Intelligent Line Monitoring System

GEDigital Energy

g imagination at work

Multilin™ Intelligent Line Monitoring SystemCost effective end-to-end solution delivering actionable intelligence through advanced analyticsThe Multilin Intelligent Line Monitoring System is an end-to-end overhead line monitoring solution with advanced analytics that provides actionable intelligence to distribution utilities for improving the reliability and efficiency of their networks. GE’s innovative solution enables utilities to maximize network throughput, reduce outage duration through accurate identification of fault location, and optimize maintenance activities on assets when needed.

Installing GE’s Intelligent Line Monitoring System helps utilities solve multiple key challenges. This solution reduces network downtime by providing utilities with visibility of faulted and soon to be faulted circuits, and advanced analytics allow utilities to effectively dispatch crews to address network problems. In addition, the system dynamically rates the feeders to allow for maximization of throughput while helping ensure safety due to increased sag conditions.

Key Benefits• End-to-end solution with built-in analytics

• Reduced outage duration by enabling efficient crew dispatching

• Time synchronized system enables accurate fault location

• Increased network capacity through dynamic line rating

• Overhead line sensor designed for fast installation on live networks

• Scalable system for piloting or network wide deployment

Applications• Fault notification in high and low impedance grounding treatments

• Dynamic line rating delivering additional network capacity

• Line sag monitoring improving network safety

• Optimization of maintenance through identification of troubled circuits

• Load monitoring for improved planning and operational safety

Increased Network Capacity• Advanced dynamic line rating enables

maximum load throughput in medium voltage and sub-transmission lines

• Key overhead line measurements including current load and conductor temperature deliver line sag/clearance values

• Distributed weather data delivers line capacity values

Reduced Outage Duration • Quickly determines fault location and notifies

operators and repair crews via visual, email and SMS messaging

• Enables faster repair of faults, reducing SAIDI and CAIDI impact

• Suitable for low and high impedance grounding treatments

Optimized Maintenance• Tracks and logs history of transient faults by

each feeder and feeder section

• Identifies parts of network with multiple continuous overload and reclosing activities

• Reduce maintenance cost by performing maintenance only on feeders requiring it

GEDigitalEnergy.com2

The cooling effect of wind blowing acrossthe conductor allows greater capacity

Radiant heat from roadsreduces line capacity

Substation

Max. Capacity Max. Capacity Max. Capacity

92 86 88

Substation

Dynamic Line Rating System (T-NET)• Identifies additional capacity that can safely pass through the line•Determines incremental line sag and clearance from the line to the ground• Incorporates effect of cooling from wind and terrain on different parts of the line

Advanced Overhead Line Sensor (FMC-T6)Advanced overhead line sensors with time synchronized monitoring of load and conductor temperature, suitable for voltages up to 140kV.

Dynamic Line Rating Software (T-NET)Dynamic line rating application providing system operators with real-time amount of conductor sag and available spare capacity based on prevailing conditions.

Weather Station (WKIT)Distributed weather stations provide input for the calculation of line rating, taking into account wind speed, wind direction, ambient temperature and solar gain.

T-NET Additional Current Capacity

The T-NET dynamic line rating system collects line loading, conductor temperature, and weather characteristics from multiple node locations to determine the maximum amount of load the conductor can carry. System operators are also able to monitor the amount of sag occurring at each node location.

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The cooling effect of wind blowing acrossthe conductor allows greater capacity

Radiant heat from roadsreduces line capacity

Substation

Max. Capacity Max. Capacity Max. Capacity

92 86 88

Substation

Communications Gateway (SNG)Collects and stores data recorded in local sensors and provides backhaul communication to application software through embedded GPRS or private area networks.

Fault Location and Analysis Software (X-NET)Fault location and analysis application providing immediate notification to system operators and field crews with the location of permanent feeder faults.

Advanced Overhead Line Sensor (FMC-T4)Overhead line sensors with visual indication of downstream faults and time synchronized monitoring of load and conductor temperature. Suitable for voltages up to 38kV.

X-NET Wide Area Fault Analysis

The X-NET fault analysis software delivers fault location and detail, in time aligned format so that system operators and field crews can quickly isolate find and repair faulted feeders.

