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


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.


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


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


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



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”.


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


own performance


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


Distribution Automation Assets – P180.003


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


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


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


Bhavin DesaiSr. Program Manager


Asset & Reliability Analytics - P180.005


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


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]


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.



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

distribution systems 2021 program overview

Documents