Deliverables on Underground Assets
Recent deliverables on distribution underground assets.
2022
Distribution Underground Switches: 2022
This report is an update on to a multi-year project investigating the life cycle performance of MV UG switches. It includes content for inclusion in a Medium Voltage Switch Design Review and Condition Assessment Reference Guide, under development, from findings from multiple historic forensic examinations of UG switches of various types.
Findings from this work can be used to inform your material specifications, inspection and diagnostic approaches, and maintenance to achieve better performance in your switch fleet.
Cable Accessory Research: 2022
This report is an update to a multiyear project investigating the performance of medium voltage (MV) cable accessories. The 2022 research included the performance of forensic investigations of various accessories as well as continued longer-term research to understand and illustrate the impact of various workmanship approaches on the anticipated health of MV cable terminations as determined by the presence of partial discharge (PD).
Findings from this work can be used to inform your material specifications, inspection and diagnostic approaches, maintenance, and craft practices associated with accessory preparation to achieve better performance and improved reliability.
Infrared Thermography in Underground: 2022
This report is a provides an update to a multiyear project investigating the performance of low voltage (LV) cable accessories. In addition, the 2022 research included the design and partial construction of a MV cable accessory test bed which will enable analysis of MV connectors and cable materials subjected to heating in the laboratory, and inform the use of IR as a diagnostic tool.
This research is aimed at producing information to better understand the implications of design and preparation practices on connector performance and life, and to inform infrared thermography.
Network Transformer Monitoring: 2022 Update
This report describes the test set up and initial testing of a remote DGA monitor designed for use on network transformers when deployed on units using ester based insulating fluids.
Results from the research will inform remote gas monitor selection.
Risk Mitigation of Manhole Events: 2022 Update
This report is an update to a multiyear project investigating risk mitigation of manhole events, including testing to understand gas produced when LV cables overheat and arc. 2022 research included study of EAM and PILC cable materials exposed to arcing.
Results from this research will inform sensing technologies for early identification of conditions which could lead to manhole events, as well as remote manhole monitor selection, deployment, and settings.
UG Corrosion Identification and Assessment: 2022 Update
This report is an update to a multi-year project investigating inspection and assessment techniques for underground equipment. 2022 research included a focus on corrosion inspection and assessment of padmounted equipment. Research included a data discovery exercise to identify potential use cases for leveraging AI / image processing technology to aid inspectors.
Results from this research will aid utility fleet managers in managing corrosion of UG assets.
Bronze Book: 2022 Update
The Bronze Book is a reference aimed at utility engineers and personnel involved in the planning, design, manufacture, installation, operation, and maintenance of underground distribution systems. For 2022, EPRI added content on connectors to Chapter 15, Cable Accessories.
Low-Voltage Secondary Network Systems Reference – Hard Copy
This deliverable is a comprehensive, stand-alone reference on network systems. It includes content on network components and their operation, network designs, protection, modeling, arc flash reduction, and distributed generation on network systems.
Underground Practices Repository_2022
Provides access to an online repository of underground practices to facilitate comparisons and aid decision-makers in identifying practices in place at other utilities that can be applied to their utility to improve performance.