LumaSense Technologies Inc. has introduced a new line of dissolved-gas analysis (DGA) monitors that allow electric utilities to more effectively reduce outages caused by faulty load tap changers (LTCs) and transformers.
The new SmartDGA platform uses non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) gas-sensing technology and features a unique hardware design that reduces installation time. It is designed to help utilities achieve widespread condition monitoring across generation, transmission and distribution assets at a cost significantly less than traditional DGA monitors.
The first monitor in the new line, the SmartDGA Gauge, will be the industry's first dedicated online gas monitor for LTCs. It requires no carrier gas, no frequent calibrations and can be retrofitted to LTCs to provide asset condition status.
"We believe a smart grid begins with an optimized supply network in the utility grid," said Vivek Joshi, LumaSense CEO. “This means having reliable assets in the generation, transmission and distribution networks globally. The SmartDGA Gauge provides valuable information about load tap changers on a real-time basis, which is very important if we're serious about bringing concepts like the smart grid to reality."
LumaSense also provides a range of fiber-optic temperature sensors used to monitor winding hot spots, as well as continuous thermal-imaging systems that remotely monitor substations. Utilities can deploy these technologies to predict and correct faults as part of a condition-based maintenance program.
For more information, visit www.lumasenseinc.com.