Discover how OMICRON benefits from peer collaboration to meet customer needs in the power industry. In this episode, OMICRON product managers Fred Steinhauser and Andreas Nenning discuss their active involvement in international engineering associations in the power industry. Fred and Andreas give an overview of the various engineering associations, their functions, and their impact on the power industry. Most importantly, they describe how their direct involvement with these associations has en...
Apr 23, 2024•25 min
Discover a new method for reliably determining C-divider capacitances on CVTs with OMICRON’s VOTANO 100. Over several years, voltage transformers worldwide have been effectively diagnosed using the model-based approach of OMICRON’s VOTANO 100 testing system. However, determining the capacitance values of capacitive dividers, also known as C-dividers, has been an unresolved parameter calculated from the system’s automatic measurements. In this episode, OMICRON voltage transformer testing experts ...
Apr 19, 2024•20 min
Learn about the importance of monitoring PD activity in GIS and GIL for reliable risk assessment. Partial discharge (PD) activity in Gas-Insulated Switchgear (GIS) and Gas-Insulated Lines (GIL) is a reliable indicator that a fault is developing in the insulation, and immediate action is needed to prevent a potential catastrophic failure. Since PD accelerates the aging and deterioration of insulation in GIS and GIL, the continuous online monitoring, trending, and diagnosis of PD activity play a c...
Apr 04, 2024•33 min
Get a glimpse behind the scenes of the largest grid restoration test in Germany to date. "The risk of a large-scale and long-lasting power outage in Europe is increasing” – this statement reflects the view of many experts today. Various parties in the energy supply field, especially power plant and grid operators, are doing everything possible to ensure this scenario does not occur. Nevertheless, its likelihood is increasing. Therefore, it's good to know that specific procedures are in place in ...
Mar 21, 2024•20 min
How electromagnetic imperfection measurements help you assess condition and detect damaging faults. Rotating machines, such as generators and motors, are exposed to thermal, electrical, ambient, and mechanical stresses during operation, which can alter their condition and performance over time. Periodic tests and inspections are recommended to detect faults and prevent serious damage and failure in machines. In this episode, OMICRON rotating machines testing expert, Fabian Öttl , talks about ele...
Feb 29, 2024•23 min
Chances and risks of operational technology (OT) in the energy and aviation sectors Welcome to the 6th episode of our Energy Talks miniseries, Cybersecurity in the Power Grid , in which we provide a 360-degree view of how power grids can best safeguard their infrastructures from cyber-attacks. In this episode, Andreas Klien , OMICRON cybersecurity expert and Business Area Manager for Power Utility Communication, discusses the differences and similarities of using OT technology in the aviation an...
Feb 08, 2024•45 min
Discover how PD measurements are the best way to assess insulation condition and prevent failure. It is never too late to make New Year’s resolutions. Maybe this is the year that you learn more about partial discharge (PD) testing and begin to use it regularly as a diagnostic tool to assess the insulation condition of your electrical equipment. PD is a reliable indicator and a major cause of electrical insulation deterioration, which can eventually result in equipment failure and costly outages....
Jan 25, 2024•36 min
Security engineering – building trust in digital products used in the power grid Welcome to the 5th episode of our Energy Talks miniseries, called Cybersecurity in the Power Grid , in which we provide you with a 360-degree view of how power grids can best safeguard their infrastructures from cyber-attacks. In this episode, Andreas Klien , OMICRON cybersecurity expert and Business Area Manager of Power Utility Communication, discusses the security engineering of digital products used in the power...
Jan 11, 2024•36 min
Discover how OMICRON delights customers with a positive and memorable unpacking experience Opening a specially wrapped box is cause for great excitement, not just during holidays or birthdays. OMICRON customers experience the same excitement each time they receive and unpack their new equipment. What is an unpacking experience? It is the process of taking a product out of its packaging. It's all your feelings and emotions, from when the shipment arrives at your door to when you hold or use the p...
Dec 21, 2023•24 min
Experiences, challenges, and innovations in developing cybersecurity products Welcome to the 4th episode of our Energy Talks miniseries, called Cybersecurity in the Power Grid , in which we provide you with a 360-degree view of how power grids can best safeguard their infrastructures from cyber-attacks. In Part 4 of our cybersecurity mini-series, Anastasiya Shvetsova , OMICRON software quality assurance engineer, and Jaques Grobler , who is a full-stack developer at OMICRON, share their experien...
