Description:
Reference Number: 1727
Background
In the electrical power industry there is a recognised problem with condition
monitoring systems, SCADA (Supervisory, Control and Data Acquisition) systems
and related technologies. The systems have independent user interfaces and the
volume of data is impossible to analyse manually.
Effective use and analysis
of monitoring data would ensure industry could:
- Mitigate against unexpected equipment failures and outages, and associated
lost revenue, substantial regulator penalties and liability costs, each of
which has the potential to run to £millions;
- Operate equipment for optimal return on investment – maximising available
revenue streams and reliably extending the useful life of expensive assets;
and
- Introduce smart grid functionality where automated control actions are
influenced by real-time plant condition.
Technology
To overcome these problems, researchers at the University of Strathclyde are
developing a software toolkit to make all available data, including analysis and
interpretation data, easily accessible through a single intuitive and personally
configurable user interface. The system will exploit intelligent agent
technology to provide an open architecture through which each disparate data and
information source may be accessed. Each user’s individual interface will
discover information relevant to their interests and will proactively keep them
up-to-date when new monitoring systems, data or information become available.
This innovation will help to extract true value from underlying investment in
data capture technology. It fully supports companies in the management of
multiple monitoring and SCADA systems, the early identification of incipient
defects, condition-based operation and maintenance of equipment and life
extension of high value assets. It tailors monitoring to the exact needs of a
client and can be extended when required to accommodate future sources of
information and additional users.
Key Benefits
- Improved decision making – All condition monitoring packages and disparate
sources of information may be examined and compared within a single system.
- Earlier fault identification and optimal equipment operation – Ability to
determine equipment health is improved through focused and personalised
monitoring automatically alerting relevant info.
- Future proof – Open architecture allows integration of both legacy and
subsequently developed monitoring systems.
Markets and Applications
- Power Transmission
- Power Distribution
- Power Generation
- Oil & Gas
Licensing and Development
A patent application has been filed by the University of Strathclyde and
contact is welcome from organisations interested in trialling, partnering or
investing in this technology.
For further information, please contact Research & Knowledge Exchange
Services:
e: rkes@strath.ac.uk t: 0141 548 3707 f: 0141 552 4409
This project was supported by the Scottish Enterprise Proof of Concept
Programme. The Proof of Concept Fund supports the pre-commercialisation of
leading-edge technologies emerging from Scotland’s universities, research
institutes and NHS Trusts.