ABB and Oktogrid Propel Electrical Grid Modernisation

In an innovative leap toward modernising power infrastructures, ABB Electrification Service, in alliance with the Danish start-up Oktogrid, has launched a transformative solution for power transformers.

The ABB Ability Asset Manager for Transformers, known as TRAFCOM, is tailored to empower sectors such as manufacturing to update their ancient electrical grids, making them more compatible with the increasing demands of green energy transition.

Enhancing grid Performance and reliability

TRAFCOM stands at the forefront of addressing the elevated power needs that accompany the green energy shift.

It optimises performance, boosts availability and ensures greater reliability of the electrical grid. This system integrates a next-generation sensor that monitors the performance of transformers without being affected by their type, make or age.

It harbours a suite of capabilities within its unified interface, allowing for real-time tracking and performance enhancement of transformers.

The sensor isn't just about monitoring; it also transmits transformer data to the cloud immediately, thus minimising maintenance downtime significantly.

One of its standout features is the ease of installation — it can be magnetically mounted to a transformer in about 15 minutes, bypassing the need for any manual tooling or screwing.

Unlike traditional methods, which can be costly, time-consuming, and complex, TRAFCOM offers a more efficient and budget-friendly alternative.

"We know there are many electrical network transformers out there, which have never been monitored in 15-20 years, due to the high costs and complexity of installing sensoring technology," he says. 

"ABB Ability Asset Manager for Transformers overcomes these barriers as a simple and cost-effective way to modernise the grid.”

Advanced Monitoring for Predictive Maintenance

TRAFCOM isn't just about monitoring; it's about providing an in-depth analysis that surpasses other sensors available on the market.

It assesses four key dimensions of transformer performance, thereby enriching manufacturers' understanding and enabling them to make informed decisions.

This cloud-based monitoring system delivers real-time insights into a transformer's condition, empowering manufacturers to anticipate and prevent failures, detect anomalies earlier, and undertake predictive maintenance.

"Rising energy consumption and the need to generate more cost-effective power stresses the electricity network and brings increased risk, but understanding how the transformer is performing means that plant and operational managers can plan and improve their processes with confidence.” Mahmoud adds. 

This digitalisation leads to a plethora of advantages, such as reduced carbon emissions, enhanced power stability, and optimized efficiency of aging equipment.

"As industries double-down on their sustainability mandates, greater measurement capabilities are required to inform and shape their decarbonisation strategies," says Golam Sadeghnia, CEO of Oktogrid,

"Through our partnership with ABB, we’ve been able to create a solution that eliminates this transparency gap as we take pivotal steps toward a sustainable and resilient energy future."

ABB & Oktogrid's collaborative efforts toward sustainable solutions

The cooperation between ABB and Oktogrid is not a novel development.

In 2023, both entities teamed up to develop a pilot solution aimed at extending the lifespan of aging electrical assets.

This solution digitalises electrical infrastructure with real-time and remote performance monitoring, potentially extending the working life of equipment by another 40 years.

This optimisation also curtails the equipment's total carbon emissions while enhancing the reliability of power supplies.

“I am confident that ABB’s investment in OKTO GRID, when combined with our technology and in-depth industry insights, will help industry leapfrog the much-needed upgrade to aging electrical grids to meet the demands for higher power performance, reliability and availability,” says Stuart Thompson, Electrification Service Division President, ABB.

“This partnership with OKTO GRID exemplifies our approach to collaborating with innovative start-ups who have the shared goal of developing technology that drives smart, safe and sustainable outcomes for our customers.”

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