Fault Location System (X-NET)•Determines which segment of the line the fault occurred in•Directly notifies Field Crews of where to travel to fix faulted circuits• Tracks overcurrent events to enable Optimized Maintenance Scheduling

Multilin FMC-T6 Line Sensor

Multilin SNG™ (Sensor Network Gateway)

System Console (Server-Based)

GE’s Overhead Line Monitoring SystemGE provides an intelligent overhead line monitoring system that is modular, accurate, reliable and simple to install. It is a cost effective solution that enables a utility to remotely manage and optimize its distribution assets through the use of advanced analytics, while minimizing outages and disruption to customer supply.

System OverviewThe modular design of GE’s monitoring system enables customers to tailor their own monitoring platform so that it aligns with their key strategies for performance improvement of the network, whether this is fault location, increased capacity through dynamic line rating or simply enhanced network visibility. The system consists of three key components:

• Multilin FMC-T6™ line sensors provide accurate data inputs on line load and conductor temperature

• Multilin SNG™ (Sensor Network Gateway) which collects data from the line sensors and locally mounted weather stations, and forwards this data to a server for processing by the System Console

• System Console (Server-Based):

- Fault location and analysis software (Multilin X-NET™)

- Dynamic line rating calculation and analysis software (Multilin T-NET™)

- Calculates and displays sag/clearance and ice load warning (Rime)

- Displays and logs load, conductor temperature and weather data

- Monitors the performance of the installed equipment for accuracy and reliability

- Provides the operator interface to set-up and configure the system

Equipment PlatformThe modular design provides the customer with multiple options for the equipment they deploy, and the installed equipment becomes a type of ‘nervous system’ for the network. The system console processes the distributed data into various applications providing actionable intelligence and adding a layer of visibility to the network that is critical to improving network performance.

Data SynchronizationWhen looking to deliver an effective data platform, accurate and reliable data is required. However, for the network to become truly ‘smart’ this data must also be time coherent. This adds an advanced analytical component to the system, and gives the network operator the ability to take a momentary snapshot of the network. System wide synchronization means that data gathered from different parts of the network can be aligned in time (similar to a PMU).

Solution Building Blocks

Line Mounted SensorsThe Multilin FMC-T6 advanced overhead line sensor is designed to be installed by hot-stick or hot-glove, and sits at the same potential as the line. There are two models of the sensor with different measurement ranges, a 300A and a 600A version, and both will operate on circuits up to 140kV. The sensors measure the electrical current, both amplitude and phase at a sampling rate of 1.6kHz, and deliver data via an on-board 2.4 GHz radio. Sensors can be supplied with an optional temperature probe on a flying lead. This probe measures the surface temperature of the conductor. Sensors weigh 6kgs and will sit on conductors between 10mm and 28mm in diameter. The magnetic field of the line provides the power for the sensor, and also charges a 48 hour battery back-up that keeps the sensor fully operational in the event of an outage. All sensors are fully synchronized to the timing pulse of the GPS, and have an 80 minute on-board buffer memory that logs data and downloads events when polled.

Weather StationsWeather information is a critical data source for dynamic line rating and ice load warning. These applications depend on wind speed and direction, ambient temperature, dew point and solar radiation. GE supplies a compatible weather station as an option, but the system can be installed with or without weather stations depending on the customer’s requirements. This optional weather station plugs into the SNG version that has a weather station communications port fitted (Note: Weather data is only required for dynamic line rating and not for fault location).

GE’s Intelligent Line Monitoring System



Sensor Network Gateway (SNG)The SNG is the gateway communications device that links the line sensors, weather station (if used) and substation open delta voltage (high impedance groundling treatments) with the system console. It communicates back and forward to the line sensors by radio, and to the weather station by a wired serial link. The SNG delivers all the data to the system console at a central server over GPRS for processing and storage. The SNG synchronizes the sensors to the satellite PPS timing pulse via its GPS transceiver.

The SNG is built into an easily installed, pole or substation mounted enclosure. Radio range between the line sensors and the SNG is typically 30 m/100 ft , and an SNG fitted out on the feeder is normally mounted on the same pole or structure underneath the sensors. It is a low power device and can be powered by a solar panel (suitable for latitudes not greater than 55 degrees N/S), or alternatively by a 100V/250V AC power supply. An SNG usually has 3 sensors reporting to it (one sensor per phase). At certain locations, for example at a branch point, a single SNG can accommodate 6 sensors, effectively monitoring two circuits simultaneously.

