sensors & robots projects

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Log in | Create an Account | EPRI Websites | Help | Contact Us Search Tips Sensor Projects Transmission Line Projects Assessment of Transmission Line Sensors Conductor/Connector Sensor Fault Current/Lightning Sensor Image Processing for Transmission Lines Suspension Insulator Leakage Current Sensor Vibration Sensor Suite Underground Tranmission Projects Oil Pressure Sensor Underground Transmission Sensors Substation Projects 3D Acoustic Emission Transformer Monitoring Assessment of Substation Sensors GIC Monitor Load Tap Changer Sensor MIS Sensor for Gas in Oil On-line FRA On-line Infrared Post Insulator Leakage Current Sensor SF6 Density Sensor Substation-Wide RF Detection Wireless Acoustic Emission Sensors Wireless Mesh Other Projects Power Harvesting for Sensors Sensor Lab Sensor-SCADA Integration Projects by Phase Interactive Map of Demonstration Sites Project Summaries by Phase This page presents EPRI's active projects grouped by the current project phase (R&D, Development, Testing, Demonstration, and Commercialization). View Projects by Phase Interactive Map of Demonstration Sites This page presents an interactive map showing the locations of EPRI's current demonstration projects and the technologies being demonstrated. View Map of Demonstration Sites Commercialization A portion of EPRI's website is devoted to transmission and substation technologies that have been commercialized. Commercialized Transmission & Substation Technology Transmission Line R&D Roadmap (PDF 7.90MB) Underground Transmission R&D Roadmap (PDF 2.24MB) Welcome, Guest Home About EPRI Research Events Careers Newsroom Overview | Sensor Projects | Robot Projects | Sensor Development Approach | Robot Development Approach You are here: Research > Power Delivery & Utilization > Transmission Lines and Substations > Sensors & Robots > Sensor Projects EPRI is conducting research and development in a wide range of areas related to sensors. Detailed summaries of individual projects are listed below alphabetically by area. Assessment of Transmission Line Sensors In addition to developing a suite of Transmission Line sensors, EPRI has been testing and evaluating a range of other sensor technologies. Conductor/Connector Sensor This project is developing and demonstrating low-cost RF sensors to assess conductors and compression connectors on overhead transmission lines. Fault Current/Lightning Sensor This project is developing an RF sensor that is installed either on the shield wire or the down conductor of a transmission line to continually measure the magnitude and time of both fault and lightning currents. Image Processing for Transmission Lines This project is developing image processing cameras that can be installed on transmission lines to automatically measure and report activity. Suspension Insulator Leakage Current Sensor This project is developing an RF sensor that clips onto the end of a transmission suspension insulator string to measure the leakage currents flowing on the insulator. Vibration Sensor Suite This project is developing a suite of low-cost RF sensors that measure vibration in three axes. The sensors can report the results in real-time or store the results for future analysis. Oil Pressure Sensor This project is developing an RF sensor for measuring oil pressure in components, such as oil-filled terminations. The RF sensor uses a 4-20mA input so the sensor can be applied in a range of other applications. Underground Transmission Sensors

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Page 1: Sensors & Robots Projects

Log in | Create an Account | EPRI Websites | Help | Contact Us

Search Tips

Sensor Projects

Transmission Line Projects

Assessment of Transmission

Line Sensors

Conductor/Connector Sensor

Fault Current/Lightning Sensor

Image Processing for

Transmission Lines

Suspension Insulator Leakage

Current Sensor

Vibration Sensor Suite

Underground Tranmission

Projects

Oil Pressure Sensor

Underground Transmission

Sensors

Substation Projects

3D Acoustic Emission

Transformer Monitoring

Assessment of Substation

Sensors

GIC Monitor

Load Tap Changer Sensor

MIS Sensor for Gas in Oil

On-line FRA

On-line Infrared

Post Insulator Leakage Current

Sensor

SF6 Density Sensor

Substation-Wide RF Detection

Wireless Acoustic Emission

Sensors

Wireless Mesh

Other Projects

Power Harvesting for Sensors

Sensor Lab

Sensor-SCADA Integration

Projects by Phase

Interactive Map of Demonstration

Sites

Project Summaries by Phase

This page presents EPRI's active

projects grouped by the current

project phase (R&D, Development,

Testing, Demonstration, and

Commercialization).

View Projects by Phase

Interactive Map ofDemonstration Sites

This page presents an interactive

map showing the locations of

EPRI's current demonstration

projects and the technologies being

demonstrated.

