Digital Engineering has developed technology that can precisely monitor the impact of weather on the condition of electricity network overhead lines, allowing network operators to invest in maintenance and upgrades in a far more efficient way.

Energy Systems Catapult supported Digital Engineering through our Energy Launchpad to help maximise its growth and impact on the energy system.

The Challenge

A wide range of environmental conditions, especially wind, are known to impact the condition of overhead lines (OHL), conductors and fittings, influencing both their asset life and the lines’ dynamic power rating.

Utility companies employ methods of classifying OHL in terms of wear, corrosion from pollution and other defects. Understanding the expected level of exposure, could allow asset owners to better optimise and were possible, defer reinforcement investments.

The Innovation

Digital Engineering uses weather modelling software and analysis to help electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure owners optimise their asset management strategies, increase system reliability and protect investment.

The technology can be applied to any OHL asset, anywhere on the planet, to quantify the effect of both wear from wind and corrosion on the expected defect rates of OHL assets, this data enables the optimisation of investment by providing a clearer understanding of asset deterioration over time.

At the time of engaging with us, Digital Engineering were at a proof-of-concept stage and accessed our support to develop their route to market, partnerships, and business model.

The Solution

Energy Systems Catapult is home to the Energy Launchpad that draws on Catapult capabilities and assets, along with those of our partners. The Energy Launchpad provides innovators with tailored incubation and acceleration support to selected SMEs to help address systemic barriers, de-risk innovation, help businesses scale and secure investment.

Energy Launchpad’s Accelerator programme provides scale-up support for selected high-impact potential SMEs. Support includes those areas outlined in incubation but in more depth, as well as help to access demonstration environments such as our Living Lab, engagement with potential corporate clients and investors, and links to international opportunities.

The Impact

Energy Systems Catapult’s support has helped Digital Engineering to:

• Produce and test a prototype/demo version of their Asset Health software, as part of a collaborative NIA bid.
• Develop a cloud-based data architecture enabling them to scale their data services while maintaining low data storage costs for their clients.
• Gain new insights through conducting a UK and EU market study, identifying the regulatory environment, network owners and potential supply chain partners.