SAS Grid Guardian AI analyses emissions data and predicts system failures

May 25, 2022 Editor

SAS Grid Guardian AI machine learning — Image: 123rf

SAS Grid Guardian AI has made its debut at DISTRIBUTECH International. The solution aims to improve grid reliability while reducing crew injuries and fatalities without adding new equipment.

SAS Grid Guardian AI analyses the data flowing from mobile edge computing sensors mounted to utility and service vehicles – like garbage trucks – roaming alleys and streets.

The sensors read and analyse radio frequency (RF) emissions data with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. The findings can then be used to assist energy companies to better understand when failures might occur and prioritise maintenance schedules.

“Utilities have a blind spot when it comes to predicting overhead equipment failure and prioritising predictive maintenance, even if they currently have an APM application and processes in place,” stated John Villali, director of IDC Energy Insights.

“Leveraging innovative roaming sensor networks and analysing pre-failure radio frequency emissions using AI and machine learning enables utilities to detect degraded overhead equipment and better understand the types of equipment failures most likely to occur.

“Combined with readily-available circuit-level data, RF emission-based monitoring enables utilities to effectively prioritise maintenance plans for enhanced safety, reliability and uptime.”

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SAS Grid Guardian AI uses power line emissions data captured by mobile IoT devices like this white one mounted on the roof of a garbage truck. Courtesy of SAS.

SAS cites the following benefits of the software solution:

Improved distribution reliability by 18%.
Reduced injury rates by 38%
Capability to identify degraded overhead equipment without added sensors
Reduced crew overtime costs by 33%

“Restoring consumer confidence in the reliability of the distribution grid is critical, and a big part of restoring that confidence comes from strengthening the infrastructure,” stated Jason Mann, SAS Vice President of IoT.

“Experts point to RF emissions as a significant early predictor of future overhead equipment failures. SAS Grid Guardian AI, which could pay for itself in less than a year, combines advanced analytics and AI with innovative mobile IoT sensing technology to prioritize overhead equipment repairs to maintain grid efficiency.”

SAS IoT analytics and energy experts will be on hand at booth 3035 during DISTRIBUTECH International to demonstrate SAS Grid Guardian AI and answer questions.