Transformer of the future: Utility experience from field deployments: There is a growing list of emerging and novel transformer technologies being installed, and valuable lessons can be learned from these early field deployments. EPRI’s collaborative research approach provides significant opportunities to learn from the field. The shared learnings will help reduce the risks for the industry on selection and deployment of new technologies. Examples include resilient transformer concepts, flexible transformers (voltage, impedance etc.), transformers with novel fluids, and solid-state transformer components.

EPRI Power Transformer Guidebook (Copper Book) 2026 update: Each year EPRI publishes updates to the Copper Book to keep members up to date with the latest research, technology developments, and transformer standards. The guidebook is written for utility engineers and field staff, covering topics from specification to end-of-life assessment. In 2026, two valuable additions will be made: deeper guidance on dissolved gas analysis (DGA) sampling based on EPRI laboratory testing and a growing list of quick-reference, single-page summaries of key topics.

Technical webinars on the Transformer Guidebook: Multiple technical webinars based on chapters in the Transformer Guidebook are hosted each year. The webinar material is published for continued and convenient future access. Topics are selected to accelerate learning on key topics in the Transformer Guidebook (Copper Book).

Transformer online monitoring technologies: Laboratory testing to help members in specification development: In preparation for 2026, the laboratory capabilities for monitor evaluations have been expanded to allow for rapid and flexible testing of online bushing monitors. The results from the 2026 research provide valuable assistance in transformer monitor specification, interpretation, and adoption. A full 138-kV EPRI research substation also supports this research. EPRI laboratory test results are executed against a well-defined test protocol for online DGA monitors, online bushing monitors, online partial discharge monitors, and online temperature monitors. This unique approach allows for rapid answers on high-impact decisions that are then applied fleetwide in a utility.

Alternative fluids for transformers for increased ratings, extended service life, and reduced environmental impact: This research in 2026 aims to identify the characteristics that define the end of life for ester fluids. With several years of use, many chemical and physical properties of ester fluids can change significantly from the starting values. In many cases, the values of different ester properties can surpass the limits set for mineral-based oils. Even with such property changes, many users continue to use the ester fluids, not knowing how detrimental the changes in fluid could be to the operation and health of their transformer. Using accelerated aging systems, beneficial guidance could be obtained on what changes to chemical and physical properties (such as acid number, fire point, viscosity, etc.) mean to system operation and health. The goal of the results is twofold: to help set limits for acceptable operation of ester fluids; and to help users decide when to perform maintenance, a fluid change, and/or change the loading on the transformer.

New oil markers to aid power transformer diagnostics: In 2026, it is planned to explore the stability and dynamics of some newly identified oil markers by EPRI and others in the literature. It is known that new marker compounds are generated in the presence of oil and/or paper under different stresses (i.e., overheating, partial discharge, arcing). However, the longevity and interaction dynamics of the new markers with other components and chemicals inside a transformer are not known well, or sometimes not known at all. Data collected from a unique online marker detection system deployed by EPRI aims to provide some insights into new marker dynamics in a working transformer. Further exploration into new marker dynamics will be performed, providing the industry with enhanced value from oil samples and greater insights into transformer condition.

Development of an Intelligent Assistant for Maintenance and Troubleshooting aims to investigate advanced techniques and technologies to facilitate the efficient capture of expert knowledge and its onsite presentation to support field personnel. The intent is to help field personnel understand and assess circuit breaker condition, identify problems, and perform appropriate maintenance more efficiently and effectively. Planned work in 2026 intends to scope the problem through exploratory work, and development of a research approach.

Effect of Component Degradation on Circuit Breaker Operation intends to characterize possible consequences of degraded components on circuit breaker operation (for example, slow trip, abnormal mechanism wear, lubrication, compressor/pump failures) with the following:

• Catalog failure reports and other information available from circuit breaker failure events and/or utility root cause analysis
• Catalog utility experiences of using digital relays for circuit breaker diagnostics
• Update the EPRI circuit breaker lubrication selection and application guide, first published in 2015, by assessing the performance of fluorosilicone grease through laboratory testing of field-aged bearings and incorporation of the findings (confirm whether the estimated life based on accelerated aging tests was accurate)

Circuit Breaker Online Monitoring Effectiveness Assessment aims to develop and apply assessment metrics to various circuit breaker online monitors to determine which monitors and tests provide the most useful information. The objective is to provide information to assist in monitor application and specification. Tasks in 2026 plan to:

