The integration of fiber optics with traditional cables as an embedded construction and the implementation of advanced monitoring technologies represent a significant leap forward for the power sector, notes Rajinder Kaul.
Just as blood vessels are critical for delivering nutrients and oxygen throughout the human body, cables are the backbone of power systems, ensuring the smooth flow of energy from generation to transmission, to distribution and ultimately up to consumption point or the load centre. Yet, just as blood vessels can suffer from blockages or damage, cables in our power infrastructure face their own risks of insulation failures, by way of over-voltages, over-heating, external mechanical damages or due to general aging life cycle. Technologies that “sense” and respond to potential issues in real time can help address these challenges.
That’s where fibre-embedded cable system with online monitoring systems come into play. The integration of advanced technologies like fiber optics with traditional cable systems promises to enhance operational efficiency, improve fault detection, and increase system reliability. Despite its potential, awareness of this integration remains limited, and there is a pressing need to bridge this gap on Information, technology, knowledge, experience and application engineering.
At Sharika Enterprises, we believe that the future of power systems lies in these innovations, and we are committed to leading the way in bringing these solutions to the forefront of the industry. Through the integration of fiber optics into the cables and online monitoring technologies, power cables can be transformed into smart, self-monitoring networks capable of responding to changes and risks in real time.
DTS: The Distributed Temperature System (DTS) is one of the most powerful tools for managing thermal risks. Much like a temperature sensor embedded in the body, DTS provides continuous, real-time monitoring of cable temperatures. It enables dynamic overload management within the system, ensuring that cables can adapt to varying load demands without causing thermal stress or damaging insulation. This level of monitoring ensures operational efficiency even during periods of high demand.
DAS: Similarly, the Data Acoustic System (DAS) acts as the “ears” of the cable network, constantly listening for any signs of mechanical disturbances along the cable route. DAS detects acoustic signals, like noise and vibrations, indicating potential risks, such as third-party interference or mechanical damage from activities like digging or horizontal directional drilling (HDD). Early detection allows for proactive intervention, preventing costly damage and ensuring continued cable operation without disruption.
PD: Finally, Partial Discharge Monitoring (PD) plays a critical role in assessing the health of the cable insulation system. PD technology continuously monitors the insulation condition to identify weaknesses, detecting partial discharge events early to prevent complete insulation failure. By reducing the risk of unplanned outages, this technology extends the life of power assets and ensures operational reliability, even under stress.
The integration of fiber optics with traditional cables as an embedded construction and the implementation of advanced monitoring technologies represent a significant leap forward for the power sector. These monitoring systems allow the power infrastructure to “sense” problems early and respond swiftly to prevent major failures, dramatically improving the overall system reliability and reducing the likelihood of costly downtime or service interruptions.
Detecting issues early also leads to more efficient operation of the entire system. Real-time data provides necessary insights for optimizing energy transmission, improving load management, and reducing losses. Furthermore, predictive maintenance allows utilities to proactively address potential issues before they develop into costly failures, ensuring the long-term resilience of the power grid.
Continuous health monitoring of cable assets, especially through advanced Fibre Embedded Cable Systems with Online Monitoring Technologies, presents a transformative opportunity for monetizing these assets via insurance, by way of assessing loss of life over time scale & thus secure utility assets. By implementing robust monitoring systems such as Distributed Temperature Systems (DTS), Data Acoustic Systems (DAS), and Partial Discharge (PD) Monitoring, utilities can ensure real-time operation & maintenance system smartly & efficiently.
As India continues to grow and develop its energy infrastructure, these smart, integrated monitoring systems will be crucial in meeting the increasing demand for reliable and efficient energy delivery. With the country’s ambitious target of achieving 2,100 GW of energy capacity by 2047, the need for advanced, reliable, and sustainable power systems has never been greater.
We firmly believe that these advancements in cable monitoring technologies will be game-changers for the power sector. They will enhance the operational capabilities of our power grids and contribute to a more sustainable energy future for India. We are excited to be at the forefront of this transformation, working towards a smarter, safer, and reliable power system for generations to come.
About the author: Rajinder Kaul is Chairman & Managing Director, Sharika Enterprises Ltd
