Project Portable – Low Voltage Fault Passage Indicators (Portable – FPI) is developing portable fault passage indicators that can be used on the low voltage underground network. The equipment will be designed to be used by DNO operational staff to help locate faults on complex radial networks by measuring fault current flow in spurs. This has the potential to enable more efficient fault locating activities and therefore provide better service for customers. This project will last fifteen months. A previous NIA project, Low Voltage – Underground Fault Location Technologies (LV-UFLT) NIA_SSEN_0037, proved the concept of this innovation.
The project will develop a commercially viable portable fault passage indicators for use in conjunction with existing proven low voltage fault location technologies. This has the potential to enable more efficient fault locating activities and therefore provide better service for customers. Benefits targeted are reduced excavations, leading to quicker repairs; and avoided costs due to prevented faults, saving up to £1m every 5 years.
The project has successfully created a step-by-step workflow process for using Portable LV-FPI technologies which brings about improvements in finding the location of LV underground faults.
Through field trials of the fault passage indicator’s fault location detection equipment, it has been possible to confirm that it is a suitable method for LV underground cable fault location. Previously, Time-Domain Reflectometers (TDRs) were used to located faults on a network, however LV FPI fills a specific niche which allows engineers to strategically manipulate fault locators in a reduced time. Field trials are to continue with the equipment that has been developed within the project. These trials will be tracked and used to produce a benefits case that could potentially lead to further investment in additional Portable LV-FPIs.
The evidence gathered, processes, procedures and training material developed under this project will be used to support the adoption of the Portable LV-FPIs devices into Business as Usual (BaU) and this includes knowledge capture sessions with relevant stakeholders to produce a draft technical guidance document including FAQs.
£353,750
May 2022 – April 2024
Kevin Dennis
