2004 Program 35 Overhead Transmission · PDF fileEPRI Destinations 2004 ... reliability problems have highlighted to transmission line owners—and ... “Red Book” (the industry

EPRI Destinations 2004

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35 Overhead Transmission Systems Program Overview EPRI's Overhead Transmission Systems Program offers a focused portfolio of products and technologies to support today's most important corporate objectives for transmission companies: cut operations and maintenance (O&M) costs, reduce capital expenditures for new/refurbished equipment, and improve reliability. Projects in the Program also address the important related areas of extending equipment life, ensuring health and safety for workers, and reducing impacts on the environment. Complementing the Overhead Transmission Systems Program is the Increased Transmission Capacity Program and the Power Delivery Asset Management Program. These Programs offer a portfolio of projects aimed at increasing the power throughput of existing transmission and substation equipment and effectively managing system assets. The economic realities of today's electricity business demand lower O&M costs for overhead transmission lines, just as they demand lower costs for other business areas of an energy company. At the same time, recent grid reliability problems have highlighted to transmission line owners—and regulators—the critical importance of ensuring high transmission service reliability. In 2004, the Overhead Transmission Systems Program provides tools to achieve these goals by improving transmission line performance and developing diagnostic inspection tools to identify and fix problems before costly outages occur. To help cut costs, the overhead transmission Assessment and Inspection Method (AIM)—a tool available only from EPRI—enables significant improvements in inspection and maintenance, boosting the ability of an electricity company to maintain reliable overhead systems within tight budgets. These improvements provide maintenance crews with better information on equipment integrity, thereby allowing O&M problems to be identified and solved with less money and in less time. In addition, because location of incipient failures enables just-in-time maintenance, this guideline also improves service reliability. For 2004, the guideline will be enhanced to allow users to obtain greater performance and flexibility from their overhead transmission assets. Other products of this Program will also help control O&M costs. For example, Vibration Management of Overhead Transmission Lines will reduce maintenance costs by ensuring optimal placement and quantity of vibration dampers for reliable operation. A related project promotes cost-effective life management of overhead structures through inspection procedures and life extension techniques. The lightning performance project will ensure reliable transmission operation under extreme weather and ground fault conditions. To help reduce capital cost expenditures, the Program offers an integrated set of projects designed to enhance system performance without compromising reliability or safety. For 2004, work in this area focuses on updating the “Red Book” (the industry standard reference for overhead line design) to include the latest understanding and new realities of the restructured transmission industry. The new edition of the Red Book will include software applets that can be exercised to develop greater understanding of the design theory. In the area of supporting new technologies that reduce capital cost expenditures, EPRI leads with a project investigating the application and long-term performance of advanced non-ceramic insulators. Finally, the Overhead Transmission Systems Program continues to develop and support the safe use of live-line working techniques as a means of combining cost reduction with improved performance. New live-line working methods will enhance transmission line availability by eliminating planned outages for maintenance repairs. For 2004, live-working projects address inspection procedures, tools for satisfying the Occupational Safety and Health Administration work rules, and methods for providing equipotential zones so that workers can perform live-line maintenance safely.

EPRI Destinations 2004 p. 2 35 Overhead Transmission Systems

If an EPRI customer implements even one-fourth of the results obtained from this Program this year, on only one transmission circuit, it is estimated that overhead transmission reliability will improve up to 10%, maintenance costs will be reduced by 5 to 15%, and capital cost expenditures will be reduced by 10 to 20%. As a result, past Program customers have estimated they obtain a return on their investment in the range of a factor of 2 to 4 by funding this Program. For flexibility and convenience to customers, the Overhead Transmission Systems Program projects are categorized into Project Sets. Each contains an integrated package of projects that directly relate and complement each other. For 2004, the Program offers the following Project Sets:

• PS35A Reduce Transmission Maintenance Costs and Extend Equipment Life

• PS35B Improve Transmission Line Lightning Performance

• PS35C Reduce Overhead Transmission Design & Construction Costs

• PS35D Improve Safe Live-Line Maintenance Work Practices In addition, the value of the Overhead Transmission Systems Program is enhanced by EPRI's world-class centers for high-voltage power delivery research and full-scale testing. These centers are located in Lenox, MA and Haslet, TX, and they enable laboratory and field-testing of new overhead transmission lines, insulators, and structures, as well as developing customized solutions to problems at customer sites. PROJECT SET: PS35A Reduce Transmission Maintenance Costs and Extend Equipment

Life (056060) The project set below will help owners and providers of overhead transmission services reduce and improve cost control metrics, which arise from lower operations and maintenance costs and longer life of overhead transmission facilities. For 2004, this Project Set focuses on assessing and managing remaining life for structures, mitigating vibration in overhead lines, and assessment the aging of conductor and conductor accessories, which translate to fewer phase to phase outages. The results of Projects 1, 3 and 4 in this project set contribute to the information and data used to produce the guideline in Project 2 of this set. Marketing Number

Project Title

Lifetime Number

Research Date

P35.001 Overhead Lines Structure Life Management 052005 2004-2006

P35.002 Overhead Transmission Assessment & Inspection Methods (AIM) Guideline 052001 2004-2006

P35.003 Vibration Management of Overhead Transmission Lines 055812 2004-2006

P35.004 Assessment of Conductor and Conductor Accessories Premature Aging from High Operating Temperature Cycling

058548 2004-2006

The projects summarized above describe research results that are planned for delivery between April 1, 2004 and March 31, 2007. Delivery of these results is subject to availability of funds and to regulatory and technical uncertainties. Delivery dates and project content may be influenced upon review by customers who have elected to fund the research. P35.001 Overhead Lines Structure Management (052005) Benefits: Reduce capital cost by extending life expectancy of overhead transmission structures and equipment through inspection procedures and aging mitigation techniques/tools. Description: Energy companies are faced with a large aging population of transmission line structures. Often the condition of these structures and the remaining life are unknown. In the short term, the degradation of these assets does not necessarily pose a threat to the reliability of the system, but long-term implications may be significant.


This ongoing project will provide electricity companies with the tools to develop and optimize an effective approach to structure management in the short and long terms. The project will deal with inspection and maintenance of steel poles and lattice towers, concrete poles, and wooden structures (in that order), as well as concrete foundations. It will not address capital investment issues and line hardware such as insulators and ground wires. The project will focus on the following projects: Prioritization of Structures Requiring Maintenance: The environmental and loading conditions of a structure have a pronounced effect on the rate of aging and hence the maintenance approach that is adopted, but these stresses are often ignored in structure inspection and maintenance plans. The objective of this task is to develop guidelines that will assist electricity companies in assessing the environmental and mechanical stresses for structures and develop an appropriate inspection program. Optimal inspection and assessment techniques will be defined as well as recommendations for remedial actions that should be taken based on the environmental and mechanical stresses. Significant cost savings are possible. Inspection and Assessment Guidelines: Guidelines will be developed that will help electricity companies inspect and assess the condition of structures. The applicability and effectiveness of various inspection techniques and tools will be discussed for different structure types and conditions. Guidelines will be provided on how to assess the risk that the observed degradation poses, what remedial action should be taken, and when. Remedial Option Investigation: Remedial options, difficulties in implementation, long- and short-term performance, and cost-effectiveness will be investigated. The results will help members select, apply, and predict the performance of remedial actions. Handbook on Structure Maintenance: The outline of the reference handbook developed in 2003 will be used as the template to provide up-to-date contents in the handbook. Proposed sections in the handbook include:

• Introduction: Defining scope, terminology and definitions

• Factors contributing to degradation: Environment, vibration, mechanical loading, freeze-thaw

• Planning an inspection and maintenance program: Selecting inspection tools and techniques, assessment and prioritization

• Inspection of structures: How to inspect and utilize the available tools, categorization of risk, and determining plan of action

