Lumiker, a global leader in advanced subway cable monitoring solutions and passive photonic sensor technologies, takes a step in the expansion and internationalization of its business. Following the successful certification of the innovative CAMOS1000 product, Lumiker opens a new business development office in the northern region of Mumbai, India. This expansion not only strengthens Lumiker’s presence in a key market, but also marks the beginning of a series of distribution agreements that further consolidate Lumiker’s position in the global energy sector.

New Mumbai Office and Strategic Alliances

The recent opening of this business development office in Mumbai underscores a commitment to growth and innovation in the region. This office will be the hub for developing new opportunities and expanding our operations in India, one of the most dynamic and fast-growing energy markets in the world.

In addition, Lumiker manages to secure several distribution agreements for CAMOS1000 in India, the Middle East and Malaysia with renowned partners such as Sterlite Power and Aarohanix. These agreements are testament to the trust that these distinguished partners have placed in Lumiker and our cutting-edge technology.

The alliances with Sterlite Power and Aarohanix represent a qualitative and quantitative leap to strengthen CAMOS1000 distribution and Lumiker’s presence in Asia. The potential of these agreements to strengthen Lumiker’s presence in these key markets is a huge boost to continue providing innovative and high-quality solutions.

CAMOS1000: A Revolutionary Breakthrough in Underground Cable Monitoring

CAMOS1000 is a marked improvement over its predecessor, CAMOS200, and represents an unprecedented advance in the monitoring of medium and high voltage subway cables. This advanced optical system is designed to meet the most stringent standards of the electrical industry and has undergone rigorous testing and certification that attests to its superiority.

CAMOS1000’s unique ability to monitor the real-time status of critical assets makes it an essential tool for modern power grid management. This technology makes it possible to anticipate problems before they become catastrophic failures, thus ensuring a continuous and safe supply of electricity.

Lumiker is part of RDT, a global engineering solutions corporation with a presence in Spain, France, United Kingdom, Denmark, Portugal, Morocco and Mexico and a team of more than 1700 people.

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Lumiker, a leader in the development of passive photonic and fiber optic sensor technology and monitoring solutions, will coordinate the EASYDC project, an initiative promoted by the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program. The aim of the project is to develop high-voltage direct current cables (HVDC) capable of operating at voltages above 525 kV. 

These new HVDC cables are designed to significantly reduce the carbon footprint. The scope of the project includes the fabrication and testing of a prototype cable, the development of partial discharge measurements using passive fiber optic sensors for aging analysis in the 0 to 1 GHz range, and the creation of a new vibration sensor with integration into distributed temperature sensing (DTS) and distributed antenna system (DAS) solutions. Lumiker has extensive experience in power grids, cables and substations.

Key aspects of the Project

The EASYDC project, with a budget of over 5 million euros, focuses on several key aspects to ensure the viability and effectiveness of the new HVDC cables. The main areas of project development are detailed below:

1.HVDC Cable Prototype >525kV:

The manufacture and testing of a prototype HVDC cable capable of operating at voltages above 525 kV is one of the primary objectives of the project. This cable will be designed not only to be efficient, but also to have a reduced environmental impact, aligning with EU sustainability goals.

2.Partial Discharge Measurement:

To monitor cable aging, advanced partial discharge measurement techniques will be developed using passive fiber optic sensors. These sensors will operate in a frequency range of 0 to 1 GHz, providing accurate data on cable condition over time.

3. Integrated Vibration Sensor:

A new vibration sensor will be developed and integrated into DTS and DAS solutions. This sensor will enable accurate vibration detection and, by combining the data with temperature and acoustic measurements, will facilitate the development of algorithms for capacity calculation and fault location.

4. Develop specific algorithms for capacity calculation and fault location:

Optical sensors will drive the development of specific algorithms for capacity calculations and fault location, using perimeter cybersecurity systems, ensuring a fast and secure response to any anomaly detected.

