Dave Hughes UK Session 6 – Block 2 – Presentation Barcelona May 2003 ea technology 1 A Programme for Effective Research into Substation Plant Condition Dave Hughes (UK) Session 6 - Block 2 EA Technology

Dave Hughes UK Session 6 – Block 2 – Presentation Barcelona May 2003 ea technology 2 Strategic Technology Programme Providing research, without infringing commercial or competitive concerns DNOs collaborate to tackle technical and business problems of mutual interest STP programme is developed in response to business needs and is not "technology led Outstanding feature is free flow of information and has contributed to success of the programme

Dave Hughes UK Session 6 – Block 2 – Presentation Barcelona May 2003 ea technology 3 Distribution substation plant Concentrated on maintenance/replacement strategies for substation plant and equipment Fundamental studies to understand the degradation and failure processes of the plant and equipment This knowledge exploited to provide techniques, devices, tools and strategies that provide technical solutions and business benefits to members

Dave Hughes UK Session 6 – Block 2 – Presentation Barcelona May 2003 ea technology 4 Successes to Date Shorter-term projects, targeted at specific problem areas, have brought immediate benefits Interrelated projects in a theme area to provide a continuing thread of projects leading to innovation for long term improvements

Dave Hughes UK Session 6 – Block 2 – Presentation Barcelona May 2003 ea technology 5 Oil Switch Headspace Gas STP rapidly developed a device for headspace gas testing to deal with a pressing operational problem Gave immediate and significant safety, operational and monetary benefits

Dave Hughes UK Session 6 – Block 2 – Presentation Barcelona May 2003 ea technology 6 Oil Degradation Monitoring by Headspace Gas Testing Concept being extended to establish a non- invasive method of determining oil condition at all stages of degradation via the headspace gas Should provide substantial benefits by providing a non-invasive condition-based approach to maintenance strategy

Dave Hughes UK Session 6 – Block 2 – Presentation Barcelona May 2003 ea technology 7 Oil Sampling Fundamental studies by STP established that the condition of oil in 11kV switchgear is the critical factor in determining the need for maintenance Concept of oil sampling as a viable means of determining the optimum maintenance frequency Allowed DNOs to implement significant changes to the maintenance strategies and policies for oil switchgear, resulting in considerable cost savings

Dave Hughes UK Session 6 – Block 2 – Presentation Barcelona May 2003 ea technology 8 Live Tank Oil Sampling Provided impetus for development of techniques for live tank oil sampling now being used in UK

Dave Hughes UK Session 6 – Block 2 – Presentation Barcelona May 2003 ea technology 9 STP Programme for Substation Plant Over 80 projects undertaken to date “Hard” issues –Plant and equipment studies “Soft” issues –Strategy and policy, plant data management, etc. Many new proposals in the pipeline for consideration in the future work programme.

Dave Hughes UK Session 6 – Block 2 – Presentation Barcelona May 2003 ea technology 10 Summary STP programme can be recommended as a proven model for providing research. Collaboration on problems of mutual interest, without infringing commercial competitive concerns Member companies do require positive return on their investment Programme has run for 6 years & is continuing is testament to fact that it has provided that return.