Schneider Electric South Africa has unveiled its PowerLogic PD100 Partial Discharge Monitoring Solution, designed to be installed on medium voltage (MV) switchgear to detect anomalies early to prevent unplanned downtime.

“The PD100 Partial Discharge sensor is suited to greenfield projects and can only be fitted to Schneider Electric’s new generation switchgear and voltage detecting indicating system (VDIS),” says Lebo Ntsane, Mining, Minerals and Metals Services Sales Lead at Schneider Electric.

“It enables continuous partial discharge monitoring on medium voltage switchgear and also on all the critical connections made on the field, such as cables, transformers and busbar connections.”

Ntsane explains that a partial discharge happens when electrical insulation in high-voltage environments deteriorates under stress, leading to insulation failure. It is a complex phenomenon that requires specific knowledge and competencies to get the right insights into equipment.

All types of partial discharge

“Based on our reliable capacitive coupler technology, the PowerLogic PD100 Partial Discharge Monitoring sensor detects all types of partial discharges such as Corona, surface or void discharges,” says Ntsane.

“The PowerLogic PD100 Partial Discharge Monitoring is essentially an additional safety measure on your switchboard panel, particularly medium voltage. We know that about 25% of MV asset failures are due to partial discharge. If you quantify 25% across one operation, that is potentially a lot of damage and danger to equipment and human beings.”

PowerLogic PD100 partial discharge sensor is typically installed in MV switchgear with Active Plus connectivity, which provides 24/7 monitoring and detection of all types of partial discharge to maximise continuity of service and optimise maintenance of critical equipment.

Remote monitoring

Ntsane states that the product comes with the next-generation EcoStruxure Service Plan that combines remote monitoring and alarms through an innovative digital platform, supported by experts from Schneider Electric’s Connected Services Hub. This enables Schneider Electric to provide insights and maintenance recommendations to improve business operations efficiency.

“Through our Service Plan with Asset Advisor, we provide simple and clear information accessible anywhere and anytime from our Connected Services Hub. With a Service Plan, we combine all elements needed, data, algorithms and expertise from the Connected Services Hub, to provide notifications, insights and predictive analytics,” he explains.

“When an abnormal partial discharge activity is detected, our experts will remotely assess the equipment health, anticipate potential issues and provide recommendations, including a dedicated onsite ProCorona diagnostic of live equipment to accurately determine the root cause.”

This unique approach will help optimise site operations and maintenance costs, reducing unplanned downtime, and improving safety. PowerLogic PD100 is suited for indoor applications with Schneider Electric’s MV equipment with a capacitive coupler.