• Remedial measures: Their application, performance and associated issues

• Lessons learned: What should be avoided and what has been successful

• Appendix: Guide to visual inspection of structures

• Appendix: Template check sheet for tower inspection Delivery Approach: The reports’ outline and drafts will be prepared for review and comment by project advisors. The outline will be revised based on feedback and the reports completed. After the draft versions have been updated, final products will be prepared in electronic format for distribution. The reports will also be electronically downloadable from www.epri.com. Completion Criteria and Duration: This project is seen as continuing (i.e., longer than 3 years). The topic of steel structures will be completed in 2004. Following this work, wooden poles and concrete poles will be tackled in this order. The EPRI working group advisors, as in the past, will specify the completion criteria for this project. Deliverables

• Steel Structure Maintenance Chapter: Version 2 • Technical Report (1002006), 12/31/04

• Woodpole Structure Maintenance Chapter • Technical Report (1008730) 12/31/04


Future Year Deliverables

• 2005—Foundation and Secondary Items Maintenance Chapters Technical Report

• 2006—Concrete Structure Maintenance Chapter Technical Report

P35.002 Overhead Transmission Assessment and Inspection Methods (AIM) Guideline (052001) Benefits: Increase reliability of overhead transmission lines and lower maintenance costs by using best practices for overhead transmission equipment inspection, assessment and maintenance, which will lead to consistency of approach and provide invaluable training system and reference material. Description: Increasing the reliability and life of overhead transmission equipment necessitates timely and effective maintenance, which in turn requires inspection and knowledge of equipment condition. Much of this information is presently obtained through visual inspection or use of nondestructive evaluation. This project is aimed at development of new inspection and maintenance tools, with particular focus on consolidating the knowledge/data base, documenting lessons-learned, and developing a training program. Objectives include 1) optimization of the operation, reliability, and the life of overhead transmission equipment; 2) capturing the right facility condition data to support decision-making for timely and effective maintenance actions; 3) electricity company guidance in the selection and use of inspection techniques, (as well as identifying gaps and deficiencies with present-day inspection equipment and approaches); and 4) development of a comprehensive training program for the best-practice inspection and condition assessment of overhead transmission equipment. Although the major focus of the project is to develop comprehensive guidelines for inspection and maintenance of overhead transmission lines, as well as to develop a comprehensive training program, additional topics may be added and removed under the direction of the Maintenance Working Group. In 2004, the following two core topics will be addressed: Inspection and Maintenance Guidelines for Overhead Transmission Lines: This task will develop guidelines to help reduce capital and maintenance costs by enabling utility companies to compare in-house inspection, condition assessment, and maintenance procedures with updated industry standards and manufacturers’ recommendations. Equipment covered will include insulators, structures, conductors, hardware, foundations, grounding systems, fiber-optic cables, and splices. The outline for these guidelines was developed in 2002, and an initial version was completed in 2003. In this initial version, the guidelines address issues on a component level (e.g., insulator, conductor). Future versions will also address broader topics such as inspection techniques and asset management approaches (e.g., airborne inspections). A second version will be published in 2004. In 2003, experts were identified and contracted to write each of the areas outlined in 2002. These Guidelines will be updated on an ongoing basis and will become the focal point for the EPRI Overhead Transmission Systems Program. As such, other projects in this program will feed their latest results and information into the guidelines. The guidelines will be available in both electronic and hardcopy formats. The electronic file will be in a structured searchable format for ease of use. The guidelines will also be combined with a training course on their use and content. Training System for Maintenance Personnel: An aging workforce and the ever-increasing use of contractors have increased the need for effective training and competency evaluation techniques. This task will develop novel computer-based training tools utilizing interactive technologies such as multi-media or virtual reality. The tools will be based on industry standards, and emphasis will be placed on making them easily adjustable to the specific needs of different members’ systems and practices. The training tool developed will address a range of maintenance tasks including inspection techniques, rating of observations, the associated decision-making processes, recording of


information, handling of components, and use of tools. The training system will not only address the training and evaluation by utility personnel but may also be applied to ensure compliance by contractors. Overhead Transmission Line Equipment, Inspection and Maintenance Practices Conference: This task will organize and convene a conference addressing overhead transmission asset management. The proceeding for the conference will be published in hard copy and electronic formats. Delivery Approach: The guidelines will be delivered as both a traditional report and an interactive CD-ROM. Both the report and the CD-ROM will first be prepared in draft form for review and comment by project advisors. After these draft versions and software have been updated, final deliverables will be prepared in electronic format for distribution. The report will also be electronically downloadable from www.epri.com. Completion Criteria and Duration: This is an ongoing project that addresses a range of issues related to inspection, condition assessment, and maintenance of overhead transmission line components. Topics will be added and removed from the project under the direction of the Maintenance Working Group. The advisory committee reviewing the preliminary versions of the deliverables will determine the requirements for the final technical reports. The completion dates for tasks currently planned are shown below. Deliverables Inspection and Maintenance Guidelines for Overhead Transmission Lines:

• Second Version of Inspection and Maintenance Guidelines for Overhead Transmission Lines • Technical Report (1002007), 8/30/04

Training System for Maintenance Personnel:

• Overhead Transmission Maintenance Training System Version 1.0: Training Course • Service (E206842), 03/31/04

• Overhead Transmission Maintenance Training System Version 1.1 • Software (1002010), 11/30/04

Overhead Transmission Line Equipment, Inspection and Maintenance Practices Conference • Overhead Transmission Line Equipment and Maintenance Practices

• Conference/Workshop (E215379), 8/30/04

Future Year Deliverables • 2005 - Third Version of Inspection and Maintenance Guidelines for Overhead Transmission Lines

Technical Report

• 2006 – Fourth and full version of Inspection and Maintenance Guidelines for Overhead Transmission Lines Technical Report

P35.003 Vibration Management of Overhead Transmission Lines (055812) Benefits: Reduced maintenance and capital cost by optimal placement of dampers on conductors. Cost-effective maintenance on components damaged by vibration prior to failure. Finally, ensured capture of knowledge through the updating of the Transmission Line Vibration Handbook. Description: Wind-induced vibration of single and bundled conductors can lead to fatigue at conductor attachment points and of components including dampers, marker ball clamps, and even structural support members. In order to mitigate fatigue, vibration dampers of various designs can be attached to the conductors. This project will address


the issue of vibration from a design perspective, and will investigate the effect of vibration from the perspective of transmission line inspection and maintenance. Vibration Software: It is a common practice for an energy engineer, seeking to mitigate vibration effects, to contact a damper manufacturer for recommendations regarding damper quantities and locations. This in itself is a concern as the decision-making process is removed from the engineer, and the energy company is forced to accept the manufacturer’s recommendation. In 1998, EPRI published Vibration 1.0 software, which aids energy companies in the selection and placement of dampers on single-bundle overhead conductors and shield wires. In 2004, the software is being upgraded to evaluate and analyze multiple conductor bundles, to have an “open” data base on conductors, armor rods, and dampers from an unlimited set of manufacturers, and to provide a graphical user interface defined by the project advisors. The new software version (V2) will also comply with a peer-reviewed software quality assurance check. Best Practices—Inspection and Maintenance to Ensure Adequate Vibration Mitigation: Investigation of the effect of vibration on the long-term performance of transmission lines will complement the work to upgrade EPRI’s Vibration 1.0 software. Issues such as inspection and assessment procedures for dampers, together with end-of-life criteria will be addressed, as will the influence of vibration on other components such as compression end fittings. A guide will be developed that will support electricity company engineers in addressing these issues. Updating the Reference Book on “Wind-Induced Conductor Motion”: In 1979, EPRI published the Transmission Line Reference Book–Wind-Induced Conductor Motion, commonly known as the “Orange Book.” Since then, there have been considerable changes in both approach and technology. In order to maintain the investment in this resource, it is proposed to generate a new edition of this industry reference. The approach will be to assemble a team of experts to initially review the existing structure and content, and then to re-scope and re-draft each chapter. The intention is that an updated “Orange Book” reference guide would form a companion to the new edition of the “Red Book” due to be issued in the time period late 2003 to early 2004. Delivery Approach: The deliverables will first be prepared in draft form for review and comment by project advisors. After the draft versions have been updated, final products will be prepared in electronic format for distribution. The reports will also be electronically downloadable from www.epri.com. The vibration software will be delivered in accordance with EPRI’s software quality assurance standards. Completion Criteria and Duration: The project will be completed as shown below, when 1) Vibration 2.0 is delivered, 2) a training course for Vibration 2.0 is given, and 3) the Guidelines for Inspection and Maintenance of Line Damper Components is delivered. Deliverables