Dec 07, 2023•23 min
Learn how engineering services and innovative solutions drive the transition to digital substations. The list of advantages of switching from traditional to digital substations is long. For this reason, we have recently seen a rapid growth of digital substations in the power system. At the same time, clear trends are emerging in digital substation implementation projects. Engineering services and innovative solutions play a crucial role in driving this development. What are the challenges of rol...
Nov 21, 2023•11 min
Solving Common Cybersecurity Problems in Electrical Power Networks Welcome to the 3rd episode of our Energy Talks miniseries, called Cybersecurity in the Power Grid , in which we provide you with a 360-degree view of how power grids can best safeguard their infrastructures from cyber attacks. In Part 3 of our cybersecurity miniseries, we take a closer look at power grid security from the perspective of cybersecurity analysts. Join us as we dive into the common problems faced by customers and the...
Nov 09, 2023•29 min
Discover how OMICRON’s COMPANO 100 speeds checks at substations in the secondary distribution grid. In this episode of Energy Talks, we give you an insight into what decarbonization means for the power system and how new testing methods are being developed in this context. The growth of renewable energy, the electrification of transportation and industry, and the expansion of the grid are happening faster than ever. As a result, the complexity and dynamics of the power grid are constantly increa...
Oct 19, 2023•22 min
Why do OT networks need an IDS? Welcome to the 2nd episode of our Energy Talks miniseries, called Cybersecurity in the Power Grid , in which we provide you with a 360-degree view of how power grids can best safeguard their infrastructures from cyber attacks. In Part 2 of this miniseries, we engage with OMICRON application engineers Ozan Dayanc and Thomas Wolf to explore the multifaceted world of power network security. Discover the challenges faced by power providers and practical recommendation...
Sep 29, 2023•42 min
Get an insight into the development of the mobile testing app for OMICRON CMC test sets. In this episode of Energy Talks, we give you an insight into the development OMICRON’s new CMC Swift mobile testing app. As documented in numerous social media posts, field protection engineers often face various challenges during testing within substations. When only simple tests or checks of protection relays need to be performed, having the option to control the test set with a mobile device is not only m...
Sep 14, 2023•20 min
Discover how the flexible and easy-to-use CIBANO 500 is used with great satisfaction worldwide. In our Energy Talks mini-series, called “ Circuit Breaker Testing Around the World ”, we look at the different types of circuit breakers and testing methods used in various regions of the globe. OMICRON circuit breaker testing expert** Stefan Achberger** is your host. In this fifth and final episode of this miniseries, Stefan speaks with two other OMICRON circuit breaker testing experts, Andreas Nenni...
Aug 31, 2023•28 min
Bridging the gap between information technology and operational technology. Welcome to our new Energy Talks miniseries, called Cybersecurity in the Power Grid in which we provide you with a 360-degree view of how power grids can best safeguard their infrastructures from cyber attacks. In Part 1 of this miniseries, OMICRON cybersecurity expert Benjamin Teudeloff talks about the increasing pressure being placed on power providers to improve their cybersecurity practices. He gives insight into the ...
Aug 17, 2023•22 min
Learn about the challenges faced when performing PD testing and monitoring on offshore platforms. Imagine yourself in the middle of the ocean, climbing up a steep ladder and hoisting cases of your testing gear by hand from a boat moving in high waves onto an offshore substation platform. Your work environment moves every time a wave hits the platform – it’s all you can do to concentrate on performing diagnostic measurements and prevent yourself from getting seasick while you quickly complete you...
Aug 03, 2023•24 min
Best practices for protection testing during onsite commissioning from a field testing expert. This is one of our Energy Talks episodes called In the Shoes of Field Engineers , in which we offer you practical tips for testing electrical equipment onsite at power substations. In this episode, field testing expert Marcus Stenner offers his tips for protection testing during commissioning. He talks about the various tests and how long it takes him to perform them before protection systems are put i...
Jul 20, 2023•15 min
Recommended diagnostic tests for assessing rotating machine condition. Rotating electrical machines are critical for power generation and running critical processes in industrial applications. However, reliable performance can be compromised over time due to the thermal, electrical, ambient and mechanical stresses motors and generators are continuously subjected to when in operation. In this episode, we speak with David Hassmann , a project engineer at Baumüller Services , which is based in Nure...