Competitive advantages

This technology will be unique in monitoring long-distance HVDC transmission corridors in the EU, planned after 2030, which will bring competitive advantages and have a direct effect on sustainable development:

• Lower energy losses: the new HVDC cables are designed to minimize energy losses during transmission over long distances, improving overall system efficiency.
• Reduced environmental impact: the use of innovative materials and technologies in cable manufacturing will contribute to a lower carbon footprint, in line with EU environmental policies.
• Increased monitoring efficiency: advanced sensor-based monitoring systems and cybersecure edge processing systems will enable continuous and accurate monitoring of cables, facilitating preventive maintenance and rapid response to faults.

Following a research and documentation phase, actual testing and demonstrations are planned to take place in Norway and Denmark in 2027. These demonstrations will allow evaluating the performance of the new HVDC cables and monitoring technologies under real conditions, providing valuable data for future large-scale deployment in the EU.

RDT Center of Excellence for Numerical Simulation

The EASYDC project will be developed among several pioneering and relevant entities in their sector. This consortium includes Nexans (global cable and fiber optic industry company), Ampacimon (network monitoring solutions), APsensing (developer and manufacturer of fiber optic distributed sensing technology products), ENERGINET (operator of the Danish national electricity and natural gas transmission grid), Statnett (operator of the Norwegian electricity grid), ZABALA (reference consultant in innovation strategy), the University of Cantabria, the University of Valladolid, BARBARA IoT (software platform aimed at managing professional IoT devices remotely and securely), GreenDelta (sustainability consultancy and software), ACE Energy Cluster Association and RDT through its Center of Excellence for thermal and fluid dynamic simulation solutions. 

RDT develops in its numerical simulation CoE innovative solutions through fluid and/or thermal simulation for civil engineering, industrial engineering and architecture projects. Numerical simulation and CFD are essential tools in modern science and engineering, providing a deep understanding of physical and chemical phenomena, improving the design of products and processes, contributing to safety and efficiency, and anticipating behaviors. The participation of Lumiker and another RDT center of excellence is evidence of the group’s innovative character. As a global engineering solutions corporation, RDT is present in Spain, France, United Kingdom, Denmark, Portugal, Morocco and Mexico, with a team of more than 1700 people.

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Lumiker, specializing in critical asset monitoring, has developed an enhancement to its medium and high voltage underground cable monitoring product. CAMOS1000, which improves on the performance of its predecessor CAMOS200, is an advanced optical subway cable monitoring system that redefines standards in the electrical industry.

This new system, exclusively developed by Lumiker, not only maintains the fundamental features of the CAMOS200, but expands and perfects them to meet the most demanding requirements of the electrical industry.

CAMOS1000 Innovations

The CAMOS1000 has achieved unprecedented milestones in the field of electrical protection and measurement, standing out for obtaining the following international certifications:

• IEC 60088 Endurance: This certification guarantees the maximum durability and operational reliability of the CAMOS1000. The resilience of the system ensures that it can operate effectively and without failure, even in the most adverse conditions, providing unparalleled peace of mind to our customers.
• IEC 60044 Class 1 and 5PE: These certifications endorse the maximum measurement accuracy and protection offered by the CAMOS1000. Measurement accuracy is crucial for the efficient and safe management of electrical networks, and the CAMOS1000 meets the highest international standards in this regard.

In addition to these certifications, the CAMOS1000 has passed rigorous multisection differential protection tests. In these tests, more than 300 different faults were evaluated, achieving accurate discrimination between internal and external faults. These tests were conducted on a 400KV hybrid line on the West Coast project for Energinet, spanning a length of 80 kilometers, using mixed cross-connected and single point cables. The results of these tests demonstrate the CAMOS1000’s ability to provide accurate and reliable solutions even in the most complex network configurations.

Lumiker is the first company to achieve these levels in passive high-voltage cable monitoring systems

Critical asset diagnostics: a booming sector

The critical asset monitoring industry is critical to the stability and efficiency of today’s power, gas and energy infrastructures in general. According to the Predictive Maintenance – Global Strategic Business report, the global Predictive Maintenance market, estimated at $5.6 billion in 2022, is expected to reach a revised size of $32 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 24.4% during the analysis period 2022-2030. This growth is driven by the need to optimize infrastructure management, minimize downtime and reduce maintenance costs through early failure detection.