System Console (Server-Based)The system console is a secure interface that is accessed via the internet. It manages all the applications, configuration, set-up and maintenance of the system. It is the only operator interface that the customer needs to run the system, and can be used by smart phones with internet access, lap-tops and desktop PCs. The system console manages the system, stores/displays the data, and provides the operator with the actionable intelligence required to optimize network performance.

• Multilin X-NET Software Applications:

- Fault location

- Fault signature as RMS values on a cycle by cycle basis

- Fault activity ‘look back’ capability

- Load profiling

- Data download facility - all monitored network data, in user defined time periods (provided in Microsoft® Excel format)

• Multilin T-NET Software Applications:

- Dynamic line rating calculation (CIGRE model)

- Sag/clearance calculator

- Ice load warning (Rime)

- Weather data monitoring

- Load profiling

- Data download facility - all monitored network data, in user defined time periods (provided in excel format)

• System Set-Up and Maintenance:

- System diagnostics

- Firmware updates

- Fault notification (SMS and email)

- Installation set-up

- User access to input static values for programs such as dynamic line rating and sag/clearance calculation

Continual monitoring of critical feeder parameters providing miximum and minimum load profiles

Tracking of weather conditions allow for determining the effect of local weather conditions on capacity of the feeders


Installation

Multilin FMC-T6The Multilin FMC-T6 advanced overhead line sensor (either 300A or 600A version) can be installed on a live line using either hot-stick or hot-glove, and takes just minutes to complete. The sensor commences operation as soon as it is closed around the conductor.

GE offers the option of a conductor temperature measurement probe on the sensor, which is attached to the sensor on a flying lead. The lead is wrapped around the conductor with its temperature sensing tip at the end of the lead tied to the conductor surface. To ensure that the probe is thermally coupled to the conductor, GE recommends that a thermal compound is used between the conductor and the probe tip (please refer to the sensor installation instruction manual). Sensors can be installed on voltages up to and including 140kV, and indicate locally that they are functioning via a small flashing LED mounted in the sensor housing.

Multilin SNGOut on the feeder, the Multilin SNG is mounted within radio range (30 m/100 ft) of the line sensors, and a weather station (if used) is wired into the SNG weather station communications port . The SNG requires a 12 Volt DC supply, and there are two methods for powering: 100V/250V AC supply or solar via a 30W panel (suitable for latitudes not greater than 55 degrees N/S). In high impedance grounding treatments, an SNG is required to be fitted in the substation to capture the open delta voltage, and when the SNG is installed, whether in the substation or out on the feeder, a data-enabled GPRS SIM card is inserted into the SNGs’ modem, and it commences communication to the system console at the server.

System ConsoleThe set-up of the system console is carried out by the customer. The GE system divides the network up into data nodes, A node is a set of 3 co-located line sensors (and weather station if installed). Local place names of pole numbers are added to each node location, and also to each feeder and substation. A simple schematic of the network is automatically generated by the console.

GE provides a hosted service for pilot installations.

CommunicationsThe communications structure has been made as simple as possible. It is a server-based solution with two-way communications between the server and line sensors via the SNG. The SNG-to-server communication is over GPRS, and line sensor-to-SNG communications are over 2.4 GHz radio. The SNG has a dedicated serial port which is used for weather data from an external weather station. The system is time synchronized to within 35µS using GPS, and data is forwarded to the server as a fault activity or user scheduled data report . Data reporting intervals are programmable in the systemconsoleatselectableintervalsof≥1minute.

System Network Model

System Overview

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3

GPS provides accurate timing pulse to SNGs

Sensors and SNGs distributed throughout the network are time aligned and viewable on the System Console

SNGs align the FMC-T6 sensors to the same timing reference


Where to Install Selecting the location of each node is dependent on the primary application required. If the requirement is for fault location, deployment will be more dense at the head of the feeder, and nodes will be spaced further apart moving down the feeder. When the primary application is dynamic line rating, the nodes will be placed in locations where the line changes direction or where there are sheltering effects from hills or structures. The recommendation is that nodes are installed at 5 kM intervals, but the system is flexible. Additional nodes may be added at any stage as load conditions change over time, or distributed generation is installed.

