Updates & Events
Task: Inspection and Assessment Reference Guide (Yellow Book)
Task Description: 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. Examples include the application of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and satellite imagery for inspections. In 2022, EPRI intends to enhance understanding of the material with short video clips or animations.
Update:
- Reviewing the content for out-of-date references and for areas needing an update
Task: Mobile Field Guides
Task Description: Mobile devices allow large amounts of information to be available on small, lightweight platforms. 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 what asset condition and what action to take. With access to several field inspection guides covering many assets on a mobile device, inspectors and field crews have a ready reference to the visual assessment of most transmission line components and the ability to accurately document their observations. In 2022, one new additional guide development is anticipated.
Update:
- Reviewing content for poor quality images
- Guides are being processed for 2023 access and check for functionality on the mobile platforms
Task: Evaluation of New and Emerging Inspection Technology
Task Description: As new technologies become available, not all utilities have the resources to learn about and evaluate them. Using EPRI’s labs, new tools can be evaluated against replicated in-service scenarios to understand how a tool functions and how it performs under various in-service like conditions. The information can help users determine if a device is suited to their inspection need and help them better understand the capabilities and limitations of the technologies. In 2022, a review of High Temperature Low Sag (HTLS) conductor inspection techniques and technologies is planned on being undertaken.
Update:
- Preparing a test plan to evaluate an insulator testing tool
- A test plan has been developed to test an insulator testing device and feedback from a project stakeholder familiar with the tool has been received
- A design of a mechanism to move the insulator tester in an energized environment has been drafted and parts are being specified for the build out
- Acquisition of three types of insulator testers is in progress
Task: Industry Information Sharing Session
Task Description: This task sets out to facilitate a discussion among industry stakeholders on an inspection and assessment related topic
Update:
- Held a 1-hour session on the topic of online monitoring systems and their application
- Several attendees shared their experiences
- Transcripts and recordings from the session are being review and a report summarizing the conversation is being prepared
Engagement Opportunities
| Meeting | Date | Location | Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inspection and Assessment Task Force | March 10-13 (In-person) March 17-20 (Virtual) |
Charlotte, NC | Meeting Materials |
| EPRI Overhead Transmission Program (P35) New Supplemental Launch Webcast | April 3 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm ET |
Webcast | Webcast Information |
| EPRI R&D Information Exchange Webcast: Technologies forMonitoring Icing (P35.001) | April 24 11:00 am - 12:30 pm ET |
Webcast | |
| EPRI R&D Project Update Webcast: Inspection and Assessment(P35.001) | June 10 11:00 am -12:00 pm ET |
Webcast | |
| Overhead Transmission 2026 ARP Rollout #1 | July 17 10:00 am - 11:00 pm ET |
Webcast | |
| Overhead Transmission 2026 ARP Rollout #2 | July 24 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm ET |
Webcast | |
| Inspection and Assessment Task Force | August 18-22 (In-person) August 25-29 (Virtual) |
Charlotte, NC | |
| EPRI R&D Information Exchange Webcast: Technologies forAvian Interactions (P35.001) | September 16 11:00 am - 12:00 pm ET |
Webcast | |
| EPRI End of Year Webcast: Inspection and Assessment (P35.001) | November 13 11:00 - 12:00 pm ET |
Webcast |
Anticipated 2025 Deliverables
| Deliverable | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Inspection and Assessment Reference Guide (The Yellow Book) | Reference Book | 12/31/2025 |
| Field Guides | Technical Update | 12/31/2025 |
| Evaluation of LiDAR Inspection Technologies | Technical Update | 12/31/2025 |
| Evaluation of UAV Technologies for Inspection and Assessment | Technical Update | 12/31/2025 |
2024 Deliverables
| Product ID | Name |
Type |
|---|---|---|
| 3002029552 | Evaluation of Insulator In-Service Inspection Tool: Positron Insulator Testers |
Technical Update |
| 3002030196 | Daytime Discharge Inspection of Transmission and Distribution Overhead Lines and Substations: Guide with Video |
Technical Update |
| 3002030264 | Overhead Transmission Inspection, Assessment, and Asset Management Reference Guide (The Yellow Book): 2024 Edition |
Technical Update |