Line Vibration Software: • Training Course on Line Vibration 2.0 Software

• Workshop/Conference (E206844), 08/30/04

Best Practices—Inspection and Maintenance to Ensure Adequate Vibration Mitigation: • Guidelines for Inspection and Maintenance of Line Damper Components

• Technical Report (1002014), 10/30/04

Updating the Reference Book on “Wind-Induced Conductor Motion”: • Draft of New Edition for Peer Review

• Technical Update (1002016), 10/30/04



• 2005—New Edition of Transmission Line Reference Book on “Wind-Induced Conductor Motion” Technical Report

• 2006—Updated Vibration Software with Revised Algorithms and Features P35.004 Assessment of Conductor and Conductor Accessories Premature Aging from High Operating Temperature Cycling (058548) Benefits: Reduced maintenance costs, reduced failure and improved reliability by providing on-time maintenance of conductor and conductor accessories. Description: In an attempt by energy companies to stay competitive under the re-regulated environment, the power industry has reduced the availability of funding for capital projects. Compounded with difficulties in acquiring right-of-ways, energy companies are left with no alternative than to squeeze more capacities out of their systems. One of the options is to operate the transmission lines at much higher temperatures than they were originally designed for. Some of the effects of high operating conductor temperature are loss in conductor strength and reduction in conductor ground clearance. This project specifically investigates premature aging of conductor and conductor accessories, including conductor fittings, dampers, spacer dampers and other hardware resulting from thermal cycling of these components. Information on the effect of thermal cycling on these components will allow an energy company to perform on-time maintenance and take appropriate rectifying measures to avoid transmission line failures and thus improve system reliability. Investigate and Collect Transmission Line Operating Conditions: In order to determine typical operating conditions of a transmission line, a survey will be conducted to collect load flow patterns of transmission lines from various power companies. This information, along with the weather data for the location of that transmission line, is used to determine the temperature cycles for that particular line. These data will allow typical temperature cycles to be selected for the evaluation of the effect of thermal cycling on conductor and conductor accessories. Determination of these thermal cycles might require statistical analysis of data in calculating the conductor temperature. Evaluate Effects of Thermal Cycling on Conductor and Conductor Accessories: The effects that contribute to the premature failure of conductor and conductor accessories will be evaluated. Some of these effects are reduction in strength and life expectancy of these components. Information on the reduction in strength might be available from manufacturers or literature. Otherwise, tests must be performed in the laboratory to determine these values for a given temperature. The temperature range for the study will be from those temperatures as determined from the survey. Determine Life Expectancy of Conductor and Conductor Accessories: Once the effects of high conductor temperatures are determined for a certain temperature, the cumulative effects can be estimated using typical thermal cycles. The life expectancy or reduction in life expectancy can then be estimated. The calculation can be performed for typical components under typical thermal cycles. This project will evaluate the effect from thermal cycling only. Effects resulting from other environmental exposures such as corrosion or resulting from poor installation must be considered to be over and above this effect. A Tailored Collaboration project can be carried out to develop a computer program to simulate operating conditions and allow a transmission line operator or designer to observe the effect of different thermal cycles for a given component. Delivery Approach: The deliverables will first be prepared in draft form for review and comment by project advisors. After the draft versions have been updated, final products will be prepared in electronic format for distribution. The report(s) will also be electronically downloadable from www.epri.com.


Completion Criteria and Duration: The task force reviewing the preliminary results of this project will determine the requirements for the final report on each topic. The completion dates for the project deliverables are the dates shown below. Deliverables

Investigate and Collect Transmission Line Operating Conditions: • Determination of Thermal Cycles for Assessments of Conductor and Conductor Accessories Aging


• Guide for Selecting Thermal Cycles for Evaluation • Technical Report (1008732), 12/31/04

Evaluate Effects of Thermal Cycling on Conductor and Conductor Accessories: • Determination of Thermal Cycling Effects Using Information from Manufacturers and Literature



• 2005—Determination of Thermal Cycling Effects on Components by Laboratory Testing Technical Update

• 2006—Evaluation of Cumulative Thermal Cycling Effects and Determination of Life Expectancy Technical Report

• 2006—Software for Assessment of Conductor and Conductor Accessories Aging from High Operating Temperature Cycling.

PROJECT SET: PS35B Improve Transmission Line Lightning Performance (056061) Project Set Overview This ongoing project set will continue to advance the state-of-the-art in lightning protection/control for overhead transmission lines by addressing a range of issues related to lightning and grounding and transmission line surge arrestors. Specific research topics will be added and removed under the direction of the Lightning and Grounding Task Force. Marketing Number

Project Title

Lifetime Number

Research Date

P35.005 Lightning Performance of Transmission Lines and Transmission Line Surge Arresters

051989 2004-2006

The projects summarized above describe research results that are planned for delivery between April 1, 2004 and March 31, 2007. Delivery of these results is subject to availability of funds and to regulatory and technical uncertainties. Delivery dates and project content may be influenced upon review by customers who have elected to fund the research.


P35.005 Lightning Performance of Transmission Lines and Transmission Line Surge Arresters (051989) Benefits: Increase reliability of new and existing overhead transmission lines with new engineering tools that address the leading causes of transmission problems—lightning and grounding issues. Description: With customers demanding improved transmission system reliability and performance and with competition increasing the pressure to comply, electricity companies must focus on mitigating the effects of lightning. Lightning is considered to be one of the most frequent causes of transmission line operations today. In the past the main focus of this multi-year project has been developing the transmission line lightning performance prediction software, TFlash 4.0. TFlash 4.0 aids energy company engineers in the evaluation of the lightning performance of overhead transmission lines and may be utilized to optimize new designs and improve the performance of new transmission lines. In 2002, TFlash 4.0 was delivered and no further development is planned. From 2003 and beyond, this ongoing project has continued to advance the state-of-the-art in lightning protection/control for overhead transmission lines by addressing a range of issues related to lightning and grounding and transmission line surge arrestors. Specific research topics will be added and removed under the direction of the Lightning and Grounding Working Group. The following topics are under investigation at present: Design & Maintenance Guide for the Cost-Effective Optimization of the Lightning Performance of New & Existing Transmission Lines: This task will develop guidelines to help energy company engineers optimize the lightning performance of transmission lines from both a design and maintenance perspective. Effective methods will be set forth for use of lightning reliability analysis tools, including TFlash, the National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN), and Fault Analysis and Lightning Locating System (FALLS), in conjunction with one another. The advantages, tradeoffs, and cost justification of applying various structure, conductor, arrester, and grounding techniques to improve lightning reliability will be investigated and guidelines developed. An outline and draft version of the guide are being published in 2003. The first version will be published in 2004. A course on the subject matter is proposed for 2005. Guide to Grounding of Transmission Line Structures: This task will develop guidelines for the effective grounding of transmission line structures. These guidelines will address design and construction issues for new lines as well as inspection and maintenance issues for existing lines. Methods for improving the reliability of existing transmission lines by improving the grounding will also be detailed. The guidelines will be developed based on input from a team of experts in the field; an outline for the report is being published in 2003. In 2004, experts will be contracted to write the appropriate sections, and the first version will be published. Areas where further research is necessary will be identified. A course on the subject matter is proposed for 2005. Technique to Evaluate Transmission Line Grounding: Currently available ground electrode measurement techniques do not provide results that can be directly related to the lightning performance of transmission lines because they measure steady-state, rather than transient, responses. Since the main function of a transmission line grounding system is to provide protection under lightning conditions, it is important to obtain more relevant measurements in a cost-effective manner. This task will investigate the development of a technique that will provide more relevant values for the ground impedance of transmission line towers. The technique will be applicable to multi-grounded structures (e.g., lattice towers), and will be cost effective to implement. Airborne Techniques to Evaluate Transmission Line Grounding Systems: Active techniques have recently been developed to determine the resistivity of the layers of soil on transmission line rights of way. Considerable savings are expected as grounding specifications can be applied to individual towers based on the local soil resistivity.


