Continuous Area-Wide Online Condition Assessment Using Broadband Power Line Communication

Inhalt:
Broadband power line communication is a central technology for implementing information and communication technol-ogy as part of the advancing grid automation of the low-voltage and medium-voltage level and for intelligent measuring systems. In addition, the technology provides another benefit for distribution system operators. This contribution presents a method for a continuous, area-wide, online condition assessment for cables using broadband power line communication. A condition-based maintenance strategy in which the equipment is operated until shortly before the end of its actual service life would be optimal. Currently, distribution system operators often rely on a time-based or event-based mainte-nance strategy, which is mainly due to a lack of condition information on the equipment. A condition assessment for cables at the low-voltage and medium-voltage level in particular is complex and expensive and is therefore only rarely carried out. With the method presented in this contribution, it is possible to carry out a cost-effective, continuous, area-wide, online condition assessment of energy cables based on an analysis of the high frequency properties of the cables, which permit information about the condition.