Distribution Systems 2021 Program Overview
Distribution Systems 2021 Program Overview
Contents
Electric Power Research Institute3420 Hillview Avenue, Palo Alto, California, 94304-1338 • PO Box 10412, Palo Alto, California, 94303-0813 USA800.313.3774 • 650.855.2121 • [email protected] • www.epri.com
© 2020 Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), Inc. All rights reserved.
1 Program Overview
2 Program Structure & Resources
3 Technology Transfer Activities
4 Overhead Assets – P180.001
6 Underground Assets – P180.002
8 Distribution Automation Assets – P180.003
10 Safety – P180.004
12 Asset & Reliability Analytics – P180.005
14 Technical Leads and Contacts
16 Laboratory Capabilities
Program Overview
Program DescriptionThe Distribution Systems research program aims to address the challenges facing distribution asset owners and operators. This program is focused on distribution assets, their life cycle, and industry issues.Research addressing the asset life cycle is designed to improve utilities’ ability to acquire, operate, maintain, and dispose of distribution assets. This research can produce results impacting specifications, inspection tools, maintenance practices, fleet management, and other key aspects of distribution owners’ responsibilities. Examples of assets addressed in this program include wood poles, transformers, reclosers, cable terminations, and overhead conductors. Examples of industry issues include the use of reliability metrics, fleet management approaches, safety, and resiliency.
ApproachThis program produces advanced knowledge, technologies, and tools to inform decisions regarding the distribution asset life cycle. These results are produced through identification of high-value research opportunities, creation and execution of robust research projects, and effective technology transfer of the results to utilities. Researchers use various approaches, including:
Laboratory testing of new, aged, and failed equipment Evaluation of emerging technologies Investigations into equipment failure modes and degradation mechanisms Collection and assessment of utility practices Accelerated aging of components Assessment of asset performance
Research ValueThis research program focuses on distribution system assets, their specification, operations, maintenance, and disposal. The results from this program should help asset owners:
Enhance distribution asset safety for utility workers and the public
Improve specifications for new assets Develop maintenance practices on
a technical basis Reduce maintenance costs Proactively plan capital and maintenance budgets Increase distribution system resiliency Improve asset and system reliability
Distribution Systems 2021 Program Overview 1
Drew McGuireSenior Program Manager
Distribution SystemsPhone: (704) 595-2425
email: [email protected]
Installation
Inspection & Assessment
Field Settings / Firmware Management
Specification
Upgrades & Refurbishment
Life Expectancy
Fleet Management
Field Operating Practices
Selection
Acquire
Dispose
Operate
Maintain
Health Monitoring
Program Structure
2 Distribution Systems 2021 Program Overview
There are five projects in this program, each with multiple research tasks and technology transfer activities.
Each project on the following pages has a summary table. The tables should be used like this:
180.002Underground
Assets
180.004Safety
180.003Distribution
Automation Assets
180.001Overhead
Assets
180.005Asset & Reliability
Analytics
Impacts of 5G Attachments on
Overhead Structure Reliability
Design and Performance of
Overhead Structures: Test Framework
and Results
Alternative Pole and Crossarm Material
Evaluation: Crossarm Test Results
Deliverables
Drivers
Application
Examines potential impacts on OH
structure strength and reliability
and how designs may need to
compensate for 5G
Develops test approach and
metrics to compare OH structure performance
Test data shows how composite crossarm could impact structure
reliability
Improved Overhead Structure Reliability and Resiliency
Examines how inspection and
maintenance may need to change
due to 5G
Results guide prioritization
of aging infrastructure replacement
Inspection and Maintenance Cost Management
Discovery and Application of New Materials & Technologies to Enhance System Performance
Identifies how equipment can impact
OH structure performance
Guidance on composite and wood crossarm selection based
on tracking performance
Improved Equipment Specifications and Selection
Provide visual indicators of crossarms requiring
replacement due to tracking
Increased Inspection Effectiveness
In this example:
Drivers Inspection and Maintenance
Cost Management
DeliverablesImpacts of 5G Attachments on Overhead Structure Reliability
ApplicationExamines how inspection
and maintenance may need to change due to 5G
Technology Transfer & Research Results
Distribution Systems 2021 Program Overview 3
Technology transfer, the application of research results, is an important part of EPRI engagement. The P180 team works to deliver value by making the research results intuitive and straightforward to apply. Also, the team keeps project participants involved and updated on progress throughout the year.
