Transformer

When vine overgrowth occurs, it can lead to arcing, transformer damage, and outages.

Transformer

Introduction

In the northeastern United States, Early Fault Detection (EFD) identified a location where a distribution transformer was found with significant vine overgrowth. This issue was detected remotely and accurately by EFD and provided accurate information, allowing for focused maintenance to address the issue before it resulted in a fault.

Early identification of the issue ensured continued reliability, avoiding potential customer supply disruptions.

Addressing the overgrowth reduced the risk of arcing and pole-top fires, protecting both equipment and communities.

Targeted action before faults occurred minimized long-term damage, preserving the transformer and extending its lifespan.

Summary

The transformer engulfed in vegetation was found on a single-phase tap, one span away from the EFD monitored three-phase line. Vegetation had also grown around the secondary conductors, further increasing the risk of arcing, insulation failure or irreversible damage to the transformer.

By identifying this issue early, the EFD system enabled focused, targeted maintenance to address the problem before it led to a fault.

Testimonials

Eliminating customer outages, driving affordability because we can efficiently group our work instead of heading out to fix things whenever they fail, and dearest to my heart, risk management – not just put in better protection to respond to faults and limit consequences, but actually manage the risk of faults happening – all I can say is this tech is magic.

Jeff Hackman

Senior Director, Ameren (USA)

The results have been very promising, and it’s worked the way it’s designed to. We’ll let the trial play out and then we’ll look at the deployment across our network.

Steve Neaves

General Manager, Powercor (Australia)

IND T.’s innovative EFD technology enables utilities to monitor “the heartbeat of the grid” in near real-time. With this technology, utilities can implement prescriptive maintenance and detect incipient faults on the modern grid, providing immediate, tangible benefits. This enhances the products and services we offer, supporting a clean, reliable, and safe energy future for our customers.

Source: Article from “EPRI 2023 Technology Transfer Award Winner, National Grid” on T&D World Website, published on 6 January 2025.

John-Paul Knauss

Head of R&D and Innovation, National Grid (USA)

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