Innovate in early detection of failures
The medium and high voltage networks ofE-REDES face significant challenges due to the high percentage of overhead lines, which are particularly vulnerable to external risks. From objects making contact with the lines to unpredictable weather conditions, ensuring reliability and preventing failures is a complex task. Among these challenges, fault prediction stands out as a critical issue, directly impacting operational efficiency and service quality.
When seeking innovative solutions through EDP's open innovation programs to tackle these challenges, we actively pursued startups aligned with our needs. It was through the Free Electrons program that we discovered IND Technology, whose cutting-edge solution perfectly met our requirements for early fault detection in the electrical grid infrastructure.
In collaboration with IND.T, the aim is to address these urgent challenges through the implementation of the Early Fault Detection (EFD) system on an operating medium voltage line located in the Santarém region, Portugal. EFD technology offers a powerful combination of advanced monitoring capabilities and data-driven analyses to identify and diagnose potential threats remotely, before adverse consequences occur. By leveraging this innovative solution, the project seeks to transform grid management with predictive insights, improving both operational performance and the customer experience. Through this initiative, the team will explore the scalability and adaptability of EFD technology to create a long-term plan focused on predictive maintenance and network reliability.
The main benefits of this pilot project lie in its ability to:
- Detect external object interactions with overhead lines more accurately.
- Predict failures and provide actionable insights to prevent disruptions.
- Enhance network resilience to severe weather events.
- Establish a foundation for scalable predictive maintenance strategies.
By integrating the EFD system into E-REDES operations, the project not only aims to improve the current reliability of the network but also align with future-oriented objectives, such as transitioning to a fully predictive maintenance approach.
This pilot is an example of how innovation can tackle practical challenges. IND.T technology demonstrates how advanced analysis can unlock new possibilities in network management, transforming traditional operations into proactive data-driven systems. With this pilot to be completed in 2025, E-REDES takes a significant step toward a smarter and more resilient energy future. Join us as we uncover insights that can redefine the reliability and performance of networks.
