Siemens Smart Infrastructure has launched a condition monitoring solution for high voltage AC and DC transmission lines called PowerLink CM.

The device is designed to precisely locate faults in the transmission grid and continuously track line conditions to ensure reliable power supply, optimise grid utilisation and prevent blackouts.

Siemens said one PowerLink CM device is sufficient to monitor line lengths of up to 500km.

Faults as well as line condition can be detected in powered, unpowered or grounded lines, the company said.

Fault reports are received by the affected substation and are forwarded from there to the control room.

Siemens said that for continuous line monitoring, the device can be connected to MindSphere, the company's open cloud-based Internet of Things (IoT) platform that facilitates transparent processing of all line data in the cloud.

Siemens Smart Infrastructure digital grid chief executive Robert Klaffus said: “With the new PowerLink CM solution, transmission grid operators can detect and locate possible line problems before causing major transmission network issues.

“PowerLink CM supports predictive operations management. Transmission grid operators can better manage their assets, avoid blackouts, and guarantee a reliable supply of electricity.”