GE’s Grid Explorer™ Simplifies Power System Challenges with 3-D Visualization Tools

GE’s Digital Energy business unveiled its Grid Explorer™ 2.0 platform, an interactive and advanced suite of digital visualization tools, at the 2014 IEEE PES Transmission & Distribution Conference & Exposition (April 14-17 in Chicago). At the event, GE turned its show floor into an innovative 3-D experience center, with 22 touchscreen kiosks showcasing solutions for the world’s most challenging power system applications.

“With the deployment and integration of new technologies and distributed resources, power systems are evolving and becoming more complex, bringing new opportunities and challenges to the forefront of transmission and distribution,” said Claudio Cargnelli, chief marketing officer, GE’s Digital Energy business. “As these new technologies and systems alter our grid, we, as an industry, must also evolve to address potential challenges.”

Previously, engineers had to rely on physical assets, single-line drawings, and other abstract resources to learn and discuss complex power system-related concepts and solutions. Powered by an advanced gaming engine, GE’s new Grid Explorer visualization platform – which represents more than 10 years of investment and development focused on simplifying complex concepts – allows users to immerse themselves in a virtual 3-D power system that spans from the power plant to the power consumer.

“Through this technology, users can simulate a wide array of grid challenges and see their effects on grid efficiency and reliability. These simulations can range from unplanned outages and asset management of critical power equipment to the integration of distributed generation onto the grid,” Cargnelli continued. “Users then can identify and investigate a variety of solutions and the benefits of each to optimize their grid operations.”

Once a specific solution is identified, customers can get up close to the individual devices and solutions, interacting with them through a 3-D visual. From critical substation assets such as gas-insulated switchgears, transformers, circuit breakers and instrument transformers, to intelligent controls and communication network devices, customers can peel away and look inside the equipment. This tool gives them a unique view into how the solution works, how it maximizes equipment life and how to integrate smart controls onto the substation asset.

Leveraging its Grid Explorer technology at the IEEE Transmission & Distribution Conference & Exposition earlier this month, GE displayed complete system offerings that are helping utilities modernize the grid. These products and service included its proven high-voltage transmission equipment solutions, state-of-the-art protection technologies, enhanced visibility through comprehensive monitoring and advanced analytics and increased efficiency through secure communications and integrated controls.

“GE’s Grid Explorer platform has changed how utilities are able to conceptualize, learn about and develop their modern electric grids,” said Cargnelli. “From addressing challenges to exploring and identifying solutions to helping educate and train employees on new technologies and industry terminology, the Grid Explorer brings the power system to life.”

SOURCE: GE Digital Energy