GE is happy to assist in the deployment strategy, whether the application is for fault location, dynamic line rating or both combined and can provide a number of services if required, including:

• Network survey

• Node deployment strategy

• Server hosting

Maintenance and ModificationKey equipment performance is tracked by the system console, and new nodes or equipment can be added very simply and quickly.

The system has been designed to give the customer full control of maintenance, configuration and set-up. All inputs are menu driven and require minimal staff training.

Fault Location and Analysis Software (X-NET)

OverviewThe advanced analytics delivered by the Multilin Intelligent Line Monitoring System provides a platform for fault location and analysis. This has been developed as a unique software package that captures, displays and notifies users of the following information:

Fault location• Earth faults (in high and low impedance grounding treatments)

• Short circuits

• Dropped phases

• Cross country faults (high impedance grounding)

Fault activity ‘look back’ facilityGraphically displays sections of the network that have historically caused event and outage problems.

Grounding Treatments & SynchronizationUtilities around the globe use various types of grounding treatments, and these can be generally classified as high impedance and low impedance. In some cases, utilities use a mixture of grounding treatments in separate parts of their networks. GE’s system has been designed to meet the challenges of capturing faults in both of these grounding treatments, and fundamental to meeting this challenge is accurate timing synchronization. GE’s system timing synchronization works in two distinct ways that is applicable to both types of grounding treatment.

Local SynchronizationMV overhead networks have separated phases. When sensors are mounted on separate phases and utilize radio communication, each sensor that forms a set of three need be time synchronized to each other to achieve their correct phase relationship. This technique, when it is part of an overall network synchronization, makes a much more valuable source of data, for example in determining sequence currents and correcting imbalance.

Network SynchronizationIn high impedance grounding treatments it is necessary to get a feeder reference voltage to compare the phase of the distributed fault currents at each node. This technique extracts the real part of the fault current, and delivers fault location in these types of grounding treatments. In order for this to work, the voltage reference monitoring device needs to be in accurate time synchronization with the overhead line current sensors. The polarizing voltage is captured in the Multilin monitoring system via an ODV enabled SNG fitted in the substation. This ODV enabled SNG needs to be mounted outside the substation cubicle with a view of the sky so that it can capture GPS timing. This type of SNG can also communicate with line sensors if they are mounted within the radio range.

Fault Identification

Fault and Event DefinitionThe system tracks for alarms and fault events 24/7. Any network event activity that exceeds the set thresholds and is longer than 2 cycles in duration is downloaded and processed by the Multilin X-NET software and is stored into the database as a network event. The system differentiates faults from events and defines a fault as an event that has caused an outage for longer than a user predefined duration (1 minute default). It is only when the system sees this type of activity that it will notify personnel by SMS or email. All types of event activity captured, however short in duration, are stored to the database and are available for analysis in the ‘look back’ facility.

Fault LocationThe system reports the fault location as the section of network between the last node that has seen the fault and the first node on that feeder that has not seen the fault .


Fault TriggeringThe notification of a fault in the network is triggered by the system in three distinct ways:

• The line sensor sees a load exceeding its maximum user configured threshold

• The line sensor sees a load that is below its minimum user configured threshold

• A substation SNG monitoring open delta voltage exceeds its maximum user configured threshold (high impedance grounding)

Fault/Event Capture Sequence• A line sensor or substation SNG reports a threshold crossing event to the

system console with a time stamp

• The system console selects the feeder substation that is the source of supply to the fault and polls all the sensors installed on feeders out from this substation for 10 cycles of current data on either side of the event time stamp

• Multilin X-NET analyzes the data received and displays the section where the fault or event has occurred. In the case of a fault, the system then delivers an SMS or email to a table of recipients as defined by the user in the system console

• If it is an event, i.e. a transient or short duration outage, the system console stores the details of this in the database

• When the fault is over and power is restored, the sequence is reversed and the operator interface graphic is cleared

• All network event activity is available in the ‘look-back’ facility

In addition to an SMS or email message, the Multilin X-NET provides a visual identification of the faulty section on the operator interface. To view the fault in greater depth, the user can also call up a 20 cycle graph of the fault current by clicking on the red part of the fault graphic.

