Research & Technical Content



Annual Research Portfolio Projects

Arresters

Research related to selection, application, and monitoring of arresters

Batteries

Research related to battery monitoring system performance assessment

Station Ratings and Asset Life Extension

Guidebooks and software related to station ratings and life extension of substation assets

Robots and Drones

Research related to robotics and drone substation applications

Supplemental Projects

3D Scanning Technologies (with applications to robotics and drones)

Objective

Evaluate the capabilities, limitations, and use cases for 3D scanning technologies in substation applications

Value

  • Experience with emerging 3D scanning technologies.
  • Experience with newer visualization techniques for 3D data.
  • Objective evaluations for substation applications.
  • Knowledge to make informed decisions related to acquiring, deploying, and using 3D scanning technologies and data.

Tasks

  1. Document requirements of 3D scanning technologies for substation use cases.
  2. Scout, prioritize, and acquire solutions.
  3. Perform testing with staged scenarios and independent control to evaluate the value and limitations of 3D scanning workflows.
  4. Analyze the results, observations, and lessons learned.
  5. Document the project results and host periodic project updates.

Additional Information

3D Scanning Technologies: Substation Applications This project leverages the latest in commercial-off-the-shelf mobile mapping, reality capture, and 3D scanning technologies.

This project intends to begin in Fall 2024. It’s not too late to join. Contact project lead Sunny Bellary today!

Failure Analysis Services

EPRI offers utilities the ability to send in failed balance of the substation components (arresters, switches, CTs, PTs, CCVTs) to ascertain the root cause of failure. This process typically takes the following form:

  • Photo Documentation - Capture visual evidence prior to any unit disassembly
  • Electrical Testing – Perform diagnostic tests to determine status of the component (this step may not be possible to perform depending on the condition of the unit)
  • Teardown - Systematic disassembly of the equipment to identify cause of failure
  • Analysis - Findings reviewed, further laboratory testing, and potential failure modes identified
  • Report and Technical Transfer - The findings of the investigation are reported and communicated to the utility via webcast or other method