Energy grids are about to get a lot more complex as renewable energy is integrated into the system. To support these more dynamic grids, researchers have proposed a novel, predictive maintenance system that anticipates when critical components—in this case switchgears—may fail and need to be replaced.

Currently, distribution grid operators wait until a component of the grid fails before replacing it. Or, they may replace components at set intervals, when the lifespan of the technology is estimated to be at its end. However, this approach can lead to unnecessary replacements of still-functional components as well as components operating beyond their ideal “expiration dates”—and, in either extreme, unnecessary difficulties and higher costs.

The researchers’ prototype system, called DigiGrid, analyzes data capturing the general operations of the grid. For example, it tracks when a switchgear is installed, and then DigiGrid follows geographic information systems (GIS) data on the location of the equipment. Also, DigiGrid can analyze data from a range of sensors, including those to determine the flow of electricity, thermal sensors to identify overheating, air-quality sensors to determine contamination levels (for example, from dust or soot), and camera sensors to identify animal intruders that may have damaged equipment.

“DigiGrid utilizes this information, including sensor data, to calculate a current health status and a prediction of how long the asset will function without errors,” says Philipp zur Heiden, a postdoctoral researcher at Paderborn University, in Germany.