Early fault detection for rural power lines can reduce bushfire risk
An early fault detection system for rural power lines developed by Melbourne-based IND Technology can significantly reduce the risk of bushfires. It can save lives and avoid massive economic and social costs. My colleague Arturo Espinoza Bocangel and I prepared a cost-benefit analysis of the technology, which is referred to in this RMIT article on the technology:
Aussie invention predicts power line faults that can cause bushfires – RMIT University
Here are some highlights from the article:
An early fault detection (EFD) system designed at RMIT University is helping to prevent bushfires and blackouts in North America, Europe and Australia.
IND Technology, which has commercialised this innovation, is seeking funding from the Australian Government to assist with rolling out the EFD system across all single-wire earth return (SWER) networks around the country – about 200,000 kilometres of power lines – over the next 10 years.
With 2,500 units installed worldwide, the technology now monitors over 12,500 km of powerlines and has prevented more than 750 failures and potentially saved lives. The technology covers up to 5 kilometres of power lines with 2 units.
Lead RMIT researcher, Professor Alan Wong, said the EFD system “can detect and locate faults on a powerline before they happen”…
…The EFD system is included in several wildfire mitigation plans in the US and Canada, where the Australian-made innovation is in high demand.
“According to a report by Adept Economics that we commissioned, every dollar spent on the EFD technology would generate $4.70 in expected benefits for Australia, in terms of the benefits from preventing bushfires and blackouts,” Wong said.
Adept Economics is very pleased to have assisted IND Technology in this regard.
This article was authored by Adept Economics Director Gene Tunny and published on 15 March 2024. For further information, don’t hesitate to contact us via contact@adepteconomics.com.au or 1300 169 870.