Inspection of traction substation
Search for signs of developing defects in the electrical system of a traction substation using the NAC-PU camera and analysis of records in Aura SVS.
What can a substation failure lead to?
These are estimated scenarios based on initial data, not actual facility losses. The amount depends on the duration of the outage, backup power, the number of trains, and the cost of restoration work.
About the project
- Client
- Railway company
- Industry
- Transport and electricity supply
- Object
- Power and distribution equipment of the traction substation
- The task
- Identifying signs of defects in electrical equipment
- Equipment
- NAC-PU
- Software
- Aura SVS
The task: to identify defects without shutting down the equipment
At the traction substation, it was necessary to identify signs of defects in power transformers, gas-insulated devices, switchgear, cable entries and couplings in advance.
The failure of a single component can disrupt train service, damage equipment, and require emergency repairs. Therefore, the inspection must be carried out along a route that covers the substation's major components.
The goal is to record suspicious sound sources and transmit the data to specialists for inspection and maintenance planning.
Solution: acoustic diagnostics of electrical systems
The NAC-PU visual-acoustic flaw detector was used for the inspection, along with Aura SVS software. The camera helps detect acoustic signs of partial discharges, corona, leaks, and connection defects.
Non-contact inspection allows you to check equipment under operating voltage, localize suspicious areas, and preserve materials for subsequent analysis.
How was the examination conducted?
Examination route
The plan included transformers, switches, disconnectors, insulators, cable joints, surge arresters, busbar bridges and contact connections.
Sequential scanning
The operator walked a pre-planned route and checked each node with the NAC-PU camera.
Search for suspicious areas
The acoustic map helped to isolate sources and link them to specific pieces of equipment.
Analysis in Aura SVS
Recordings of acoustic signatures and notes were used to prepare a report and make decisions about further maintenance.
Result: data for verification and maintenance
The survey allowed us to consistently check the main components of the traction substation and identify areas with acoustic signs of possible defects.
Stored operator records and notes help specialists plan equipment inspections, repairs, and re-testing. Load testing reduces the need for unscheduled shutdowns.
Where it may be applicable
Acoustic diagnostics can be used to inspect electrical systems at sites where it is important to monitor equipment without shutting it down.
Energy and power grids
Outdoor switchgear, indoor switchgear, gas-insulated switchgear, overhead and cable lines, transformers and insulators.
Oil, gas and petrochemical industry
Own power plants, main substations, switchgear and electric motors for pumping and compressor units.
Metallurgy and mining and processing plants
Furnace transformers, motors, workshop substations and reactive power compensation systems.
Chemical and fertilizer industry
Electric motors, switchgear, cable lines and transformers in aggressive and explosive environments.
Pulp, paper and wood processing industries
Transformers, paper machine motors, switchgear and cable lines.
Mining industry
Underground switchgear, mobile substations, starting units and cable joints.
Transport and infrastructure
Traction substations for metro, urban electric transport, ports and ship repair facilities.
Critical infrastructure facilities
Substations in data centers, airports, hospitals, and research centers, where downtime is particularly critical.
Solutions for a similar problem
Portable camera for examinations and software for working with saved data.
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