DES
DES (Distributed Electrical Sensing) is Synaptec’s optical platform for distributed electrical monitoring of power and industrial assets.
Passive measurement points transmit signals over standard optical fibre to centralised interrogators, where the data is synchronised, converted and analysed.
What does DES solve?
- Continuous monitoring of current and temperature at critical points across the power system
- Early detection of developing abnormalities and overheating
- Monitoring of new and existing assets without changing their electrical configuration
- No need for local power supplies or active field electronics
- Transmission of measurement signals over long distances using standard single-mode optical fibre
- Integration of measurement data into existing control and information systems
What does the operator gain?
Continuous monitoring
Real-time data instead of relying only on periodic inspections.
Early fault detection
Abnormal conditions can be identified at an early stage of development.
High reliability
Passive sensors require no local power supply or active field electronics.
Scalability
A single system can combine a large number of distributed measurement points.
Integration
Measurement data can be transferred to SCADA, DMS and other enterprise systems.
Better-informed decisions
A clearer view of equipment and network condition for operation and management.
How DES works
Measurement
Passive current and temperature sensors are installed on the assets to be monitored.
Signal transmission
Measurement signals are transmitted over standard single-mode optical fibre.
Data acquisition
DES interrogators receive sensor signals and convert them into synchronised measurements.
Analysis
The Synthesis platform processes the data, detects abnormalities and generates alerts.
Integration
Results and alerts are transferred to SCADA and other enterprise systems.
Key elements of the DES platform
Passive sensors
Current and temperature sensors require no local power supply and operate directly in field environments.
Optical fibre
Standard single-mode fibre enables measurement signals to be transmitted over long distances.
DES interrogators
High-precision devices acquire data from multiple sensors with time synchronisation.
Synthesis platform
Analytics, visualisation, rule and alert configuration, and data storage.
Integration
Support for IEC 61850, Modbus, DNP3, OPC UA, REST API and other interfaces.
Electrical isolation
Optical signal transmission provides electrical isolation and high immunity to electromagnetic interference.
Where DES is used
- High- and medium-voltage cable systems
- Cable joints and terminations
- Transformers and high-voltage bushings
- Switchgear and switchboard panels
- Busbars and busbar connections
- Generators and electric motors
- Bus ducts and enclosed bus systems
- Power generation assets: wind, solar, hydro and thermal power plants
- Industrial facilities and mining and mineral-processing plants
- Remote and difficult-to-access assets
DES within the enterprise infrastructure
The DES platform can be deployed on both new and existing assets. System configuration is determined by the number of measurement points, line length, types of monitored equipment, available optical-fibre infrastructure and integration requirements. DES complements existing monitoring and control systems with reliable condition data for electrical equipment and the power network.