A modification of this airborne technique shows promise to evaluate the condition of existing tower grounds. This task will focus on the modification of the airborne technique to evaluate existing transmission line grounds. Delivery Approach: The report outline and drafts will be prepared for review and comment by project advisors. The outline will be revised based on feedback and the reports completed. After the draft versions have been updated, final products will be prepared in electronic format for distribution to customers via EPRI’s publication center. The reports will also be electronically downloadable from EPRI’s web site (www.epri.com). Completion Criteria and Duration: This project is an ongoing effort that addresses a range of issues related to lightning and grounding, and transmission line surge arrestors. Topics will be added and removed under the direction of the Lightning and Grounding Working Group. The advisory committee reviewing the preliminary versions of the deliverables will determine the requirements for the final technical reports. The completion dates for the tasks currently planned are shown below. Deliverables

Design & Maintenance Guide for the Cost-Effective Optimization of the Lightning Performance of New & Existing Transmission Lines: • Design & Maintenance Guide for the Cost-Effective Optimization of the Lightning Performance of

New & Existing Transmission Lines • Technical Report (1002019), 12/31/04

Guide to Grounding of Transmission Line Structures: • Practical Guide to Grounding of Transmission Line Structures

• Technical Report (1002021), 12/31/04

Technique to Evaluate Transmission Line Grounding: • Technique to Evaluate Transmission Line Grounds


Airborne Techniques to Evaluate Transmission Line Grounding Systems: • Airborne Techniques to Evaluate Transmission Line Ground

• Technical Update (1008736), 12/31/04 Future Year Deliverables

Design & Maintenance Guide for the Cost-Effective Optimization of the Lightning Performance of New & Existing Transmission Lines: • 2005—Workshop on the Design & Maintenance Guide for the Cost-Effective Optimization of the

Lightning Performance of New & Existing Transmission Lines.

Guide to Grounding of Transmission Line Structures: • 2005—Workshop on the Practical Guide to Grounding of Transmission Line Structures.

Technique to Evaluate Transmission Line Grounding: • 2005—Technique to Evaluate Transmission Line Grounding Technical Report

Development of Airborne Techniques to Evaluate Transmission Line Grounding Systems:

• 2005—Airborne Techniques to Evaluate Transmission Line Grounds Technical Update


PROJECT SET: PS35C Reduce Overhead Transmission Design & Construction Costs

(056062) Project Set Overview This project set provides EPRI members with the tools to make informed decisions when designing and constructing new transmission lines or when upgrading existing transmission lines. These tools will assist members to make cost-effective decisions while maintaining a high level of reliability and a known life expectancy. Marketing Number

Project Title

Lifetime Number

Research Date

P35.006 Enhanced Polymer Insulator (Non-Ceramic Insulator, NCI) Performance 051993 Ongoing

P35.007 Overhead Transmission Line Reference Manuals 052003 2004 - 2006

P35.008 Engineering the Multiple Use of the Right-of-Way 058549 2004-2006 The projects summarized above describe research results that are planned for delivery between April 1, 2004 and March 31, 2007. Delivery of these results is subject to availability of funds and to regulatory and technical uncertainties. Delivery dates and project content may be influenced upon review by customers who have elected to fund the research. P35.006 Enhanced Polymer Insulator (Non-Ceramic Insulator, NCI) Performance (051993) Benefits: Extend polymer insulator life expectancy and avoid outages due to premature failure through improved selection, application, and inspection. (Polymer insulators are alternatively called composite or non-ceramic insulators [NCI]).

Description: Polymer insulators are proliferating on the electricity system because of a lack of availability of porcelain insulators, ease of handling, and resistance to vandalism. Polymer insulators also have certain disadvantages and uncertainties. This ongoing multi-year project will continue to address a range of polymer insulator (NCI) concerns including selection, application, and inspection, in order to increase energy company confidence and reliability when using polymer insulators. Specific topics and tasks will be added and removed under the direction of the Insulator Working Group. The following topics are planned for 2004 based on priorities determined by the Working Group: 230-kV Aging Test: Polymer insulators are a relatively new technology that utilizes organic polymer materials in their construction. The materials, design, and manufacturing procedures for the insulators that may be purchased today have only been finalized in the last decade, and hence the industry has but limited long-term field experience with them. Testing was initiated in 2001, and initial results were published at the end of 2002. In 2004, the project will continue to investigate the long-term performance of more than 40 polymer insulators in the 230-kV accelerated aging test. Insulators are being evaluated from five manufacturers in five configurations (I-string, Vee-string, dead end, post and braced post). It is expected that testing will run until the end of 2004, and the results will be published in 2005. Development of Inspection Technologies: The inspection and evaluation of in-service polymer insulators remain important issues. Traditional techniques used to identify defective cap and pin porcelain insulators in-service have been shown to be ineffective. The identification of units prior to failure and a consequential outage is a priority. As the population of in-service polymer insulators increases and ages, inspection will only increase in importance. In 2002, a survey was launched of promising inspection technologies by engaging experts from a range of industries (from aerospace to material science), and the results are being published in 2003. Based on the results of this survey, two promising technologies are being identified, and development of these technologies will be completed in 2004. TC funds will be sought for refinement.


Failure Database: Since 1997, EPRI has been maintaining a database of polymer insulators that have failed in-service. In the past this database has provided numerous electricity companies with valuable information when deciding to apply polymer insulators or remove existing units from service. The database will continue to be maintained and the results published in the form of a technical brief. The latest results of the database are being published in 2003. EPRI will continue to publish the results every other year. Updated Guide to Visual Inspection of NCI and Corona Ring Installation Guide An updated version of the EPRI Guide to Visual Inspection of NCI will be published, together with a pictorial identification field guide for each of the different manufacturer designs. This will allow energy companies to identify units in-service that are considered high risk based on the results of the database. This guide will be published, together with the Corona Ring Installation Guide discussed below. Application Issues: The correct application of corona (grading) rings is important to ensure good long-term performance of NCI. A pictorial field installation guide will be published for each of the main manufacturers and will be included with the identification field guide mentioned above. Most failures of NCI can be attributed to the end-fitting seal being compromised. The range of end-fitting seals and manufacturing technologies being incorporated into the products currently available complicates the issue. Methods of evaluating the integrity of end-fitting seals of units removed from service will be developed as well as methods of evaluating the performance of new end-fitting seal designs. Energy companies will be able to use the techniques to evaluate the performance of different designs as well as evaluate the condition of sample units that they have removed. In 2005 and 2006, the effect of high-temperature conductors and high-temperature ambient conditions will be looked at in more detail. Delivery Approach: The deliverables will first be prepared in draft form for review and comment by project advisors. After the draft versions are updated, final products will be prepared in electronic format for distribution to customers via EPRI’s publication center. The report(s) will also be electronically downloadable from EPRI’s web site (www.epri.com). Completion Criteria and Duration: This is an ongoing project that will address a range of issues related to polymer insulators (NCIs). Topics will be added and removed from the project under the direction of the Insulators Working Group. The advisory committee reviewing the preliminary versions of the deliverables will determine the requirements for the final technical reports. The completion dates for these tasks currently planned are shown below. Deliverables

