Stabilising power quality by integrating connected systems in T&M solutions

Leading T&M providers emphasise the changes in power quality and distribution patterns due to implementing efficient monitoring solutions and sensor-based systems to detect important problems.

The current power quality in India significantly impacts the need for advanced T&M (Testing and Measuring) instruments in the power sector. Power quality issues, such as voltage fluctuations, harmonics, and power factor problems, can lead to various problems, including equipment damage, power outages, and decreased energy efficiency.

T&M instruments impacting power quality
Advanced T&M To address these issues, advanced T&M instruments are necessary to monitor and analyse power quality parameters and ensure the power system’s stability, reliability, and efficiency. These instruments can help identify and diagnose power quality issues, locate faults, and provide data to develop practical solutions.

According to Jason Jiang-Sales Manager, Iray, “The power quality in India is quite poor at the moment. Several issues, such as frequent power cuts, inadequate transmission and distribution systems, and power theft, contribute to this. Advanced T&M instruments are needed in the power sector to solve these problems. These instruments provide a complete solution with software integration to address these issues.

Narendra Goliya, CMD, Kusam Electricals Pvt. Ltd., adds details to the conversation saying, “There are also many harmonics present in the power supply due to various types of loads generating harmonics and spikes. To monitor the power quality and take corrective action, we need Power Quality & Harmonics Analyzers to detect these system voltage issues. Surge monitors are also useful for the same purpose.”

Piyush Patel, Head of the Strategic Business Unit, Testo India Pvt. Ltd., in agreement with the above views, says, “As the global population increases, the power demand is also increasing. That’s why we’ve introduced new instrumentation technology that can directly connect to app-based systems, and some of these instruments even incorporate IoT capabilities. This helps improve power quality and makes monitoring and addressing any issues that arise easier.”

Minimise power leaks and power theft
Advanced T&M instruments can help detect and minimise power leaks and theft issues in several ways. For instance, thermal imaging cameras can be used to identify hot spots on power lines or transformers, which can indicate power leaks or overloads. Multimeters and voltage testers can be used to detect and measure voltage drops or fluctuations caused by power theft or improper wiring. On this note, Jiang explains that advanced T&M instruments, such as thermal imaging cameras, can detect power leaks and power distribution issues directly and efficiently. This can save a lot of time and human cost. Goliya points out that power theft is a very common issue, particularly in rural areas of India, but sometimes even in big cities. To address this problem, electricity authorities can use the latest technology power measuring instruments, such as power clamp meters. These meters can detect the power consumed by a consumer by clamping onto the power input line without the consumer knowing that their power consumption is being checked.

Challenges in the effective implementation of T&M instruments
Standardisation, lack of skilled personnel, cost, and awareness are challenges facing T&M instrument implementation in the power sector. Jiang highlights that one of the main challenges is that many end-users need to realise the importance of maintaining their equipment. While testing and measuring instruments may be costly, they can save more money by efficiently preventing any disaster.

Goliya explains that many challenges face the implementation of testing and measuring instruments in the Indian Power Sector. The power sector is mainly controlled by government companies, which must purchase instruments based on the L1 basis. This means that good quality instruments may not be selected for purchase. Additionally, many buyers copy specifications from foreign branded product catalogues without proper consideration, which disqualifies other suitable products from consideration. There is a general perception that foreign-branded products are better than Indian-branded products. However, if Indian companies change their buying pattern from L1 to quality-based purchases and do not blindly follow foreign brands, they can get relief from these challenges.

Leveraging smart grids and digitalisation to enhance T&M efficiency
Technology development is crucial in modernising and growing any industry, including the T&M sector. Jiang explains that the latest technology is now integrated with instruments and services, and smart, digital, and IoT concepts drive operations. Many T&M instruments are now smart and intuitive, making measurement tasks easy, accurate, fast, and reliable with just one smartphone click. The R&D involved aims to evolve the instruments to cope with new technologies.

Goliya suggests that with the advancement of technology, such as smart grids and digitalisation, the role of Testing & Measuring Instruments may be limited to spot measurements of electrical quantities. This is because most of the data can now be monitored from a central station where data from all grids are available through digital means. Abnormalities in the system can be reported immediately to the central station for corrective action.

Patel explains that when electricity is transferred from the power generation unit to the feeders, it passes through transmission line switchyards. Blackouts or problems with the switchyard are not uncommon, but Testo’s instruments can ensure optimal and uninterrupted operation of switchyards and transmission lines 24/7. This technology is offered to customers, enabling them to achieve efficient results.

Furthermore, Testo provides products that can help complete preventive maintenance on substation equipment such as transformers, circuit breakers, CTs, PTs, isolators, transmission lines, distribution panels, switchgear, etc. Their products range from thermal imagers that can help identify hot spots to electrical monitoring instruments such as multimeters and voltage testers for troubleshooting.

With the help of advanced T&M instruments, power utilities can maintain a stable and reliable power supply, reducing the risk of blackouts and power interruptions. As technology continues to evolve, it is crucial to adopt international standards and best practices to promote efficient and effective use of these instruments in the power sector.