For information, contact: Eric Cornwell, [email protected]
Subject Matter ExpertiseThe experts at EPRI are just a phone call or an email away.
WebcastsEach project hosts multiple webcasts
throughout the year. These events give updates on existing research, future outlook,
and information-sharing opportunities.
Technical ReportsEach year’s research is fully documented in technical reports. These reports contain background and technical information on
the research project.
Reference MaterialColor books and field guides act as a comprehensive reference for technical
distribution questions.
VideosThroughout the year, project managers
provide video updates to keep members informed in a few minutes per video.
Equipment TestingThird-party testing is important when making specification and selection
decisions. P180 uses specialized testing to give an objective assessment of equipment performance before it goes into the field.
Forensic AnalysisUnderstanding equipment failure can be a great way to learn about assets. The
EPRI team is equipped to analyze failures to determine the root cause and possible
actions for other in-service assets.
Laboratory TestingEPRI’s laboratories play an important role in the research. Many projects have multiple experiments and demonstrations in the labs
in Charlotte, Knoxville, and Lenox.
Workshops & TrainingFace-to-face meetings and training with EPRI and industry provide opportunities to discuss research results and industry
participants issues.
4 Distribution Systems 2021 Program Overview
Overhead distribution systems are constantly exposed to environmental and service stresses that can shorten life, including storm damage, wildlife, and changing load profiles. Additionally, a large part of overhead infrastructure has reached or has exceeded its expected life. To overcome these challenges, utilities are asking:
How can we improve overhead structure resiliency?
What can I include in product specifications to promote reliable performance over its expected life?
Is there technology that can reliably detect a circuit problem or equipment failure before it happens?
How do we improve our ability to identify and prioritize equipment that needs maintenance or replacement?
The Overhead Assets project provides unbiased, third-party data that utilities can use to inform difficult decisions. Research topics in 2021 include:
Resilient and reliable structure design
Selection and specification of overhead components, such as surge arresters, fuse cutouts, and wildlife guards
Demonstration of online condition monitoring technologies to identify issues before an outage occurs
Evaluation of pole inspection tools that enable improved maintenance and replacement prioritization
Investigate how inclusion of 5G equipment will affect construction standards and asset performance
This project also intends to capture and document knowledge regarding overhead asset design and application. This material could be incorporated into guides, videos, and other training material for utilities.
Joe Potvin Project Engineer
email: [email protected]
Overhead Assets – P180.001
Overhead Assets – P180.001
Impacts of 5G Attachments on
Overhead Structure Reliability
Overhead Connector Performance Testing:
2021 Update
Evaluation and Application of Surge
Arresters for Overhead Distribution Systems
Design and Performance of
Overhead Structures: Test Framework
and Results
Alternative Pole and Crossarm Material
Evaluation: Crossarm Test Results
Design and Application of
Wildlife Guards to Promote Reliability:
2021 Update
Evaluation of Pole Inspection Technologies: 2021 Update
Online Condition Monitoring of
Overhead Systems
Overhead Distribution Infrared Inspection
Guidebook: 2021 Update
Distribution Systems 2021 Program Overview 5
Deliverables
Drivers
Application
Examines potential impacts on OH
structure strength and reliability
and how designs may need to
compensate for 5G
Develops test approach and
metrics to compare OH structure performance
Test data shows how composite crossarm could impact structure
reliability
Test data shows if wildlife
guard will impact structure reliability
Improved Overhead Structure Reliability and Resiliency
Examines how inspection and
maintenance may need to change
due to 5G
Test data helps equipment
selection to mitigate premature
failure
Forensic analysis results to guide replacement
decisions
Results guide prioritization
of aging infrastructure replacement
Identifies tools to better identify
wood poles in need of
replacement
Test data shows effectiveness of
tools at identifying line defects and equipment issues
Guidance to select cameras & methods to
prioritize actions
Inspection and Maintenance Cost Management
Examines new or emergent
technology that could determine
pole strength
Examines new or emergent
technology that could identify
line and equipment issues
Discovery and Application of New Materials & Technologies to Enhance System Performance
Test data improves connector selection based on
performance
Test data improves arrester selection based on performance