• Work with funders to identify specific circuit breaker monitors of the highest interest and use publicly available information to perform systematic investigations to understand what capabilities are claimed, make comparisons, and assess their applicability
• Continue monitor testing in EPRI laboratories, when possible, to confirm that monitor measurements match comparable offline tests—for example, breaker timing
• Document utility experiences with online monitors
• Maintain awareness by scouting commercially available and emerging monitor technologies

Circuit Breaker Diagnostics Effectiveness Assessment intends to develop and apply metrics to assess the effectiveness of various noninvasive online and off-line circuit breaker diagnostic techniques. Tasks in 2026 plan to:

• Expand efficacy assessments beyond dynamic resistance measurements (DRM) to additional techniques, for example, acoustics and partial discharge
• Maintain awareness by scouting commercially available and emerging technologies

Assess the efficacy of SF6 gas analysis in determining interrupter component condition.

• Tasks in 2026 intend to conduct the state-of-the-science literature review to understand current state and assess gaps.

Leak Sealing for Circuit Breakers and Gas-Insulated Substations investigates methods that utilities can use to cost-effectively seal dielectric gas (SF6 and non-SF6) leaks. The emphasis is on identifying materials and techniques that can seal while maintaining equipment operating pressures and are easy for utility personnel to apply and remove. Novel techniques for sealing SF6 leaks on circuit breaker and GIS component geometries at ground potential were developed, and three successful techniques identified in the laboratory are in field tests at 10 utility sites. Tasks in 2026 plan to:

• Continue monitoring the performance of the existing and new field trials
• Develop application guides and “how-to” videos for techniques utilizing the learnings from field trials and make them available through the Transmission Resource Center (TRC): Circuit Breaker Life Management | Circuit Breaker Life Management (epri.com)
• Continue investigations to find sealants that cure at lower temperatures
• Scout innovative methods used by others and investigate whether they can be used for sealing breaker and GIS leaks
• Develop techniques for additional geometries, for example, the bushing flange interface; some of these new geometries may not be at ground potential
• Investigate scaling application of existing techniques to larger flange diameters
• Initiate a new effort to investigate:
  • Challenges that may be encountered in sealing leaks of SF6 alternatives
  • Applying techniques successful in sealing SF6 to SF6 alternative gases
• Circuit Breaker Reference Guide. There are plans to continue developing a comprehensive reference on circuit breaker procurement, operation, maintenance, and life-cycle management to serve as a resource for less experienced personnel. The goal is to develop a guide that provides information on fundamental design descriptions, operation, selection, and application principles, maintenance, monitoring, and replacement and captures the knowledge of leading circuit breaker experts. To date, nine sections have been written, including sections on circuit breaker installation, diagnostics, problem and failure investigation, lubrication, pump and compressor maintenance, specifications and procurement, and interrupter cleaning. New works aims to:
  • Develop guidance material for performing factory visits and design reviews for SF6 circuit breakers
  • Develop content on emerging circuit breaker technologies such as non-SF6 circuit breaker technologies
  • Make the reference guide available through the Transmission Resource Center (TRC): Circuit Breaker Life Management | Circuit Breaker Life Management (epri.com)

Technical Webinars on the Circuit Breaker Guidebook intends to develop and host a series of technical webinars based on sections in the Circuit Breaker Guidebook. Content may be selected to accelerate learning on key topics in the Circuit Breaker Guidebook for those with less circuit breaker experience. Webinar material will be published for continued and convenient future access.

Circuit Breaker Mechanism Maintenance Guides. Maintenance supplements written for specific breaker models serve as training tools and guidance for proper mechanism field disassembly, cleaning, lubrication, and reassembly. Gaining importance as experienced personnel retire, the guides communicate information in step-by-step illustrated tasks, cover material not included in manufacturers’ instruction manuals, can be readily incorporated in a utility’s maintenance procedure, and have been developed for 11 models. The intent is to expand the library with new guides annually. Model selections plan to be prioritized based on advice from the task force. EPRI plans to provide the guides through the Transmission Resource Center (TRC): Circuit Breaker Life Management | Circuit Breaker Life Management (epri.com)

High-Voltage Circuit Breaker (HVCB) Life Management Workshop proposes an annual workshop that plans to include tutorials on the material contained in the project’s products, presentations on utility experiences, and examples of the application of the project’s results.

