HV Pinpoint aims to develop a non-invasive methodology for the detection and precise location of infrequent pre-fault “events” occurring on HV underground networks before supply interruption.

It provides a new solution to easily retrofit sensors on to existing underground cables at switchgear for accurate event detection and location without reliance on test van methods.

The methodology essentially consists of four steps

· Detecting fractional cycle pecking events

· Establishing the location of the event

· Validating the real-world position of the event, and

· Finding the precise or pinpointed location of these infrequently occurring pre-fault events.

The approach uses several enabling technologies, including:

· wraparound 3-phase online cable sensors

· cable end precision event timing units (PETUs) with additional data collection capabilities provided by added precision event waveform capture units (PEWCUs)

· a webserver, and

· two completely novel street-level devices: a pulse injection generator for location validation, and a sensor mat for pinpointing.

Sensors, PETUs and PEWCUs have been installed on an NGED 6.6 kV network in Coventry providing extensive experience in successful equipment installation and large amounts of data for analysis.

A prototype pulse injection generator is under construction.

Early versions of the sensor mat have been used to prove the concept, and improvements are being introduced in future updates.

Machine learning techniques are being used to improve the interpretation and classification of different types of network events.

As a result of the extensive learning that has been achieved, work continues to refine and improve all elements of the methodology and its enabling technologies.