A big thanks to Endeavour Energy for having us out at the Glendenning Field Service Centre to conduct audio frequency injection control (AFIC) training lead by our reliable partner Swistec Systems AG, who specialise in ripple control (AFIC) systems. The day consisted of a theory portion on fault and diagnostic training followed by a practical workshop where we did physical training on the transmitter and its software interface.
AFIC systems are used to inject an additional audio frequency signal into the powerlines delivering power to homes. This audio frequency signal is used to trigger electrical relays installed in customer meter boxes. The customer’s appliances connected to these relays can then be turned on or off by the network operator using of the AFIC system to help manage demand for electricity from all customers across its network. While participating customers benefit through access to lower tariffs, the use of this system allows electricity network operators to keep downward pressure on the network portion of everyone’s electricity bill by better managing load, and retailers to better manage wholesale supply costs. Endeavour Energy has approximately 350,000 customers, or roughly 35 percent of the customer base, currently taking advantage of the benefits of controlled load pricing to meet their hot water needs in a low-cost way, while also helping to reduce the impact of peak demand on all customers.
This training will improve the ability of Endeavour Energy crews to diagnose AFIC faults and provide a better service to its customers by restoring hot water supply as quickly as possible in the event of an outage.
After missing the last event in NZ due to border closures, we were delighted to see so many people at the Electricity Engineers' Association of New Zealand Conference.
Check out the article on Powerco and their use of the the Horstmann Smart Navigator 2.0 fault indicators, found in the latest T&D magazine. The intelligent overhead line monitoring sensor is providing real-time network visibility and directional fault indication to assist with faster power restorations for their New Zealand customers.
With the Smart Navigator 2.0 you can quickly locate the fault and have it displayed locally onsite and remotely in the control room. Measurements are taken of the current, voltage, load flow direction and conductor temperature – continuously. With remote parameterisation, you can react easily and quickly to changes in the network topology.
The Smart Navigator 2.0 is recommended for use in all branches of an outgoing feeder, in riser poles at the transition from the underground cable network to overhead (UGOH) and in inaccessible or hard-to-reach areas on both sides. It is impressive wherever it is used, particularly due to its very bright LED display. Designed to give a 360° view, it enables you to detect faults from a great distance – making it much easier to search for the location of a disruption, particularly in adverse conditions.