Evaluation of Broken Conductor Detection Technologies on High-Voltage Transmission Lines. Transmission line conductors may break and fall due to material aging, hardware failure, severe weather, and other factors. If not detected promptly, an energized broken conductor can lead to ground faults, high-temperature arcing, and potential wildfires, posing significant public safety risks. This research explores practical technologies and methods for detecting broken conductors on high-voltage transmission lines. Modern protective relays can detect broken conductors using methods such as transmission line charging current measurement, imbalance current criteria, and purpose-built logic. A testbed system at the EPRI P&C lab evaluates the effectiveness of these technologies, providing insights and practical guidance for mitigating wildfire risks.

Evaluation of Protective Relay Performance Under Power Swings: Lab Testing and Research Findings. Power swings can cause unwanted operations of protective relays, compromising power system reliability. The NERC PRC-026 standard mandates actions to prevent transmission protection misoperation during stable power swings in non-fault conditions. This research evaluates the performance of transmission protective relays during stable and unstable power swings through simulations and extensive lab testing. The findings provide insights into power swing dynamics, detection and blocking technologies, and the impacts on transmission protection relays, assisting utilities in improving protection system reliability.

Life-Cycle Management of Relay Settings: Configuration Management Guidelines and Effective Practices. Managing the consistency, conformance, and accuracy of large volumes of relay settings is challenging for utilities. This research addresses these challenges through configuration management (CM) guidelines and effective practices. A well-established CM system ensures systematic identification, approval, verification, and recording of relay settings throughout their life cycle.

Application Guide for Relay Firmware Change Management. Relay firmware changes can impact many components within a protection and control system. This research develops an application guide for utilities to manage relay firmware changes effectively, ensuring that changes are reviewed, documented, approved, and verified according to CM principles.

Life-Cycle Management of Relay Settings: Tools Assessment. Traditional tools for creating and managing relay settings have resulted in disconnected data repositories, applications, and environments. Stakeholders across a utility organization increasingly need to inquire about and exchange accurate setting information to support engineering, planning, field service, and compliance tasks. This research assesses commercially available software tools to provide a single source of truth for managing relay settings and to automate data exchange, verification, and documentation.

Application Guidelines for Protection System Maintenance. The reliability of protection and control systems depends on well-established asset maintenance programs. Utilities today face challenges such as difficulty in scheduling outages, stretched resources, and the growing complexity of relay technologies. This research evaluates new monitoring technologies and advances condition-based maintenance (CBM) programs. The research results may provide utilities with application guidance that can be used in engineering and design specifications to create effective CBM programs and reduce the costs associated with time-based maintenance (TBM) programs. The benefits of combining CBM and TBM in maintenance programs include reducing the cost and outage duration of TBM, expanding maintenance intervals based on NERC PRC-005, detecting hidden failures promptly, and triggering maintenance actions only when truly needed.

Technology Transfer Workshop: IEC 61850 Standard and New P&C Designs: The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61850 standard facilitates substation automation and enables equipment interoperability through a common data format. There is growing interest from utilities to explore the IEC 61850 standard and associated digital substation technologies for advancing new P&C designs that promise to improve safety and reliability, reduce costs, enable interoperability and condition monitoring, and strengthen grid resiliency.

The technology transfer workshop plans to provide members with knowledge preparation and new insights on:

• IEC 61850 standard and digital substation architectures
• New technologies for resilient communication networks
• New P&C applications using the Generic Object-Oriented Substation Event (GOOSE) message
• Emerging process bus technologies and new P&C applications using sampled value
• New technologies and industry standards for precision time synchronization

The workshop, held in collaboration with relevant EPRI research programs and industry stakeholders, aims to keep members abreast of the latest technologies and industry standards, provide a forum for members to share success stories and lessons learned, and prepare members for field deployment through EPRI technology transfer.

Design, Installation, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting of Cathodic Protection Systems. These systems protect many assets within a substation, including the ground grid, fencing, equipment foundations, cable trays, bus work and other soil-exposed assets. The focus of these systems is to mitigate corrosion due to soil exposure but also the effects of stray current and circulating current corrosion. This last form of corrosion may be very extreme and cause severe damage due to charge transfer from the assets to remote earth.

In 2026, the focus will be on normalizing the circulating currents within the ground grid and creating guidelines for publication in 2027.

Inspection and Maintenance of Pad-Mounted Transformers. Pad-mounted transformers can corrode quickly and pose risks if they leak or have holes. This task will identify best practices for inspections and outline maintenance issues. In 2026, a report with guidelines for inspecting and maintaining pad-mounted transformers will be completed and reviewed.

