DNV GL: 30% of All Electrical Grid Components Fail Independent Verification Tests

BURLINGTON, MA--(Marketwired - Feb 4, 2015) -

• Faulty equipment is the second most common cause of outages in the US, and the number one cause in the UK, according to Eaton Blackout Tracker 2013
  
  
• Third party testing and certification helps ensure that equipment operates to the highest international standards and performs correctly in all network conditions
  
  
• To accommodate the growing need for new high-voltage transmission and distribution components, DNV GL invests to improve and expand its testing capabilities in its KEMA Laboratories
  
  

DNV GL, a global authority on testing, inspection and certification of power system components, states that 30% of components tested in its laboratories fail to pass the physical laboratory tests and don't achieve certification. Independent certification of power system components helps ensure that utilities provide the most reliable service possible. When components do not pass certification tests, the cost to the industry and society can be measured in increased cost, lost revenue, power outages, safety issues and liability cases. In the US, electrical power outages, surges and spikes are estimated to cause more than $150 billion in annual damages to the economy.

"In addition to enhancing reliability by ensuring that performance and safety criteria have been met -- a critical proof in liability cases -- certification also streamlines and optimises the equipment purchasing process. When utilities insist that manufacturers provide certification, the industry and society benefit from increased reliability, safety and efficiency. It's in our DNA to safeguard life, property, and the environment -- that's why we are committed to continue to deliver high quality testing, inspection and certification services for the power industry, through our KEMA Laboratories," says Jacob Fontijne, Executive Vice President Power TIC, DNV GL.

Around the world, the growth of high-voltage power networks is driving a proliferation of new high-voltage transmission and distribution components, such as circuit-breakers and power transformers, and new component manufacturers. Before installing these new components in the power network, utilities must be confident they are reliable and function correctly to minimize risks of outages.

To accommodate this growing need, DNV GL has made significant investment to improve and expand its testing capabilities in its KEMA Laboratories to accommodate the newest developments in components for electricity transmission networks. It recently added a new, larger test cell to its KEMA Laboratory in Chalfont, PA, which increases capacity, efficiency and safety, especially for internal arc testing. It combines a state-of-the-art data acquisition and measurement system with today's most advanced testing technology. DNV GL is also investing $80 million to upgrade facilities at its KEMA High-Power Lab in Arnhem, the Netherlands. This investment is addressing the industry's future needs and will create the world's first facility for testing extreme high-voltage components.

Visit our stand at DistribuTECH
Discuss grid reliability challenges and solutions with DNV GL energy experts and find out how Synergi Electric helps utilities with planning/operations in booth 4020 at the DistribuTECH Power Transmission Conference at the San Diego Convention Center Feb 3-5. Learn more about DNV GL's presence at DistribuTECH here.

About DNV GL
Driven by its purpose of safeguarding life, property and the environment, DNV GL enables organisations to advance the safety and sustainability of their business. DNV GL provides classification and technical assurance along with software and independent expert advisory services to the maritime, oil & gas and energy industries. It also provides certification services to customers across a wide range of industries. DNV GL, whose origins go back to 1864, operates globally in more than 100 countries with its 16,000 professionals dedicated to helping their customers make the world safer, smarter and greener.

DNV GL in the Energy industry
In DNV GL we unite the strengths of DNV, KEMA, Garrad Hassan, and GL Renewables Certification. DNV GL's 2,500 energy experts support customers around the globe in delivering a safe, reliable, efficient, and sustainable energy supply. We deliver world-renowned testing, certification and advisory services to the energy value chain including renewables and energy efficiency. Our expertise spans onshore and offshore wind power, solar, conventional generation, transmission and distribution, smart grids, and sustainable energy use, as well as energy markets and regulations. Our testing, certification and advisory services are delivered independent from each other. Learn more at www.dnvgl.com/energy