GRID20/20 Inc., a distribution transformer monitoring solutions provider, introduced its GRIDWIDE FIRE-NET solution. By leveraging existing grid assets, this “always on” outdoor early detection, auto notification, fire prevention and public safety defense canopy can deployed by utility operators.
“Grid asset failure-induced wildfires, lightning strikes, arson, etc. have led to unprecedented costs and destruction in recent years. Loss of life, first responder and civilian injury, environmental damage, massive fire suppression costs, and enormous liability expenses have caused all of us to experience a sickened feeling when it comes to fire-driven disasters. But, by leveraging our existing overhead distribution transformer fleets, we can now help to reduce or possibly eliminate some of these nightmare occurrences”, said Alan Snook, President GRID20/20.
GRIDWIDE FIRE-NET detects outdoor smoke, fire, ambient temperature and humidity changes commonly associated with fires and wildfires. The solution delivers automated alerts to utility operators, and first responders. During unfolding public safety events, GRIDWIDE FIRE-NET will also serve as a situational awareness resource.
This fire mitigation solution also provides critical prevention data to operators; proactively forewarning of developing grid asset failures and high-risk intra-grid conditions. In June 2020, GRID20/20’s advanced transformer infrastructure sensors detected and tracked a dangerous, downed primary conductor incident.
The company then fine-tuned its critical-alerting capability to accelerate operator (and first responder) awareness involving future downed conductor events. GRID20/20 then developed its GRIDWIDE FIRE-NET solution; by enhancing its ATI offering, commonly deployed on overhead transformers.
“While developing critical-alerting capability for downed conductors was a great achievement, we didn’t stop there”, commented Snook. “We quickly realized that every overhead transformer location throughout the grid represents a critical role in protecting people. To this end, we added fire-detection capability to our existing ATI intra-grid sensor platform. Our novel fire mitigation and public safety defense solution will report outdoor smoke detection, ambient temperature changes indicative of asset fires and wildfires, humidity changes, and ground surface or wildfire temperatures occurring below and nearby host power poles. Our patented intra-grid sensors will help to early detect asset fire and wildfire instances, and our critical alerts capability will expedite fire awareness and response for the authorities. Response time is paramount to fire mitigation and public safety, and our GRIDWIDE FIRE-NET solution will address this vital game-changing capability.”
