Electrical Power & Protection


Partial discharge monitoring solution for MV switchgear

January 2025 Electrical Power & Protection


Lebo Ntsane, sales lead for Mining, Minerals and Metals Services at Schneider Electric.

Schneider Electric South Africa has unveiled its PowerLogic PD100 Partial Discharge Monitoring Solution, designed to be installed on medium voltage (MV) switchgear to detect anomalies early, to prevent unplanned downtime.

“The PD100 Partial Discharge sensor is suited to greenfield projects and can only be fitted to Schneider Electric’s new-generation switchgear and voltage detecting indicating system (VDIS),” says Lebo Ntsane, sales lead for Mining, Minerals and Metals Services at Schneider Electric. “It enables continuous partial discharge monitoring on MV switchgear, and also on all the critical connections made in the field, such as cables, transformers and busbar connections.” He explains that a partial discharge happens when electrical insulation in high-voltage environments deteriorates under stress, leading to insulation failure. It is a complex phenomenon that requires specific knowledge and competencies to get the right insights into equipment.

All types of partial discharge

“Based on our reliable capacitive coupler technology, the PowerLogic PD100 Partial Discharge Monitoring sensor detects all types of partial discharges such as Corona, surface or void discharges,” says Ntsane. “The PowerLogic PD100 Partial Discharge Monitoring is essentially an additional safety measure on your switchboard panel, particularly medium voltage. We know that about 25% of MV asset failures are due to partial discharge. If you quantify 25% across one operation, that is potentially a lot of damage and danger to equipment and human beings.”

The PowerLogic PD100 partial discharge sensor is typically installed in MV switchgear with Active Plus connectivity, which provides 24/7 monitoring and detection of all types of partial discharge to maximise continuity of service and optimise maintenance of critical equipment.

Remote monitoring

Ntsane explains that the product comes with the next-generation EcoStruxure Service Plan that combines remote monitoring and alarms through an innovative digital platform, supported by experts from Schneider Electric’s Connected Services Hub. This enables Schneider Electric to provide insights and maintenance recommendations to improve business operations efficiency. “Through our service plan with Asset Advisor, we provide simple and clear information accessible anywhere and anytime from our Connected Services Hub. With a service plan, we combine all elements needed − data, algorithms, and expertise from the Connected Services Hub − to provide notifications, insights and predictive analytics,” he continues. “When an abnormal partial discharge activity is detected, our experts will remotely assess the equipment health, anticipate potential issues, and provide recommendations, including a dedicated onsite ProCorona diagnostic of live equipment to accurately determine the root cause.”

This unique approach helps optimise site operations and maintenance costs, reducing unplanned downtime and improving safety. PowerLogic PD100 is suited for indoor applications with Schneider Electric’s MV equipment with a capacitive coupler.


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

How smart signalling can transform Africa’s manufacturing future
Schneider Electric South Africa Industrial Wireless
Imagine a factory floor where humans and machines communicate in real time with issues flagged instantly, workflows adjusted seamlessly and downtime reduced to near zero. This is the reality unfolding across Africa as manufacturers embrace the next generation of intelligent signalling technologies.

Read more...
Unpacking the technoeconomic case for cleaner power in wastewater plants
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
Behind every reliable wastewater plant is an electrical system exposed to the effects of harmonics, voltage distortion and overloaded networks caused by fleets of variable speed drives on pumps and aerators.Together, they steadily drive up maintenance demands and elevate the risk of failure.

Read more...
Energy strategy as a competitive advantage for African businesses
Electrical Power & Protection
Energy is no longer simply something that businesses consume. When managed effectively, it becomes a controllable asset that supports resilience and efficiency and sets the foundation for long-term competitiveness.

Read more...
World’s fastest 14 bit arbitrary waveform generator
Vepac Electronics Electrical Power & Protection
The ARB Rider AWG-700 from Vepac is the world’s fastest 14 bit arbitrary waveform generator, with a 20 GS/s real-time update rate and 14 bit vertical resolution.

Read more...
Advanced DCSs preserve what must not change while enabling
Schneider Electric South Africa PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Next-generation DCSs, such as Schneider Electric’s Foxboro, are preserving the best of the old while introducing the new in a less disruptive manner.

Read more...
Transformers for mining house in Botswana
ACTOM Electrical Machines Electrical Power & Protection
LH Marthinusen is completing the manufacture of two 30 MVA transformers for a mining house in Botswana.

Read more...
DIN-rail power supplies for reliable and efficient AC/DC conversion
Conical Technologies Electrical Power & Protection
The Claf Power AD75-2BxxS series DIN-rail power supplies are designed for industrial automation, control systems and process environments.

Read more...
Rethinking power for Africa’s data centres
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
Africa’s digital economy is scaling faster than its power systems. If it wants resilient, competitive and sustainable data centres, the starting point must be a grid-to-chip architecture rather than a genset-first mentality.

Read more...
The growing decentralisation of power grids
Electrical Power & Protection
The decentralisation of power generation is changing how national grids function. For electrical engineers, several new challenges and opportunities are on the horizon.

Read more...
Custom mini substations for Zambian copper mine
Electrical Power & Protection
Recent orders to supply seventeen specially engineered mini substations for an underground copper mine in Zambia reinforces Trafo Power Solution’s track record in delivering customised electrical solutons for challenging environments.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved