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Fault Passage Indicators (FPIs) are devices used in distribution networks to detect where faults occur. These devices are typically attached to overhead lines to measure if a fault has occurred in the downstream direction. FPIs are generally classified into two types: non-communicable and communicable devices. Non-communicable FPIs do not support external communication and will only provide an on-site physical alarm by blinking a red light. Communicable FPIs, on the other hand, can provide an on-site physical alarm and also send a message to a SCADA system. However, the message sent is typically limited to notifying the SCADA system that a fault has occurred between FPI devices, without providing detailed information on the fault’s location or type.

In contrast, Safegrid’s Intelligent Grid SystemTM (IGS) takes FPI technology to the next level by using modern IoT sensors and cloud system-approach The IGS system’s sensors sends data on grid events and measurements to the cloud, where powerful analytical tools are used to continuously monitor and analyze the grid’s performance and condition. The IGS system can accurately locate faults to within 100 meters (330ft) and identify the exact fault type, such as an earth fault or short circuit.

Knowing the exact location of faults enables operational personnel to quickly navigate to and fix the issue, resulting in reduced costs and downtime. The IGS system’s fast fault location identification and minimized outage times improve customer satisfaction and operational economics. Furthermore, the system’s modern data science tools enable preventive maintenance features, such as identifying cable insulation failures in advance. This information can help network operators move from time-based maintenance plans to condition-based maintenance plans.

Protection relays are built to protect network assets and humans from electrical hazards. However, protection relays are not sufficient themselves to identify fault locations precisely. Moreover, protection relays are limited in identifying different fault types in addition to direct earth faults. Safegrid’s solution works in parallel with protection relay systems by supporting the existing automation by precisely locating fault locations and several fault types in the grid.

The Safegrid sensors, Grayhawk and Grayfox, do not need any parameters during installation. The Grid Guardian cloud platform does all the evaluation and analysis based on the information sent by the sensors. Customer’s don’t need to do any parameterization in the cloud either.

Safegrid system works in 3-phase/3-wire power systems as well as in 3-phase/4-wire power systems. Safegrid sensors can be used with any kind of power system grounding method. The voltage level can be between 10.. 72 kV

The placement and needed quantity of Safegrid sensors is based on the topology and qualities of the distribution network. As a rule of thumb, a sensor is needed after every 5 – 10 km (3 – 6 miles) of grid length.

Safegrid IGS-solution uses the Grid Guardian-cloud platform to analyze and show the condition of the distribution network. Grid Guardian provides secure communication with between the sensors and the cloud server, visual GIS-based real-time monitoring in both browser and mobile interfaces. It supports SMS and email alerts in addition to report functions.

The sensors use mobile data communication. All devices are shipped with internal M2M sim-card working anywhere in the world

The Safegrid IGS-system is a standalone system that doesn’t require integration to SCADA or DMS systems. Therefore, it works as an independent platform supporting the automation of a distribution network.

Safegrid Grid Guardian platform can be integrated with most DMS providers via an API-interface in a one-way communication principle. In this case, Grid Guardian platform sends the fault location and fault classification data to the DMS, which usually is displayed in the operating control room of the utility. This helps the DSO to display all relevant network data in a single interface for their operative personnel. Safegrid is already supporting several DMS-platforms with existing integrations to Safegrid customers. Please ask your Safegrid contact personnel if you are interested to display the IGS-system provided data in your DMS.

In a standard project, customer first delivers network topology and other related data to Safegrid. Safegrid then delivers the agreed amount of sensors to the customer and creates Grid Guardian instance for the customer. The typical project schedule is from 1-3 months, with most time needed for the physical sensor installations by the customer.

Grayfox sensors are installed in cable feeders with rogowski-coils. Grayhawk sensor are installed in overhead lines just below the conductors as wireless sensors. Both sensor types can be installed on live line by a single installer, greatly reducing labor costs and networks breaks needed to implement the IGS-system.

The Grid Guard cloud server is hosted in Finland by 3rd-party server provider using the strictest and highest performance and security measures available on the market.

All Safegrid products are CE and FCC compliant