Identifies how equipment can impact
OH structure performance
Guidance on composite and wood crossarm selection based
on tracking performance
Test data helps improves wildlife guard
selection based on performance
Improved Equipment Specifications and Selection
Provide visual indicators of
crossarms requiring replacement due
to tracking
Provides visual inspection
guidance to improve wildlife guard condition
assessment
Identifies tools to better prioritize
wood pole replacement
Guidance to better optimize
temperature thresholds for action
Increased Inspection Effectiveness
John Tripolitis Program Manager
email: [email protected]
6 Distribution Systems 2021 Program Overview
Underground Assets – P180.002
Utility companies that own and operate underground distribution systems face many challenges and changing needs. Installing and maintaining underground infrastructure are complicated by accessibility issues, and much of the early installed infrastructure is reaching the end of its useful life. Utility managers are charged with managing costs, improving system reliability and resiliency, increasing power throughput, and improving the health and safety of workers and the public. Significant changes to electric distribution systems are underway, including new underground equipment and materials, automation systems, and new monitoring technologies. At the same time, many utilities are losing institutional knowledge. In addressing these challenges, the research performed under this project focuses on equipping utilities with the knowledge to acquire, optimize, and maintain underground distribution infrastructure. Key focus areas include emerging inspection methods, new maintenance approaches, asset life extension, and work practices for underground distribution systems. The activities are part of a multi-year research plan to close existing research gaps.
This objective of this research is to produce results to support utilities as they manage underground distribution systems, where the challenges include dealing with aging plants, assessing asset health and performance, improving specification and selection, and understanding and leveraging new technologies. This research also emphasizes knowledge capture and transfer to address the challenge of maintaining expertise in managing underground distribution systems.
Results take the form of reports, online repositories, and guidebooks, including periodic updates to the Underground Distribution Systems Reference Book “The Bronze Book”.
Distribution Systems 2021 Program Overview 7
Underground Assets – P180.002
Deliverables
Drivers
Application
Switch Forensics
Includes specific recommendations
for design and manufacture improvements
Considerations for inspecting
and diagnosing in service unit
Enable selection of optimal
inspection and maintenance
strategies
Identifies failure precursors and
enables selection of mitigation
strategies
Forensics produces content to be
included in UG Switch Guidebook, informing selection,
inspection, & maintenance
Forensics produces content to be
included in UG Switch Guidebook, informing selection,
inspection, & maintenance
Cable Accessory Forensics
Includes specific recommendations
for design and manufacture improvements
Includes investigation of present
and emerging monitoring techniques
Considerations for performing
targeted inspections and
other diagnostics of existing units
Enable selection of optimal
inspection and maintenance
strategies
Recommendations for workmanship
to improve performance and
extend life
Identifies design attributes /
workmanship approaches
appropriate for references and
training
Identifies design attributes /
workmanship approaches
appropriate for references and
training
Infrared Thermography in UG distribution
Informs iR approaches for safety
and condition diagnoses,
including triggers for alarming and action
Findings can be used to optimize
use of iR
Improve identification of impending
failure
Planned iR field guide for UG
systems
Planned iR field guide for UG
systems
Monitoring of Network Transformers
Informs specifications for network transformer
monitors and the associated
communications
Explores the efficacy of
remote dissolved gas monitors
Deployment of DGA monitors may lower the overall cost of
assessing network transformer health
Results inform DGA monitor deployment
Underground Structure/Equipment Cathodic Protection Guidelines
Guidance for assessing corrosion / corrosion potential
Guidance for performing
inspections and diagnoses of
vault / manhole equipment and
civil infrastructure
Provides guidance for preventing
and mitigating corrosion, reducing event risk
Underground Distribution
System Practices Repository
Information on peer company practices which can be used to improve your
own performance
Information on peer company practices which can be used to improve your
own performance
Information on peer company practices which can be used to improve your
own performance
Bronze Book Updates
Includes comprehensive network content with chapters on network systems.
Includes comprehensive
UG content.