View Map of Demonstration Sites

Commercialization

A portion of EPRI's website is

devoted to transmission and

substation technologies that have

been commercialized.

Commercialized Transmission &

Substation Technology

Transmission Line R&D Roadmap

(PDF 7.90MB)

Underground Transmission R&D

Roadmap (PDF 2.24MB)

Welcome, Guest

Home About EPRI Research Events Careers Newsroom

Overview | Sensor Projects | Robot Projects | Sensor Development Approach | Robot Development Approach

You are here: Research > Power Delivery & Utilization > Transmission Lines and Substations > Sensors & Robots > Sensor Projects

EPRI is conducting research and development in a wide range of areas related

to sensors. Detailed summaries of individual projects are listed below

alphabetically by area.

Assessment of Transmission Line Sensors

In addition to developing a suite of Transmission

Line sensors, EPRI has been testing and

evaluating a range of other sensor technologies.

Conductor/Connector Sensor

This project is developing and demonstrating

low-cost RF sensors to assess conductors and

compression connectors on overhead transmission

lines.

Fault Current/Lightning Sensor

This project is developing an RF sensor that is

installed either on the shield wire or the down

conductor of a transmission line to continually

measure the magnitude and time of both fault and

lightning currents.

Image Processing for Transmission Lines

This project is developing image processing

cameras that can be installed on transmission lines

to automatically measure and report activity.

Suspension Insulator Leakage Current Sensor

This project is developing an RF sensor that clips

onto the end of a transmission suspension

insulator string to measure the leakage currents

flowing on the insulator.

Vibration Sensor Suite

This project is developing a suite of low-cost RF

sensors that measure vibration in three axes. The

sensors can report the results in real-time or store

the results for future analysis.

Oil Pressure Sensor

This project is developing an RF sensor for

measuring oil pressure in components, such as

oil-filled terminations. The RF sensor uses a

4-20mA input so the sensor can be applied in a

range of other applications.

Underground Transmission Sensors

Page 2: Sensors & Robots Projects

This project is to investigate, evaluate, and

demonstrate technologies in extruded dielectric

transmission cable system monitoring.

3D Acoustic Emission Transformer Monitoring

The project goals are to explore improved

techniques and algorithms for diagnosis of power

transformers using Acoustic Emission.

Assessment of Substation Sensors

Condition monitoring of substation equipment has

an inherent value based on preventing failure;

maximizing future operation of the equipment;

appropriately scheduling and determining the

extent of inspections and maintenance; providing

for personnel safety; and protecting the

environment.

GIC Monitor

EPRI has a network of sensors on the neutrals of

large network transformers that are susceptible to

GICs (Geomagnetically Induced Currents).

Load Tap Changer Sensor

A lower cost technology has been developed to

monitor gas ratios in Load Tap Changers (LTCs)

without measuring each gas individually.

MIS Sensor for Gas in Oil

The project goal is to develop a solid-state

Hydrogen and Acetylene sensor for detecting

these fault gasses within oil-insulated systems

such as transformers, cables, or instrument

transformers.

On-line FRA

The project's goal is to perform field

demonstrations of the concept of on-line

Frequency Response Analysis (FRA).

On-line Infrared

This project aims to automate infrared substation

inspections.

Post Insulator Leakage Current Sensor

This project is developing an RF sensor that is

installed at the base of either substation or

transmission line post-type insulators.

SF6 Density Sensor

The project goal is to investigate the capabilities of

pressure, temperature, and density sensors to

accurately measure low levels of SF6 leakage.

Substation-Wide RF Detection

The project goal is to quantify and trend the RF

signals across a large substation. The project

concept is to adapt wireless mesh sensors (see

Page 3: Sensors & Robots Projects

project summary for Wireless Mesh) to be able to

measure the local RF signals.

Wireless Acoustic Emission Sensors

The project goal is to perform field demonstrations

of wireless acoustic sensors to assess the benefits

for diagnostics of substation apparatus

Wireless Mesh

The project goal is first to explore the various

power management approaches suitable for large

lower-power wireless mesh deployments.

Power Harvesting for Sensors

This project is to investigate the feasibility of

robotic tools to inspect and maintain components

within an underground cable vault.

Sensor Lab

The aim of this project is to develop a laboratory

with a collection of sensors and sensor-enabling

technologies for use with EPRI sensor-related

projects.

Sensor-SCADA Integration

The project aims to provide a standardized access

to sensor data for utility RTU/SCADA systems,

archive sensor data in local substation databases,

and to provide advanced visualization and user

interfaces.

