Overview & Events

Objective

Cost-effective and reliable underground transmission cable systems depend on sound engineering practices of design, construction, operation, and maintenance. This project develops technologies, software tools, and guides, and provides technical bases for safe, reliable, and efficient underground transmission systems of both extruded and laminar dielectric cables. The project addresses the following needs to equip cable users with knowledge, methods, and tools to execute required tasks throughout the life cycle of underground cable systems:

• Advanced designs and innovative techniques to reduce construction and installation costs.
• Methods and tools to determine and improve cable circuit ratings.
• Cable accessory installation, diagnostics, and long-term performance.
• Safe and effective cable circuit inspection techniques.
• Cable and accessory failure root causes.

Underground transmission engineers, designers, and managers can use the tools, methods, and technologies developed in this project to effectively plan, design, operate, and maintain their underground transmission systems. For example:

• Laboratory and investigative results can be used to improve system long-term performance and design and implement reliable and effective cable systems.
• Software tools and analytical studies can be used to validate system designs and enhance cable project planning and management and to increase and optimize ratings of transmission circuits.
• By applying industry best practices, especially in cable system construction and installation, utilities can reduce costs in all phases of a cable project, from design and construction to operation and maintenance.
• Development and laboratory demonstration of inspection techniques can be used to improve the health and safety of personnel working with underground cable systems.
• Performance and failure information and databases can be used for effective asset management.

Approach

To address industry issues and provide adequate tools and information, this project intends to evaluate and apply industry knowledge, enhance, and validate existing solutions, and investigate and develop tools and technologies by undertaking key tasks in a broad range of activities, which may include the following:

• Investigate transmission cable accessory performance issues and perform aging tests on outdoor terminations with composite insulation.
• Analyze field-aged cables and accessories and failure and performance data to investigate long-term performance issues.
• Develop methodologies, software tools, and practices related to design, engineering, system planning, ratings, and operations of underground cable systems.
• Investigate underground transmission vault inspection techniques to improve worker safety and reduce circuit outage requirements.

Research Value

Design, construction, rating, operation, and maintenance tools and methods developed through this project could help cable users:

• Make more informed decisions in planning new transmission lines.
• Improve efficiency in underground cable system design and operation.
• Improve productivity and quality in underground cable system construction.
• Assess conditions of existing underground transmission lines and develop fact-based maintenance and replacement strategies.
• Reduce overall installation, construction, operation, and maintenance costs.

Engagement Opportunities