Summary
This study by CIGRE Joint Working Group B3.D2.62 surveys the options for lifelong Supervision and Management (LLSM) of substations, focusing on the use of sensors, mobile devices, and information and communication technologies (ICT).
The Technical Brochure (TB) examines the impact and opportunities these technologies offer for continuous lifelong condition monitoring, data management, predictive maintenance, risk assessment and asset management in substations. It outlines operational challenges faced by utilities, reviews applicable technologies, and provides practical recommendations. By using advanced analytics, digital twins, and standardized data architectures, utilities can move from reactive to proactive asset management and achieve real-time awareness of substation status.
The findings highlight the importance of integrating new sensor and data technologies with engineering and materials expertise to enable future full LLSM adoption and informed decision-making.
Practical implementations of LLSM technologies are showcased, drawn from diverse geographic and operational contexts. Example cases from around the world illustrate how LLSM can enhance reliability, safety, and cost efficiency. They illustrate world-wide efforts to improve substation supervision and management and the use of sensors and advanced information and communication technologies. Examples include: Deployment of a full-spectrum monitoring systems in a substation, resulting in measurable reductions in unplanned outages, Use of mobile and drone-based inspection systems in rural distribution networks to enhance coverage and reduce inspection costs, Integration of predictive analytics into an existing asset management platform, enabling condition-based maintenance and optimized spare parts management. These cases demonstrate tangible benefits in reliability, cost efficiency, and safety, reinforcing the value of investing in LLSM capabilities.
The Technical Brochure concludes that a strategic, incremental adoption of modern technologies is required for effective lifelong supervision and management of substations. Hybrid solutions that combine engineering knowledge and human expertise with intelligent systems offer the best path forward. Robust cybersecurity, adherence to standards, and continuous staff training are essential. The aspects presented in the Technical Brochure can help utilities continue transitioning to proactive, data-driven asset management, unlocking operational and economic benefits while maintaining safety and reliability.
Table of content
1. Lifelong Supervision and Management of Substations – Status, Needs, Challenges
1.1. Substation Installations and Technology Status
1.2. Substations Supervision and Management Status
1.3. Substation Life Challenges
1.4. Substations – Future Trends, Evolution, Changes
1.5. Needs, Features, Functionalities – for Lifelong Supervision and Management of Substations
1.6. References for Section 1
2. Technologies and Applications Status, Trends
2.1. Sensors
2.2. Monitoring Systems
2.3. Communication for HV-MV and MV-LV Substations
2.4. Mobile and IoT Technologies for Substation Supervision and Management
2.5. Robotic Devices
2.6. Augmented and Virtual Reality Technologies
2.7. 3D Scanning, 3D Modelling
2.8. Match Needs and Technologies
2.9. Concluding Remarks
2.10. References for Section 2
3. Data Management, Analysis, and Processing – for Lifelong Substation Supervision and Management
3.1. Substation Lifetime Data
3.2. Standards Related to Substation Asset Management and Data
3.3. Data, Data Models, Data Analysis, Outlook
3.4. Data Processing and Analysis Applications – Useful for Supervision and Management of Substations
3.5. Challenges Related to Lifelong Data Handling for Substation Supervision and Management
3.6. Evolution, Recommendations
3.7. References for Section 3
4. Applications for Substations – Example Cases
4.1. Introduction – Example Cases for Substation Supervision and Management Using Sensors, Mobile and ICT
4.2. Cumulative Breaking Current Management in Internal Open Inspection of Gas Circuit Breakers
4.3. Online Monitoring of Capacitive Voltage Transformers Using Energy Meters
4.4. Automatic Detection of HV Disconnectors Operating Times and Motor Currents
4.5. PD Detection in MV/LV Substations Using Hand-Held Corona
4.6. Utilizing Camera and Artificial Intelligence for Intrusion Detection
4.7. Low Power Wireless Sensor Network for Substations
4.8. Robots Used for Substation Inspection
4.9. Substation Supervision Using Sensing Data, Virtual Inspection, Real-Time 3D Display
4.10. Discharge Detection in Gas Insulated Metal-Enclosed Switchgear (GIS) Based on Digital Twin Model
4.11. IoT-Based Monitoring for Switching Devices Operational Performance and Deviation Detection
4.12. IoT-Based Monitoring for Insulation Defects of Current Transformers/Bushings Based on Electromagnetic Radiation Analysis
4.13. IoT-Based Monitoring for Hot Spot and Thermal Detection Analysis on Substation Components
4.14. Drone-Based Monitoring and Pilot for Substation Areal Segment and/or Component Monitoring and Deviation Analysis
4.15. Robotic Intelligent Inspection and Health Management for Substations Based on Multi-Modal Data
4.16. Advanced Condition-Based Maintenance of Vacuum Interrupter Type OLTC
4.17. Case with Switchgear Monitoring Using IoT Technology Based on Attached File
4.18. Inspection of Substation Equipment Using Drones
4.19. Use of AI to Support Planning Tap Changer Maintenance Activities
4.20. Opportunities for VR and AR Applications in TSO
4.21. Bushing Monitoring: Straightforward Cases
4.22. Bushing Monitoring: Anomalous Cases
4.23. Vibro-Acoustic Measurements (VAM) on OLTC
4.24. Native Continuous Partial Discharge Monitoring for MV Substation
4.25. DC Bias Detection in HV-MV Transformer
4.26. Reduction of Inspection by Placement of Temporary SF6 Monitoring via Mobile Application after Corrective Maintenance
5. Conclusions, Recommendations and Outlook
6. Appendix – Surveys
6.1. Introduction to JWG Survey Results
6.2. Survey B3 Version – The Substation Perspective
6.3. Survey D2 Version – The IT and Communication Perspective
7. Appendix – NEEDS TABLE
7.1. Introduction to the NEEDS TABLE for Supervision and Management
7.2. The NEEDS TABLE
Additional informations
| Publication type | Technical Brochures |
|---|---|
| Reference | 999 |
| Publication year | |
| Publisher | CIGRE |
| ISBN | 978-2-85873-704-8 |
| Study committees | |
| Working groups | JWG B3/D2.62 |
| File size | 20 MB |
| Pages number | 239 |
| Price for non member | 300 € |
| Price for member | Free |
Authors
Nicolaie Fantana, Convener & Secretary (DE)
Eric Frenette, Section Leader (CA), Nicolas Rossi, Section Leader (FR) Liang Yun, Jianguo Wei, Section Leader (CN), Krzysztof Lowczowski, Section Leader (PL)
Miha Becan (SL), Gautam Talagery (US), Ethan Koch (US), Geqi Li (CN), Tommie Linquist (SE), Paul Myrda (US), Sami Maki (FI), Tony McGrail (UK), Besteiro Pacin (ES), Jianbin Fan (CN), Hao Hu (CN), Gabriel Lopes (DE), Nobuko Otaka (JP), Johan Smit (NL), Andreas Kurz (DE), Alan Soares (BR), Niels De Winter (NL), Hanno Stagge (DE), Julien Mathey (FR), Akinori Sugawara (JP), Yuki Yatabe (JP)
Keywords
Digitisation, life, substation, supervision, sensors, ICT, condition monitoring, digital twin, predictive maintenance, asset management
