There are many devices and solutions that can be easily integrated into existing electrical devices and will give intelligent systems the power. Some examples include the following:

1. Upgrading of breakers – Replacing existing circuit breakers that offer trip units with modern day communication capable and other power monitoring capabilities allow the breakers to be integrated into an existing or new Smart System Network.

2. Installing of Thermal Sensors – By integrating thermal sensors in the equipment, temperatures of bus connections and cable connections can be monitored remotely allowing customers the capability to plan ahead for any maintenance required and avoid any possibly arc flash issues due to degradation of the material.

3. Installing of Partial Discharge Monitoring – Partial discharge or degradation of insulation material in medium voltage equipment is one of the leading issues contributing to many arc flash incidents. Having the capability to remotely monitor this helps ensure that equipment is properly maintained and upgraded at appropriate times.

4. Installing of Humidity Monitoring – Humidity is a common problem in many tropical cities in the United States. Unfortunately, it can also lead to failures and arc flashes in a field when it is very high. Humidity monitoring sensors that allow communication to any existing management system can easily be installed to any existing electrical switchgear lineup.

5. Upgrading or Installing of Power Monitoring Devices – Older equipment has older analog meters that do not offer communication capabilities. By upgrading to newer power monitoring devices, the existing equipment will benefit from connectivity to modern day management systems as well as additional monitoring capabilities like harmonic captures to help with power quality analysis.

6. Relay Upgrades – Integrating of smart relays help enhance reliability and safety aspects of aging equipment. With smart relays auto transfer systems can be easily monitored and controlled from a remote site, limiting exposure to facility maintenance employees to possible arc flash incident energy by having to take measurements in front the switchgear.

As you can see, digital aging devices have many solutions and benefits. Modern intelligent systems solutions enable you to make smarter decisions by providing real-time data to uncover problems and improve opportunities. It just shows that age is not important when it comes to upgrading your existing devices to new technologies.

Article from:

      http://blog.schneider-electric.com/