{"id":2195,"date":"2021-08-10T14:52:56","date_gmt":"2021-08-10T13:52:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/research-business-innovation\/?p=2195"},"modified":"2025-07-21T11:17:58","modified_gmt":"2025-07-21T10:17:58","slug":"knowledge-transfer-partnership-case-study-powerline-technologies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/research-external-engagement\/knowledge-transfer-partnership-case-study-powerline-technologies\/","title":{"rendered":"Knowledge Transfer Partnership Case Study: Powerline Technologies"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Knowledge Transfer Partnerships<\/a> (KTP) scheme is a UK-wide programme helping businesses to improve competitiveness and productivity. A recent graduate is placed within an organisation to help solve a business problem, with access to our academic expertise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The below case study is from our KTP with Powerline Technologies: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

About Powerline Technologies <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Powerline Technologies (PLT) part of Fundamentals Ltd (power systems technology specialists), is delivering next generation Smart Grid Low Voltage (LV) and Medium Voltage (MV) distribution automation solutions to utilities and distribution System \/ Network Operators (DSO\/DNO) worldwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Underground cables (UG) are used in locations such as urban areas where overhead lines rights of way is not available, in areas where local or state regulations override economic considerations, near airports, city centres and other locations where an overhead line may endanger lives, and in scenic areas where appearance is an important consideration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Installing underground lines can cost 7-10 times more than overhead lines. Underground cables are buried at a depth of 450mm to 1200mm depending on the working voltage level. For example, 415 V (450mm) 11 kV (900mm) and 33kV (1200mm).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If a fault occurs in the UG cables, excavation of the exact fault location is of paramount importance in terms of time, cost and customer satisfaction, etc. Also if the outage duration is longer than a certain period the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) is obliged to pay out compensation to customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the United Kingdom, there are 15 distribution network operator (DNO) regions. The 14 different district networks are managed by six operators, while one operator controls the distribution network in Northern Ireland (Figure below). The length of UG cable used by distribution companies depends on the coverage area of the DNO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Determination of the exact fault location depends on accurate models of the cable and its associated arc. This project investigated both models mathematically for Powerline Technologies. These models will enable the PLT\u2019s machine learning algorithm to pinpoint the fault location for direct and immediate dispatch of repair crews to the location. It will also minimise multiple excavations, cable cutting and ground re-instatement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The challenge the KTP was set up to address<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Powerline Technologies (PLT) has developed a Low Voltage (LV) three core cable simulation model. The challenge now was to onward develop four core cable model and the arc model to increase its simulation accuracy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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1) Solid Aluminium Conductor 2) XLPE Insulation 3) Rubber Layer 4) Waveform Copper Wire Earth 5) PVC Sheath<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why KTP was the right mechanism to achieve this?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Powerline technologies\u2019 AI-based underground cable fault diagnostic and location equipment relies on an accurate digital model of the LV network to produce data to train the AI algorithms. This KTP enabled PLT to embed the developed cable model into the machine learning fault algorithm module.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What changed as a result of the KTP?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The KTP\u2019s focus was to improve two key aspects of underground cable model:<\/p>\n\n\n\n