Updates & Events
Task: 230 kV / 138 kV Indoor Aging Chamber
Task Description: Polymer insulators are being aged in a full-scale accelerated aging chamber.
Update:
- The winter 2024 inspection has been completed and the data is in processing.
- Several insulators are to be selected for removal to make room for new sample.
Task: Insulator Reference Book
Task Description: Document information about transmission line insulators learned through in-service experience and research.
Update:
- Adding mechanical considerations for insulator articulation.
Task: Handling Resistance Tests
Task Description: Test how insulators respond bending during cantilever oscillation
Update:
- Brainstorming different in-service scenarios where insulator bending can occur.
- Developing a plan for evaluating the performance of the insulators in the test.
Task: Evaluation of Weathershed Bonding
Task Description: Document the condition of insulators older than 25 years old
Update:
- Completed dye penetration and dissection of 28 insulators.
Engagement Opportunities
| Meeting | Date | Location | Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insulators 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: Insulator Specification Development within the Changing Supply Chain Landscape (P35.011, P35.012) | April 22 11:00-12:00 pm ET | Webcast | |
| EPRI R&D Project Update Webcast: Polymer Insulators, Glass and Porcelain Insulators (P35.011, P35.012) | June 17 11:00-12:00 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 | |
| Insulators Task Force | August 18-22 (In-person) August 25-29 (Virtual) | Charlotte, NC | |
| Insulators Workshop | June 2-6 | Lenox, MA | Email EU4T@epri.com for Registration |
Anticipated 2025 Deliverables
In 2025, a mix of ongoing research initiatives together with new research areas will be undertaken.
| Deliverable | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| High-Voltage Indoor Insulator Aging Chamber Report | Technical Update | December 2025 |
| Insulator Reference Book (The Violet Book) | Reference Book | December 2025 |
| Insulator E-field Modeling Software (Insulator Calculation Engine [ICE]) | Software | December 2025 |
| Revision on the Methodology for Assessing Impact Damage on Polymer Insulators | Technical Update | December 2025 |
| Polymer Insulator Vintage Guide | Technical Update | December 2025 |
2024 Deliverables
| Product ID | Name | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 3002029594 | Analysis of Polymer Insulator Failures: A Study of Flashunders |
Technical Update |
| 3002030438 | Insulator Reference Book (The Violet Book): 2024 Edition |
Technical Update |
| 3002030443 | Insulator E-field Modeling Software (Insulator Calculation Engine [ICE]) |
Software |
| 3002030445 | Aging Chamber Report Tool (ACRT) v17.0 |
Software |
| 3002030446 | Polymer Insulator Population Assessment (PIPA) |
Software |
| 3002030448 | All Dielectric Self Supporting (ADSS) v1.0 |
Software |