2022 Overhead Projects Tasks

Design and Performance of Overhead Structures: Overhead structures should withstand decades of exposure to the environment and intermittent storms. Utilities consider structural loading, clearances, and cost, but often lack the data necessary to perform a complete performance analysis. This task examines the mechanical and electrical performance of overhead structures and components through laboratory testing. In 2022, this task intends to apply and expand upon the structural test framework developed in 2021 using specific overhead structure designs and considering performance metrics including mechanical coordination, basic insulation level (BIL), falling branch resistance, conductor slap, flammability, and susceptibility to wildlife interruptions.

Alternative Pole and Crossarm Material Evaluation: This task examines the short- and long-term performance of alternative pole and crossarm materials, such as composites, steel, ductile iron, and concrete. In 2022, this task plans to study the mechanical performance of composite crossarms in response to forces experienced in service using typical line hardware.

Grounding and Lightning Performance: This task examines the application and performance of grounding systems and lightning protection approaches. In 2022, this task plans to investigate the performance of pole butt grounding plates, ground rods, and the use of conductive cements. This task also investigates the performance and degradation of surge arresters.

Overhead Connector Performance Testing: Connectors are a common source of overhead line interruptions. This task tests the electrical and mechanical performance of connectors under varying load and/or environmental conditions.

Pole Hardware Quality Testing and Material Analysis: Utilities deploy innumerable nuts, bolts, and washers when constructing and repairing overhead structures. There are many options available when selecting hardware such as cast or forged materials, hot-dipped or thermal diffusion galvanization, and others. This task intends to examine how material and processing choices affect performance and long-term reliability.

Design and Application of Wildlife Guards to Promote Reliability: Many outages are attributable to wildlife, including squirrels, raccoons, birds, snakes, and other animals capable of bridging energized and/or ground connections. Properly specified and installed wildlife guards can help mitigate these outages. However, wildlife guards that are improperly specified or installed may cause additional issues. This task examines the specification and application of wildlife guards. In 2022, the task intends to examine and document the electrical, mechanical, and aging performance of a variety of wildlife guards.

Evaluation of Pole Inspection Technologies: Pole condition assessment provides a means of prioritizing pole replacement to better optimize O&M budgets. This task investigates tools used to assess wood pole health. In 2022, this task will examine the accuracy of traditional, modern, and emergent pole inspection technologies by comparing inspection results with the data on pole remaining strength collected through laboratory testing. This task also plans to report existing inspection options for steel, composite, and concrete poles.

Online Condition Monitoring and Inspection of Overhead Systems: As sensor capabilities increase and costs decrease, utilities are looking to leverage the technology to improve system performance, identifying and locating issues before they cause outages. This task examines online monitoring systems and inspection tools that could improve overhead distribution system reliability by identifying potential asset failure or vegetation contact before it causes an outage.

Evaluation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technologies: 2022 Update. This report will document emerging technologies, leading practices, and test results from laboratory testing.