230-kV Aging Test: • Update of Results of 230-kV Aging Test

• Technical Update (1008737), 06/30/04 Development of Inspection Technologies: • Development Plan for Identified Inspection Technology

• Technical Update (1002026), 04/30/04 Updated Guide to Visual Inspection of NCI and Corona Ring Installation Guide: • Guide to Visual Inspection of NCI: 2nd Edition

• Technical Report (1008739), 03/31/04 • Corona Ring Installation and Insulator Identification Guide

• Technical Report (1008741), 06/31/04 Future Year Deliverables

• 2005—Results of 230-kV Aging Test Technical Report


• 2005—Failure Experience with Polymer Insulators Technical Update

• 2005—Inspection Technology to Identify High Risk Polymer Insulators: Prototype demonstration Technical Update

• 2005—Evaluation of End Fitting Seals of Polymer Insulators Technical Update

• 2006—Inspection Technology to Identify High Risk Polymer Insulators: Prototype demonstration Technical Update

• 2006—Evaluation of End Fitting Seals of Polymer Insulators Technical Update P35.007 Overhead Transmission Line Reference Manuals (052003) Benefits: Lower capital and O&M costs for overhead lines through the application of the latest technology and O&M practices documented in reference manual format. The reference books will form a valuable basis for courses in line design and will serve to grow the base of skills for the industry. The lower O&M costs will be achieved through new chapters dealing with designing for inspection and maintenance. Description: The EPRI series of transmission handbooks are considered an industry standard and are valued by many transmission company owners and engineers. However, these reference handbooks have not kept pace with the latest knowledge, operating experience, and technologies and products available. For example, EPRI’s Transmission Line Reference Book: 345 kV and Above, commonly known as the “Red Book,” was last revised in 1987. The purpose of this ongoing project is to update these valuable handbooks to incorporate the latest operating experiences and technologies. In addition, EPRI will ensure that the updated handbooks reflect both domestic and international operating practices and work environments. This project will revise the reference handbooks and, as appropriate, add new chapters and/or new volumes to the series. It should be noted that one of the decisions to be made by the advisors of this project is whether to reduce the lower voltage limit covered in this Red Book from the present “345 kV and Above” to “200 kV and Above.” Revised EPRI Overhead Transmission Red Book: In 2001, technical experts identified the required revisions to the Red Book. The table of contents page was finalized: two chapters of the original book were identified for deletion and four new chapters were identified for addition. Per Task Force input, in 2002, the first chapters were rewritten with plans to draft the remaining chapters in 2003 and 2004. A new addition to the handbook will be the inclusion of software applets (small software routines that can be exercised while studying the handbook). The software applets will help the reader and designer better understand the theory. In 2003, attention is being directed at editorial issues, such as packaging and inclusion of companion software. Further, Tailored Collaboration and co-funding is being sought for the development of companion tutorial material. In 2004, the focus will be on taking the written chapters and compiling in a formal hardbound handbook and adding the associated supporting software applets. Attention in 2004 will also be directed towards the development of associated training and tutorial material to help educators teach the theory of line design. The inclusion of a large number of software applets (over 50 applets being developed) will cause the completion of the new edition of the Red Book to move to the end of 2004. Looking to the Future: The EPRI-developed TL Workstation is a companion to the existing edition of the Red Book. With changes to the Red Book, plus the inclusion of applets, a review and possible revision of TL Workstation may be required. In 2005, it is proposed to continue the momentum behind the revision of the Red Book by completing a review of TL Workstation. This study should point to which parts of TL Workstation should be preserved, which parts are now obsolete, and which parts have been replaced by the applets that accompany the new edition of the Red Book. Study results will guide the process of updating TL Workstation. Revision of Other Handbooks: With the rewriting of the Red Bookunder way, a second handbook will be selected for updating. Candidate handbooks will be debated by advisors and one selected. Candidate handbooks include the Blue Compaction Handbook and the Green HVDC Handbook. Note that the Orange Vibration Handbook update is planned under the proposed Vibration project described above and started in 2003. The re-write of these handbooks will start in 2005 and may or may not be standalone projects.


Delivery Approach: The deliverables will first be prepared in draft form for review and comment by project advisors. After the draft versions have been updated, final products will be prepared in electronic format for distribution. The reports will also be electronically downloadable from EPRI’s web site (www.epri.com). Completion Criteria and Duration: This project continues until advisors agree that no further handbooks need to be updated. The advisory committee reviewing the preliminary versions of the deliverables will determine the requirements for the final report. Deliverables

• EPRI Overhead Transmission Line Reference Book: 200 kV and Above (Red Book) • Technical Report (1008742), 12/31/04

Future Year Deliverables • 2005—Specification for a Revised TL Workstation Technical Update

• 2006—TLWorkstation Revision Software P35.008 Engineering the Multiple Use of the Right-of-Way (058549) Benefits: Improve safety and reliability of all the users of the right-of-way and the associated systems. Description: Transmission line owners are under increasing pressure to allow other systems and structures to utilize the right-of-way. These systems include pipelines, cell phone repeater stations, fiber-optic repeaters, parking lots, distribution systems, etc. The effect of the transmission lines on the safety and performance of these systems and associated components is a concern, as well as the effect of these systems on the transmission line. The objective of this project is to develop guidelines to help utility engineers make decisions on whether to allow this cohabitation, and to provide guidance on design and maintenance rules for these systems to ensure their safe and reliable operation. The project will investigate the issue from a range of perspectives, including the influence of steady-state conditions, transient conditions, fault conditions, installation, and the influence of maintenance operations on both the transmission line and the cohabiting systems. Issues such as vegetation management, inspection and assessment, and electromagnetic fields will be addressed where appropriate. Survey of Current Issues and Knowledge Base: This task will set the stage for the future of the project. A survey will be conducted identifying the current range of concerns that are being faced. Solutions that have been implemented and issues that have arisen will be documented. A thorough literature survey on publications available in this area will be developed. A workshop will be held on the topic in order provide information to funders as well as to collect a wide range of information on the topic for inclusion in the survey results and forthcoming guide. The workshop will provide a forum for members to share information and learn from others’ experiences, and to guide the project. Guide to Engineering Multiple Use of the Right-of-Way: A guide addressing the issues and providing guidance on the topic will be developed. Based on the results of the survey and workshop, an outline for the document will be developed. Areas of research that have not previously been addressed will be identified and investigated. Experts will be contracted to develop sections of the guide and include results from the research performed. A workshop will be held upon completion of the first version of the guide.