Field Guides. A field guide is a pocket reference book that allows personnel to identify and address based on severity level. The second field guide for ground grid inspection and assessment by grounding technicians will be published in 2026. This is the Tier II level of inspections to be completed by substation operators with an advanced skill set.

Atmospheric Corrosion Modeling in Substations. Substation environments vary, making it hard to predict maintenance needs due to atmospheric corrosion. Knowing corrosion rates for steel, zinc, and aluminum helps asset managers plan for maintenance and replacements. The 2026 report will provide guidance on modeling conductor degradation.

Corrosion and Corrosion Control Workshop. This workshop offers both theory and practical experience in understanding corrosion and how to assess and implement various types of corrosion control technologies. The 2026 workshop is designed to support asset managers, engineers, maintenance managers, and field crews in gaining practical knowledge for extending the service life of their assets.

Mapping Equipotential Gradients within a Substation. Monitoring and trending ground grid degradation is labor-intensive and has safety concerns. Robotic systems are expected to take over these tasks, allowing personnel to focus on more critical work. The project will evaluate changes in equipotential lines using robots to map ground potential rises and locate degraded elements. Corrosion Management Guidebook. This guidebook provides information for inspection, assessment, mitigation, and remediation for all departments within a utility. It includes fundamentals of corrosion, inspection and assessment guidance, and mitigation methods that align with the environment.

Sensor Development to Discriminate Between Localized, General, and Stray Current Corrosion. Corrosion depends on factors like moisture, temperature, pH, and stray currents. EPRI has developed a sensor array to identify and measure different types of corrosion. The array’s capabilities were expanded in 2020 to measure weather patterns and correlate them with subgrade corrosion. Ongoing research focuses on analyzing large datasets to understand daily changes in corrosion activity.

Substation Ground Inspection Workshop. This project is to provide guideance to early-career grounding engineers and substation operators on best practices for inspection and assessment of substation ground grids. It includs corrosion fundamentals, details of each skill level, and the process flow in each tier.

Continue development of surge arrester sensor to monitor pending arrester failure: This multi-year task evaluates long-term durability of EPRI’s surge arrester failure sensor. The approach involves monitoring of new, aged, and failing arresters in the controlled, 138-kV research substation environment to expand the sensor’s data set for future analysis. This allows for examining of the impacts of a substation environment on the sensor performance while enabling easy access to the sensors if issues may arise.

Assess performance of battery monitoring systems: This task involves assessing battery monitoring systems from various manufacturers. Bench testing and battery emulators will be used to create repeatable test plans allowing for comparisons between systems that may require different battery chemistries or configurations.

De-risk robotic applications for substation inspections: This research explores the feasibility of autonomous mobile robots for substation inspections. It investigates their potential to complement human inspectors, be shared across substations, operate with minimal supervision, and be portable. The goal is to determine if these robots can currently complement or supplement human inspectors for improved efficiency, safety, and reliability in substation inspections. This task expands upon the work of previous years by continuing to deploy robotics for different applications or in various substation environments and summarizing lessons learned in a deployment guide for members.

Update EPRI’s Increased Power Flow Guidebook and Calculator for 2026: This effort advises utilities in how to calculate and apply ampacity ratings to substation equipment in accordance with NERC requirements and FERC order 881. This order shifts the industry from ambient adjusted ratings that vary with air temperature to dynamic line ratings (DLR) that vary with wind speed. In addition to applying DLRs to bus ratings, the new designations may result in the most limiting series element designation applying to station equipment, instead of the transmission line, for many circuits. This project supports the creation and enhancement of a web-based calculator to aid utilities in implementing the equations and methodologies of the Increased Power Flow Guidebook for their assets.

The GIS and GIL of the future
The first goal of this 2026 task is to provide valuable and practical insights into the continually growing topic of using C4-fluoronitrile mixtures or clean air as insulation gases instead of SF6. This portion of the research will focus on exploring the key issues related to gas handling, analysis, safety, and reclaiming/recycling.

The second aim of this research stream encompasses all three alternative SF6 technologies. With the implementation of new insulating technologies, independent of the composition, the ability to detect degradation of internal components non-invasively is of high importance to users. The plan is to evaluate new detection technologies, detection techniques previously used for SF6-based systems, and/or mechanical wear detection techniques used for other gas systems to determine physical system.