The ability to monitor in real time the status of critical assets enables utilities and grid operators to anticipate problems before they become catastrophic failures, thus ensuring a continuous and secure supply of electricity. In this context, advanced solutions such as CAMOS1000 are essential to meet these demands and improve operational efficiency.

CAMOS1000 is prepared to face the most demanding challenges of energy distributors. Lumiker Aplicaciones Tecnológicas is firmly committed to innovation, which makes it a reference in the diagnosis and prediction of critical assets. Lumiker is part of RDT, a global engineering solutions corporation with presence in Spain, France, United Kingdom, Denmark, Morocco and Mexico with a team of more than 1700 people.

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This educational project addresses the increasing demand for research and industrial applications in science, technology, and engineering. As a thoroughly integrated program, EMIMEP covers a spectrum from fundamentals to implementations in wired and wireless communications, catering to the evolving needs of communication systems and networks.

And thus, LUMIKER is proud to play a role in this transformative initiative. Our expertise in photonics and electronics aligns seamlessly with the objectives of EMIMEP, and we are eager to contribute to the empowerment of the next generation of engineers. Through our collaboration with this program, we aim to foster an environment where innovation thrives, and students emerge not just as graduates but as trailblazers in the dynamic fields of microwave electronics and photonics.

EMIMEP’s Role in Science and Technology

Providing students with training courses in microwave electronics and photonics holds significant importance in equipping them for upcoming job opportunities over the next 5-10 years. These courses focus on crucial areas such as networks (energy transports), industrial modernization (encompassing new technologies, smart grids, and digital infrastructures), the exploration of clusters for fostering new ecosystems, and the promotion of cross-border synergies.

EMIMEP as a holistic educational experience

The EMIMEP project is not merely a master’s program; it’s a comprehensive learning journey that propels students into a future where they are poised to make a significant impact on the world of science and technology.

This innovative project, funded by the European Union from September 1, 2023, to October 31, 2029, will help students gain thorough knowledge and experience in the electronics and photonics field. It has been recognized by the European Commission as a Master study program of Excellence.

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Our new manufacturing plant, in full development

Our manufacturing process plant is advancing at a good pace, especially in the development of fiber optic manufacturing processes for next-generation current monitoring, positioning Lumiker as a hub for product and procedure innovation.

Located in Derio (Vizcaya), these new facilities will allow Lumiker to increase production profitability, improve flexibility to address bottlenecks and optimize our operations to reduce work in progress (WIP).

Hydrogen sector monitoring: progress of the OPTHYCS project

Green hydrogen plays an essential role in the decarbonization of industries such as steel and petrochemicals. However, the production, distribution and transfer of hydrogen can cause unintentional leaks.

As members of the OPTHYCS project, LUMIKER participated in the consortium meeting last September, where we presented our advances in fiber optic sensors for the detection of such leaks.

The objective of this project is to increase safety in hydrogen applications and anticipate and reduce H2 emissions to minimize the impact on the environment.

Visit to Tecnalia: applying fiber optics to monitor the green hydrogen sector

Lumiker Technological Applications and TECNALIA Research & Innovation are collaborating in the identification, quantification and containment of these losses, critical for the success of the sector.

Last month, we visited TECNALIA to explore sputtering processes, essential for applying fiber coatings in hydrogen leak detection sensor production.

LUMIKER at the Spain-Denmark Business Summit

Talking about our advances in the detection of hydrogen leaks, LUMIKER attended the Spain-Denmark Business Meeting in Copenhagen, with a large number of representatives from both countries.

Pablo de la Cruz García, Director of our Electronics Center of Excellence, participated in this event, sharing how Lumiker can contribute with our monitoring systems in the detection of leaks and exchanging ideas with various attendees about how we can help face one of the main challenges of green hydrogen and how our innovative solutions can contribute to decarbonization.

Related links

OPTHYCS

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Click on the image below to read the full article.