Listed below are EPRI's active projects grouped by the current project phase.

Fundamental R&D Development Lab Testing Demonstration Commercialization

3D Acoustic Emission

Transformer MonitoringX

GIC Monitor X

Underground

Transmission SensorsX

Conductor/Connector

SensorX X

Fault Current/Lightning

SensorX X

On-line Infrared X

Power Harvesting for

SensorsX

Substation-Wide RF

DetectionX

Suspension Insulator

Leakage Current SensorX X

Vibration Sensor Suite X X X

Image Processing for

Transmission LinesX X

Assessment of

Transmission Line

Sensors

X

Page 4: Sensors & Robots Projects

Fundamental R&D Development Lab Testing Demonstration Commercialization

Load Tap Changer

SensorX

Oil Pressure Sensor X

On-line FRA X

Post Insulator Leakage

Current SensorX

Sensor-SCADA

IntegrationX

SF6 Density Sensor X

Suspension Insulator

Leakage Current SensorX

Wireless Acoustic

Emission SensorsX

Wireless Mesh X

In addition to developing a suite of Transmission Line sensors, EPRI has been

testing and evaluating a range of other sensor technologies. The sensors being

evaluated have applications ranging from dynamic rating to component

condition. Utility experience when implementing the sensor technologies is also

being documented.

Project Phase: Demonstration

The annual research portfolio and supplemental projects are underway. Information on supplemental projects can be found

in the Supplemental Projects section. As part of the annual research portfolio, a database of sensors and documentary utility

experience will be created.

Sensor Development Approach

Dynamic Thermal Circuit Rating Technologies

Emerging Line Surveying Technologies

This project is developing and demonstrating low-cost RF sensors to assess

conductors and compression connectors on overhead transmission lines. The

sensors measure the following parameters:

Temperature

Current

Three axes of inclination

Vibration in three axes (see the project summary for the Vibration Sensor

Suite)

Depending on the application, the sensors are configured with different algorithms and data transmission rates. They harvest

their power from the current flowing in the transmission line, although they have an onboard battery as back-up. The sensors

are designed to be installed under energized conditions using hotsticks. Applications include the assessment of compression

connectors (splices and dead-ends).

Continual improvement of the sensors is underway. Areas of improvement include increasing the security of the RF

transmission, lowering the current required for power harvesting, refinement of algorithms, and improvement in reliability and

manufacturability.

Project Phases: Development and Demonstration

Sensors that measure temperature and current have been developed and are being demonstrated in numerous locations.

Sensors that measure inclination have been developed and tested with the first demonstration underway. Refinement will

continue. Sensors that measure vibration are currently under development and testing. A solar-powered base station has

been developed, which can collect the data from sensors, record weather parameters, and transmit the data to a central

server.

Page 5: Sensors & Robots Projects

Task Due Date Completed % Complete

Development of Temperature and Current Measurement 2008 100%

Development of Inclination Measurement 12/2011 80%

Development of Vibration Measurement 6/2011 50%

SensorComponents

Animation

Sensor InstallationAnimation

HotstickInstallation Video

HotstickInstallation Video 2

Demonstration Site Map Installed Sensor Photo Installed Sensor Photo 2

Base Station Photo Base Station Photo 2 Sensor Data Output

Sensor Data Output 2

Sensor Development Approach

This project is developing an RF sensor that is installed either on the shield

wire or the down conductor of a transmission line to continually measure the

magnitude and time of both fault and lightning currents. Sensors can be polled

after an event to understand the location of a fault or the magnitudes of the

lightning currents.

Improvements to range, security, and manufacturability from other sensors will

be included in the final sensor design.

Project Phases: Development and Lab Testing

All of the individual components of the sensor have been successfully tested. A technology demonstrator has been built and

is being tested in the laboratory.

Task Due Date Completed % Complete

Page 6: Sensors & Robots Projects

Task Due Date Completed % Complete

Laboratory testing of technology demonstrator 9/2011 0%

Refinement of packaging, electronics and algorithms 3/2012 0%

Sensor Development Approach

This project is developing image processing cameras that can be installed on

transmission lines to automatically measure and report activity. The cameras

measure the following:

Conductor motion

ROW intrusion

Avian interactions

The cameras are paired with the solar-powered base stations that collect the

RF sensor data.