Delivery Approach: The report outline and drafts will be prepared for review and comment by project advisors. The outline will be revised based on feedback and the reports completed. After the draft versions have been updated, final products will be prepared in electronic format for distribution to customers via EPRI’s publication center. The reports will also be electronically downloadable from EPRI’s web site (www.epri.com). Completion Criteria and Duration: This project is an ongoing effort that addresses a range of issues. Topics will be added and removed under the direction of the appropriate task force. The task force reviewing the preliminary versions of the deliverables will determine the requirements for the final technical reports. The completion dates for this tasks currently planned are shown below. Deliverables

Survey of Current Issues and Knowledge Base: • Results of Survey into Current Issues and Knowledge on Multiple Use of the Right-of-Way


• Workshop on Current Issues and Knowledge on Multiple Use of the Right-of-Way

• Conference/Workshop (E215356), 08/30/04


• 2005—Guide to Engineering Multiple Use of the Right-of-Way Technical Update (outline of document)

• 2006—Guide to Engineering Multiple Use of the Right-of-Way Technical Report

• 2006—Workshop on Engineering Multiple Use of the Right-of-Way PROJECT SET: PS35D Improve Safe Live-Line Maintenance Work Practices (056063) Project Set Overview The need to provide knowledge about live working practices has increased alongside the drive to increase network reliability and stability. EPRI has responded by developing a live working handbook and training course that capture best practices. This project set is currently looking at tools and techniques that will lead to greater live worker safety and allow more assets to be maintained live. Training material continues to be developed that can be used to either train workers or refresh seasoned workers, ensuring that the best of breed in terms of process and procedure is documented and shared. Marketing Number

Project Title

Lifetime Number

Research Date

P35.009 Live Working Research for Transmission Equipment 051995 2004-2006 The projects summarized above describe research results that are planned for delivery between April 1, 2004 and March 31, 2007. Delivery of these results is subject to availability of funds and to regulatory and technical uncertainties. Delivery dates and project content may be influenced upon review by customers who have elected to fund the research. P35.009 Live Working Research for Transmission Equipment (051995) Benefits: Increase transmission circuit reliability/stability/availability, decrease maintenance costs, and reduce worker risk by developing and improving methods for live work. Description: Deregulation is forcing utilities to ensure that transmission lines remain in service every day of the year. Performance-based incentives force asset owners to respond to identified line maintenance within a well-defined time period. Consequently, transmission owners are increasingly turning to live-line working techniques.


Once considered the exception, these days, live working is becoming standard practice and the only option available to keep lines up and running. Over the last decade, EPRI has helped many transmission companies achieve significant savings in this area by developing and implementing new technologies for the maintenance and refurbishment of energized transmission lines. To help transmission owners achieve further improvements in reliability, cost reduction, work efficiency and safety, this project consolidated the available results and best practices for live working into a practical, comprehensive Live Working Application Guide and Live Working Field Guide. The first editions of these guides, along with associated training material, were published as part of the 2001 project. It is proposed that all work under this project will ultimately flow into these guidelines. For this reason, it is proposed to bring the Guides back into the research project periodically for updating. While this is a single project, it is broken down into three broad themes, which in turn are broken down into a number of related tasks. The three themes deal with

• Engineering – providing the technical guidance that underpins the technique of live working

• Tools – developing or evaluating tools required to ensure safe live work practices

• Safety –reducing the hazards of the task of live work and de-energized work. Building on the guides and the associated application services, the focus in 2004 will tackle the following specific Live Working issues:

• Tools—Live Line Working of Polymer (Non-Ceramic) Insulators: An essential requirement for minimizing flashover hazards when working with polymer insulators is to confirm the short-term (for the duration of the work) electrical and mechanical integrity of the polymer insulator that is to be replaced (and, of course, the integrity of the replacement polymer insulator). This task will review the existing integrity evaluation techniques that have been developed based on long-term polymer aging results and will investigate the relation to short-term integrity. The development of field-hardened devices capable of assessing the condition of polymer insulators by live-line workers is being pursued under a TC project.

• Safety—Guidelines for Providing Equipotential Zones for De-Energized Work: A large number of worker fatalities occur when work practices involve contact with so-called “de-energized” equipment. In most cases, workers believe they have established safe conditions (equipotential zones) by grounding the equipment when in reality, because of induced voltages and possible fault currents, the equipment is still at potentially lethal voltages, or may acquire lethal voltages. Also, significant currents often flow through the temporary personal protective vehicle grounds, and their inadvertent interruption may create hazardous conditions. Technical aspects of grounding and principles of best grounding practices are well understood, and are not at issue. Rather, the problem is one of worker training. This task will analyze incident reports and generate a report and training video aimed at helping field workers understand the influence of induced voltages, along with step, touch and transfer voltages. In 2003, the structure and text of the training video are being developed. In 2004, the actual compilation of the video will be undertaken along with the associated written training material.

• Tools—Nonconductive Rope Standards: Present industry standards are such that no rope presently on the market passes the new more strict ASTM test for use in live work environments. Nevertheless, ropes designed to previous standards are still in use in the field. Some electricity companies are purchasing new ropes that met the previous less strict standard and authorizing them for use in the field. This practice of working around the prevailing standards is not seen as serving the interests of either the electricity companies or the manufacturers, and may lead to costly litigation in case of an incident. In 2003, work is being undertaken by both EPRI and the IEC to revisit the standards and to understand the underlying issues. EPRI will collect data from tests conducted at various laboratories worldwide and will conduct additional needed tests to help validate the requirements contained both within existing standards and in proposed modified standards. The sole objective of this task is to provide technical information and test data to guide the drafting of appropriate standards. EPRI will not draft standards; this is best left to other organizations.


• Engineering—Live Work Within Substations: Increasingly, live-line crews are being asked to undertake live work within the substation setting. Substations pose additional safety concerns and require specialized work procedures because of the close proximity of equipment. This task will look to develop guidelines for transmission asset owners wishing to pursue live working within substations. It will focus on issues such as how to assess the work environment, what tools and techniques to use, protection and safety. The output of this task should be written guidelines and associated course material to help train workers. Once complete, the material should form part of the EPRI Live Working Application Guide and Live Working Field Guide.

• Engineering—Update Live Work Application and Field Guides: The guides were published in 2001. Since then EPRI has completed additional work that needs to be included in the guides. The industry has also suggested changes to the guides. It is proposed to update the guides in 2004 and again in 2007.

Proposed live-working research topics for 2005 and beyond include

• Live Work on Fiber Optic ADSS (All Dielectric Self Supporting)—should the ADSS cable be considered an insulator or a conductor for live working purposes

• OPGW (Optical Ground Wire)—grounding issues

• Live Work on Compact and Upgraded Lines—control of overvoltages and applicability of commercially available tools that may be too long for available reduced distances.

A Project Opportunity dealing with the application of portable protective air gaps is being proposed. A large Project Opportunity dealing with the live work on polymer insulators is also under way. Delivery Approach: The deliverables will first be prepared in draft form for review and comment by project advisors. After the draft versions have been updated, final products will be prepared in electronic format for distribution. The report(s) will also be electronically downloadable from www.epri.com. Completion Criteria and Duration: This is a continuing project. As an existing issue is researched and completed, new issues will be added to the project. The advisory committee reviewing the preliminary versions of the deliverables will determine the requirements for the final technical reports. Deliverables

• Polymer Insulator Field Inspection Techniques • Technical Report (1002030), 9/30/04

• Training Video and Associated Training Material • Service (E215357), 10/31/04

• Technical Information Supporting Standards for Non-Conductive Ropes for Use in Live Work Applications • Technical Report (1008745), 10/31/04

• Literature Review of Practices, Processes and Standards • Technical Update, (1008746), 8/31/04

• Updated Live Work Application Guide • Technical Report (1008747), 11/30/04

• Updated Live Work Field Guide • Technical Report (1008748), 11/30/04


• 2005—Technical Report on Live Work Within Substations • 2006—Training Material and Course on Live Work Within Substations


Project Opportunities Related to this program are the following existing or proposed project opportunities that are open for participation. As described in further detail in EPRI’s policies, the results from these projects may be available only to the participants of those projects. Tailored Collaboration (TC) funds from project participants are matched by EPRI dollars, as described in further detail in EPRI’s policies. Marketing Number

Project Title

S35.001 Overhead Lines Conductor Deterioration Assessment, Mitigation, and Life Extension

S35.002 Best Practices Guide for LiDAR Surveying

S35.003 Optimization of Insulator Washing Cycles Based on Daytime Discharge (Corona) Inspection

S35.004 Development of Inspection Tool to Identify High Risk NCI and Composite Components In-Service

Esol Service AIS/APS Implementation and Customization Esol Service Transmission Line O&M Benchmarking Esol Service Transmission Line Maintenance Optimization Esol Service Transmission Line Life Estimation & Extension Service Esol Service Implementation and Customization of the Transmission Inspection and Maintenance System (TIMS) Esol Service State-of-the-Art Structural / Mechanical Testing Services Esol Service Ground Line Corrosion Assessment Esol Service High-Voltage Testing Esol Service Live Working Services

