Overview & Events
Research Value
- Improving the effectiveness of the inspection and assessment process
- Providing a sound technical basis for decision making
- Helping to assess and manage risks associated with the condition of overhead transmission line components
- Maintaining or lowering life-cycle cost and helping to keep electric rates affordable
Member Benefits
- Improving worker and public safety by helping to detect components with a high risk of failure before they fail
- Develop inspection and assessment best practices
- Develop field usable inspection guides
- Document new and emerging technology
At A Glance
Utilities need research results on overhead transmission line inspection and assessment methods for several reasons. The current transmission infrastructure is aging, and it is important to keep it both reliable as well as extend life. To do so, utilities need to keep abreast of inspection and assessment methods and new inspection technologies. In so doing utilities may be able to prioritize maintenance and replacement of components while maintaining performance at levels that meet the safety and reliability expectations of the public.
The objectives of this project are to inform the industry of the best inspection and assessment practices from around the industry, the latest tools and technology that become available and how they can be used, and the latest knowledge of how to perform inspections and assessments.
In 2023, the project intends to enhance learning and information tools for utilities so that the information can be obtained easily and effectively. This could include developing a full suite of tools ready to be incorporated into a member’s standard inspection practices and procedures:
Key Activities for 2023
Research Tasks
Inspection and Assessment Reference Guide (Yellow Book): This guide helps utilities initiate a new overhead transmission line inspection and assessment program or refine an existing one. It focuses on degradation of line components, and procedures and technologies for inspecting and assessing components. As inspection and assessment practices and tools evolve to meet the aging infrastructure and changing workforce, this guide is being revised to address these emerging developments. In 2023, a workshop is planned to help with tech transfer of the reference guide information.
Mobile Field Guides: EPRI’s mobile field guides provide personnel with access to in-service inspection guidance for more than a dozen transmission line components with the convenience of fitting into a pocket. As transmission line research advances, the knowledge related to inspection and assessment of various assets is identified and developed into a mobile field guide that provides a media-rich transfer of information that includes the asset condition and what actions to take. In 2023, EPRI intends to update the media content and update conditions assessment to reflect the most recent learnings.
Overhead Transmission Inspection and Sensor (OTIS) Database: As the industry develops and uses inspection and assessment tools, EPRI intends to document the information and experience. The database layout intends to guide the user to the set of tools designed for the tasks needed through a series of questions. This centralized repository can help users quickly find more information on a particular inspection tool or sensor and learn about its characteristics as well as other utilities’ and EPRI’s experiences with it.
Evaluation of New and Emerging Inspection Technology: Although the industry, including EPRI, has been developing online monitoring technology for more than a decade, it is still a relatively new technology. For many utilities, the use of online condition assessment monitoring is only a pilot study, to solve a niche issue, or not yet considered. In 2023, the goal of this task is to document lessons learned on the application of online monitoring and what makes for a successful implementation. Also planned is the testing of an insulator tester as part of evaluation evolving inspection technology.
Engagement Opportunities
| Meeting | Scheduled Date |
Location |
Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inspection and Assessment Task Force | February 19-22 (In-person), February 26-29 (Virtual) | Charlotte, NC | Meeting Materials |
| Inspection and Assessment Workshop | April 29 - May 1, 2024 | Lenox, MA | Meeting Materials |
| EPRI R&D Project Update Webcast: P35.001 Inspection and Assessment | May 16: 11:00am - 12:00pm ET | Webcast | Meeting Materials |
| Overhead Transmission 2024 ARP Rollout #1 | June 12: 11:00am - 12:30pm ET | Webcast | Add to calendar |
| Overhead Transmission 2024 ARP Rollout #2 | July 16 : 11:00am - 12:30am ET | Webcast | Add to calendar |
| Inspection and Assessment Task Force | August 19-22 (In-person) / August 26-29 (Virtual) | Webcast | Register here |
| EPRI End of Year Webcast: 35.001 Inspection and Assessment | October 26 : 2:00pm - 3:00pm ET | Webcast |