Abstract for CRADA between NETL and Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) (AGMT-1113)
The National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) and EPRI (Participant) will collaborate in the investigation of flashovers in electric power distribution maintenance operations. Live line and barehand maintenance techniques are used on overhead transmission lines around the world. While flashovers during this type of work are rare, several unexplained flashovers have occurred in North America. In each case, available evidence suggests these occurred at steady state (60 Hz) system voltage and at voltage stress levels well below that which is known to cause flashover. Understanding the cause of these flashovers is essential so they can be avoided in the future and enhance line worker safety. Some utilities are considering adding sheds to their live line tools (e.g. hot sticks) as a possible mitigation measure. The effect of adding sheds to the hot sticks was modelled and published by Chalmers University. A strong case can be made for sheds if the model can be validated through laboratory testing. This research is envisioned to be a multiple-year project. The work proposed under this agreement represents the initial research steps which will involve reproducing, verifying, and extending the modeling research previously published by Chalmers University.