IDGC of Volga, PJSC (a member of Rosseti Group of Companies) continues to work in the field of innovation and technological development and modernization of the power grid. One of the priority development directions is the development of new instrumentation systems for diagnostics and state monitoring of power supply network equipment.

In 2016, as part of the Innovative Development Program execution, the R&D project "Design of a device for tracing flammable gases from gas-actuated relays of power transformers” was implemented. The purpose of the work was development of the device, ensuring optimization of the process of analysis of gases from gas-actuated relays of power transformers.

As a result of R&D, the modern device for tracing flammable gases from gas-actuated relays of power transformers was designed and manufactured. It is a portable device for detection of the hydrogen content and total hydrocarbon gas concentration of the gas-actuated relays of power transformers. The device for tracing flammable gases provides prompt and accurate gas analysis of gas-actuated relays (gas rapid analysis) of power transformers that results in lower operating costs.

 Application of the device for tracing flammable gases will reduce the error probability in determining the gas flammability, due to which a faulty transformer can be put into operation that with a certain probability may lead to an accident.

The designed device for tracing flammable gases was demonstrated at the "Innovations Podium" within the RUGRIDS-ELECTRO in October 2016 and generated special interest of visitors and participants of the forum.

Patent No. 165120 "Device for tracing flammable gases" was obtained for intellectual property that will allow to implement the developed device in the power grid in the future.