Manhole Event Research
Informs specifications for manhole cover and detection
systems
Investigation of present
and emerging combustible
gas detection techniques
Informs selection of diagnostic
approaches for manhole event anticipation
Investigates and tests manhole
event detection and mitigation
strategies
Improved Product Specification and Selection
Increased Inspection and Diagnostic effectiveness
Awareness of Emerging Testing Monitoring and
Evaluation Tools
Anticipating and Preventing UG Asset
Failure / Manhole Events
Managing costs of Inspection and
Maintenance
Effectively Managing URD /
UCD Systems
Effectively Managing
Network Systems
Many utilities are in the process of ramping up wide-scale grid modernization efforts of which distribution automation (DA) is a key component. DA enables remote, real-time monitoring, operation, and optimization of the grid. Distribution organizations are being challenged to increase capital spending on automation and rapidly deploy DA assets. This significant investment in automation is being made with a lack of data to support these procurement decisions. This research project provides enhanced decision support to make informed decisions regarding the life cycle of automation assets. As more DA assets are being rapidly deployed it is also imperative for utilities to actively manage them to ensure they can provide the highest possible reliability to customers.
The objective of this research is to support utilities as they manage the life-cycle of DA assets. The challenges include understanding their degradation and failure modes, assessing health and performance, improving specification and selection, and leveraging these new technologies to increase the reliability of the distribution system. The research also focuses on capturing and transferring practices related to installation, operation, and maintenance of automation assets. Results may take the form of reports, online repositories, guidebook, field guides, and videos.
The knowledge acquired through this research may be applied by automation engineers and managers includes:
A solid technical basis to make informed decisions regarding the specification, selection, and installation of automation assets.
An understanding of the degradation and failure modes of distribution automation assets.
Guidance on how to increase asset reliability and reduce O&M expenses by pulling information from devices in the field to virtually inspect and monitor automation assets.
An understanding of grounding and bonding approaches to protect automation equipment from the effects of lightning and surges.
Share practices and experiences with DA assets amongst peer utilities.
Distribution Automation Assets – P180.003
Jason AndersonTechnical Leader
email: [email protected]
Distribution Automation Assets – P180.003
Distribution Systems 2021 Program Overview 9
Deliverables
Drivers
Application
Laboratory Testing
Testing shows relative performance
and accelerated aging exposes opportunities to
prevent future issues
Aging tests expose future inspection and
maintenance needs
Laboratory evaluation of
new automation technologies and inspection tools
Testing to understand
performance of new sensors for
operational visibility
Recloser Failures
Learnings from failure
analysis guides improvements to installation and maintenance
Understanding failures improves specifications and exposes long-term performance info
not captured in standards
Automation Guidebook
Describes Approaches and
Techniques for I&M
Installation Guidance
Provides Procurement Guidance, “How To”
On Factory Tours, & Site
Design Approaches
Describes approaches and technologies to
secure remote DA equipment
Describes accuracy requirements for
grid visibility
DA Installation Field Guide
Informs equipment specifications to help optimize
installation process.
Field Installation Guidance and
Support
Describes field installation
approaches and techniques to reduce the need for future
maintenance.
Virtual Inspection and Monitoring
Provides actionable information to the field workforce to assist with asset management
Provides approaches to automate inspections
Understand new approaches for
health monitoring of DA equipment
Lightning and Surge Protection for DA
Provides test results to update specific utility grounding
installation approaches
Reduce Failed DA Equipment by
improved grounding specifications
Automation Asset Security and
Remote Access
Develop New Security Approaches
Awareness of Tools to Remotely
Manage DA
Manage Settings, Firmware, Event Files
Practices, Asset References, and Utility Exchange
Sensor, Device Manufacturer Info
& Test Results; Share Practices
Improve Specifications
for Grounding / Bonding of DA equipment and
equipment poles
Installation and Device
Management Practices
I&M Practices Share Experience Share PracticesShare Practices
Improved Specifications &
Selection for Grid Modernization
Managing O&M Costs
Improved Cyber & Physical Security
Awareness of Emerging
Technologies & Tools
Effective Installation &
Field Management
Enhanced Situational Awareness
Safety – P180.004
10 Distribution Systems 2021 Program Overview
Because electricity distribution involves multiple risks for public and utility workers, utilities put in place many risk-reducing procedures and processes. Improvements are always possible; new practices, protective approaches, equipment, tools, and technologies must be assessed carefully to evaluate the impact on worker and public safety. The goal of this research is to evaluate risks, protective approaches, and protective equipment. New technologies to improve safety are also considered.
