According to TASS on July 11, scientists at South Ural State University (SUSU) have proposed a solution to prevent accidents on high-voltage transmission lines (PL) and other energy facilities caused by surge arrester failures. Denis Korobatov, Associate Professor in the Department of Power Stations, Networks, and Power Supply Systems, told TASS that they have invented a unique device capable of monitoring surge arrester condition and signaling when replacement is needed.

A source from the university stated that sudden failures of protective devices (surge arresters rated 3–750kV) in AC networks can lead to transmission line accidents. To address this issue, South Ural State University developed and manufactured a lightning and switching surge current pulse indicator recorder.

Denis Korobatov explained that transmission line protective devices fail after a certain number of operations and require replacement, but operating organizations cannot predict the exact timing of failure.

The new equipment developed by South Ural State University can diagnose surge arresters and send signals to relevant personnel. The device can simultaneously collect information from up to 64 different units and transmit it to a cloud service or client server, enabling operating organizations to know the condition of the arresters and the timing for replacement.

Denis Korobatov added that the device has several unique features. On one hand, it simultaneously records three key indicators: leakage current levels of the first, third, and fifth harmonic components, total leakage current, and the number of protective element operations under extreme conditions. On the other hand, the device is equipped with environmental temperature recording and an integrated remote monitoring system, allowing operators to remotely read and analyze the collected data.