Research Status & Deliverables

Task: Reliable Performance of Transmission Cable Accessories
Task Description: Built on prior EPRI research, this multi-year effort continues to investigate the reliability of transmission cable accessories. Included are technical and investigation results from accelerated aging tests at EPRI’s Lenox, Massachusetts laboratory, material deterioration test results on field-aged cable accessories, and results of the evaluation of condition assessment tools.
Update:

• Additional analysis of units removed from service is complete.

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 based on EPRI research results.
Update:

• Additional study cases have been developed and will be included in the program.

Task: Pipe-Type to Extruded Dielectric Cable Conversion—Technology, Design, and Construction Options
Task Description: The report includes assessment of converting existing pipe-type cables using extruded dielectric cables and existing pipe alignments. The project will evaluate available solutions, identify leading industry practices, present any novel ideas for design and installation of extruded cables and accessories in steel pipes, and provide guidelines and recommendations for such conversions.
Update:

• Material compatibility tests and pulling tension tests have been completed.

Task: Underground Transmission Cable System Construction and Installation Practices Manual
Task Description: Recent advances in underground transmission have led to more demand for best practices and innovative ways to reduce construction and installation costs. This task identifies and assesses advanced designs and innovative construction/installation techniques that would contribute to improved operation performance and reduced overall project costs.
Update:

• Additional related have been identified and will be included in the report

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.
Update:

• The team is working with utility members to develop demonstration opportunities.

Task: Industrywide Performance and Failure Database 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.
Update:

• Results of additional failure analysis are being included.

Planned Deliverables for 2024

2023 Deliverables

Key Deliverables