Network

NETWORK / 28 / DECEMBER 2016/JANUARY 2017 P r e v e n t, P r o t e c t a n d r e a c t Network resilience is critical all year round, but never more so than in the win- ter months, Siemens Transformer's Mark Simblett tells Network – and transformers have a critical role to play. Network operators are continually striving to make their networks more resilient. How important is the role transformers play? Transformers are a key component when it comes to power transmission and distribution. They are placed at the critical nodes of electricity networks and make sure the power, which is generated in one spot is "sent" without major losses to where it is needed. Network operators create more resiliency by keeping spares, which can be quickly installed when failures happen. What is the likelihood of failure in the UK's transformer asset base? The average lifespan of power transformers in the UK is probably between 30-40 years old if we average the asset base across the country. The technology does age, so a number of those are due for replacement. There are not a lot of moving components in a transformer but as they get older they are worked harder DNO ISSUeS Total number of installs Exposed live conductors (live or neutral) 30,958 Fuse Carrier welded in to cut-out base 9,976 Cut out loose 9,659 Physical damage to cut out/service cable requiring immediate action 5,583 Damaged/broken cut out terminals - missing terminal screws 7,158 Meter tails need to be replaced but cannot be changed safely by competent staff 5,406 Metal encased cut-out 7,996 DB equipment unable to be effectively sealed 15,632 Total smart meters installed 3,729,961 continued from p27 urban and rural areas, while in another the level drops to just 0.006%. It is also clear from the data that urban areas have a higher proportion across the board of DNO issues, with only south Wales registering above average in both rural and urban areas. Network operators are taking one of three different approaches to tackling DNO issues. The method being employed by most is to fix on fail. The second approach is to analyse the data to identify the areas most likely to have a high proportion of a particular issue and plan appropriately. A simi- lar approach by suppliers would also be beneficial, as they have a limited view of installations being undertaken in a particular area by other suppliers who may well be experiencing the same issues. The last approach is to pro- actively survey and fix issues in advance, leaving the way clear for smart meter installers to make a successful installation on the first attempt. But DNOs are neither obligated or funded to take such an approach, and so far only one is undertaking this method. The effectiveness of this method is reflected in consistently lower rates of issues being reported in the cor- responding GSP areas. The picture of why instal- lations are failing is likely to change over time as issues resulting in high rates of failures are addressed by suppliers and their third parties with DNOs to produce new approaches and training to resolve the issue where possible. This approach has already produced results with the rates for metal encased cut-out dropping significantly over the last year. N

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