5 Common Challenges When Deploying Remote Substation Monitoring Solutions
Visual and thermal sensors enable remote monitoring of high-value and critical substation assets. With better access to data, utilities can reduce operations and maintenance costs, optimize asset health and performance, and implement a condition-based maintenance strategy.
But because each substation is unique, the layout and location of the facility can introduce challenges during the design, installation, and deployment phases of the project.
Fortunately, many of these challenges can be overcome with the right technology. Utility-grade sensors are flexible and offer various options and capabilities to allow utilities to benefit from remote monitoring in any deployment scenario.
Challenge 1 - Communications & Networking
Like other Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices, visual and thermal sensors collect, exchange, and transmit contextual information from the substation to a centralized location.
However, the type and quality of the network available to the utility can vary greatly depending on the location of the substation.
Urban substations, for example, likely have access to robust, reliable, and high-speed infrastructure such as fiber optic, carrier-grade 5G/4G LTE, Wi-Fi, or Ethernet-based networks.
Rural and remote locations, on the other hand, may only have limited access to microwave links, private radio networks, or satellite communication networks such as Starlink.
To be effective, visual and thermal sensors must be able to connect using a variety of communications technologies regardless of where they are deployed.
Challenge 2 - Resolution & Bandwidth Limitations
High resolution video requires high-speed, wide bandwidth, and low latency networks. But as mentioned, many substations are located in areas where these networks are unavailable or where the cost of continuously transmitting high-resolution video is prohibitive.
In these cases, utilities can deploy sensors in a distributed architecture that reduces the volume of data sent over the network.
Visual and thermal sensors record, process, and store data locally. If an alarm condition is detected, an alert and a real-time view of the asset are automatically sent to the Operations team. Utilities can then go back and view recorded data to diagnose the issue, determine the cause, and prioritize a response before dispatching a crew to the site.
Depending on the sensitivity of the equipment, sensors can be configured to send short snippets of data at regular intervals, or to transmit lower resolution images to further reduce network capacity and bandwidth requirements.
Challenge 3 - Access to Power
The availability of power presents another challenge to utilities when deploying IIoT devices and connected sensors.
Urban and rural substations are typically connected to the central power grid, though older facilities may be more prone to outages or other disruptions. Many will have a battery backup system, while more modern substations with more advanced network infrastructure may be able to use power-over-Ethernet to simplify installation and reduce wiring.
However, remote substations tend to face greater challenges. These facilities are often located in areas with limited or no access to the main power grid.
In these cases, sensors need an alternative source of power. This may be a dedicated solar panel, a localized renewable energy source, a diesel generator, or another form of auxiliary power.
In all cases, sensors should be low-power, energy-efficient, and able to operate at a range of voltages, currents, and frequencies.
Challenge 4 - Environmental Conditions
Substations, especially those in remote locations, are difficult and challenging environments. Connected devices need to be protected against a range of hazards that can cause damage or disrupt the flow of data to the Operations team.
Common environmental challenges that can impact the performance of IIoT sensors include electromagnetic interference, extreme and severe weather, voltage surges, lightning strikes, wildlife, temperature fluctuations, fire, or flooding.
Commercial-grade cameras, such as those commonly used for security monitoring, are not able to withstand these conditions. Instead, utilities should implement utility-grade sensors that have been designed and built to operate in difficult substation environments.
Challenge 5 - Location of Sensors
There is no one-size-fits-all deployment when it comes to remote monitoring solutions. Each utility and substation has different requirements, layouts, and assets, and the design and scope of the project depend on the application, the available budget, and the larger business goals of the utility.
Determining the ideal location of the sensors before deployment ensures utilities have access to the right data with the fewest number of devices. With the help of advanced 3D models based on design drawings or satellite imagery, utilities can identify critical assets, simulate the view of each sensor, and design the most effective solution for each individual substation.
Flexible Solutions Designed for Any Deployment Scenario
Substations are unique, and the deployment of visual and thermal sensors will likely look different for each site.
The availability of communications networks and power, along with the difficult and often hazardous conditions, mean visual & thermal sensors must be flexible enough to perform under a wide range of deployment scenarios.
When deploying remote monitoring solutions, work closely with an experienced vendor to understand the requirements of each facility. They will be able to guide the project and recommend the features, capabilities, and functionality needed to gain the full benefits of the technology.
Fabricio Silva is a Field Application Engineer with Systems With Intelligence.
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