S35.001 Overhead Lines Conductor Deterioration Assessment, Mitigation, and Life Extension Benefits: Reduce maintenance costs and improve reliability by avoiding transmission conductor failures and premature aging. Description: The degradation and subsequent failures of overhead transmission conductors and ground-wires pose a significant threat to grid reliability and public safety. The electricity industry faces the challenge of addressing an aging population of conductors that is being stressed at levels far higher than in the past due to today’s requirements for increased power flow. At the same time a higher level of reliability is required from these conductors. Broken strands, reduction of internal galvanization, and degradation of the internal steel core are all concerns with aluminum conductor steel reinforced (ACSR) cables. Similar concerns (although to a lesser degree) exist with other conductor types such as AAC (All Aluminum Conductor) and ACSS (Aluminum Conductor Steel Supported) cables. Concerns are not isolated to exposed sections of conductors, but also to sections of conductors that are hidden from view (e.g., inner core strands, conductors underneath armor rod, and conductors inside compression fittings). This research project will address conductor deterioration, assessment, and mitigation from the following perspectives:

• Investigation into parameters that influence the aging and degradation of overhead conductors • Development of transport devices to deploy existing conductor inspection technologies

• Investigation of new tools for conductor evaluation by assessing and adapting other promising technologies from unrelated industries.


S35.002 Best Practices Guide for LiDAR Surveying Benefits: Reduce survey costs on existing transmission lines for upgrades and survey costs for construction of new transmission lines; reduce data collection costs for maintenance and asset management. Description: Airborne laser mapping has been used for military purposes for at least 25 years. The initial commercial application of this technology is for topographical mapping. It is able to collect elevation data with high-accuracy quickly and cost-effectively. It has since been expanded to mapping of forestry, coastal engineering, flood plain and other mapping requirements and more recently to the electric power industry. A laser range finder, LiDAR (light detection and ranging), is used in performing the survey for transmission lines. This technology can be applied to new construction, refurbishment projects and maintenance. The nonintrusiveness of LiDAR technology allows surveys to be performed before receipt of the license for construction of a transmission line, thus shortening the project schedule. This method also allows data on existing transmission lines to be collected rapidly and inexpensively for refurbishment projects such as upgrading of conductor temperature or for maintenance and asset management purposes. In this project, best practices and guidance on the preparation of specifications for a LiDAR survey will be developed. They will be based on surveys previously specified by participants and other entities, information from vendors and contracted expertise. A workshop will follow. S35.003 Optimization of Insulator Washing Cycles Based on Daytime Discharge (Corona) Inspection Benefits: Optimize washing cycles to prevent unnecessary washing or unexpected outages. Description: Estimation of when transmission line and substation insulation requires washing is a challenge. Currently many organizations wash insulation at regular intervals regardless of the level of contamination that has accumulated. Other approaches involve consideration of the degree of natural washing that has occurred or measurement of the buildup of contaminants on unenergized bells or in dust deposit gauges. As the level of contamination on insulation increases, the level of discharge activity under light wetting conditions will increase. It is possible that a measurement/observation of this discharge activity will provide an indication of whether the insulation has a risk of flashover higher than acceptable and needs to be washed. Obtaining an indication of the contamination levels of the insulation may allow the duration between washing to be extended or reduced. In turn, this may result in maintenance cost reduction or avoided outages. With the advent of the EPRI-developed daytime corona camera, Daycor, the feasibility exists for utilizing the observation of discharge activity to estimate whether insulation requires washing. This project is a feasibility study to determine whether this technique has promise, as well as to develop inspection and decision-making processes for performing the technique. If the technique is determined to be feasible, field observations will not only provide information on whether the insulation requires washing, but inspection of the entire structure may reveal other defects—hence increasing the return on investment for the inspection as well as increasing reliability. This project is a scientific study utilizing both laboratory and field-testing to start the development of this technique and support its growth into an accurate prediction tool.


S35.004 Development of Inspection Tool to Identify High Risk NCI and Composite Components In-Service Benefits: Optimize the maintenance activities on Substation Equipment. Description: Effective methods to identify high-risk non-ceramic insulators (NCI) prior to failure are unavailable. A recent EPRI survey indicates that there have been a significant amount of failures of overhead transmission-class NCI insulators in-service in the United States (approximately 1 in every 65,000 units sold) and worldwide. These failures, both electrical and mechanical, have resulted in costly outages and numerous safety concerns. As the population of installed NCI, and other composite components, ages, and as the use becomes more widespread, the need for an efficient and effective inspection method grows. If no inspection technologies are developed to assess the condition of NCI, the future of these lightweight and cost-effective insulators may be limited to only applications where their traditional ancestors, ceramic insulators, have significant disadvantages. In order to make NCI a truly feasible option, an effective and efficient inspection technique must be developed that can be performed from a remote location and have a high success rate. This project will investigate and develop the dynamic mechanical response inspection method to evaluate the mechanical condition of NCI and other composite components in in-service. The end goals of this project are to: 1. Develop a method by which the dynamic response of composite components may be measured in-service. 2. Develop algorithms that may be used to make a decision on the condition of units in-service. 3. Develop a prototype unit that may be used in the field. The prototype unit will require contact with the

component being evaluated. 4. Perform a field evaluation of the unit. 5. Determine the feasibility of performing the technique from a remote location (e.g., from the ground or from an

airborne platform). The deliverables of this project would be a prototype device that has been tested in both the laboratory and the field, as well as a document outlining the feasibility of developing the technique further to allow for remote inspection. AIS/APS Implementation & Customization (EPRIsolutions service) Benefits: The Airborne Inspection System (AIS) system constitutes a comprehensive multimedia-based Geographic Information System (GIS) inspection and condition collection, management, and reporting tool that significantly reduces the cost associated with the management of distributed assets such as overhead and underground power lines, substations, and Rights-of-Ways while supporting the implementation of state-of-the-art asset management and maintenance practices. Description: EPRIsolutions assists energy companies in the implementation of EPRI’s state-of-the-art multimedia-based GIS enterprise resource inspection and condition collection, management, and reporting tool, the AIS system. Services provided range from the preparation of the AIS system’s database to the integration of the tool with existing legacy databases to the customization of the tool’s capabilities to meet the client’s objectives and to support existing work processes and reporting requirements. Past efforts and services have provided individualized data acquisition and implementation support, engineering and inspection services, and/or addition of custom features to the AIS system. AIS implementation support may include, but is not limited to, multimedia GIS-indexed data collection, preparation, and interpretation, software installation, hardware configuration, training, and creation of energy company-specific AIS/Airbone Patrol System (APS) features and data either manually or by migrating appropriate data from other energy company data sources. Individualized enhancements and services are typically in the areas of multimedia-based GIS ready data collection, interpretation, and reporting, creation of custom reports, custom queries, and interfacing with external software systems.


