home of diagnostics
Cable diagnostics: Reduce network costs with the right tools
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If the condition of the cable routes is known, they can often remain in operation for longer; repairs can be carried out in a targeted manner and budgets for replacement and maintenance expenditure can be planned and reduced. To minimise the time operators need to invest in order to benefit from cable diagnostics, BAUR offers a complete world of solutions – the ”home of diagnostics“.
Here, measurement technology and analysis options complement each other to form a complete package that simplifies cable diagnostics and maximises the economic benefits. The diagnostic solutions provide reliable information regarding the condition of the cables, and therefore provide more certainty when making decisions about the continued use of the cables or upgrade measures.
To ensure operators get the most out of cable diagnostics, the portfolio is rounded off by the consulting services offered by the Diagnostics Centre of Excellence. These services are aimed at both network operators who are addressing diagnostics for the first time and want a successful introduction to the topic, and at companies who want to optimise their processes and increase their economic benefits.
Plan investments more effectively
With cable diagnostics, you will solve the problem of providing maximum network availability whilst keeping maintenance and repair costs to a minimum. That's because our diagnostics systems enable you to perform condition-based and therefore cost-optimised maintenance.
Reduce repair costs
Our precise analyses of the cable condition make it possible for you to carry out expensive modification and maintenance measures only where they are really necessary. Preventive measures or exchanging unnecessarily long cable routes are now all in the past.
Quality control on new systems
Today, diagnostics procedures are increasingly being used - even on new cable sections - to evaluate the quality of a joint assembly, for example. This can prevent costly complaints or subsequent damage.
Reliable cable diagnostics are based on these two methods:
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
The partial discharge measurement or dissipation factor measurement individually provide valuable information concerning the cable condition, but if their results are considered together in parallel, they provide added value and a clearer picture of the cable condition. For example, it is known that PD activities in cable accessories can be influenced by moisture and water ingress, but moisture cannot be detected by PD measurement. The measured partial discharges can only be reliably evaluated if the TD measurement shows that the cable accessories are dry.
Save time and complete two diagnostic measurements in one operation
With the right equipment, the dissipation factor and partial discharge measurement can be carried out in a single operation and started from BAUR Software 4. By combining the measurements, operators save time; they only need to connect the equipment once and to obtain a more comprehensive picture of the cable condition in the same amount of time.
Monitored Withstand Test: Diagnostic measurement and cable testing combined
During commissioning or after repairs, the cable test can be carried out in one process in addition to the TD and PD measurement (Monitored Withstand Test). The test and measuring voltage is increased in stages. If the measurement results indicate a healthy cable, the procedure can be shortened if necessary. However, if the measurement results indicate potential weak points, the duration of the measurement is extended to obtain certainty where necessary. With the adjusted test duration, only as much time is spent as the operator considers necessary. (see figure).
Implementing a proprietary diagnostics philosophy
BAUR measurement technology benefits from a large number of standardised test and predefined measurement sequences. However, depending on the network and objectives, deviations from these standards may be appropriate. In line with a proprietary diagnostics philosophy, BAUR Software 4 allows customised measurement sequences to be programmed that even new technicians can start reliably. This reduces the amount of onboarding work required and avoids errors during measurement. The self-defined measurement sequences can be transferred to similar devices using BAUR Software 4 so that all diagnostic measurements are carried out in the same way and the results can be compared with each other.
Initial interpretation and reporting on site
BAUR Software 4 is not only used to operate the measuring devices, but also stores the measured values and analyses the results. Following the measurements, the software creates (customisable) reports. On site, smileys inform measurement engineers whether the cable is OK or whether further measurements or troubleshooting and repairs may be necessary. The reports also contain detailed information and the software saves all measured values. This data can be easily shared and is then available for analysis in asset management.
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Calculate the remaining life time of cables
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The analysis software statex® evaluates the data from the dissipation factor measurement (tan δ measurement) and uses a patented algorithm to calculate the statistical remaining cable life time. The software draws on a large data pool containing the measurement results of plastic-insulated and paper-insulated cables, as well as mixed sections. The evaluation with statex® enables a much more precise assessment of the cable condition than, for example, an evaluation according to IEEE criteria. Thanks to the analysis, operators have often been able to extend the service life of their cables by several years, which translates to a major reduction in replacement costs.
The statex® results also provide recommendations on when the next cable diagnostics should take place or when maintenance work or cable replacement should be scheduled.
The BAUR Diagnostics Centre of Excellence
The BAUR Diagnostics Centre of Excellence provides support for all stages of cable diagnostics. Put your trust in services backed by more than 30 years of experience.
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
We can also help you to refine an existing strategy and adapt measurement procedures or analyses to new requirements.
home of diagnostics offers everything that distribution network operators need to assess their buried medium-voltage cables: The hardware, software and consulting services that enable operators to maximise the benefits of cable diagnostics with minimal effort. New customers can therefore quickly achieve economic return and existing operators can further optimise procedures in order to gain further insight into the condition of their network and thereby obtain even more reliable information for asset management, all while saving time in the process.
You may also be interested in:
Overview: Cable testing and diagnostics
Diagnostics Centre of Excellence
Measurement methods
Standards