The operation of distribution circuits exposes workers and the public to hazards, including contact to energized objects (shock), arc flash from a system fault (burns), and step-and-touch voltages. This project aims to focus on these risks with research on:
Grounding and personnel protection
Arc flash analysis and protection
Detection and reduction of live downed conductors
Evaluation and use of protective equipment
Technologies to improve worker safety
Work methods impacting worker safety
Research will be provided in multiple forms, including results from experimentation and analysis, reference guides, practical manuals, training videos, and meetings. Results can help utilities improve practices and work methods. EPRI test results can help inform decisions when evaluating new tools, new PPE, or new technologies. The research results can help utilities train workers and increase the company knowledge base around worker safety and public safety.
Tom ShortSr. Technical Executiveemail: [email protected]
Safety – P180.004
Distribution Systems 2021 Program Overview 11
Deliverables
Drivers
Application
Guidance on arc-flash analysis and protection; app for calculating arc
flash hazards
Reference material and whitepapers
Arc-Flash Analysis Guidebook:
2021 Update (Technical Update)
Guidance and app to reduce burndowns
Guidance on use of AMI, SCADA,
and arc-sensing relays
Ways to detect and reduce
downed conductors
Reference material, whitepapers, and
apps; video for wire watchers; video for
control-room operators
Downed Conductor Detection and Prevention
Guide: 2021 Update (Technical Update)
Guidance on overhead, underground, and vehicle
scenarios; apps for calculating hazards
Use of personal ground sets and PPE
Reference material and whitepapers; videos on OH and UG grounding
Grounding Guidebook: 2021 Update
(Technical Update)
Guidance on usesGuidance on insulated footwear, hard covers, and voltage detectors
Reference materialPersonnel Protection
Equipment Guidebook (Technical Update)
Identify impacts to practices and designs Educate the public
Impacts of 5G Equipment on Distribution Practices
(Technical Update)
Guidance for workers Training videoArc-Flash Training (Video)
Prove out technologiesSystem to detect
backfeeds and live downed conductors
Performance of a Mobile System to
Detect Backfeed from Distributed Generation
(Technical Update)
Guidance for workers Training videoVehicle Grounding (Video)
Prove out approach; develop database
Performance of a Prototype Algorithm
for Verifying Cover-Up (Technical Update)
Identify practices to reduce risks
Practices to reduce public hazards
Approaches for Abandoning Underground Infrastructure (Whitepaper)
Improve Work Practices and Designs
Training & Knowledge BasePublic SafetyApply Technology
Distribution systems are composed of many assets spread over a wide geographic area. Many of these assets are near or past their expected service life. Typically, an individual asset’s low cost makes online monitoring difficult to justify, but the cumulative impact of aging equipment can have significant reliability and cost implications. Distribution asset managers are thus faced with the unique challenge of addressing aging infrastructure with minimal tools and information to support decision making. Many electric utilities are considering implemented asset management programs to minimize equipment life-cycle costs and risks, with much of the effort historically targeted at the more expensive transmission components, such as substation power transformers. These approaches could provide significant value to distribution systems. However, the data, analytical tools, and models required for distribution assets are not well established.
