Updates & Events

Key Research Questions:

• How can 3D scanning technologies enhance the efficiency of existing substation processes and operations?
• What inherent value does 3D scanning data provide to substation management and maintenance?
• What procedural steps should utilities implement to maximize the adoption of these technologies within their operations?
• Which 3D scanning modality—handheld, backpack, tripod, drone, or robot—is most suitable for specific substation applications?
• What opportunities exist to automate data review using AI?
• What are the principal challenges and limitations of 3D scanning technologies in the context of substations?

Project Tasks

1. Use Case Identification: Identify and document use cases for substation design, construction and maintenance, and prioritizing them based on member input to develop detailed functional specifications.
2. Test Plan Development: Create a comprehensive test plan based on industry scouting, member inputs, and the availability of off-the-shelf solutions. This plan aims to serve as the roadmap for the evaluation.
3. Testing: Conduct thorough testing, including general testing, integration assessments, and functional tests to gauge the technologies' performance in outdoor substation environments at 138kV yard. Perform testing with staged scenarios to assess the value and limitations of 3D scanning workflows.
4. Data Analysis: Analyze the collected data, comparing it against independent data measurements. Perform in-depth analysis, particularly in the context of use-case-specific testing, as compared to traditional methods and various mobile mapping modalities. Refine insights through further testing, if necessary.
5. Documentation and Reporting: Establish a dedicated project-specific webpage to keep the project team well-informed of its status. As a final deliverable, produce a comprehensive technical report covering all aspects of the project, including scouting, technology specifications, the test plan, and deployment phases. This report aims to serve as a valuable resource for utilities and other stakeholders seeking to apply the lessons learned from this research.

Deliverables

The non-proprietary results of this work aims to be incorporated into EPRI R&D Program 37, and made available to the public, for purchase or otherwise.

1. An EPRI Technical Report describing the project overview, methods, test results, and analysis.
2. Routine updates in the form of presentations, webcasts, emails, and other communications to member utilities that details findings associated with each research task.
3. Access to a project specific webpage that includes technology scouting, video updates, and testing results.
4. Invitation to project participants to witness lab tests.
5. Substation use-case functional specifications and a well defined test plan for 3D Scanning technologies.

Engagement Opportunities