Diagnostics Centre of Excellence
Cable diagnostics made easy
Many power utility companies already use cable diagnostics as they provide information on the condition of cable systems and therefore valuable information for
- condition-based maintenance
- planning replacement costs and
- enabling quality checks for new systems and following repairs.
Practical experience shows that if you use cable diagnostics, you can reduce the number of unplanned outages and often utilise cable systems for significantly longer than with a purely time-based replacement strategy. Network operators often save many thousands of euros per cable route within a matter of years.
But what is the best way to apply diagnostics? Which devices and software are required to maximise the benefits of diagnostics? The initially seemingly complex technology and the fact that there are no universal limit values for analysis can be unsettling, especially (but not only) for companies that want to introduce cable diagnostics. In order to avoid uncertainties when purchasing and using the technology and to maximise the benefits for operators, the team at the BAUR Diagnostics Centre of Excellence offers a number of services:
Initial consultation before purchasing (additional) devices and software
Development of a customised diagnostics strategy and assessment logic
Device and software training (online and on site)
Advice on the use of BAUR Software 4 and statex® software tools
Initial consultation
Every network has its own characteristics – and the respective framework conditions and objectives can vary from network operator to network operator. A solution that is right for customer A may not necessarily be ideal for customer B. As part of the pre-sales consultation, the BAUR team works with you to determine which objectives you want to pursue and which cable systems (XLPE, PILC, mixed sections, age and condition) are preferred. The team then proposes suitable measurement technology on the basis of this information.
The basic principles of cable diagnostics.
The proposed solutions usually have one thing in common. The technology should incorporate both of these methods so that diagnostics are as informative as possible:
Dissipation factor measurement (tan-δ or TD measurement),
which provides clear information on the condition of the entire cable insulation and its ageing (for medium- and long-term network maintenance planning) without endangering the cable
Partial discharge measurement (PD measurement)
detects faults in the cable, for example defects in joints and terminations as well as electrical trees
Partial discharge measurement is already commonplace among many network operators. However, when used alone, this method only offers limited informative value when it comes to assessing the condition. The results of all the diagnostics procedures combined provide a complete overview of the ageing condition of a cable.
To help your team perform the multitude of measurements rapidly and reliably, Baur devices offer standardised processes and the option to perform the dissipation factor and partial discharge measurements in a single operation. The Monitored Withstand Test goes one step further and combines the diagnostic measurements with cable testing. This way, cable diagnostics run almost effortlessly along the way. We can help you find the right hardware and software to achieve your goals.
Develop a diagnostics strategy and evaluation logic
Software training for BAUR Software 4 and statex®
The best way to accumulate experience is to implement your individual strategy for measurements and analyses. This is where BAUR Software 4 steps in as a continuously updated software package for cable fault location, cable testing and cable diagnostics, as well as statex® software. Our team can show you the optimal way to use the software so that you can develop your own routines and gain valuable experience.
BAUR Software 4
Along with a range of features, BAUR Software 4 offers the following tools for efficient diagnostics:
- defined and standardised measurement sequences
- customised measurement sequences that can be stored
- automated measurements and result evaluation
- measurement sequence transfers to other devices
- easy initial assessment of the results using smileys
- generation of informative reports for management and engineers
- adaptation of reports to company-specific requirements
- easy data transfers to asset management
The values and reports recorded by BAUR Software 4 offer various analysis options: You can analyse individual measurements, compare measurements of similar cables, identify trends in multiple measurements on the same cable, and much more.
statex®
Our statex® software solution, developed in collaboration with the Korean network operator KEPCO, provides even more options for analysing tan δ measurements. This analysis software evaluates the measurement data and calculates the remaining life time of cables using a patented algorithm. The software draws on a large data pool containing the measurement results of plastic-insulated and paper-insulated cables, as well as mixed sections. Evaluation with statex® enables a significantly more precise assessment of the cable condition and often leads to a longer remaining cable life time than, for example, an evaluation according to IEEE criteria. The statex® results also provide recommendations on when the next cable diagnostics should take place, or when maintenance work or cable replacement need to be scheduled.
This avoids unnecessary measurements that would put additional strain on the cable without reducing the reliability of supply.
Detailed information on cable testing and diagnostic
You may also be interested in:
Overview: Cable testing and diagnostics
home of diagnostics
Measurement methods
Standards
