2.3
e-Automation
Keywords
Computational intelligence, information management,
multi-agent systems, system control, power system
operation
Expertise
‘
e-Automation’ is a new generation of automation systems
which use the latest networking and agent technologies
for information management, condition monitoring and
real-time control of industrial systems. We have developed
and refined this concept and demonstrated its safe and
reliable applications in several industrial locations.
The expertise of our National Instruments e-Automation
Laboratory encompasses advanced control techniques,
computational intelligence, machine learning and
information processing and management. It extends to
software intelligence; multi-agent and ontology systems,
computer networks, information management and
embedded system technologies.
Applications include e-automation for large-scale
distributed complex systems, intelligent condition monitoring
and fault diagnosis for power transformers. It can also be
used as part of neonatal ECG scanning and processing
systems in healthcare.
Capabilities and facilities
•
Flagship research laboratory with real-time simulator,
a range of hardware, microprocessors, embedded
systems and data acquisition devices, real-time
automation platforms, comprehensive software
development systems and three IP networks
•
Automated information processing and management
•
Machine learning and computational
intelligence
•
Automated monitoring and control systems
•
Smart systems
•
Complex network and instrumentation
monitoring.
The power transformer is one of the most important
and expensive components of power system plant. A
large 400-kV unit can cost over £2 million. With more
than 700 power transformers currently operating in
the UK’s national grid, it is essential to closely monitor
their in-service behaviour to avoid catastrophic
failures, costly outages and loss of supply.
National Grid plc has been testing an intelligent
transformer monitoring system developed by the
University’s National Instruments e-Automation
Laboratory. Installed for pilot operation at one of the
company’s substations, it has been run successfully
on a so-called supergrid transformer for more than
a year.
The monitoring system combines several modules:
data acquisition, thermal modelling, data storage,
loadability analysis and HTTP services. Operators
use the web to monitor the condition of the
transformer. National Grid plans to run simultaneous
tests of the system in a number of substations.
Relevant centres and groups
•
National Instruments e-Automation Laboratory.
Digital Technologies
148
Also see:
Energy & Sustainability –
3.
Power equipment, smart grids and
plant control, page 75
For further information
on all our specialist
centres, facilities and
laboratories
go to page
179