EPRI Guidebook on GIS and GIL – 2026 update
The Guidebook is expanded each year to include research results and industry advances. Under this task in 2026, EPRI will learn from the field implementations on new GIS and GIL concepts. The collaborative nature of EPRI allows for sharing of utility experiences with new technologies. The sharing of these experiences will help the industry reduce risks when selecting and applying these new technologies. Examples will include field deployments of non-SF6 GIS/GIL, long GIL runs, online monitoring technologies, and novel current transformer (CT) and potential transformer (PT) concepts.

Guidelines on specification and maintenance of polymer bushings: Work will continue to refine and share the summation of learnings observed through the different research projects in P37.113. Additionally, findings through the shared operating experience of participating utilities into a series of guidelines on application, installation, operation, maintenance, and diagnostics of polymer bushings are proposed to be collected and summarized.

Performance of polymer bushings under extreme environmental conditions and operating stresses: Long-term exposure and testing of dry-type bushings is planned to be continued at full scale in an outdoor setting. The EPRI 138-kV research substation in Lenox, Massachusetts, affords the opportunity for an ideal location for outdoor testing under a wide range of ambient temperatures and precipitation types. Rain spray equipment is available to simulate a wet climate when desired. The bushings can be simultaneously energized to rated voltage while circulating currents up to, and in excess of, rated current. This test program began in 2019 and has been ongoing.

Targeted testing of specific concerns: While full-scale exposure and testing in the EPRI 138-kV research substation is highly valuable, it requires significant time. To expedite learning and provide actionable insights on specific concerns, like sensitivity to overloading or high mechanical stresses, EPRI intends to conduct targeted tests addressing issues identified by participating members. Topics of interest to explore include sensitivity to overload (load and temperature), and tests on bushing reliability under high cantilever forces, which could occur during through-fault conditions.

Analysis of the reliability and performance experience of polymer bushings: This task aims to provide the results of a broader study to classify the reliability, performance, and life expectancy of polymer bushings utilizing voluntary contributions of data and field experience from interested members.

Intrusion Detection Devices: Many substations are unmanned, necessitating the use of technology to detect intrusions. Numerous detection devices are available on the market. EPRI aims to offer third-party objective testing of these devices and assess their applicability in substations through repeatable evaluations at EPRI’s 138-kV research substation.

Robotics Technologies: Automated or teleoperated robotics have significant potential to enhance situational awareness during physical security events. This research aims to develop laboratory tests using security scenarios to evaluate the effectiveness of robotic systems in increasing situational awareness, reducing response times, and understanding risks. The goal is to gain a deeper understanding of how robotics can support unmanned substations.

UAS Detection Technologies: UAS pose security risks to substations, whether from malicious intent or accidental operations. This research investigates technologies capable of detecting unauthorized UAS activities around substations. Objectives include assessing detection effectiveness in substation environments and identifying potential unintended consequences. While there is already substantial research on counter-UAS technologies, the field is rapidly evolving, necessitating ongoing research to remain at the forefront.

Novel Concepts for DC Circuit Breakers and DC-DC Transformers: In recent years, several innovative concepts have been developed to enhance ac-to-dc line conversions and dc grid operations. The tri-pole concept was introduced to maximize power transfer capability, while transformerless voltage source converters were studied and documented. In 2016, the operational challenges of dc grids, along with the requirements for dc circuit breakers and dc-dc transformers, were examined. In 2017, new VSC concepts, including full-bridge modular multilevel converters and cascaded converters, were explored. Compact dc converter stations were studied using simulations in 2018. In 2019, single-arm modular multilevel converter concepts were investigated, leading to prototype development in a lab environment in 2020. That same year, a novel VSC concept with dc fault current-blocking capability was studied, with further prototype development continuing into 2021. By 2022, the state-of-the-art dc circuit breakers, including hybrid-type breakers and dc-dc transformers, were documented. Looking ahead to 2025 and 2026, different VSC topologies, such as the Alternate Arm Converter for fault current limiting, are planned to be documented, along with new dc circuit breaker and dc-dc transformer concepts. Future years intend to see the identification, development, and potential demonstration of new VSC concepts at utility sites using supplemental funding. Each study is prioritized with guidance from members and the industry.

