The cable lines that belong to DTEK Grids Distribution System Operators will operate with DNV’s Norwegian Smart Cable Guard platform. This is an innovative technology for monitoring underground power lines. This system assesses the condition of the cable network in real time and, in the event of a fault, identifies the damaged area with an accuracy of one meter. The new technology is part of the Smart Grid, which has been consistently developed by DTEK Grids.
The DTEK Kyiv Grids Distribution System Operator, which is part of the DTEK Grids Operating Holding, implemented the pilot project in the city of Kyiv. More than 90% of power lines in the capital are underground. This criterion has become crucial for choosing the location of the pilot. The first Smart Cable Guard devices are installed on two sections of cable lines coming from Priorska and Vokzalna substations. Thanks to the Norwegian system, our energy workers can react preventively to potential defects in the network. And, in the event of a fault, quickly and accurately find the disconnection spot in the underground power lines. Hence, this will reduce the time to restore power to customers. The system is currently in test mode. The energy workers test the system quality under various network conditions and considering the technical condition of cable networks.
"DTEK shares the European business values, invests in digital transformations, the latest technologies and innovations. We introduce automation and digitalization technologies to turn Ukraine’s networks into a Smart Grid infrastructure that is reliable, flexible, and stable. Thanks to the development of the Norwegian company DNV, our specialists will be able to monitor underground lines in real time and identify the location of faults with an accuracy of one meter. Such innovative technologies help us to provide modern and high-quality service to our customers,” says Ivan Geliukh, CEO of DTEK Grids.
The Smart Cable Guard is based on the partial discharge analysis technology. Sensors read the required information from the cable line, which is then transmitted to a server with special software via Internet channels. The data is automatically processed, and a conclusion is made about the condition of the underground cable line. All this happens 24/7 online. If the system detects a malfunction in the power cable, it will immediately notify a dispatcher. Then the dispatcher will decide what to do next: switch customers to backup lines, remove the line out of service, send a repair crew to eliminate the malfunction, and so on.
The Smart Cable Guard was developed by the Norwegian company DNV. It is a world leader in delivering digital solutions for risk management, safety and efficiency of ships, pipelines, electrical networks, and recycling plants.
