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Vegetation Encroachment

Trees creeping into power lines can disrupt electricity for entire neighborhoods.

Vegetation Encroachment

Introduction

In the western United States, Early Fault Detection (EFD) identified large tree branches encroaching and contacting a main three-phase distribution line in a dry, wildfire-prone area. The issue was detected remotely by the EFD system, enabling prompt, focused maintenance to prevent potential faults and reduce wildfire risk.

Early detection allowed for prompt action, eliminating the risk of a wildfire sparked by electrical fault

Timely maintenance prevented potential faults, enhancing the overall stability and performance of the distribution line.

Addressing the issue proactively ensured safer operations in a fire-prone area, protecting both the environment and infrastructure.

Summary

The EFD system flagged the location where large branches were found extending into the main three-phase distribution line, making direct contact with the conductors. This overgrowth posed a significant risk of arcing or conductor damage. Given the dry conditions of the area and the presence of vegetation, the risk of a wildfire sparked by an electrical fault was clear.

By detecting the issue early, the EFD system enabled swift, targeted maintenance to remove the branches before they could cause a fault. This proactive approach helped improve system reliability, eliminate the risk of wildfires, and ensure safer operation in the dry, fire-prone area.

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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