Projects
Projects: Projects for Investigator |
||
| Reference Number | NIA_NGET0126 | |
| Title | EPRI Research Collaboration on Overhead Circuits. | |
| Status | Completed | |
| Energy Categories | Other Power and Storage Technologies(Electricity transmission and distribution) 100%; | |
| Research Types | Applied Research and Development 100% | |
| Science and Technology Fields | ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Electrical and Electronic Engineering) 100% | |
| UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation | Not Cross-cutting 100% | |
| Principal Investigator |
Project Contact No email address given National Grid Electricity Transmission |
|
| Award Type | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Funding Source | Ofgem | |
| Start Date | 01 April 2013 | |
| End Date | 01 January 2015 | |
| Duration | 21 months | |
| Total Grant Value | £5,646,100 | |
| Industrial Sectors | Power | |
| Region | London | |
| Programme | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Investigators | Principal Investigator | Project Contact , National Grid Electricity Transmission (100.000%) |
| Web Site | http://www.smarternetworks.org/project/NIA_NGET0126 |
|
| Objectives | Conductor, Shield Wire and Hardware Corrosion Management Develop tools and processes for inspecting and assessing overhead conductors, shield wires and hardware Produce management and engineering guides and provide guidance to asset managers. Devise guidelines for inspection, selection and application. Assess fleet management methodology to perform population assessments of phase conductors and shield wires Compression Connector Management Develop guidelines to assist utilities with the inspection of overhead transmission line compression connectors. Undertake tests to determine the performance of HTLS conductors after routine cleaning. Evaluate the life expectancy of compression connectors operating at 100°C and below. Evaluate compression connectors with known defects. Maintain connectors failure/performance data Lightning Performance and Grounding of Transmission Lines Evaluation of techniques to improve the lighting performance of lines to include shielding, grounding, insulation and transmission line surge arresters. Establish cost efficiency of different approaches. Live Working: Research, Techniques and Procedures Review live working methodology to include; ropes for live work and energized rescue, live work on HV lines and live work with high-temperature conductors Design of structures to facilitate safe, efficient, and economic execution of live work Technology transfer through updating the Tan Book, training videos/DVDs, meetings, and webcasts Polymer and Composite Overhead Transmission Line Components Evaluation of a range of composite component concerns. Examination of composite components, such as polymer insulators, guy strain insulators, and fiberglass crossarms Porcelain / Glass Insulator Integrity Assessment Develop a guide to identify insulators and design characteristics Evaluation of porcelain and glass insulators to provide necessary data to make design and procurement decisions improve the Insulator Calculation Engine (ICE) software by adding a library of manufacturer designs track in-service insulator failures Performance and Maintenance of High-Temperature Conductors Improve comprehensive guide for the selection and application of various types of high-temperature conductors In the period April 13 to December 14, this research program expects to accomplish these objectives: Develop tools and mitigation techniques to address sub-grade and conductor corrosion Develop guidelines for compression connector management Develop inspection and assessment approaches for composite poles and crossarms Provide state-of-the-art methods for designing transmission line structure Develop live working ropes for new applications Evaluate the performance of lightning detection networks Update the Lightning and Grounding reference book (the Gray Book)Provide composite component accelerated aging results Develop software to aid in selection of corona rings for polymer insulators and electric field calculations on ceramic and glass insulators (ICE)Develop guidelines for the selection and application of various types of high-temperature low sag conductors | |
| Abstract | The Worldwide electricity industry recognises that there are parallel challenges within the field of electricity transmission which are more economically investigated and addressed through collaborative learning and knowledge generation among key industry stakeholders. The Electric Power Research Institution (EPRI), with its wide international membership, takes a key role in determining and delivering the most impactful R&D projects. This portfolio of work is focused on Overhead and Underground Circuits (OUC) which address key aspects of National Grid’s Innovation Strategy. Transmission companies face issues such as improving safety and reliability, as well as reducing operations and maintenance (O&M) costs. They are also seeking ways to increase transmission capacity without making large capital investments. Reducing capital expenditures for new and refurbished equipment is another priority. This EPRI research program is designed to address the research needs of transmission asset owners and operators. The program includes projects focused on specific components (e.g. , insulators, compression connectors, conductors, composite poles, and crossarms) as well as projects focused on issues (e.g. , lightning and grounding, live working, transmission capacity, and methods to assess the condition of overhead lines). Research EPRI is a non-profit organization which facilitates a variety of research projects relating to OUC within the electricity industry. These collaborative projects bring together scientists, engineers and academic experts in the industry to help assess recognised challenges within the field. EPRI’s approach in managing collaborative projects is beneficial to provide National Grid with valuable information, learning and knowledge which would be more expensive to formulate on an individual basis. On an annual basis we work with EPRI to select a portfolio of projects which is made available to all collaborators; this annual portfolio review includes an overview of the project’s research value, the approach and alignment of objectives with the needs of and priorities for the GB Electricity Transmission Network. Each project that is chosen for National Grid to join is reviewed and agreed through our governance processes with authority for sanctioning innovation projects within the Company. Of the 15 projects under EPRIs Overhead Transmission programme (Programme 35), National Grid has identified 7 that are aligned with our existing research strategy and priorities. Conductor, Shield Wire and Hardware Corrosion Management (EPRI Project 35. 002)Compression Connector Management (EPRI Project 35. 004)Lightning Performance and Grounding of Transmission Lines (EPRI Project 35. 006)Live Working: Research, Techniques and Procedures (EPRI Project 35. 010)Polymer and Composite Overhead Line Components (EPRI Project 35. 011)Porcelain/Glass Insulator Integrity Assessment (EPRI Project 35. 012), and Performance and Maintenance of High-Temperature Conductors (EPRI Project 35. 015)Note : Project Documents may be available via the ENA Smarter Networks Portal using the Website link above | |
| Publications | (none) |
|
| Final Report | (none) |
|
| Added to Database | 14/08/18 | |
