LAURE: an operational expert system for the analysis of faults occurring on medium voltage networks

To better meet the expectations and requirements of its customers, EDF has been making every effort to improve the quality of the electrical energy supplied. Ensuring the reliability of medium voltage units is a key part of this strategy. The increased levels of reliability come as the result of new methods and tools for the diagnostics, upkeep and renewal of MV overhead networks. In this respect, EDF has developed a method termed `auscultation´ which consists of analysing all the electrical incidents affecting a medium-voltage feeder and identifying the sources of transient faults. To generalize this method and improve its efficiency, the EDF R&D department has drawn up the specifications and modelled a tool for auscultation aid. The mock-up, produced using an expert system approach, enabled requirements to be clearly defined and suggested a number of possible solutions using current technology. The functions of the LAURE software product are described in detail, together with the initial operating results