Electricity and Control September 2024

TRANSFORMERS, SUBSTATIONS + CABLES : PRODUCTS + SERVICES

Distribution transformer monitor with new capabilities

Comtest, the local representative of Franklin Electric – Grid Solutions, has announced that the INCON ® Distribution Transformer Monitor (DTM) has been updated to include new functionality for transformer life prediction, enabling forecasting for services and maintenance. This enhancement leverages predictive algorithms to estimate the remaining lifespan of transformers and so helps streamline operations. Additionally, the DTM now supports Ethernet connectivity with compatibility for DNP3 (Distributed Network Protocol 3) and Modbus, offering flexible and efficient network integration. It provides continuous, meter-grade precision performance monitoring of high value, mission-critical, low-voltage pad mount and conventional pole mount transformers. With the ability to monitor and trend transformer out put voltage, loading (current) by phase, temperature, and power factor for an entire network of transformers, utilities gain the information they need regarding power distribution and equipment maintenance. Key advantages Transformer state of health: continuously monitoring the key indicators of a transformer’s performance, including temperature and load, the DTM provides remote access to real-time data on transformer health and automated threshold alarms for condition-based maintenance plan ning Transformer life prediction: the DTM tracks a trans former’s ‘loss of life’ and employs advanced predictive algorithms to forecast the estimated remaining run time. It provides a near-constant assessment of the transform er’s health, considering real-time conditions, updating at two-second intervals, and applying a calculated dynamic acceleration factor to predict the cumulative loss of life. Power factor monitoring: the monitor tracks a trans former’s power factor, which reflects the trend of useful power delivery. Power factor helps utilities to determine the most efficient distribution of power during peak times and to ensure the delivery of high-quality outbound pow er when customers need it most. High-performance hardware: a powerful industrial IOT-grade processor and sophisticated polyphase energy measurement integrated circuit provide advanced onboard computation capability and power quality monitor-level fidelity. Deploy anywhere at scale: a built-in Cat M1/NB2 cellular modem allows the DTM to communicate via a cellular network, enabling utilities to deploy DTMs almost anywhere and at scale (that is, one unit to thousands of units). Alarms and notifications With the CONVERGE™ web interface, utilities can man age installations by exception, with customised thresh old alarms and notifications, such as Voltage signal Del

The INCON ® Distribution Transformer Monitor provides continuous, precise, performance monitoring of low voltage pad mount and conventional pole mount transformers. ta, Current signal Delta, Fault current, Voltage sag and swell, K-factor harmonics, Top/Bottom tank temperature, Temperature Delta, Winding hot spot load ratio, Winding load, and Winding hot spot temperature. Asset management database A secure MQTT communication protocol allows the DTM to communicate safely with the web-based UNITE™ asset management database. UNITE™ provides user-friendly access to all distribution transformer performance data – voltage, temperature, current, power factor, and more – for convenient centralised analysis and reporting. It is a sophisticated IoT database with advanced data visual isation tools for Franklin Electric monitoring systems like the DTM. It provides service and maintenance personnel with a consolidated view of the health and performance data of an entire network of distribution transformers. Easy installation The DTM can be applied to any type of distribution transformer with a secondary output of 480 Volts or less, phase to neutral. This includes single-phase, split-phase, or three-phase transformers. Installation has been kept simple, with only a few connections required for the sec ondary transformer. Four split-core Rogowski Coils measure load current. Five voltage leads measure Phase A, B, and C, as well as neutral and ground. Two magnetically mounted RTD sensors measure the top and bottom of the transformer temperature. For magnetic mounting, four powerful magnets inte grated into the mounting plate allow for the DTM to be installed vertically or horizontally, without drilling or ad hesives. Setup and configuration are also simple. All user in terface communication, including alarm and setting con figuration, data viewing, and alarm resetting, is made via the CONVERGE™ web interface. Configuration can be done locally via Wi-Fi using a web browser, or remotely through the cellular connection.

For more information visit: www.comtest.co.za

SEPTEMBER 2024 Electricity + Control

25