Lower your risk to power infrastructure damage from wild firesSponsored
Many networks face intense scrutiny and their risk committees are regularly reviewing options available to reduce the risk and even prevent destruction from wildfires. The increased occurrence and severity globally of out of controls fires over recent years has gained attention from territorial and national authorities as well as product developers and manufacturers.
Developed in response to the damage caused by a growing incidence of wild fires in the likes of California and Australia, many of these products are available to networks and contractors in many countries.
New products such as high voltage surge arresters, fire protection coatings, and contact prevention devices can lower the risk of wildfires around the power infrastructure. Grid monitoring solutions can also play a critical role before, during, and after emergency operations.
Countries and regions have taken different approaches to certifying high voltage surge arresters. In New Zealand the usual practise is that distribution surge arresters are equipped with a ground lead disconnector (GLD) which reacts to sudden current increases. Australia has developed high voltage surge arrester standards based on IEC standards which include a subsection with specific criteria to qualify the spark production class. One commonly used calibration test method to quantify the fire risk is called the “ground paper method.” Australian utilities often require products that meet Class A spark production (zero sparks) based on ground paper testing. California, on the other hand, relies on the California Power Line Fire Prevention Field Guide. This document outlines procedures to minimise the risk of catastrophic wildfires caused by electrical power lines and equipment. The guide details testing processes and qualified test equipment that meets requirements for CalFire exempt status for electrical equipment. Hubbell Power Systems (HPS) in the USA have developed a surge arrester specifically to meet Australian test requirements for Class A. If incandescent particles are emitted from this arrester, they don’t have enough energy to ignite a fuel bed. This product includes insulated line and ground ceiling caps which limit the available energised surface area.
Passive fire protection on wooden poles is a promising alternative to replacing millions of wooden poles with metal or composite. To make a difference, it makes sense to deploy passive fire protection solutions in high risk fire areas, controlled burn zones, and active fire paths. This can reduce the duration and cost associated with power outages. Coatings and wraps are two options that mitigate fire risks for wooden poles. These solutions offer different benefits in terms of serviceability, ease of installation and removal, and breathability.
Aclara’s grid monitoring solutions offer enhanced visibility, flexibility and mobility. Sensors are inductively powered and include integrated wireless communications. A set of three sensors can be installed in 15 to 30 minutes. Sensors may be deployed permanently or temporarily for troubleshooting. Once installed, the sensors inductively self-power, automatically connect to the wireless network, and immediately report interval data and their GPS location. Fault events are reported as they occur on the network. Aclara’s grid monitoring and analytics software can be provided as a cloud-based service or run on utility data centre servers
To read more about these opportunities and to get the link for more information – email HPS’s distributor in NZ and Australia – Acculec:
Acculec NZ (A Legend Corporation Company)
Bruce Blundell
P: +64 9 274 4280
M: +64 21 427 774
E: bruce.blundell@acculec.co.nz
Prasad Adhilesh
P: +64 9 274 4280
M: +64 21 427 808
E: Prasad.Adhilesh@acculec.co.nz