Transmission Line O&M Benchmarking (EPRIsolutions service) Benefits: Benchmarking results provide energy companies direct feedback as to the technical, operational, and financial execution and performance of their O&M organization relative to a representative sample of the industry; and help identify opportunities and create an organizational focus and alignment to meet the increasingly difficult challenges of the continuously changing industry. Description: For years, EPRIsolutions has assisted energy companies in the assessment and benchmarking of their respective maintenance operations, collecting an ever-increasing number of performance indices above and beyond traditional energy company measures such as System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI), Customer Average Interruption Duration Index (CAIDI), and Momentary Average Interruption Frequency Index (MAIFI). In today’s competitive environment, these standard metrics that have traditionally been used in the evaluation of the performance of vertically integrated utility organizations are no longer sufficient to identify gaps and opportunities that allow efficiency to be driven into the asset management and maintenance organization. Benchmarking data provided by EPRIsolutions in parallel with a comprehensive review of current technologies, processes, and efficiencies develops a common platform suitable for comparison to industry averages. As an added value, EPRIsolutions staff will assist energy companies in the interpretation of the benchmarking results, identification of opportunities, and the development of suitable action plans. Transmission Line Maintenance Optimization (EPRIsolutions service) Benefits: A comprehensive assessment of all aspects of maintenance in an organization, including, maintenance processes, management and work culture, personnel skills and qualifications, human performance factors, and evaluation and implementation of the latest technologies and process methodologies permits a utility to identify opportunities to reduce the cost of maintenance while creating an organizational focus and alignment. One of EPRIsolutions’ clients saved $10M over three years—following the application of this program (cost for this client was $500k). Description: With more than twenty years of experience, EPRIsolutions assists energy companies in a process that reviews all aspects of maintenance, including business processes, management and work culture, personnel skills and qualifications, human performance factors, and evaluation and implementation of the latest technologies and process methodologies to identify opportunities to reduce the cost of maintenance while creating an organizational focus and alignment. As part of the highly interactive process, EPRIsolutions staff supports the energy company’s asset management and maintenance organization in the conduct of strategic planning and review sessions that raise the organization’s awareness on current industry “best practices” with regard to the business of maintenance; in the mapping of current maintenance processes, technologies, and philosophies with respect to “best in class,” in the identification of opportunities in process improvement and maintenance goal achievement, in the development of an improvement plan outlining key asset management and maintenance issues, and in providing assistance in developing a step-by-step approach leading to the optimization of the maintenance business in the organization. Transmission Line Life Estimation and Extension Service (EPRIsolutions service) Benefits: Extend the life of existing transmission assets at minimum cost. The results of the Life Estimation and Extension service assist energy companies in coping with increasingly demanding requirements to minimize operating cost, reduce capital spending, and maximize the use of existing infrastructure and rights-of-ways. Description: Based on more than twenty (20) years of experience and performance data, EPRIsolutions combines test data, performance indices, and the latest inspection, analysis, and interpretation and assessment technologies to provide energy companies a clear indication of the remaining service life of their most critical power lines. The results provide a comprehensive assessment of the critical infrastructure, the expected service life remaining, and


the tangible and intangible risk associated with the continuing operation of each critical component in addition to highlighting any “hidden” or “reserve” capacity that may lead to increasing utilization of existing assets. In previous applications, this technology has saved more than $14M in finance charges via the deferral of anticipated capital expenses at a cost of less than $500,000 while also providing an average increase of nearly 5% in the utilization of the existing facilities. Implementation and Customization of the Transmission Inspection & Maintenance System (TIMS) (EPRIsolutions service) Benefits: Properly applied and integrated with energy company inspection practices and data management systems, the TIMS system constitutes a comprehensive inspection and condition collection, management, and reporting tool that significantly reduces the cost associated with the management of overhead lines and directly supports the implementation of state-of-the-art asset management and maintenance practices. Energy companies using TIMS report a doubling of line inspection crew efficiency. Description: EPRIsolutions assists energy companies in the implementation of EPRI’s state-of-the-art inspection and condition collection, management, and reporting tool, the TIMS system. Services provided include the preparation of the system’s database, the integration of the tool with existing legacy databases, and the customization of the tool’s capabilities to meet the client’s objectives and to support existing work processes and reporting requirements. Past efforts have provided individualized implementation support and/or addition of custom features to the TIM system. TIM implementation support may include but is not limited to software installation, hardware configuration, training, and creation of utility specific TIM databases either manually or by migrating appropriate data from other utility data sources. Individualized enhancements are typically in the areas of custom reports, custom queries, and interfacing with external software systems. State-of-the-Art Structural / Mechanical Testing Services (EPRIsolutions service) Benefits: Increase the reliability of the delivery system, save cost, and increase revenues by testing structures, components, and systems in preparation for upgrading and new construction or the management of existing assets. Verify analysis results, structure and component designs, system performance, and expected remaining service life under normal and extreme load conditions. Description: EPRIsolutions operates EPRI's Engineering and Test Center in Haslet, TX. The Center provides state-of-the-art structural and mechanical testing equipment suitable for the static, dynamic, and fatigue testing of steel, concrete, wood, and fiberglass towers, poles, frames, and other assemblies and components. This facility is available for commercial use and offers full-scale static and dynamic testing of large towers (250 feet +), static / dynamic / fatigue testing of components, and 345-kV, 230-kV and 115-kV test lines. Real-time data acquisition and high-speed imaging systems are available to collect test results. EPRIsolutions’ staff of structural and mechanical experts work with energy companies to design and execute testing and to help energy company personnel understand the results of these tests. Ground Line Corrosion Assessment (EPRIsolutions service) Benefits: The Corrosion Meter inspection tool accurately predicts the level of corrosion on direct embedded steel components such as anchors, angles, and poles permitting utilities to confidently and efficiently maintain their assets without requiring costly excavation. The cost of ground inspections can be typically reduced by 25% to 50% (compared to traditional methods of inspection). EPRIsolutions provides a customized service – bundled with the meter -- which can include training, an assessment of current ground conditions across the transmission system and coaching in the correct use of the meter.


Description: The currently used labor-intensive practice of ground line inspection of embedded steel components to identify corrosion activity involves excavating a hole wide enough to work around the buried component. The Corrosion Meter greatly reduces and frequently eliminates the number of excavations required to properly identify corrosion activity and allows energy companies to prioritize the work on future maintenance of these components. Previous applications of this technology at energy companies have shown that the financial benefits of this technology can be accurately defined and that the cost of inspection is reduced by 25% to 50% in comparison to the method of excavation. The application of this technology has consistently indicated payback periods ranging from less than a year to no more than 3 years. High-Voltage Testing (EPRIsolutions service) Benefits: Reduce costs substantially by verifying new line designs, live working procedures, insulation systems, and surge protection systems prior to construction. Test and verify new concepts for lightning shielding. Verify performance of insulating systems. Test new transmission and distribution communication technologies. Use accelerated-aging tests to determine the effects of aging on NCI and other insulators. EPRIsolutions’ high-voltage experts will work with energy companies to design, execute, and interpret test results. Description: EPRIsolutions, which operates the EPRI high-voltage test lab in Lenox, MA, offers high-voltage AC testing up to 1500 kV three-phase, DC bipolar testing to 1500 kV, lightning/switching impulse testing to 5600 kV, high-voltage environmental testing (contamination/fog/rain, mist, UV, salt spray), and other large-scale tests. Corona cages and full-scale overhead transmission lines are available for corona performance and E&M field effects testing. A full-scale distribution network “mock-up” is available for testing distribution equipment, which may include spread-spectrum and other communication systems that are attached to the distribution network. A wide variety of transmission structures, including compact structures, are also available for testing maintenance and/or construction practices. These structures can also be used to “mock-up” new transmission / distribution lines for testing. Live Working Services (EPRIsolutions service) Benefits: EPRIsolutions’ Live Working services prepare energy companies to implement safe and cost-effective live working practices that are tailored to their particular needs. Workers can use these practices to perform a wide range of proactive maintenance tasks without de-energizing lines that generate revenue. Customers will also benefit from enhanced reliability. Description: EPRIsolutions live working services, which are customized to meet specific company needs, encompass training and workshops, development of company-specific guidelines, and custom testing and implementation. Services are provided through the EPRI Center in Lenox, Massachusetts, where live working development and testing activities are conducted. The facility includes transmission and distribution structure mockups for training and evaluation of live line maintenance procedures and equipment.

Documents

2004 Program 35 Overhead Transmission · PDF fileEPRI Destinations 2004 ... reliability problems have highlighted to transmission line owners—and ... “Red Book” (the industry