Fault NotificationsNotification emails and SMS messages for the reporting of faults are key to mobilizing repair teams, and having this facility means that valuable outage time is saved:

• Rapid notification of faults, rather than waiting for customer notification

• Knowing where in the network the fault has occurred so that the teams will go directly to the fault site and have the correct equipment on hand

The example below is a typical fault notification SMS that describes:

• Time and Date

• Substation

• Feeder

• Location

• Type of Fault

Improved and Targeted Preventive MaintenanceThe Multilin X-NET software delivers a very useful fault activity ‘look-back’ facility. The ‘look-back’ allows the user to define a time period and view all of the fault and event activity over this period. Network problem spots are easily identified, supporting preventive maintenance by highlighting the most critical or problematic sections of the network.

It is a well understood characteristic of networks that in most cases transient event activity is indicative of the emergence of a permanent fault , therefore the facility to look at the location of accumulated short duration events is very useful in determining where faults are likely to happen in the future. In networks where reclosers are used, the system enhances the overall value of the reloser function by delivering the location of faults that have been corrected by the reclosers, and guiding the network teams to correct these problems before they cause permanent rather than short duration outages.

Fault notifications including details of faulted feeder segment are instantly sent directly to field crews via SMS messaging

Graphical display of fault location and fault current profile


Notification and User Access ManagementAll notification cell numbers and email addresses are managed and set up in the system console. Roster schedules can be implemented by the administrator and new contacts added and removed.

Remote access to authorized network staff is controlled by the system console. There are two levels of access, each protected by individual usernames and passwords:

1. Field Operator Access:

- Full X-NET access

- Displays all data

- Data download access

2. Administrator Access:

- Full X-NET access

- Displays all data

- Data download access

- System configuration

- Set-up of thresholds and data reporting intervals

- Set-up of static inputs for programs

- Set-up and maintenance of SMS and email notifications

- Access to system performance diagnostics

Remote Web InterfaceThe use of remote web devices allows operators to access the Multilin X-NET operator interface in the field. With this level of detail, the operator can view a 20 cycle fault current trace, or in the case of high impedance grounding treatments, look at related events such as cross country fault activity. The ‘look-back’ facility that displays problematic sections of networks can also be accessed by a Smart Phone.

Dynamic Line Rating Software (T-NET)GE’s Multilin T-NET software analyzes the data delivered from deployed sensors and weather stations to increase circuit rating. The hybrid approach of using conductor temperature, load and distributed weather data delivers an accurate and safer method of increasing circuit capacity. The Multilin T-NET software provides a calculation of dynamic line rating at each node installed.

Static Circuit Rating Static or seasonal rating has been the standard in circuit capacity ratings for many years, but static rating techniques are not efficient, as they do not take into account the prevailing conditions that impact the real time rating. Capturing the correct capacity of circuits is critical in two distinct ways:

• Underestimating capacity means that assets are being underutilized and are not delivering full value for their cost

• Overestimating capacity creates unsafe conditions due to ground clearance issues

Static rating does not deal with either of these issues.

Capacity calculation based on real time influences such as weather and conductor temperature is generally described as dynamic line rating, and will increase circuit capacity while at the same time safeguard against clearance problems. The Multilin T-NET software has been designed to optimize circuit capacity and clearance safety on circuits up to 140kV. It achieves this by utilizing all of the influencing ambient data such as wind speed and direction, as well as the fundamental factor, which is the temperature of the conductor.

