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 | February 19-21 (In Person) : February 26-29 (Virtual) | Charlotte, NC | Meeting Materials |
| EPRI R&D Project Update: Underground TransmissionMid-Year Webcast | June 11 : 1:00pm - 2:30pm ET | Webcast | Meeting Materials |
| Underground Transmission 2026 ARP Rollout #1 | June 18 : 1:00pm - 2:30pm ET | Webcast | Meeting Materials |
| Underground Transmission 2026 ARP Rollout #2 | August 6 : 1:00pm - 2:30pm ET | Webcast | Meeting Materials |
| Underground Transmission Task Force | August 19-22 (In Person) : August 26-29 (Virtual) | Charlotte, NC | Meeting Materials |
| EPRI Underground Transmission (Program 36) NewSupplemental Launch Webcast | October 15 : 1:00pm -2:00pm ET | Webcast | Meeting Materials |
| EPRI End of Year Webcast: P35.019, P36.008, P37.116High Voltage Direct Current | November 22, 11:00am - 12:00pm ET | Webcast | Meeting Information |
| Underground Transmission Task Force - March 2025 | March 10-13 (In Person) : March 17-20 (Virtual) | Charlotte, NC | RegisterHere |
| EPRI Kick Off Webcast: High Voltage Direct CurrentConverter Stations and FACTS | January 31 11:00am - 12:00pm ET | Webcast | Webcast Information |
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 |