Description
By constantly monitoring Partial Discharge (PD), as well as recording and correlating operating dynamics, the Switchgear and Cable Monitor (SCM) conveys vital information about the condition of medium voltage insulation systems like switchgear, cables, bus duct, and unit substations. With up to 60 channels, it provides a cost-effective option for overseeing extensive arrays of switchgear and cable systems. The SCM's ongoing monitoring of PD activity facilitates the detection of imminent insulation failures that would not typically be discovered through conventional maintenance methods.
Optimal Design
The Switchgear and Cable Monitor (SCM) is a favored partial discharge monitoring system among professionals in the electrical industry. It can be tailored to accommodate up to 60 PD inputs, making use of four PD modules that each come with fifteen standalone, configurable input channels that are highly perceptive and can operate concurrently. With the greatest signal-to-noise ratio available in the industry, the input sensors on each PD module provide flexibility in terms of selecting from various PD sensors while ensuring high-quality data.
Prevent Unintended Outages
Industry data shows that switchgear has one of the industry’s highest failure rates, creating a need for inspection and continuous monitoring. Unlike insulation systems used in motors and generators, the insulation systems in switchgear are not resistant to insulation deterioration caused by partial discharges. When switchgear fails, the outage is usually for an extended period. On older equipment, spare parts are limited and many times custom manufacturing is required, which adds to the outage time.The SCM provides peace of mind and helps to extend the life of your switchgear.
Cable Monitoring
90% of cable failures occur at splices and terminations. As these accessories breakdown, they generally produce partial discharges prior to failure. Therefore to monitor cables, the SCM takes data from radio frequency current transformers (RFCTs) that are placed around the cable termination shields. If the shields are ungrounded then a GPCS sensor is used. The condition of the cable, type of insulation, type of shield construction will determine how far one can ‘see” down the cable.
Condition Based Maintenance with the Switchgear Monitor
Routine maintenance means that switchgear is operated and de-energized. This action alone often masks performance degradation issues by exercising the mechanics of switchgear. This may prevent crews from truly understanding the state of the equipment between maintenance schedules. The maintenance itself is extremely invasive and often leads to the introduction of new problems that were not previously present.
Contact us for more information as PQE serves as the authorized local distributor for Dynamic Ratings' products.
More detail about PQE Power System Sdn Bhd
Malaysia
