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(EVs), to support and facilitate emerging markets while meet- ing the ever present need to provide connecting customers with cost effective alternatives to reinforcement, are collectively driving the DSO transition. ANM can manage smart grids, the interaction of storage and demand responsive loads to minimise the reliance on fossil fuels and maximise utility of renewable energy sources. SSEN is further developing ANM systems to better solve the chal - lenges we currently face and to prepare ourselves for those on the horizon. ANM enabled networks are recognised within the ENA's Open Networks Project as an essential cornerstone in our transition to becoming a distri - bution system operator (DSO). The ANM architecture estab- lished as part of the SSEN ANM Centralisation Project provides a key foundation for future DSO functionality. In defining the target technology architecture for ANM, there is an opportunity to centralise many core functions, enabling significant reductions in ANM delivery costs for our customers, as well as realising ongoing support and mainte - nance efficiencies. Centralising certain elements and services associated with ANM ultimately enables better management of our systems, as well as help - ing to alleviate many of the environmental issues associated with existing deployment pat- terns. The way ANM systems are deployed and importantly how they are integrated within the business becomes increasingly important; requiring greater flexibility and adaptability in our networks information. Making improvements Improving systems capacity and scalability, application of a consistent security architecture, remote management, resilience and disaster recovery are impor- tant objectives for the project. Working with our systems vendors, innovative soŽware platforms are being developed. NETWORK / 41 / MAY 2019 These include enhancements to user interfaces as well as advanced network constraint management functionality, cou- pled with intelligent dispatch scheduling and forecasting services. A customer portal for enhanced reporting will be developed, providing access to market information and DER availability, in real-time. These latest ANM soŽware applications can be deployed onto virtual or physical server platforms. Through the ANM Centralisa - tion Project we are also advanc- ing our business architecture, working with our operational control centres, commercial contracts and system planning business functions to identify opportunities to enhance their current processes and further exploit the capabilities ANM affords in the configuration, monitoring and control of our networks. SSEN plans to use the ANM Centralisation Projects archi - tecture and systems to deliver the South West Active Networks (SWAN) Project. The SWAN project will meet the system operator's requirements to monitor and control genera - tion export against transmis- sion grid constraints in real time across eight Grid Supply Points (GSP), maintaining the security of the UK system while releasing generation capacity to customers over almost 50 per cent of the SEPD licence area. The intelligent interface with National Grid will also support future 'whole system' interac - tions between transmission and distribution operators, such as market responsive dispatch and balancing services. The ANM Centralisation Project is just one example of the significant investment SSEN is making as part of an ongo - ing commitment to the energy industry and our customers. By investing ahead of need, we will be well placed to meet the current and future needs of the networks business and the chal- lenges and opportunities the DSO transition presents. TRANSITION TO DSO FUTURE OF FLEXIBILITY Tony Walker, applications engineer for HV cable diagnostics and fault location at Megger, discusses the benefits of partial discharge (PD) testing. Faults on underground power cables are almost always disruptive and costly to fix. So there's a very big incentive to minimise the risk of such faults occurring. One of the most effective ways of doing this is to use partial discharge (PD) testing and mapping, partial discharge activity is an indication of incipient insulation faults and is widely regarded as one of the best 'early warning' indicators of deterioration in medium and high voltage insulation. PD diagnostics has therefore become a well- established method of quality control for new assets, as well as condition assessment of service-aged systems. PD testing looks for the characteristic electromagnetic signature produced by small electrical discharges in air gaps, voids and cavities in cable insulation, and in joints and splices. These discharges typically start long before these problems develop into a fault, so detecting them early gives time for action to be taken to avert outright failure. A large percentage of failures on new cables are attributable to poor installation work. So PD testing during the commissioning of new installations can reveal many of the issues, such as improper or incomplete stripping of insulation, improper shrinking of insulating sleeves, or nicks and cuts in the insulation and other poor workmanship. Regular PD testing on in-service cables provides useful data that can be trended or compared with data from similar cables to flag up changes that need further investigation. While no test method can reveal every incipient fault, PD testing is undoubtedly the best form of "insurance" against cable faults that's currently available. And, considered in the light of the financial impact of a typical cable fault, it's insurance well worth buying. For further information email info@megger.com I N D U S T RY I N S I G H T An effective way to reduce cable failures