Project Phases: Lab Testing and Demonstration

Algorithms have been developed and implemented on commercially-available cameras to measure conductor blowout and

instruction. Images can be collected based on the measurements or when commanded. The cameras have been paired with

the base stations and are currently being tested in the laboratory for reliability and integration with reporting software.

Task Due Date Completed % Complete

Complete integration with base stations and reporting software 6/2011 100%

Complete laboratory testing 8/2011 95%

Field deployment 6/2012 0%

Camera Installed Camera Installed 2 Camera Installed 3

Sensor Development Approach

This project is developing an RF sensor that clips onto the end of a

transmission suspension insulator string to measure the leakage currents

flowing on the insulator. The leakage currents are stored in histograms or

reported real-time for analysis. Applications include:

Improving washing schedules

Understanding the contamination environment for dimensioning of insulators

Understanding the rate of aging

Project Phases: Development, Lab Testing, and Demonstration

The first versions of the sensors have been developed and deployed at three locations. Susceptibility to high magnetic fields

in certain orientations was identified as an issue in one of the field applications. A revised design is being developed and

tested in the laboratory to address this. Improvements in the manufacturability are also underway. Improvements in the RF

transmission security and the addition of inclination and vibration to the sensors will be transferred from the

Page 7: Sensors & Robots Projects

conductor/connector sensor development.

Task Due Date Completed % Complete

Increase in RF transmission range 3/2011 95%

Reduction in susceptibility to high magnetic fields 6/2011 50%

Improvement in manufacturability 7/2011 40%

SensorComponents

Animation

Sensor InstallationAnimation

Sensor Installed on PorcelainInsulator

Sensor Installed on CompositeInsulator

Demonstration Site Map

Sensor Development Approach

This project is developing a suite of low-cost RF sensors that measure

vibration in three axes. The sensors can report the results in real-time or store

the results for future analysis. The sensors can be attached to:

Conductors (see the project summary for the conductor/connector sensor)

Insulator assemblies

Structures

Further research and development is underway to improve algorithms and to

provide accurate time syncing between individual sensors so that relative motion between sensors can be more accurately

determined.

Project Phases: Development, Lab Testing, and Demonstration

Sensors that collect three dimensional acceleration have been developed and tested on laboratory vibration test rigs. The

data is transmitted to a local base station where it is collected and delivered to a central server. Initial algorithms are under

development, which are implemented on the server. When finalized, these algorithms will be implemented on the individual

sensors. Two demonstrations are planned for mid-2011.

Task Due Date Completed % Complete

Sensor development 6/2012 50%

Initial field demonstration 6/2011 90%

Page 8: Sensors & Robots Projects

Demonstration Site Map

Vibration sensor test

Sensor Development Approach

This project is developing an RF sensor for measuring oil pressure in

components, such as oil-filled terminations. The RF sensor uses a 4-20mA

input so the sensor can be applied in a range of other applications.

Project Phase: Demonstration

The sensor has been developed and has passed laboratory testing. The first

field testing is planned for May 2011, where field experience will be gained and

any necessary revisions identified.

Task Due Date Completed % Complete

Field installation 5/2011 80%

Review of field experience 12/2011 0%

Demonstration Site Map Installed Sensor Photo Sensor Data Output

Sensor Development Approach

This project is to investigate, evaluate, and demonstrate technologies in

extruded dielectric transmission cable system monitoring. The following

properties and components are of interest for real-time monitoring:

Partial discharges in cables, joints, and terminations

Grounding and sheath bonding effectiveness (e.g., through monitoring of

cable sheath current, grounding impedance, and sheath voltage limiter and

link box condition)

Cable movement through measurements of displacement of cable, cable racking, and clamps as a function of load current

and surface temperature of joints and cables

Strain and compression on cable cleats and racks as a function of load current and surface temperature of joints and

cables

Vibration of manhole walls, joints, cables, and racking systems caused by, for example, nearby traffic or construction work

Project Phase: Fundamental R&D

Page 9: Sensors & Robots Projects

Prototype parts are under evaluation. Lab testing and demonstration are planned.

Task Due Date Completed % Complete

Develop vision document and conduct industry survey Yes 100%

Define project objectives Yes 100%

Develop prototype parts TBD 20%

Inspection and MonitoringProcess

Sensor Development Approach

Project Technical Update

The project goals are to explore improved techniques and algorithms for

diagnosis of power transformers using Acoustic Emission. Through the

deployment of multiple Acoustic Emission sensors on the faces of the

transformer, information on the location of internal defects can be extracted.

