The SYNAPS Fault Detection, Classification & Location Solution (SYNAPS 1 NIA_UKPN0037) project was successful in trialling a solution which predicted fault locations from electrical waveforms gathered through monitoring equipment prior to any noticeable LV activity, detecting transient or “pecking” fault events of short duration and low energy that did not rupture a fuse or trigger an LV network circuit breaker.
The project has the potential to develop a commercial underground cable fault-finding device with improved accuracy, along with developing procedures for operational staff to use the technology. This has the potential to enable more efficient fault locating activities and therefore provide better service for customers by reducing Customer Interruptions (CIs) and Customer Minutes Lost (CMLs).
The SYNAPS 2 NIA project has made significant improvements since the SYNAPS 1 NIA Project and has demonstrated that the SYNAPS solution consistently detects, classifies, and locates events (pre-fault events) before other technologies such as reclosers and temporary fuses. COPPsystem MCUs between December 2023 and March 2024 detected 7,382 events and classified 475 as fault events.
Speed of location has improved from three weeks in SYNAPS 1 to less than 1 day in SYNAPS 2 during 2022. The model now provides instantaneous fault locations (subject to successful validation of models).
The technology has been installed and validated on meshed networks within the UK Power Networks region. Technology validated in radial networks, validation on meshed networks in progress and different cable types and architectures covered. Enhanced calibration is being investigated to improve fault locations on all types of networks.
Fault Locations identified and excavated – there have been 13 fault locations modelled. Out of the fault locations modelled, 11 have been successfully excavated and validated as the cause of the fault. These have been validated at RINA or by DNO Engineers.
The purchase of SYNAPS by Lucy Electric Ltd has moved the project to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 9 and has embedded the solution into their products.
UK Power Networks
Powerline Technologies Limited
Energy Innovation Centre
£1,160,432
December 2020 – March 2024
Kevin Dennis