Dynamic Line Rating ApproachThere are a number of approaches used by the industry to deliver dynamic line rating, among which are:

• Distributed weather and substation load data approach: monitors the influences that impact the conductor temperature, such as weather and load, and couples these with the static factors such as conductor size and type

• Distributed load and conductor temperature approach: measures the temperature and load of the conductor directly on the conductor distributed throughout the circuit

• Combination approach: a combination of distributed weather, load and conductor temperature data

A calculated capacity derived by using distributed weather data and substation load approach is viewed by utilities as high in risk, and the rating ceiling is generally decreased to reduce this risk. The algorithms can become unreliable due to changes in the conductors’ thermal characteristics over time, which tends to make the calculated rating less accurate. Capturing weather conditions however is very useful in forecasting rating, as weather conditions are reasonably predictable over a short time window.Determine Maintenance Requirements by identifying the history all fault activity occuring on each

segment of the feeders


Using a distributed conductor temperature and load approach is the most accurate real time engineering solution, as the circuit is feeding back actual information on the state of the line, as opposed to calculating it . But for this technique to be utilized, the conductor temperature and load gathering nodes need to be extensively deployed, which makes this an expensive solution, and it misses the forecast capability provided by weather data.

The combination of using distributed weather data, load and conductor temperature is a cost effective and comprehensive way to deliver dynamic line rating. It enables the rating algorithms to become dynamic in their own right, as the conductor temperature measurement provides the potential for a calibration input to the algorithm to correct the thermal changes to the static values of the conductor over time, and uses the weather data to facilitate short term forecasting of rating. The conductor temperature input also delivers further value, as it delivers a line sag/clearance application. The combination of weather with distributed conductor load/temperature data is what the Multilin T-NET software uses, and it delivers a low cost solution that optimizes capacity and delivers a ground to conductor clearance safeguard.

Calculating Dynamic Line Rating The Multilin T-NET software delivers real time ratings of the circuit being monitored using the CIGRE model. The calculation is based on regular datareportsat≥1minute intervalsfromeachofthedeployednodesonthe circuit . The operator interface displays three values; the present load, the present rating and the present available spare capacity, and the rating is updated after each data report . The CIGRE model calculator comes as standard with the T-NET software.

Rating algorithms in general were developed at a time when measuring distributed conductor temperature and load accurately was not an option. With the development of low power radio equipment and GPS time synchronization, accurate conductor temperature and load monitoring is now achievable, and this greatly enhances the accuracy and safety of using these algorithms.

Typical CIGRE algorithm inputs:

• Maximum conductor temperature

• Temperature coefficient of resistance

• Conductor type

• Ambient temperature

• Speed and angle of attack of the wind

• Diameter of conductor and outer wire

• DC resistance at 20°C

• Solar radiation

• AC resistance

• Latitude and elevation above sea level

The Multilin T-NET software utilizes the CIGRE rating calculation model in a simple operator interface. The operator configures the algorithm with both static and dynamic inputs in the set-up page.

When the circuit changes, for example when a different conductor is installed In various sections, the operator can modify the algorithm on a node by node basis.

Operator InterfaceThe operator interface delivers a read–out of the rating of the circuit by selecting the node that has the lowest calculated rating.

It displays three fundamental values from this critical node:

• Present load

• Present maximum capacity

• Present available capacity

Thesevaluesarerefreshedatuserconfigurableintervalsof≥1minuteandthe system will automatically shift to the node with the lowest capacity. The rating values and conductor temperature can also be integrated into SCADA (based on a server interface). SCADA integration is carried out by GE’s engineering team on a project by project basis.

The T-NET Operator Interface displays the line’s capacity bottlenecks and determines the additional capacity that can be supported by each section of the line

The Line Sag and distance from the line to the ground is available to system operators to verify safety constrains while maximizing utilization of the line


The value of capturing conductor temperature is easily demonstrated in the Multilin T-NET software sag/clearance calculation. This calculation is based on conductor temperature, line dimensions and conductor type where the operator interface shows a calculation of the ground-to-conductor clearance. The mechanical parameters are input by the operator in a sag/clearance calculation algorithm set up page.

