IND Technology want its Early Fault Detection system to be rolled out in Tasmania

A technology that its creator says has the ability to stop power outages and bushfires has been rolled out in every state except for South Australia and Tasmania.

An IND Technology manufacturing worker with an EFD device at a testing station within the company's new manufacturing hub in Richmond. Credit: supplied.

The mastermind behind a technology described as a “smoke alarm for powerlines” wants to see his creation implemented in Tasmania.

The Early Fault Detection (EFD) system is used in every state apart from Tasmania and South Australia and has been rolled out in parts of New Zealand, Canada and the US.

The technology uses sensors to detect defects and degradation to power networks that could cause outages or fires.

IND Technology Founder and RMIT Professor Alan Wong developed the EFD system around 15 years ago.

“If you look at the history of bushfires around the world, some of the most catastrophic fires are started by power lines; either power conductors clashing under strong wind conditions, the conductor comes down, or conductor accessories that sends sparks to the ground that could start spot fires,” Professor Wong said.

“Under the worst case scenario, very dry conditions and strong winds could potentially turn it into a major fire.”

Professor Alan Wong invented the early fault detection system at RMIT. Credit: supplied

Professor Wong said the EFD system was a preventive one.

“It can detect all the issues months, sometimes years before they become an actual network fault that could spark a statewide outage or a fire.

“It cannot only detect, but can locate those issues down to a 10 metre accuracy up to 10 kilometres.

“The system collects data every second of every day, and this data is put onto a cloud server.”

With Tasmania having large timber plantations across the state, Professor Wong said his technology would be beneficial.

“There are some high fire risk areas which should be protected by the EFT, especially if there are power lines traversing across the terrain.

“There are certain risks there; those assets are not brand new.

“Ageing infrastructure, combined with climate change - every year is getting hotter and drier - those risks should be mitigated by having a real-time monitoring system put in place.”

Originally published as IND Technology want its Early Fault Detection system to be rolled out in Tasmania