Rigorous testing will help monitor planned shutdown minimising downtime

Advanced monitoring and control systems that can be used to monitor and manage large power grids are a need. Another trend is the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in T&M solutions. “With more and more nonlinear generational methods deployed like the EVs and EV chargers are interacting with weaker generation systems. With such generation distribution and smart grid in a plan, the reliability of power and systems needs to be verified and improved, says Prabhakaran P.V., Head – Product Management, Fluke India.
T&M solutions improve the operational efficiency of grid infrastructure
Many T&M instruments are used in O&M and grid infrastructure. Starting from Earth testers, Insulation testers, and high voltage detectors to thermal imagers, acoustic partial discharge detectors and many more. Fluke has also launched an array of products for testing the performance and safety of solar systems.
Fluke Power quality analysers are well deployed by many grid operators. It is utilised to monitor and verify the quality of power in the system. Engineers can take necessary actions to ensure reliability and to improve the quality of the power being distributed.
Similarly, partial discharge in High voltage systems is the silent killer of costly assets like transformers, generators, motors etc. Timely detection of partial discharge and taking corrective action can improve the life of assets and give longer services. The powerful software reporting enables the user to identify the nature of the partial discharge and its severity. This new product is changing the way companies manage their critical assets on the HV side.
Challenges in reducing breakdown and enhancing the performance of a power grid
Energy efficiency should be considered from the design to the implementation of any facility. Unwanted breakdowns and downtimes are the largest concerns of any utility provider. An appropriately designed system will help to avoid unnecessary downtime. Appropriate instrumentation, condition-based monitoring, creating trends of equipment health, and thermal profiles of assets apart from other critical parameters help the engineers to take the right decisions before the failure occurs. Once an unplanned downtime occurs, it takes longer to identify and rectify the issues and resolve the system. Whereas, if it is monitored with planned shutdowns, the downtime can be minimised considerably. This further indicates that the lack of best practices and cutting corners to save initial cost is the biggest challenge one faces presently in maintaining grid reliability.
Key features offered for efficient grid operations
Fluke is known for its reliability, safety, and accuracy. Our products are custom designed as per customer’s requirements and the electrical safety use. Our products are developed with the highest standards providing a lifetime warranty.
Fluke Earth testers help customers to design appropriate earthing systems in a facility and maintain it to avoid any safety-related issues. Our Power quality analysers suit the latest IEC 61000-4-30 – Ed3 and IEEE 519 standards. It can address some of the measurement challenges posed by deploying a large amount of Solar and EV systems in the grid.
Similarly, calibration is another critical piece of the action. It helps utility owners and engineers to bring precision and confidence to their measurements.