AVOGADRO project developments

Avogadro is in its initial stage, establishing specifications and requirements, and has already made progress in legislation, regulations, and performance requirements. Among other aspects, technical developments have been identified to ensure the operation of the safety and monitoring system, including the specification of our CAMOS system for current measurement in conductors using fiber optics, which provides data on electrical consumption related to the electrolyzer. Thanks to this, the safety and operation system adds the capacity to perform the Balance of Plant (BoP) of the installation.

The project will continue to advance in the design, development, and validation of technologies, with the aim of contributing to the success of green hydrogen mobility in heavy vehicles.

This project aligns with the objectives of the Basque Hydrogen Strategy and the Energy Strategy of Euskadi 2030, which aim to achieve a cleaner and more sustainable fleet in transportation. In the context of the transition to renewable and zero-emission energy sources, green hydrogen emerges as a vital solution for heavy vehicles, where electric batteries cannot provide the necessary autonomy.

Related Links

Industria Química

Industria Química Magazine. July/August 2023

AVOGADRO Project

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By becoming an active member, we gain access to an extensive network of businesses, organizations, and hydrogen industry professionals. This provides LUMIKER with opportunities to collaborate on innovative projects, share information, and build strategic relationships.

LUMIKER as a member of Hydrogen Europe: an emissions-free future is coming

Our involvement in Hydrogen Europe demonstrates our commitment to environmental responsibility and the fight against climate change. Decarbonizing vital industries such as electricity, transportation, and manufacturing relies heavily on hydrogen, and to make it possible Hydrogen Leak detection should be made at very early stages. Through our collaboration with Hydrogen Europe, we actively promote the adoption of hydrogen-based technologies and accelerate the transition to a cleaner, emissions-free future.

We are dedicated to collaborating with other significant stakeholders in the hydrogen economy to address challenges and seize opportunities. Being a member of Hydrogen Europe allows us to put our expertise to the test and make hydrogen a reality in Europe, opening the door to a more prosperous and environmentally friendly future.

Related links

Hydrogen Europe website

Optics applied to the energy revolution: Lumiker and renewable hydrogen

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Earth leakage protection is integrated into the CAMOS high and medium voltage cable monitoring solution, which, through cable and screen OCTs, monitors the current flowing through the conductor and screens. In addition, it is complemented with screen overcurrent protection (50). In this aspect, we have built PSCAD models of mixed lines with sections of buried cable and aerial sections, for the simulation of internal and external faults. A test bench has been arranged with 6 cable OCTs and 6 screen OCTs, connected to an interrogator and into which the simulated fault currents are injected using OMICRON equipment in order to validate the differential protection.

In addition, in the Amboto project we have also improved the design of cable OCTs and screens, looking for a more compact and resilient design. For example, working on the identification of optical components with better behavior in adverse environmental conditions and that ensure good measurement precision.

As part of the project and with the aim of validating this design, LUMIKER has carried out various tests at Tecnalia such as measurement precision tests to demonstrate Class 1 precision (basic precision and with temperature variation from -25ºC to 40ºC), precision tests in protection, tests to determine the IP and IK of the enclosures, salt mist tests, vibration or solar radiation tests with a xenon lamp.

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AINES I entails the development by LUMIKER of a digital interface with new virtualization made with Python and new web visualization techniques, for Digital and Remote Monitoring, Protection and Control of Underground Transmission Cables, including: installation diagram and map, insulation state analysis through analysis of capacitive currents and current harmonics, calculation of fault location by GPS coordinates, calculation of remaining thermal capacity in real time at cable terminations and joints, and analysis of load vs. operating temperatures.

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AINES is an initiative in which LUMIKER participates together with the Energy Cluster, Barbara IoT, Alerion and UNICAN for the creation of new predictive systems based on AI and ML for optical monitoring for electrical networks.

Through this economic aid, LUMIKER will integrate new predictive analyzes on transport capacity and Ampacity into its CAMOS (Cable Advanced Monitoring Optic System AINES I) digital interface, in order to make critical operating decisions, or know the thermal state of the critical points of the installation before an alarm or failure occurs.

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