Overview & Events

Research Value

  • Improved reliability of the balance of the substation assets
  • Help in assessing and managing risks through early insights from new diagnostics tools
  • Lower life-cycle risks to improve reliability
  • Improved understanding of issues associated with different vintage assets

Member Benefits

  • Assistance in making informed decisions about substation ratings including improved thermal models to optimize power output and guidance for applying this information in overall transmission system ratings
  • Considerations for asset lifecycle including planning/procurement, operation, maintenance, and disposal
  • Guidance for more effective asset inspection, monitoring, assessment, and maintenance
  • A sound technical basis for decisions when specifying balance of the substation assets

At A Glance

Substation assets such as arresters, batteries, and instrument transformers are critical to the reliability and safety of substations. Online monitoring systems can provide visibility of asset health to identify degradation prior to failure or to inform condition-based replacements. Use of drones and robotics for inspections and maintenance tasks have become increasingly desired in the industry to increase the safety and security of substations and personnel. Guidance and tools can benefit the industry to perform required ratings evaluations.

Unique EPRI research laboratories and expertise are feeding the development of new tools and knowledge to help substation owners to manage these substation assets: anticipate and prevent failures, extend asset life, retain key subject knowledge, and specify new diagnostic equipment with confidence.

Research Highlights

Battery Monitoring Systems: EPRI is investigating the use of battery monitoring systems to assess the condition of substation batteries. Laboratory testing will evaluate effectiveness and compliance with NERC Standard PRC-005 and offer insights and considerations for planning and specifications, procurement, installation, and operation. Additionally, this task intends to evaluate the short-term and long-term reliability of selected monitoring devices.

Substation Arresters: EPRI is investigating the use of battery monitoring systems to assess the condition of substation batteries. Laboratory testing will evaluate effectiveness and compliance with NERC Standard PRC-005 and offer insights and considerations for planning and specifications, procurement, installation, and operation. Additionally, this task intends to evaluate the short-term and long-term reliability of selected monitoring devices.

Robotics and Drones in Substations: This task explores potential substation applications of robotics and drones while continuing to test novel technologies and their capabilities.

Ratings: Each year the Increased Power Flow Guidebook is updated with new material on the state of the science and best practices for increasing and optimizing power flow through transmission systems and their associated circuit components. Ratings tools such as Transmission Ratings Workstation (TRW) software and online calculators will continue to be updated based on industry need and feedback.

This task force is also a good opportunity to meet and network with balance of the substation asset experts from other utilities. Reach out to Colleen Konsavage on matters related to balance of the substation assets.

Engagement Opportunities

Meeting Date Location Information
EPRI Kick Off Webcast: P37.105 Balance of Substations: Batteries, Arresters, and Ratings January 30
11:00 am - 12:00 pm ET		 Webcast Meeting Materials
Substations Grounding & Balance of Substations
Task Force		 February 19-22 (In-person)
February 26-29 (Virtual)		 Charlotte, NC Meeting Materials
P37 Supplemental Project Launch May 28
11:00 am - 12:00 pm ET		 Webcast Meeting Materials
EPRI R&D Project Update: P37.105 Balance of Substations: Batteries, Arresters, and Ratings June 18
11:00 am - 12:00 pm ET		 Webcast Meeting Materials
Substations 2024 ARP Rollout #1 June 25
10:00 am - 11:30 am ET		 Webcast Add to calendar
Substations 2024 ARP Rollout #2 August 6
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm ET		 Webcast Add to calendar
Substations Grounding & Balance of Substations
Task Force		 August 19-22 (In-person)
August 26-29 (Virtual)		 Charlotte, NC Register here
EPRI End of Year Webcast: P37.105 Balance of Substations: Batteries, Arresters, and Ratings November 19
11:00 am - 12:00 pm ET		 Webcast

Project Contact Information: Colleen Konsavage CKonsavage@epri.com