The E-REDES medium- and high-voltage networks face significant challenges due to their high percentage of overhead lines, which are particularly vulnerable to external risks. From objects touching the lines to unpredictable weather conditions, maintaining reliability and preventing faults is a complex task. Among these challenges, fault prediction stands out as a critical issue, directly impacting operational efficiency and quality of service.
By scouting for innovative solutions through EDP’s open innovation programs to face this challenges, we actively seek startups that align with our needs. It was through the Free Electrons program that we discovered IND Technology, whose cutting-edge solution perfectly matched our requirements for early fault detection in grid infrastructure.
In collaboration with IND.T, this project aims to address these pressing challenges through the deployment of the Early Fault Detection (EFD) system in a live medium-voltage line located in the Santarém region of Portugal. The EFD technology offers a powerful combination of advanced monitoring capabilities and data-driven analytics to identify and diagnose potential threats remotely, before adverse outcomes occur. By leveraging this cutting-edge solution, the project aims to transform grid management with predictive insights, enhancing both operational performance and customer experience. Through this initiative, the team will explore the scalability and adaptability of the EFD technology to create a long-term roadmap for predictive maintenance and network reliability.
The core benefits of this pilot lie in its ability to:
- Detect external object interactions with overhead lines more accurately.
- Predict faults and provide actionable insights to preempt outages.
- Improve the network’s resilience to severe weather events.
- Establish a foundation for scalable predictive maintenance strategies.
By integrating the EFD system into E-REDES’ operations, the project not only aims to enhance current network reliability but also to align with future-oriented goals, such as transitioning to a fully predictive maintenance approach.
The story of this project is one of innovation meeting practical challenges. IND.T’s technology demonstrates how advanced analytics can unlock new possibilities in grid management, transforming traditional operations into proactive, data-driven systems. With this pilot, E-REDES takes a significant step toward a smarter, more resilient energy future. Stay tuned as we uncover insights that could reshape grid reliability and performance from this pilot that will be finished in 2025.
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