The Multilin T-NET software provides monitoring functions based on the data received from the nodes:

• Conductor temperature monitoring*

• Load monitoring

• Sag/clearance calculation*

Weather data monitoring:

• Wind speed**

• Wind direction**

• Ambient °C**

• Solar radiation

• Dew point/humidity**

A further example of the value of the combination of conductor temperature and weather data is demonstrated by the T-NET’s conductor ice build up warning application:

Ice load warning (Rime)

Green: Minimal risk

Orange: Medium to low risk

Red: Conditions are right for ice loading

Network Monitoring Regular delivery of time synchronized data from within the network provides advanced analysis to different users:

• Field Personnel

• Planners

• Network engineers

In addition to fault location and dynamic line rating, the Multilin Intelligent Line Monitoring System delivers regular data reports on the following:

• Individual phase current

• Positive and negative sequence currents

• Conductor temperature*

• Wind speed and direction**

• Ambient temperature, solar radiation, dew point**

Weather data along with conductor load and temperature profiles

Rime Ice Load Warnings can enable utilities to ready respond crews to address impending line damage

* Requires sensors with temperature probes ** Requires weather stations

Line load profiling identifies magnitude of line imbalance for each segment of the feeders


Field PersonnelLocal access to individual phase load is a powerful tool for field personnel as it gives them immediate and local information on loading across the phases. This facility assists in improving phase selection for new tap offs or repairs, and assists in balancing the loading throughout the network.

The caption on page 11 shows a typical imbalance in a network with an overuse of the red phase. Network operators now have a tool that they can use to avoid/correct unbalanced networks and thereby improve network efficiency.

PlannersAll data gathered can be downloaded from the system console in excel format. The user simply selects a date and time range, and all the data can be copied for analysis.

An example of the way that this data can be used is in dynamic line rating surveys. The capacity of the circuit being monitored can be analysed to capture critical spans. These spans can then be targeted for conductor re-enforcement to achieve overall network capacity uplift .

Network EngineersThe graphic in the system console profiles the measured data over a user defined time period.

The use of load profiling is very useful as an indicator of consumption changes or patterns, giving an early detection of non-technical losses.

Monitored data can be configured with respect to the reporting intervals, and theusercanselect≥1minutegaps.

Operator Interface Set-upThe operator interface uses a simple schematic as its model of the network. This schematic is generated in the system console by the customer at the set-up stage of the installation. The system uses this information to provide the logic for applications such as fault location. For example, the system needs to know the order of the nodes, ie up-stream or down-stream on the feeder. Also, each sensor needs to know which phase it is sitting on so that it can call faults, not just between nodes but also on which phase(s) the fault has occurred. GE’s system is designed to be simple to set-up, and GE assists customers with training on set-up, configuration and programing.

Diagnostic SoftwareThe system constantly monitors the installed equipment to optimize performance and notifies the administrator by email of any performance issues.

• Records time of last activity

• CSQ (GSM signal strength)

• GPS timing status

• Battery voltage and charge/discharge current on the SNG

• Communication with weather station (if installed)

• Communication with line sensors

• Battery voltage and charge/discharge current on the line sensors

• Modem/SNG resets

Constant monitoring of the performance of all the components of the system is critical to meeting the reliability levels required by the new network performance model


Hardware Specifications

MULTILIN FMC-T6 PERFORMANCE

Current Range Two Versions 300A or 600A

Current Measurement Accuracy +/- 1% of Amplitude Plus 0.3A

Phase Accuracy +/- 0.6°

Conductor Temp Measurement Range -10°C to +85°C

Accuracy of Conductor Temp Probe +/- 2°C

Measurement Sampling Rate 1.6 kHz

Min Line Current Required to Power the Sensor 10A for the 300A version, 30A for the 600A version

Line Voltage Range 480V to 140kV

Radio Frequency 2.4 GHZ

Radio Range 30 m/100 ft Line of Sight

Flash Memory 80 Minutes of Data

Battery Back-up Minimum 48 hrs with a Fully Charged Battery

Operating Temperature Range -40°C to +65°C

Weight 6 kg/13 lb

MULTILIN SNG PERFORMANCE

Radio Range 30 m/100 ft

Battery Back up 200 hrs (solar version) and 100hours (LV A.C. powered version) with fully charged battery

Operating Temperature Range* -20°C to +65°C

* An SNG enclosure heater may be added for customers that require temperatures below -20° (This will only be available on the LV A.C. powered version)

MULTILIN SNG STANDARD OPTIONAL

GPS Location and Timing •

GPRS Communications •

2.4 GHz Radio •

Weather Station Communications Port •

Communications TCP/IP •

Open Delta Voltage Volt Input (High Impedance Grounding Treatment), Not Available on Solar Powered Version

