Automated fault analysis using an intelligent monitoring system

Distribution feeders are complex systems comprised of numerous components, which are expected to function properly for decades. Electrical, mechanical and weather-related stresses combine to degrade components. Degradation accumulates over time, gradually impairing components´ ability to perform properly and ultimately leading to failures, faults and outages. Work at Texas A&M has documented electrical parametric changes that occur as apparatus degrade. Taking advantage of these changes holds promise for helping utilities improve service quality and reliability, but intelligent algorithms and systems are required to acquire, analyze and otherwise manage the significant volume of data necessary to realize such benefits.