Updates & Events
Task: Novel SF6 Leak Sealing Approaches
Task Description: Investigate methods that can be used by utilities to cost-effectively seal SF6 leaks. The emphasis is on identifying materials and techniques that can seal while maintaining equipment operating pressures and are easy to apply and remove by utility personnel without having to resort to outside service providers, clamps, or molds.
Update:
- Seven field trials are currently underway to assess the efficacy of three novel leak sealing approaches at five utility sites. The latest field trial was initiated in December 2023 & involves sealing a leak in a live tank SF6 breaker.
- Efforts are underway to explore new materials and develop techniques for sealing leaks at lower temperatures & also in larger flanges and various geometries.
Task: Circuit Breaker Online Monitor Efficacy Assessment
Task Description: Develop and apply assessment metrics to various circuit breaker online monitors to determine which monitors and tests provide the most useful information. The objective is to provide utilities guidance on the most informative and cost-effective procedures for nonintrusive diagnostics to support condition-based maintenance.
Update:
- Completed the evaluation of six online monitors based on review of publicly available information.
- Efforts underway to document utility experience from using online monitors.
Task: Circuit Breaker Guidebook Development
Task Description: Develop a comprehensive reference on circuit breaker procurement, operation, maintenance, and life-cycle management. The goal is to develop a reference guide that gives utilities information on fundamental design descriptions, operation, selection, and application principles, maintenance, monitoring, and replacement. The guide is intended to include an overview of different interrupting technologies and energy storage systems and capture the knowledge of leading circuit breaker experts.
Update:
- Work underway to:
- Reviewed technical content of eight chapters developed in previous years - eight chapters have been written, including sections on circuit breaker diagnostics, problem and failure investigation, lubrication, pump and compressor maintenance, specifications and procurement and interrupter cleaning.
- Developed two new chapters:
- Factory testing and inspection
- Shipping and installation
Engagement Opportunities
| Meeting | Date | Location | Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPRI Kick Off Webcast: P37.102 Circuit Breakers Life Management & P37.108 GIS and GIL (Gas Insulated Substations and lines) Task Force |
February 7 11:00 am - 12:00 pm ET |
Webcast | Meeting Materials |
| Circuit Breakers & GIS Task Force |
February 19-22 (In-person) February 26-29 (Virtual) |
Charlotte, NC | Meeting Materials |
| Substations 2025 ARP Rollout #1 | June 25 10:00 am - 11:30 am ET |
Webcast | Meeting Materials |
| EPRI R&D Project Update: P37.102 Circuit Breakers Life Management & P37.108 GIS and GIL (Gas Insulated Substations and lines) | July 18 11:00 am - 12:30 pm ET |
Webcast | Meeting Materials |
| Substations 2025 ARP Rollout #2 | August 6 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm ET |
Webcast | Meeting Materials |
| Circuit Breakers & GIS Task Force |
August 19-22 (In-person) August 26-29 (Virtual) |
Charlotte, NC | Meeting Materials |
| EPRI Substations (Program 37) New Supplemental Launch Webcast | October 10, 1:00pm - 2:00pm ET | Webcast | Meeting Materials |
| P37.102 Circuit Breakers Life Management & P37.108 GIS and GIL (Gas Insulated Substations and lines) End-of-Year Webcast | November 14 11:00 am - 12:00 pm ET |
Webcast | |
| P37.102 Circuit Breakers Life Management & P37.108 GIS and GIL (Gas Insulated Substations and lines) | December 10 11:00 am - 12:00 pm ET |
Webcast | Meeting Materials |
| EPRI Kick Off Webcast: Circuit Breakers Life Management & GIS and GIL (Gas Insulated Substations and lines) | February 10, 1:00 - 2:00pm ET | Webcast | Webcast Information |
| Circuit Breakers & GIS Task Force - March 2025 | March 10-13 (In-person)/ March 17-20 (Virtual) | Charlotte, NC | Register Here |
Anticipated 2025 Deliverables
| Deliverable | Date |
|---|---|
| Technical Update: Effect of Component Degradation on Circuit Breaker Operation | 12/31/2025 |
| Technical Update: Circuit Breaker Online Monitoring Assessment | 12/31/2025 |
| Technical Update: Circuit Breaker Diagnostics Efficacy Assessment | 12/31/2025 |
| Technical Brief: New Markers for Circuit Breaker Dielectric Assessment | 12/31/2025 |
| Technical Update: Leak Sealing for SF6 Circuit Breakers and Gas Insulated Substations | 12/31/2025 |
| Videos: Applying Leak Sealing for SF6 Circuit Breakers and Gas Insulated Substations | 12/31/2025 |
| Technical Brief: Leak Sealing for Non-SF6 Circuit Breakers and Gas Insulated Substations | 12/31/2025 |
| Technical Update: Circuit Breaker Reference Guide | 12/31/2025 |
| Tech Transfer: Technical Webinars on the Circuit Breaker Guidebook | 12/31/2025 |
| Technical Update: Circuit Breaker Mechanism Maintenance Guides | 12/31/2025 |
| Tech Transfer: HVCB Life Management Workshop | 12/31/2025 |
2024 Deliverables
2023 Deliverables
| Product ID | Name |
Type |
|---|---|---|
| 3002027018 | Advances in Novel SF6 Leak Sealing Techniques Development & Field Testing |
Technical Update |
| 3002027029 | Circuit Breaker Guidebook Development - 2023 Update |
Technical Update |
| 3002027034 | Circuit Breaker Maintenance Guides - 2023 Update |
Technical Update |
| 3002027024 | Circuit Breaker Monitoring – R&D Needs Assessment |
Technical Update |