Distribution asset reliability and analytics research intends to bridge this gap by leveraging data science approaches to improve system reliability and fleet management decisions. These approaches include decision support tools and methods and insights from analysis of asset performance and reliability data (such as maintenance, condition assessment, failure histories, images, expert knowledge, and outage data) by:
Developing data models and database structures to assemble historical and ongoing overhead and underground distribution asset performance and reliability data
Establishing industry-wide databases of appropriate, aggregated utility performance data, and performing subsequent data mining to establish insights that inform decision making
Developing metrics to better assess and evaluate equipment performance
Analyzing and integrating expert elicitation and data gathered from condition assessment and laboratory testing
Asset & Reliability Analytics - P180.005
12 Distribution Systems 2021 Program Overview
Bhavin DesaiSr. Program Manager
email: [email protected]
Asset & Reliability Analytics - P180.005
Distribution Systems 2021 Program Overview 13
Deliverables
Drivers
Application
New Version: Industrywide Overhead
and Underground Distribution Asset
Performance and Failure Database (software)
Distribution Asset Analytics: Wood Poles
(Technical Update)
Distribution Asset Analytics: Pad-mount
Transformers (Technical Update)
Evaluating Costs / Benefits of Reliability / Resiliency Improvement
Options
Reliability/Resiliency Management Analytics
Natural Language Processing and
Machine Learning for Reliability and
Resiliency Applications
Protection Coordination and Cost-Benefit
Analysis for Choosing Recloser Location and
Reclosing Configuration
Communicates performance metrics regarding wood poles, distribution transformers and underground cables. Performance metrics derived from industrywide asset performance data help in making more informed decisions for all drivers listed above.
Guidance regarding influence of pole
and environmental characteristics
on pole life
Cost / benefits analysis will inform investment decisions
Reject rates provide basis to benchmark
performance
Comparative analysis across different utilities
Analyses of inter-company
information yield industry wide performance
indicators
Research facilitates benchmarking
through automated mapping of
outage results to IEEE1782 codes
I&M guidance through combining
data, statistics, and leading
industry practices
Guidance on inspection frequency,
inspection points, and data collection
Results may yield more accurate outage record
at less cost
Results inform justification of
selected investments in reliability
and resiliency
Analyses will inform and
bolster investment justifications.
Guidance regarding retreatment
decisions based on pole characteristics
Population analysis highlights
opportunities to improve
specifications
Research will yield protection
recommendations, leveraging AMI,
and aimed at improving reliability
Objective data to guide inspections,
cost forecasts, and compliance
Objective data to guide inspections,
cost forecasts, and compliance
Research yields methods for
leveraging predicted costs and benefits
to inform decision making
Analyses yield insights about historic and predicted
performance that inform
decision making
Results may yield more accurate outage record,
reporting
End-of-Life Criteria & Replace/Refurb
Decisions & Capital Planning
Improved Specifications
Quantification of Benefits
from Reliability InvestmentsIndustry-wide
performance metricsImproving
Maintenance & Inspection
Data-to-insights to support decisions,
compliance, & reporting
Technical Leads and Contacts
14 Distribution Systems 2021 Program Overview
DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS (ASSETS)
Topic Contact Email
Program Manager Drew McGuire [email protected]
Technical Assistant III Eric Cornwell [email protected]
Asset Inspection and Maintenance Joe Potvin [email protected]• Asset Degradation and Failure Dexter Lewis [email protected]• Inspection Technologies Tom Short [email protected]• Unmanned Aircraft Systems• Forensics
Asset Management and Analytics (Overhead and Underground Assets) Bhavin Desai [email protected]• Asset Characterization• Asset Performance Data• Asset Performance Analysis and Decision Making
Distribution Reliability and Resiliency John Tripolitis [email protected]• Reliability Management Doug Dorr [email protected]• Reliability Programs and Strategies Jared Green [email protected]• Standards / Grid Hardening• Storm Preparedness and Response• Vegetation Management
Safety / Risk Management Tom Short [email protected]• Safety Trends and Practices Brian Green [email protected]• Craft Worker Safety• Public Safety• Personal Protective Equipment• Manhole Event Prevention and Mitigation
