What's Happening?
Sense, a company specializing in grid edge intelligence, has unveiled a new edge-powered Fault Detection Solution integrated into next-generation smart meters. This innovation was announced at the Distributech event in San Diego, California. The software provides utilities with real-time visibility into faults across the distribution grid, including service and secondary lines to homes, which are often the origin of most failures. Historically, monitoring has been limited in these areas, with most fault detection technologies focusing on upstream transmission or substations. Sense's technology, utilizing Waveform AI, detects arcing, downed lines, and equipment degradation in real time, aiding utilities in reducing wildfire risks, protecting
crews, and speeding up restoration efforts.
Why It's Important?
The introduction of this technology is significant as it addresses a critical gap in grid reliability. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, over 90% of U.S. outages occur on the distribution grid. By providing real-time fault detection, utilities can improve safety for lineworkers and reduce the duration and frequency of outages. This advancement not only enhances operational efficiency but also maximizes the investment in smart meter deployments by eliminating the need for additional hardware. The ability to detect and localize faults quickly can lead to fewer truck rolls and more informed asset management, ultimately benefiting both utilities and consumers.
What's Next?
As the technology is integrated into more smart meters, utilities are expected to see a reduction in outage times and an improvement in grid reliability. The solution has already shown value in pilot programs by identifying faults caused by vegetation and other infrastructure issues. Moving forward, utilities may expand the use of this technology to further enhance grid management and safety protocols. The ongoing development and deployment of such technologies could lead to broader adoption across the industry, setting new standards for grid management and fault detection.
