DNV GL launches Smart Cable Guard 2.0 to locate and prevent outages in a more digitalized power grid

Smart Cable Guard 2.0 locates and pinpoints faults and weak spots in cables to an accuracy of 1% within minutes

ARNHEM, the Netherlands - 6 April 2017 - The power sector is challenged to keep the electricity network reliable and affordable. With an increasing number of renewables and smart electronics added to the electricity network, the power grid must cope with more dynamic stress each year. To prevent outages from happening, it is essential that grid operators are able to locate and respond to faults in the grid quickly and can repair weak spots before the grid fails. DNV GL has launched its upgraded Smart Cable Guard 2.0, which is a data-driven online monitoring solution, that assists system operators to prevent power outages by locating weak spots and faults in cables within minutes to an accuracy of 1% of the cable circuit length.

Jacob Ruiter, regional director Benelux at DNV GL, explains: “The power industry is entering a new age. How we generate and use energy is changing, so power systems must evolve to match. The potential for digital technologies and smarter use of data in our industries is enormous, enabling greater connectivity and controllability. With Smart Cable Guard 2.0 we enable system operators to digitalize its operations and to keep grids safe and reliable, resulting up to 25% fewer failures compared to traditional methods. This, in turn, leads to cost savings, and when applicable, lesser penalties by the regulator.”

“Smart Cable Guard 2.0 includes a state-of-the-art fault locator and online monitoring function that considerably reduces the average outage frequency and duration figures. The system operator is proactively informed via a web interface about the locations of potential cable weaknesses, using state-of-the-art algorithms to analyse data collected from sensors. This saves time and money normally spent locating the problem and helps to make repairs quickly. This unique technology works in any type of network and makes it possible to detect full and intermittent faults which have not been detected before.”, says Dr. Fred Steennis, Power Cable Expert at DNV GL.

DNV GL’s Smart Cable Guard technology has been rolled out in many networks around the world. In the Netherlands, DNV GL has teamed up with Dutch distribution system operators (DSO’s) to help them manage and monitor the distribution grid, analysing sensor data to allow the DSO’s to prevent and resolve problems fast.

Learn more about Smart Cable Guard at dnvgl.com/scg 

DNV GL
Driven by our purpose of safeguarding life, property and the environment, DNV GL enables organizations to advance the safety and sustainability of their business. We provide classification and technical assurance along with software and independent expert advisory services to the maritime, oil & gas and energy industries. We also provide certification services to customers across a wide range of industries. Operating in more than 100 countries, our professionals are dedicated to helping our customers make the world safer, smarter and greener.

In the Energy Industry
In DNV GL we unite the strengths of DNV, KEMA, Garrad Hassan and GL Renewables Certification. DNV GL’s 2,500 energy experts support customers around the globe in delivering a safe, reliable, efficient and sustainable energy supply. We deliver world-renowned testing, certification and advisory services to the energy value chain including renewables and energy efficiency. Our expertise spans onshore and offshore wind power, solar, conventional generation, transmission and distribu¬tion, smart grids and sustainable energy use, as well as energy markets and regulations. Our testing, certification and advisory services are delivered independent from each other.  Learn more at www.dnvgl.com/energy.