Modern Grid Technology Jason Anderson [email protected]• Sensors Alex Bologna [email protected]• Remotely Monitored and Controlled Field Devices• Device Controls and Related Assets, Including Power Supplies• Asset Management Practices for Automated Devices
Distribution Industry Practices John Tripolitis [email protected]• Urban Underground Systems Kim Thach [email protected]• Low-Voltage Meshed Networks• Distribution Automation Field Devices• Line Worker Practices• Reliability Management
Digital Worker Brian Green [email protected]
Distribution Systems 2021 Program Overview 15
INTERNATIONAL COUNTRY MANAGERS
Region Contact Email
International Director Tom TerBush [email protected]
Latin America Ricardo Mejia [email protected] Europe Marta Larrea [email protected] & Germany Richard Acton [email protected], Ireland & Belgium Tony Beddard [email protected] Europe & Scandinavia Vaclav Vyskocil [email protected], Australia & NZ Barry MacColl [email protected] East Zaid al-Ansari [email protected] & Southeast Asia Paul Pickering [email protected] Warren Frost [email protected] & Taiwan TG Lian [email protected] Michio Matsuda [email protected] Korea Jae Cho [email protected]
US TECHNICAL ADVISORS
Region Contact Email Phone
East Barry Batson [email protected] 704-905-2787
West Brian Dupin [email protected] 650-906-2936
NH
MA
CT
RI
MD
VT
NJ
DE
DC
HI
AK
WA
KYVA
WV
WIMI
IL INOH
PA
NY
ME
MN
IA
MO
AR
LA
MS AL
TN
SC
NC
GA
FL
OR
CA
NV
ID
MT
WY
ND
SD
NE
KSCO
OKNMAZ
UT
TX
Lenox Laboratory
Laboratory Capabilities
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1011
12
13
1415
17
18
16
Available Resources 1. 5.6 MV outdoor impulse generator
2. 230 kV Insulator accelerated aging chamber
3. 138 kV Sensor and robotic test facility
4. Mechanical test area for poles, insulators, conductors
5. Arc flash test area
6. Manhole cover explosion test area
7. Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) high voltage test area
8. UHV indoor test building
9. Composite Structures Testing
10. Medium Low Voltage test area
11. Stray Voltage sensor test area
12. Pole Break test area
13. Insulator contamination test area
14. 138kV energized outdoor asset aging test facility
15. Mechanical testing of arrestors
16. Pole Barn test area
17. HVDC yard + or - 700kV
18. High Current & Sensor Evolution test area
New Resources • Upgrade 138kV energized outdoor
asset aging test facility
• 800 kV impulse generator
• 200kV hipot tester
• Manhole testing facility upgrade.
Full scale high voltage outdoor AC and DC test facility including test lines and accelerated aging facilities.
Mark Messana Manager, Site Labs [email protected]
2020 Accomplishments138kV energized outdoor asset aging test facility that provides infrastructure for evaluating novel sensors, monitors, inspection techniques and new technologies such as polymer bushing application at high voltages.
2021 PlanContinue 138kV energized outdoor asset aging test facility development, initiate development of lab resources for evaluating and demonstrating substation inspection robot and transformer robot.
16 Distribution Systems 2021 Program Overview
Distribution Systems 2021 Program Overview 17
Charlotte Laboratory
Laboratory Capabilities
The Charlotte laboratory capabilities includes: • Thermo-Mechanical testing of cables • Conductors and connectors • Sensors and monitoring development • Corrosion testing • Relay laboratory • High-altitude Electromagnetic Pulse (HEMP)
guided wave test area
Available Resources 1. Thermo-mechanical test rig for conductors
and accessories 2. Sensor suite Development & test area 3. Thermal-Mechanical Bending Rig (TMB Rig)
for XLPE cables 4. Thermal-Mechanical chamber for insulator
testing 5. 2x 120 kV high voltage test cages 6. Lab developed outdoor test transformer 7. 110 kV (7.5 MVA) transformer 8. Corrosion Lab 9. Wind tunnel for conductor and insulator
coating tests 10. EMP test area 11. Relay laboratory for assessing
technologies and training 12. 230 kV insulator salt fog chamber 13. Conductor vibration facility 14. GIS and dead tank circuit breaker 15. Distribution grid modernization asset lab
2020 Accomplishments • Startup of conductor vibration facility • Startup of 230 kV insulator salt fog chamber • Distribution grid modernization asset lab
2021 Plan • Bushing tests in new GIS test cage
Erika Willis Manager, Site [email protected]
New Resources • 45 kVA 3 phase supply for advanced
sensor testing
Electric Power Research Institute3420 Hillview Avenue, Palo Alto, California, 94304-1338 PO Box 10412, Palo Alto, California, 94303-0813 USA800.313.3774 • 650.855.2121 • [email protected] • www.epri.com
© 2020 Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), Inc. All rights reserved.
Product ID 3002019854