IEEE PES T&D Conference & Exposition 2022 - 88

currents and report this current data back via radio to the
sensor network gateway (SNG). The SNG links a network
of sensors together, sending commands to the sensors and
receiving data. This data consists of current values, fault
event current data, or other related information, such as temperature,
etc. The SNG links back to the data acquisition
communicator unit. The unit is generally mounted in the
substation, and its function is to record the activity of the
sensor network. It acts as a database for line status including
events like line loading, tripping faults, or sub-tripping
events. The data acquisition communicator also links the
sensor network to the system software controls.
The system software controls the entire network at one
central location and can include a virtual line sensing gateway
that provides access to faults and line loading data centrally.
It also provides a platform for line monitoring analytical
applications such as:
✔ fault location and fault signature,
✔ dynamic line rating,
✔ local sag/clearance estimation, and
✔ remote system diagnostics and maintenance applications
including remote SNG and line sensor firmware
updates.
This software can be stand-alone or be integrated into a
distribution management system with mapping and maintenance
functionality.
Line sensors can be installed at demarcation points where
the utility network connects to local grids, allowing the utility
to discover line faults and determine whether the issues
are upstream or downstream. This saves them about 35% in
Distributed Line
Monitoring Devices Across Line
Distribution
Management
System
the number of truck rolls. The combination of auto-recloser
technology and down conductor detection line monitoring can
help mitigate wildfires risks. Also, with the combination of
distributed fault detection, isolation, and restoration, this combined
technology can help the utility move towards the goal of
a " self-healing " grid.
As substation devices continue to evolve, and we continue
to capture and visualize more 'real-time' data about
individual substation assets, the next level of value for grid
edge peer-to-peer device analytics may be moving from predictive
to autonomous operation. We are starting to see this
evolution now as machine learning and artificial intelligence
capabilities are being implemented into the field and edge
devices. For example, protection relays can trend operational
data and use built-in artificial intelligence/machine learning
algorithms supervised by logic and controls to take prescribed
and approved actions-thereby minimizing the need
for truck rolls or manual human intervention.
Evolving Digital Transformation
Across Grid Infrastructures
This section presents the digital transformation applied
within the substation as well as outside the fence of transmission
and distribution networks.
Architecting Flexibility and Safety
with Digital Substations
More and more utilities are investing in new protection,
automation, control (PAC) systems in substations.
They are doing this for several reasons. First, it allows
Sensor Data,
Weather Data,
Calculated Data
System Software Control
Backhaul
Communications
DATA
Acquisition
Communicator
Location
Fault
DLR Diagnostics
and
Maintenance
Planning
Virtual Line Monitoring Gateway
figure 6. Line monitoring interface system.
88
ieee power & energy magazine
April 2022 Show Issue
SNG Unit
Weather
Station
Ultrasonic
Anemometer
Line
Sensors
IEEE PES T&D Conference & Exposition 2022

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