperature data allowed for early detection of hotspots and potential faults, enabling proactive maintenance and reducing the risk of cable failures.
- Increased Efficiency: By continuously monitoring the thermal conditions, Lede could optimize the load on the power cables, ensuring they operated within safe temperature limits and maximizing their throughput
- Extended Cable Lifespan: Precise temperature monitoring prevented thermal overloads, extending the lifespan of the power cables and reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Cost Savings: Proactive maintenance and optimized cable usage resulted in significant cost savings for Lede, both in terms of reduced downtime and lower maintenance costs.
Conclusion: Pioneering Future Innovations
The successful implementation of Prysmian's Distributed Temperature Sensing technology on medium voltage TSLF power cables in by DSO Lede, showcases the potential of advanced monitoring solutions in enhancing the reliability and efficiency of power distribution networks. This project not only addressed the immediate challenges faced by Lede, but also set a precedent for future innovations in power cable monitoring.