Updates & Events
Research Updates
Task: Underground Transmission Workstation: Functional and Technical Enhancements and Developments
Task Description: The Underground Transmission Workstation (UTW) is an easy-to-use tool for cable engineers to plan, design, operate, and maintain their extruded and laminar dielectric cable systems. The project team is updating and enhancing the functionality of UTW and associated EPRI research results.
Task: Pipe-Type to Extruded Dielectric Cable Conversion—Technology, Design, and Construction Options
Task Description: Multiple volumes of reports include the assessment of converting existing pipe-type cables using extruded dielectric cables and existing pipe alignments. The project task evaluates available solutions, identifies leading industry practices, presents any novel ideas for design and installation of extruded cables and accessories in steel pipes, and provides guidelines and recommendations for such conversions.
Task: Underground Transmission Vault Inspection Using Robotic Techniques
Task Description: To improve worker safety and reduce circuit outage requirements, this task continues the investigation of underground transmission vault inspection techniques. Concepts and prototype robotic techniques have been demonstrated in laboratory and field manholes.
Task: Underground Transmission Vault Corrosion: Inspection Assessment and Remediation
Task Description: This task addresses common corrosion issues within underground extruded dielectric cable joint vaults. The report discusses corrosion mechanisms within the vaults and provides inspection and assessment results on components within the vaults. It also provides remediation recommendations based on results of field inspections and laboratory testing.
Task: Performance and Failure Reports for Underground Transmission Cables and Accessories
Task Description: Central to effective asset management is knowledge of the failure rate of specific components based on age, family, make, model, application, and environment. This task is a multi-year effort to gather available information on underground transmission cable and accessory performance issues, and failures of both extruded and laminar dielectric cable systems.
Engagement Opportunities
| Meeting | Scheduled Date | Location | Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Underground Transmission Task Force - March 2025 | March 10-13 (In Person) : March 17-20 (Virtual) | Charlotte, NC | Meeting Materials |
| Underground Transmission (Program 36) New Supplemental Launch Webcast | March 31 1:00pm - 2:00pm ET | Webcast | Meeting Materials |
| EPRI R&D Project Update Webcast: Underground Transmission (P36) | June 10 1:00pm - 2:30pm ET | Webcast | Webcast Information |
| Underground Transmission 2025 ARP Rollout #1 | June 17 1:00pm - 2:00pm ET | Webcast | |
| EPRI R&D Project Update Webcast: High Voltage Direct Current Converter Stations and FACTS (P35.019, P36.008, P37.116) | June 27 11:00am - 12:00pm ET | Webcast | Webcast Information |
| Underground Transmission 2025 ARP Rollout #2 | August 5 1:00pm - 2:30pm ET | Webcast | |
| Underground Transmission Task Force | August 18-22 (In Person) : August 25-29 (Virtual) | Charlotte, NC | |
| EPRI End of Year Webcast: High Voltage Direct Current Converter Stations and FACTS (P35.019, P36.008, P37.116) | November 21 8:00am - 9:00am PT | Webcast |
2025 Planned Deliverables
| Product ID | Name | Type |
|---|---|---|
| TBD | Underground Transmission Workstation (UTW) v8 |
Software |
| TBD | Underground Transmission Workstation (UTW) TrainingWorkshop Proceedings - 2025 Update |
Report |
| TBD | EMF Management User’s Guide for UndergroundTransmission Systems - 2025 Update |
Report |
| TBD | Life-Cycle Cost Guide forUnderground Transmission Cable Systems, Survey Results, and Case Studies-2025Update |
Report |
| TBD | Electrical Safety Practices in Underground TransmissionSystems—2024 Update |
Report |
| TBD | Guide for High-Voltage Direct Current(HVDC) Transmission Cable Ratings - 2025 Update |
Report |
| TBD | Normalized Span Methods and Software - 2025Update |
Report |
| TBD | Procedures and Functional Description forUnderground Transmission Workstation Module to Support Fault CurrentCalculations |
Report |
| TBD | Underground Transmission Cable SystemConstruction and Installation Volume 1: Practices Manual - 2025 Update |
Report |
| TBD | Underground Transmission Cable SystemConstruction and Installation Volume 2: Quality Guidelines for GroutingProcedures for Large Casings - 2025 Update |
Report |
| TBD | Underground Transmission Cable SystemConstruction and Installation Volume 3: Primer for Installation ofHigh-Voltage Cable in Tunnels - 2025 Update |
Report |
| TBD | Underground Transmission Cable SystemConstruction and Installation Volume 4: Shallow and At-Grade InstallationTechniques, Operational Factors, and Rating Considerations for RemoteForested and Mountainous or Rocky Areas |
Report |
| TBD | Pipe-Type to XLPE CableConversion—Technology, Design, and Construction Options Volume 1: FeasibilityAssessment of Pipe-Type Cable to Extruded Cable Conversion — 2025 Update |
Report |
| TBD | Pipe-Type to XLPE CableConversion—Technology, Design, and Construction Options Volume 2: ConceptEvaluation and Demonstration of Pipe Bursting for Installation of ExtrudedDielectric Cables — 2025 Update |
Report |
| TBD | Pipe-Type to XLPE CableConversion—Technology, Design, and Construction Options Volume 3:Retrofitting Pipe-Type Cable Pipes with HVDC Cables — 2025 Update |
Report |
| TBD | Pipe-Type to XLPE CableConversion—Technology, Design, and Construction Options Volume 4:Extruded-Dielectric Pipe-Type Cable (EP Cable) for Installation in Steel Pipe—2025 Update |
Report |
| TBD | Underground Transmission Vault InspectionUsing Robotic Techniques—2025 Update |
Report |
| TBD | Underground Transmission Vault Corrosion:Inspection Assessment and Remediation—2025 Update |
Report |
| TBD | Underground Cable Fault Location Referenceand Application Guide – 2025 Update |
Report |
| TBD | Performance and Failure Report forUnderground Transmission Cables and Accessories Volume 1: Introduction andData Records |
Report |
| TBD | Performance and Failure Report forUnderground Transmission Cables and Accessories Volume 2: Forensic Analyses |
Report |
2024 Deliverables
| Product ID | Name | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 3002029489 | Reliable Performance of Transmission Cable Accessories: Long-Term Aging Test Result—2024 Update |
Report |
| 3002030104 | Underground Transmission Workstation (UTW) v7.10 |
Software |
| 3002029490 | Pipe-Type to XLPE Cable Conversion-Volume 1: Feasibility Assessment-2024 Update |
Report |
| 3002029491 | Pipe-Type to XLPE Cable Conversion, Volume 2 - Concept Evaluation of Pipe Bursting for Installation of Extruded Dielectric Cables-2024 Update |
Report |
| 3002029492 | Pipe-Type to XLPE Cable Conversion, Volume 3 - Retrofitting with HVDC Cables-2024 Update |
Report |
| 3002029493 | Pipe-Type to XLPE Cable Conversion-Technology, Design, and Construction Options Volume 4: Extruded-Dielectric Pipe-Type Cable (EP Cable) for Installation in Steel Pipe-2024 Update |
Report |
| 3002029494 | Electrical Safety Practices in Underground Transmission Systems—2024 Update |
Report |
| 3002029495 | Underground Transmission Vault Inspection Using Robotic Techniques – 2024 Update |
Report |
| 3002029496 | Failure and Performance Report of Underground Transmission Cables and Accessories: 2024 Update |
Report |