Sensors + Gateways
Everything starts at the surface of the transformer. No oil system contact. Ever.
VIE sensors bond to the exterior of the transformer tank wall. No sampling valve. No penetration of the oil system. No new access point to maintain. The gateway connects to the cloud via LTE or satellite from the moment it powers on.
The hardware is designed to be forgotten. It runs for more than ten years without intervention and transmits continuously without a site visit.
How Sensors Capture Transformer Health
Transformer condition produces two distinct types of physical signal at the tank surface: structure-borne vibration driven by electromagnetic forces on the windings, and fluid-borne vibration driven by magnetostriction in the core.
VIE sensors are triaxial. They capture both signals simultaneously and independently.
In-plane vibration (structure-borne)
Out-of-plane vibration (fluid-borne)
Capturing both independently is what allows VIE's AI to separate mechanical failure modes from core and oil failure modes — at the sensor level, before any analysis runs.
Sensor Specifications
Sensor placement is determined by each transformer's geometry. The virtual model that informs fault detection also informs where each sensor is positioned, so every sensor sits where it best resolves the signatures relevant to that specific unit's construction.
Gateway Specifications
The VIE gateway connects to the cloud over LTE or satellite. No existing site network required. No IT team. No integration project. The gateway is operational when it powers on. Data transmits continuously. Site visits are not required for data retrieval. For remote, unmanned, or access-restricted sites, the gateway operates without any on-site intervention throughout the full service term.
Installation That Does Not Stop Operations
The entire installation process runs on a live, energized transformer. No outage scheduled. No operations interrupted.
Map the transformer
The installer identifies the transformer's physical construction and sensor positions based on its geometry. One technician completes this step on-site without specialized tooling.
Mount the sensors
Sensors bond to the external surface of the tank wall using two-part epoxy. No drilling. No sampling valve. No penetration of any kind. One transformer takes under 30 minutes on most units and under an hour on the largest.
Activate the gateway
The gateway connects via LTE or satellite and begins transmitting sensor data to the VIE platform. The transformer is live and in service throughout. Monitoring begins from the first sample.
Built for Every Operating Environment
VIE sensors and gateways are built to operate where transformers operate — including the environments where manual inspection is most difficult and most dangerous.
Remote and Unmanned Sites
LTE or satellite connectivity removes the requirement for on-site data retrieval. Remote onshore sites, distributed solar and wind facilities, and pipeline infrastructure all monitor identically to grid-connected facilities.
Offshore Platforms
IP67-rated sensors and gateways operate in marine environments. Satellite connectivity removes the dependency on platform network infrastructure. Personnel stay out of electrical access areas.
Outputs
VIE sensors and gateways are ATEX/IECEx certified for use in hazardous area environments. Full certification documentation is available on request.
By the Numbers
Sensor Sample rate, continuous
Typical detection lead time before failure event
Prediction Accuracy
ROI in months (KPMG-validated)
Frequently Asked Questions
No. VIE sensors mount to the external surface of the transformer tank using two-part epoxy. The transformer stays fully energized throughout the entire installation process. No de-energization. No modification to transformer internals. No penetration of the oil system. Installation takes under 30 minutes on most transformers and under an hour on the largest units.
The VIE gateway connects to the VIE cloud platform via LTE or satellite. No existing site network is required. The gateway powers on and transmits from day one. For remote or unmanned sites with no facility network, the gateway operates independently with no on-site IT configuration.
The platform logs sensor and gateway status continuously. VIE monitors hardware health as part of normal platform operation. Since launch, the sensor failure rate has been below 0.05% and the gateway failure rate has been below 0.01%.
Yes. VIE sensors and gateways are ATEX/IECEx certified for use in hazardous area environments. Contact VIE for full certification documentation and zone/category applicability details specific to your installation context.
Yes. VIE sensors install on the external surface of the transformer tank regardless of internal construction. Wet or dry, pad-mounted or substation, any make, model, voltage class, or vintage.
Hardware That Gets Out of the Way
The sensors run for over a decade without intervention. The gateway transmits without a site visit. The installation takes under 30 minutes and leaves the transformer in service throughout.