Jul 07, 2023•18 min
How electrical utilities can avoid serious consequences and ensure a reliable power supply. Blackouts, or unexpected electrical outages over large areas of a power network, are a major concern for electrical power utilities around the world. There are several factors that present a risk for blackouts, whether it is severe weather or wildfires that damage important power system infrastructure, the malfunctioning or wrong operation of parts of the power system, or even wars and terrorist activity,...
Jun 21, 2023•22 min
Learn about the types of circuit breakers used in the Middle East and how are they tested. Circuit Breakers are the most essential assets for turning on and off any connections in the power grid. Different regions in the world use very different circuit breakers, and very different testing methods. In our Energy Talks mini-series, called “Circuit Breaker Testing Around the World” , we look at the different types of circuit breakers and testing methods used in various regions of the globe. OMICRO...
Jun 07, 2023•43 min
Meeting demand for cleaner energy sources and bridging the transition to renewable energy in Europe. Many regions of the world are adopting renewable energy sources at an increasing rate to reduce carbon emissions. However, during the transition to renewable energy, there will be a continued reliance on cleaner fossil fuels, namely natural gas. This is because of the fossil fuels used for the generation of electrical power, natural gas has the lowest carbon footprint and will continue to play an...
May 25, 2023•22 min
Learn how digital twins can optimize electrical equipment diagnosis and condition assessment. In this episode, we will learn about the concept of the digital twin and its application as a diagnostic and condition assessment tool in the electrical power industry. Professor Michael Hartje , an expert for digital measurement and automation technology in power systems at the Bremen University of Applied Science in Germany, describes the connection between the digital twin and the monitoring, diagnos...
May 10, 2023•31 min
Learn about a new testing method for detecting coupling in cable shields to prevent cable failure. In this episode, we talk about a new measurement to detect coupling in cable shields, which can cause overheating and damage to parallel medium-voltage power cables. OMICRON has a strong commitment to helping customers get the most out of their power system testing equipment. Sometimes, additional measurement methods that did not exist before are developed by OMICRON to help customers solve frustra...
Apr 26, 2023•29 min
Discover how the latest diagnostic tools can help ensure stability in changing power grids. Increasing energy demand and the transition to renewable energy are challenging the ability of power grids around the world to ensure a stable and reliable power supply. Our guest in this episode is Wilfried Breuer, Managing Director of Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen and Chairman of the German CIGRE committee. Wilfried recently spoke about the challenges faced by the power industry in the energy transition an...
Apr 13, 2023•29 min
Learn about the types of circuit breakers used in Oceania and how are they tested. Circuit Breakers are the most essential assets for turning on and off any connections in the power grid. Different regions in the world use very different circuit breakers, and very different testing methods. In our Energy Talks mini-series, called “ Circuit Breaker Testing Around the World ”, we look at the different types of circuit breakers and testing methods used in various regions of the globe. OMICRON circu...
Mar 31, 2023•26 min
Join us on an audio tour of the new OMICRON Customer Care Center in Klaus, Austria. In this episode of Energy Talks, we take you on an audio tour of the new OMICRON Customer Care Center (OCC) in Klaus, Austria. This new facility was completed in 2022 and includes training rooms and a large, 750 square meter (approximately 8,000 square feet) demonstration and training showroom filled with numerous electrical assets and diagnostic testing and diagnostic solutions. Electrical assets installed in th...
Mar 13, 2023•28 min
Discover how continuous online trending of PD activity helps ensure electrical asset reliability. In this 50th episode of Energy Talks , OMICRON Partial Discharge (PD) Testing & Monitoring Experts Bogdan Gorgan and Patrick Zander discuss when it makes sense to monitor PD on a permanent basis in electrical equipment. They explain how asset managers have achieved more peace of mind after having implemented permanent PD monitoring for continuous trending of insulation condition in both aging an...
Feb 23, 2023•30 min
Refresh your protection testing knowledge and skills with OMICRON’s virtual technical training series. In this episode, we discuss OMICRON’s upcoming 2023 Protection Testing Online Series with the organizers, Eugenio Carvalheira and Parisa Jalalipour . Based on its popularity, this is OMICRON’s third annual Protection Testing Online series. It begins on February 16th and ends on April 20th. Registration for all sessions closes on February 15th. Eugenio and Parisa discuss the importance of keepin...
Feb 09, 2023•28 min
