Eaton’s AI-Powered Breakthrough: Revolutionizing Wildfire Prevention on Utility Grids
In a groundbreaking development, Eaton, a leader in intelligent power management, has unveiled an innovative solution designed to bolster wildfire prevention efforts for utility distribution systems. This cutting-edge technology, developed in collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), and multiple North American utilities, addresses one of the most persistent challenges in grid safety: detecting and mitigating high-impedance (HiZ) faults that can lead to devastating wildfires.
Lab Simulations Prove Breakthrough Accuracy
Eaton’s new HiZ Protect™ solution represents a significant leap forward in fault detection technology. Extensive lab simulations and real-world testing demonstrate its ability to detect and de-energize HiZ faults with greater than 90% accuracy. This level of precision is unprecedented in the industry and marks a major step toward reducing wildfire risks caused by electrical grid failures.
Traditional grid protection technologies have struggled to accurately identify HiZ faults due to their low fault current levels and complex characteristics. As a result, utilities often resort to public safety power shutoffs during high-risk conditions, disrupting service for thousands of customers. Eaton’s HiZ Protect technology is designed to eliminate this challenge by automatically and reliably identifying these faults and isolating affected areas, significantly enhancing wildfire prevention efforts.
Chris Herbst, PhD, Eaton’s vice president of strategic partnerships and innovation, emphasized the importance of this advancement: “Fortifying the electric grid against the threat of wildfires has never been more critical. At Eaton, we’re committed to accelerating these efforts through our expansive solutions and research and development initiatives. Collaborating with USACE ERDC, NREL, and leading utilities across North America, we’re breaking boundaries in what electrical systems can achieve to protect communities and the environment.”
A Novel Approach to High-Impedance Fault Detection
HiZ faults, often caused by fallen trees, damaged insulators, or other environmental factors, are notoriously difficult to detect due to their unique signatures and low current levels. Eaton’s HiZ Protect technology incorporates three key innovations to address this challenge:
- Integrated Sensors: These sensors provide high-fidelity data, enabling precise monitoring of grid conditions even in remote areas with limited communication infrastructure.
- Machine Learning Algorithms: Eaton leveraged extensive research and hundreds of simulations conducted at its Thomas A. Edison Test Center in Franksville, Wisconsin, to develop a machine learning algorithm capable of reliably predicting and mitigating HiZ faults. The algorithm takes into account variables such as tree species, soil types, and environmental conditions to enhance accuracy.
- Edge-Based Implementation: By deploying the solution in grid-edge devices like Eaton’s Form 7 recloser controls, the technology ensures rapid response times and minimizes reliance on centralized systems.
This combination of advanced technologies allows utilities to act quickly and decisively to prevent potential wildfire ignitions.
Collaboration Drives Innovation
The development of Eaton’s HiZ Protect solution was made possible through a collaborative effort involving multiple stakeholders. Nathan Peterson, an electrical engineer at the USACE ERDC Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL), highlighted the importance of this partnership: “It is critically important to identify fault situations and take action to de-energize impacted power lines to mitigate wildfire risks. Eaton’s research, development, and commercialization of high-impedance fault detection technology offer immense opportunities to fortify the grid by delivering the data needed for rapid and reliable wildfire detection and mitigation at the grid edge.”
Pilot projects are currently underway with several North American utilities to refine and validate the technology under various geographic and environmental conditions. These pilots aim to ensure the solution’s effectiveness across diverse landscapes, from dense forests to arid regions prone to wildfires.
Eaton’s Commitment to Wildfire Mitigation
Eaton’s dedication to wildfire prevention extends beyond technological innovation. The company is actively engaged in educating industry stakeholders about the role of artificial intelligence and advanced grid technologies in mitigating wildfire risks. During the upcoming 2025 DistribuTECH conference in March, Souvik Chandra, PhD, a senior specialist engineer at Eaton’s Research Labs, will participate in a panel discussion on strategies utilities are deploying to combat wildfire threats. Attendees will gain insights into Eaton’s novel fault detection technology and its potential to transform grid safety.
For those interested in learning more, Eaton has published a comprehensive white paper detailing how artificial intelligence is being harnessed to detect and mitigate high-impedance faults.
Building a Sustainable Future
As an intelligent power management company, Eaton is committed to protecting the environment and improving quality of life for people worldwide. Its products serve a wide range of industries, including utilities, industrial, commercial, residential, aerospace, and mobility markets. By capitalizing on global trends such as electrification and digitalization, Eaton is addressing the world’s most urgent power management challenges and building a more sustainable future.
The introduction of the HiZ Protect solution underscores Eaton’s leadership in advancing grid resilience and wildfire prevention. With this breakthrough innovation, utilities can now take proactive steps to safeguard communities, ecosystems, and critical infrastructure from the growing threat of wildfires.
Stay tuned for updates on Eaton’s ongoing pilot projects and upcoming presentations at industry conferences. Together, we can create a safer, more resilient energy landscape for generations to come.
For more information, visit Eaton’s website or download their white paper on high-impedance fault detection and wildfire mitigation.
