UM1™ Underground Line Sensor
Increase Visibility of Underground Residential Distribution
Sentient Energy’s UM1 is an intelligent underground line sensor designed specifically for single-phase underground residential distribution (URD) transformer cabinets. The UM1 extends visibility, fault detection, and load monitoring further along underground distribution circuits.
The UM1 underground line sensor is an important element of Sentient Energy’s Grid Analytics System™, which consists of the MM3™ and ZM1™ overhead sensors, UM3+™ and UM1 underground sensors, and the Ample® Analytics Platform. The solution provides utilities with increased distribution system visibility to improve reliability and enable data-driven operational decision making.
Grid Analytics System™ Features
Powerful Sensing and Data Reporting
The UM1’s advanced sensing capabilities include fault detection and highly accurate measurement of fault magnitudes and load current levels. Using cellular communications UM1 data is collected by the Ample Analytics Platform for visualization and analysis. The alerts and data from UM1 can also be configured and integrated to stream into systems such as OMS, ADMS.
Purpose Built for URD
The UM1 Underground Line Sensor is specifically designed for single-phase transformer cabinets for underground residential distribution. The UM1 chassis is compact and directly powered from the secondary side. There is an externally visible LED integrated with the antenna module and the UM1 is built for reliable operation in harsh outdoor cabinet conditions.
Flexible Configurations
Sentient Energy’s UM1 basic configuration provides monitoring load and faults on the primary side of the transformer plus GPS for location. An externally visible LED, which integrates with the antenna module, is added in the intermediate configuration. The advanced version of the UM1 adds monitoring load and faults on the secondary side of the transformer including sensing current direction.
Grid Analytics System™ Applications
Underground Fault Detection & Location
Sentient Energy’s UM1 underground line sensor uses advanced fault detection algorithms to detect power system faults including permanent, momentary, and faults without interruption. The UM1 notifies grid operators of faults via cellular communications.
With more precise fault location information crews can reduce patrol times and restore power more quickly, providing significant improvements in reliability metrics.
Transformer Overloading Detection
The advanced version of the UM1 monitors current and voltage on both primary and secondary sides of URD transformers. Combining real time UM1 sensor data with transformer metadata allows utility engineers to determine true loading on transformers, identify overloading and enabling more data driven asset management.
Power Theft Identification
Energy theft is a crime, can be very dangerous and causes the cost of power to go up for everyone. By comparing UM1 load data with AMI meter data utilities can identify potential front of the meter power theft and take action against thieves.
