Risk-Controlled Application of Current MV Cable Feeders in the Future by Intelligent Continuous Diagnostics

In future (smart) grids different load flows and patterns will occur. This will also have impact on the cable feeders between all smart appliances. Especially old (but also new) cables and accessories may not have the required reliability anymore and additional degradation mechanisms can arise due to the different cable load (patterns). Instead of replacing the cable feeders, there is now also a possibility to monitor the condition of complete cable connections continuously. Thereby intelligence is brought to the cable feeders. Furthermore, this enables the use of the current state of condition of each feeder for operational purposes (i.e. worsening condition may not tolerate increased load). This also enables the use of the current cable feeders in the future with controlled risks. This paper describes a technology to monitor the cable feeder's condition continuously, thereby providing insight in risk of operation. Field experiences are shown, together with overall findings of the use of this system up until now.