UM3+ Underground Line Sensor
Increase Visibility of Underground Power Lines
Sentient Energy’s UM3+ is an intelligent underground line sensor with substation-class measurement, computing and processing capabilities. The UM3+ is a powerful line sensor designed to be a platform for a set of applications.
The UM3+ is an important element of Sentient Energy’s Grid Analytics System™, which consists of the MM3™ and ZM1™ overhead sensors, UM3+ 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.
UM3+ Line Sensor Features
Powerful Sensing
Sensing and measurement capabilities for the UM3+ include underground fault detection, highly accurate load and fault magnitude, and waveform capture. It’s also equipped with GPS for location, and a GPS/PPS level precision clock for highly accurate time-stamping, thereby allowing collating waveforms with those from other devices to perform a thorough post-event analysis.
Deployment Versatility
The UM3+ can monitor three to twelve phases to support a range of underground installations including pad mounted transformers, pad mounted switch cabinets, ring main units (RMUs), and above grade vaults. Power harvesting technology generates all the power the UM3+ needs from the magnetic field surrounding one conductor carrying as little as 12A. This power harvesting eliminates the need for AC power or battery maintenance. For locations where there is already a 100-240VAC supply available, Sentient Energy provides an AC adapter that can be used instead of line harvesting.
Advanced Network Communications
The UM3+ underground line sensor supports cellular, mesh or a combination of both communication networks, and is wirelessly configurable allowing parameters to be adjusted as needed. Operating system and application software can also be upgraded wirelessly to streamline sensor management.
UM3+ Line Sensor Applications
Underground Fault Detection and Location
The UM3+ underground fault detector uses advanced algorithms to sense system faults on underground lines in real-time, communicating fault information immediately to the utility control center for integration with SCADA, DMS or OMS systems. With more precise fault location information, operators can dispatch crews to the correct location, significantly reducing patrol time and outage duration.
Interruption & Disturbance Analysis
Equipped with high resolution waveform capture capability at a rate of 256 samples per cycle, the UM3+ captures and records waveforms of faults and line disturbances. Complete waveform data for faults is immediately available in Ample, and waveform data for disturbances is stored locally on the UM3+ and is available to download to Ample analytics software when needed. Understanding the root causes of power system interruptions essential for improving distribution grid reliability.
Distribution Monitoring System
The UM3+ Log-I app continually measures current for load monitoring purposes. This collected data is processed on the device and critical information such as alerts, daily peaks, and averages are reported to Ample analytics software.
