Developing the physical layer of future power grids: Required for automated asset management and renewable energy integration

Increased demand for power requires a grid that is equipped to facilitate distributed or large-distance bulk generation. Complying with long term goals, this future grid should be reliable, carbon neutral and sustainable. The main drivers for the upcoming changes in the power grids are the increase of renewable energy production and the aging of the high voltage electrical components. In order to determine the health state of these components, intelligence embedded in the components is required. This includes sensors, communication technology and associated models for interpretation and decision making. To realize an intelligent future grid, it is required that, besides high level smart grids concepts, an actual lower level physical layer is developed. Concrete suggestions will be discussed to implement market ready solutions for predictive health management which can cope with the changing environment of the future grid. Using these suggestions in a case, it is shown that the loss of remaining lifetime can be decreased during a standard 24 hour loading pattern.