2024 Overhead Projects Tasks

Resilient Structure Design: In 2024, this task plans to develop a means of assessing the ability of a structure to dissipate impact loads, such as those created during tree strikes or when neighboring structures fail, i.e., cascading failures. Research results could help utilities develop new resilient standards.

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 2024, this task plans to investigate the short- and long-term performance of existing and emerging concrete pole materials.

Grounding and Lightning Performance: This task examines the application and performance of grounding systems and lightning protection approaches. In 2024, this task plans to evaluate additional conductive backfill options. This task also plans to evaluate a new surge arrester design intended to protect distribution lines in rocky areas with poor grounding.

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. In 2024, this task plans to test piercing secondary connectors.

Assessment of Conductor Performance and Emerging Materials: Accelerating electrification, including increasing use of electric vehicles, will require conductors to carry more current, necessitating reconductoring with larger conductors and potentially upgrading structures to support increased conductor weight and wind loads. Newer high-temperature, low-sag (HTLS) conductors are one option that utilities could employ to enable higher line capacity while maintaining existing conductor weight. This task will review HTLS conductor and other technology options to increase line capacity.

Evaluation of Emerging Transformer Technologies: Pole-top transformers and voltage regulator designs have remained relatively unchanged for decades. Modern insulation materials could improve the thermal characteristics and environmental friendliness and reduce flammability compared to traditional oils. In 2024, this task plans to evaluate cast-resin insulated, medium-voltage pole-top transformers.

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 the health of poles made from wood or other materials. In 2024, this task will investigate inspection technologies for composite poles. Approaches could include comparing inspection results collected using potential technologies with remaining strength data collected through destructive laboratory testing.

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 by identifying and locating issues before they cause outages. This task investigates and tests 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.

Visual Inspection and Condition-Based Monitoring: Non-contact inspections have value, but remaining asset life is often unknown or subjectively assessed. This task researches the relationships between distribution component health and visual data such as imagery, video, LiDAR, and other digital data.

Technology Scouting: The pace of change in distribution technology is accelerating, with new technologies, approaches, vendors, and service providers entering the market and offering new solutions. This research will scout new technologies for overhead distribution and identify opportunities for further investigation and demonstrations.