In a significant step forward for energy infrastructure management, Synaptec has officially launched “Greenlight,” an innovative monitoring solution meticulously engineered to tackle the pervasive issue of high-voltage cable failures. This new system specifically targets faults occurring within cable joints and terminations, promising to shift the industry from reactive repairs to proactive prevention.
The High Cost of Hidden Faults
Failures in high-voltage cables represent a substantial financial burden and operational headache for both transmission networks and the burgeoning offshore wind sector. According to Synaptec, the economic fallout from a single such fault can be staggering, potentially costing operators up to $1.3 million (or £1 million) for each day of lost revenue.
Compounding this issue is the often-overlooked fact that the vast majority of these failures—nearly 70%, as the company claims—do not originate in the cables themselves but rather in their joints and terminations. These critical connection points are frequently located in inaccessible or hidden areas, placing them beyond the reach of conventional monitoring techniques and leaving operators exposed to sudden, disruptive, and expensive outages.
Illuminating Potential Problems with Greenlight
Synaptec’s Greenlight system is designed to provide a comprehensive and continuous automated overview of every joint and termination across a cable network. Its core function is to deliver early warnings of emerging faults well before they escalate into complete failures. This capability marks a paradigm shift from the traditional approaches of manual inspection and reactive maintenance, offering what Synaptec describes as a smarter, safer, and considerably more cost-effective strategy for asset management. The technology is particularly tailored for the demanding environments of offshore wind farms and extensive high-voltage power grids.
At the heart of Greenlight lies Synaptec’s patented Distributed Electrical Sensing (DES) technology. A key advantage of DES is its use of fully passive sensors. These sensors are ingeniously designed to require no independent power supply, no dedicated data networks for communication, and no ongoing maintenance, significantly reducing their operational complexity and cost over their lifespan. This “fit and forget” characteristic is particularly beneficial for remote or hard-to-reach installations, such as those found in offshore wind energy projects.
Empowering Operators with Foresight
Steven Blair, Vice President of Applications at Synaptec, elaborated on the system’s practical benefits for those managing these critical assets. “Greenlight gives operators control over the most unpredictable and expensive aspect of offshore cable operations and maintenance,” he stated. Blair emphasized that the system goes beyond simple data acquisition. “It’s a system designed not just to collect data, but to deliver clear, early, and location-specific insight that finds the early warning signs of failure.” This precision allows for targeted interventions, resource optimization, and a significant reduction in unplanned downtime. By identifying the subtle indicators that precede a fault, Greenlight empowers operators to schedule maintenance efficiently, thereby avoiding catastrophic failures and their associated safety risks and financial penalties.
The introduction of Greenlight is already making an impact in the field. The first commercial installations of the system have been successfully deployed with international offshore wind operators and across various transmission systems. Looking ahead, Synaptec has ambitious plans for further large-scale installations throughout the remainder of 2025, indicating growing industry confidence in this preventative technology. The ability to foresee and forestall failures in high-voltage networks not only safeguards revenue streams but also enhances the overall reliability and resilience of energy supply, a critical factor as the world increasingly depends on robust electrical infrastructure.
