User con and pro-active condition monitor

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.