•

Standard Wooden Pole Mounting Bracket •

LV AC Power Supply 100V-250V ~ 50HZ/60HZ •

Multilin X-NET Software Application •

Solar Powering with 30W Solar Panel and 35Ah Battery Back-up •

Multilin T-NET Software Application •


System Console Specifications

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

Captured Fault Data Earth Faults (High & Low Impedance), Phase to Phase, Over Currents, Under Currents, Dropped Phases

Threshold Settings Remotely User Configurable

Operator Interface Web-based

Typical GPRS Usage per Controller 250MB per Month per Node (Typical Usage)

System Synchronization +/- 0.6 ° at 50Hz (+/-33uS)

Software Specifications

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

Monitoring Software (Standard) Monitors and Reports at Each Node:• Individual Phase, Positive and Negative Sequence Currents• Conductor Temperature*• Wind Speed and Direction**• Dew Point**• Solar Gain**

Multilin X-NET Application Detects and Reports at Each Node: • Earth Faults (In high and Low Impedance Grounding Treatments)• Phase to Phase Faults• Over Currents• Under Currents• Dropped Phase or Phases

Multilin T-NET Application Calculates and Reports at Each Node:• Dynamic Rating of Conductor**• Sag/clearance*• Ice Load Warning (Rime)***

* Requires Multilin FMC-T6 sensors with temperature probes ** Requires an installed weather station*** Requires Multilin FMC-T6 Sensors with temperature probes and an installed weather station

Certifications

ISO Manufactured under an ISO9001 registered program

CE Conforms to: 2004/108/EEC EMC Directive December 2004

2006/95/EC Low Voltage Directive December 2006

1999/5/EC Radio equipment and telecommunications terminal equipment Directive R&TTE March 1999

Type tests

Document No. Title Edition/Issue

EN 55011 Class A Emissions 2009 +A1 2010

EN 61326-1 EMC requirements for ISM equipment 2006

EN 61010-1 Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use 2010

ETSI EN 301 489-7 Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum Matters. Specific conditions for mobile and portable radio and ancillary equipment of digital cellular radio telecommunications systems 2006-10

ETSI EN 301 489-1 Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum Matters. Common technical requirements 2008-04

ETSI EN 301 489-17 Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum Matters. Specific conditions for 2,4 GHz wideband transmission systems, 2008-02


WEATHER STATION

WKIT - A

MULTILIN T-NET HOSTED SOFTWARE

T-NET - * Number of Nodes

Type 1 1 Node

2 5 Nodes

3 10 Nodes

4 25 Nodes

5 50 Nodes

MULTILIN X-NET HOSTED SOFTWARE

X-NET - * Number of Nodes

Type 1 1 Node

2 5 Nodes

3 10 Nodes

4 25 Nodes

5 50 Nodes

Ordering Codes

SENSOR

FMC-T6 - * * * DescriptionType 0 Without Temperature Probe

1 With Temperature Probe

Frequency 0 50Hz

1 60Hz

Current Range 0 300A

1 600A

SNG

SNG -3 * * * * DescriptionPowering Options 0 AC Supply 100v-250v

1 AC Supply 100V-250V with ODV Input (High Impedance Grounding)

2 Solar Powered with 30 Watt Panel

Weather Data Input 0 Without Weather Station Comms Port

1 With Weather Station Comms Port

Communications 0 GPRS

Frequency 0 50 Hertz

1 60 Hertz

To order equipment, software and hosting services, please visit the online store at store.gedigitalenergy.com.

The option of an SNG with an open delta input for high impedance grounding treatments is only available in the LV A.C. version.

g imagination at workGEA-12689A(E)

English120905

Digital Energy650 Markland St.Markham, ON Canada L6C 0M1 Toll Free (NA Only): 1-800-547-8629 Tel: 905-927-7070 Fax: 905-927-5098

GEDigitalEnergy.comMicrosoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. GE, the GE monogram, Multilin, FMC-T6, FMC-T4, SNG, X-NET and T-NET are trademarks of the General Electric Company.GE reserves the right to make changes to specifications of products described at any time without notice and without obligation to notify any person of such changes. © Copyright 2012, General Electric Company. All Rights Reserved.

Intelligent Line Monitoring System

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