UM1™ Underground Line Sensor
Gain Visibility of Underground Residential Distribution Systems
Increase visibility of underground residential distribution with Sentient Energy’s UM1. Designed specifically for single-phase underground residential distribution (URD) transformer cabinets, the UM1 monitors both primary and secondary cables to extend 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 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.
UM1 Underground Line Sensor Features
Powerful Fault Detection and Data Reporting
The UM1’s advanced sensing capabilities include fault detection and highly accurate measurement of fault magnitudes and load current levels. UM1 data is collected by the Ample Analytics Platform via cellular communications for visualization and analysis. The alerts and data from UM1 can also be configured and integrated to stream into systems such as OMS, ADMS.
Built For Residential Distribution
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. The UM1 performs reliability in harsh outdoor cabinet conditions and is certified to IEEE-495.
Flexible Configurations
The UM1’s basic configuration includes monitoring of load and faults on the primary side of the transformer, plus GPS for location. The advanced version of the UM1 adds monitoring of load and faults on the secondary side of the transformer, including sensing current direction. It also includes an externally visible LED integrated with the antenna module.
UM1 Underground Line Sensor 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 highly accurate fault measurement certified for IEEE-495, the UM1 reduces patrol times and helps restore power more quickly, providing significant improvements in reliability metrics.
Estimated Distance to Fault
UM1 can significantly cut down the fault finding and repair time by providing an estimated distance of where the fault could be from the nearest UM1. With a very simple setup of cable and circuit impedance parameters, Ample automatically calculates estimated fault location from the device that was closest to the fault. Our proprietary algorithm has been benchmarked to be at par or better than other manual distance to fault calculators in use today.
Transformer Monitoring
The advanced version of the UM1 monitors both voltage and current on secondary side and current on primary side of URD transformers. UM1 sensor data allows utility engineers to detect voltage sags below the 114V ANSI minimum and identify when transformer load exceeds seasonal loading targets. This data can drive improvements in power quality and asset management.
