Cable lines are the foundation of modern energy infrastructure, but their technical condition and security are crucial for the reliability of energy supply. Traditional assessment methods are quite expensive because cable lines run underground. This is one of their biggest disadvantages compared to overhead lines, still quite popular in our country. However, there are new possibilities that facilitate electricians to control the technical condition of the cable line.
Rules for assessing the condition of cable lines
Underground cable lines are a key element of energy infrastructure, offering reliability and resistance to weather conditions, which is particularly important in forest and wooded areas. Unlike overhead lines, the technical condition of which can be assessed, e.g. during celebration or flight, the assessment of the condition of underground cables requires more advanced diagnostic methods. When laying them, it is necessary to equipment such as cable -borne shears, but after starting the line you also need to prepare for the assessment of the technical condition. This requires specialized equipment, and in some cases, unfortunately, also excavations.
The Soral project (the risk assessment system of cable lines) has introduced an innovative Health Index, which describes the relationships between technical, operational and diagnostic parameters, enabling precise classification of the technical condition of individual elements of the medium voltage cable lines (SN). Health Index is based on standard parameters, such as the age of the line or cable type, and on the results of diagnostic measurements carried out on site.
The central element of the project is the IT system, which automates the data collection process and allows convenient analyzing, including the Health Index. Thanks to this, network operators can effectively manage their resources by making conscious decisions regarding the maintenance and modernization of SN cable networks. This system not only increases the reliability of energy supply, but also contributes to cost efficiency and the speed of response to potential problems, which is crucial to ensure stability and security of the energy system.
How can you save and at the same time ensure power continuity?
To save costs and at the same time ensure power continuity, it is key to effective management of medium voltage cable lines (SN) using an advanced tool to the Health Index. The assessment of the condition of each cable line element, such as sections, muffs or heads, is presented on the map of the power network using a colorful five -speed scale. Thanks to this, network operators can quickly identify segments that require immediate renovation and those that can be modernized or replaced in the long run. Of course, the use of specialized equipment, such as hydraulic shears, provides stable connections in cable lines and minimizes the risk of failure. However, this does not change the fact that it is better to prevent than cure. Regular technical checks are very important because they avoid failures.
Extensive reporting options allow easy planning and anticipation of maintenance activities, which is crucial for cost optimization by the distribution network operator (OSD). Thanks to earlier detection of problems and preventive action, it is possible to avoid long -term failures and reduce the number of power outages for electricity consumers.
Knowledge of the exact technical condition of the network, as well as easy access to this information, is enabled by the DSO strategic planning of investments and repairs, which in effect can bring significant savings. Making conscious decisions regarding the maintenance of SN cable lines before failures contributes not only to improving the reliability of the energy system, but also to increasing the cost of the entire power network management process.
The most common causes of cable lines failure
The most common causes of cable lines failure can be divided into two main categories: external and internal causes. External causes include all damage caused by external actions, such as earthworks and random events, such as sinkholes or land settlement. In addition, animals can cause mechanical damage. In turn, internal causes include construction errors, unnoticed technological defects, incorrect arrangement or assembly errors, as well as aging of insulation materials. Incorrect protection against atmospheric and connecting over surgery, current overflows and corrosion also contribute to damage to cable lines. Already at the stage of laying the line, equipment such as a cable bristle trailer is used to avoid damage to the cable.
The causes of damage to power cables are diverse and may include such problems as electrical damage to cable insulation, crumbling polymer insulation, mechanical damage to XLPE cables, cracking of the cable coating or electrical wood caused by unevenness on the screen surface. Often, damage to cable lines result from many simultaneous or successful factors, which hinders precise identification and repair. For example, electrical causes constitute about 40% of all failures, including mainly lightweight connecting surge and current staining. The non -selective operation of the security automation during a short circuit can lead to multiple thermal damage to the cable, which complicates their location and extends the repair time.
Knowledge and awareness of the most common causes of damage to cable lines is crucial for effective management of the power network and minimizing the number of failures. Thanks to the appropriate monitoring of the technical condition and the use of appropriate diagnostic technologies, many problems of this type can be effectively prevented, which translates into increased reliability of electricity supply and reduction of network maintenance costs.