Best Practices for Operation, Maintenance, and Refurbishment for Life Extension of FACTS Controllers – Static Var Compensator (SVC) and Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM) Life Extension Guidelines: This task systematically identifies the needs for the operation, maintenance, and replacement of FACTS controllers. Initially, utilities with existing FACTS controllers may be surveyed to understand current maintenance and operation practices, with their needs documented and prioritized. Based on the survey results, best practices for operation, maintenance, and replacement strategies can be developed. Vendor-independent plug-and-play components are necessary to facilitate upgrades of FACTS controllers. The requirements for these components and potential plug-and-play options may also be identified. Life extension guidelines for FACTS controllers, such as SVC, STATCOM, static synchronous series compensators (SSSC), and unified power flow controllers (UPFC), intend to be developed in future years.

Performance and Cost Comparison of FACTS Controllers: In 2018, utility surveys were conducted to understand the operation and maintenance of some of the FACTS controllers, and the best practices were documented. In 2019, FACTS valve cooling system life assessment studies were conducted with utility surveys using practical applications. In 2019, novel control strategies were developed to operate a STATCOM as an active filter to absorb system harmonics. In 2020, a comparative study on the performance and costs of thyristor-controlled series capacitors (TCSCs) and SSSCs was started; it was completed in 2021. Comparison of the performance and costs of other FACTS controllers, such as SVC, STATCOM, and synchronous condensers, was started in 2021 and completed in 2022. In 2023, EPRI compared the performance and costs of UPFCs, interline power flow controllers (IPFCs), and other FACTS controllers. In 2024, the application of STATCOM with energy storage was studied and documented. FACTS Application Guide, which includes all FACTS controllers, was developed in 2024. Several case studies intend to be developed with different FACTS device applications for power grids, including renewable applications in 2026 and beyond.

HVDC & FACTS Technology Watch Newsletter: To foster new opportunities in the HVDC and FACTS areas and disseminate technical developments in a timely manner, HVDC & FACTS Technology Watch is published annually. The newsletter reports on current and new HVDC and FACTS installations around the world as well as the latest developments in HVDC and FACTS technologies.

HVDC & FACTS Conference and Workshop: An HVDC & FACTS conference or a workshop is organized in alternating years, and a workshop is expected to be held in 2026. The conference provides a forum for members to learn, gain, and share experience with other utilities and for the suppliers to present their latest technology to members. The workshops vary in scope from HVDC and FACTS basics to specialized topics, such as modular multilevel VSCs.

Updated HVDC Reference Book: Information is being developed for the HVDC Reference Book (also known as the Olive Book). The updates incorporate new developments and experiences and assist users in specifying HVDC system components, designing overhead lines, and assessing existing HVDC systems for life extension options. In 2020, EPRI updated the chapter on HVDC overhead lines. In 2021, EPRI updated the chapter on HVDC cables. In 2022, EPRI updated the chapter on voltage source converter-based dc transmission. In 2023, all the chapters were edited and updated with the latest information; hard copies of the HVDC Reference Book were published in March 2024. In 2024 and 2025, EPRI updated the chapter on converter cost estimates. In 2026, EPRI plans to update HVDC cables and VSC chapters with the latest technical information. Electrical effects chapter with the latest information obtained from testing plan to be updated in future years.

Capture coupling capacitive voltage transformers (CCVT)/voltage transformers (VT) signals during CCVT/VT degradation: This project aims to record voltage waveform signatures during instrument transformer failure to enable future creation of thresholds, algorithms, or methods that could detect similar failures in the future. Research may be performed on a combination of computer models and some quantity of physical assets, depending upon the level of member engagement. The project intends to stress CCVTs or VTs to accelerate their aging through thermal cycling, overvoltage stress, or other means. As the devices are pushed into failure modes, comparing online data readings to baseline may offer opportunities to identify voltage signatures indicative of failure. The forensic examination of failed devices may further identify

Evaluate capabilities of instrumentation used to capture secondary voltage signals: This project plans to enhance the industry’s understanding of how the selection of ancillary instruments used to capture CCVT/VT voltage signals may impact CCVT/VT health monitoring. Examples of instruments connected to voltage device secondaries may include power quality monitors, relays, phasor measurement units (PMUs), or other data recorders. The impact of built-in device filtering, sampling rate, and triggering capabilities are of particular interest as they relate to signal quality for CCVT/VT health monitoring. The goal of this task is to improve our understanding of the capabilities and limitations of repurposing specific pieces of ancillary equipment to monitor VT/CCVT signal health with data typically captured by these devices for other purposes.