Hitachi Energy has launched a wireless spark prevention unit indicator that helps prevent wildfires by enabling remote monitoring.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, approximately 10% of wildfire outbreaks are caused by electrical infrastructure failures or electrical equipment failures. Hitachi Energy’s new wireless SPU indicator allows utilities to remotely monitor the grid in real time using automated visual inspection rounds.
The SPU monitors the current and heat load of surge arresters that protect equipment from power system surges in areas with wildfire risk.
When there is a thermal overload on the power grid, the SPU cuts off the current flow and disconnects the lightning arrestor. This prevents the release of hot particles that can cause arcing (when circuits are overloaded and overheated), sparks, or wildfires.
A visual indicator on the SPU lets utility field crew know when replacement is required. Hundreds of thousands of SPUs installed in some of the world’s most wildfire-prone regions, such as the United States and Australia, are making a real difference in preventing wildfires. Being able to monitor them remotely will only improve wildfire prevention.
read more: How the U.S. Enables a Resilient Grid and Supports EV Deployment
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