Project Overview
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 providing a technical basis 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:
- Methods and tools to assist in engineering designs and to determine and improve cable circuit ratings
- Advanced designs and innovative techniques to reduce construction and installation costs
- Safe and effective cable circuit and manhole 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 more 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.
- Investigation of corrosion inspection, assessment, and remediation methods and techniques for cable components in underground vaults addresses this emerging issue and may improve the design, inspection, maintenance, and protection of these components.
- 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 wide variety of activities, which may include the following:
- Develop methodologies, software tools, and practices related to design, engineering, system planning, ratings, and operations of underground cable systems
- Develop pipe-type to extruded cable conversion technology, design, and construction options, including feasibility assessment, pipe bursting technology, and extruded-dielectric pipe-type cable for installation in steel pipe
- Investigate underground transmission vault inspection techniques to improve worker safety and reduce circuit outage requirements
- Analyze field-aged cables and accessories as well as failure and performance data to investigate long-term performance issues
Research Value
Design, construction, ratings, operation, and maintenance tools and methods developed through this project could help cable users:
- Make more informed decisions when planning new transmission lines
- Improve efficiency in underground cable system designs and operations
- 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