Project Phase: Demonstration

The project has two systems presently out in the field gathering data from

gassing transformers. An ongoing parallel effort is analysis of the data to improve noise reduction and detect location

accuracy.

Task Due Date Completed % Complete

Field tests to gather data TBD ??%

Algorithm development to improve location accuracy and interpretation 12/2010 50%

Sensor Development Approach

Online Component Monitoring for Increased Reliability

Condition monitoring of substation equipment has an inherent value based on

preventing failure; maximizing future operation of the equipment; appropriately

scheduling and determining the extent of inspections and maintenance;

providing for personnel safety; and protecting the environment. New and

emerging sensing and diagnostic technologies play a strong role in helping

utilities achieve this goal. Many utilities are unaware of these technologies and

how best to interpret and implement them. This project documents the latest

inspection, monitoring, and diagnostics technologies for substations, as well as

early adopters' experiences, thus providing supporting industry data and

research results to make these important decisions. It also researches new technologies and develops novel methodologies

to help develop the foundations for improved condition monitoring strategies.

Project Phase: Development

This project is ongoing as part of the base project Next Generation Condition Monitoring and Diagnostics (P37.113).

Page 10: Sensors & Robots Projects

Task Due Date Completed % Complete

2011 Sensor Database Development 12/2011 70%

Evaluation of sensor developments from multiple industries 12/2011 80%

Evaluation of sensor technologies for substations 12/2012 0%

Infrared Pocket Guide Updating 12/2012 0%

Research into Surge Arresters failure modes and monitoring techniques 12/2012 0%

Sensor Development Approach

EPRI has a network of sensors on the neutrals of large network transformers

that are susceptible to GICs (Geomagnetically Induced Currents). The network

of monitors sends GICs, as well as voltage, currents, and harmonic levels back

to a central server for visualization. Members of the project (called

SUNBURST) can view their data at a 2s cadence. The data is used by EPRI

for research on GIC forecasting, mitigation strategies, and vulnerability

assessments.

Project Phase: Fundamental R&D

Monitoring of the SUNBURST network is on-going.

Task Due Date Completed % Complete

SUNBURST network monitoring Yes 100%

Demonstration Site Map

Sensor Development Approach

Minimizing Risks from Geomagnetic Disturbances

A lower cost technology has been developed to monitor gas ratios in Load Tap

Changers (LTCs) without measuring each gas individually. This project is

based on previous EPRI research, in which an LTC fault gas analyzer was

designed, built and bench-tested using commercially-available technologies.

The work program for this project consists of building LTC fault gas monitors

intended for mobile field applications and on-line use in LTCs at participants'

site.

Project Phase: Demonstration

The first prototype LTC on-line monitor was installed July 2010. In addition to

monitoring the key gases acetylene and ethylene, this monitor was also

equipped with a contact wear add-in. The field trial is on-going and is expected

to continue in 2011. Oil samples are been taken approximately every month

and the results compared to the monitor response.

Page 11: Sensors & Robots Projects

Task Due Date Completed % Complete

Laboratory tests on a bench-top LTC 12/2007 Yes 100%

Design and fabrication of the on-line monitor 12/2009 Yes 100%

Installation and commissioning of the on-line monitor 7/2010 Yes 100%

Field evaluations of the on-line monitor 12/2012 10%

Demonstration Site Map

Sensor Development Approach

Online Component Monitoring for Increased Reliability

Novel Sensors for Transformer Diagnosis

The project goal is to develop a solid-state Hydrogen and Acetylene sensor for

detecting these fault gasses within oil-insulated systems such as transformers,

cables, or instrument transformers.

Project Phase: Fundamental R&D

The semiconductor sensor designs have been developed within laboratory

settings. Testing has been completed in laboratory set-ups designed to

replicate many of the parameters the sensors would encounter in the field.

Task Due Date Completed % Complete

Hydrogen sensor design Yes 100%

Acetylene sensor design 12/2011 50%

MIS Sensor Animation

Demonstration Site Map Schematic: MIS Hydrogen SensorLayers

Prototype Acetylene MIS SensorPre Lab Testing

Lab Testing of MIS Sensor

Sensor Development Approach

Page 12: Sensors & Robots Projects

The project's goal is to perform field demonstrations of the concept of on-line

Frequency Response Analysis (FRA). The project will help to both understand

the unique benefits of this new approach and to refine the approach by

optimization of the on-line FRA algorithms.

Project Phase: Demonstration

The installation for the pilot was successfully completed on a distribution

transformer with an LTC. This is the first demonstration that includes an LTC. This is significant, as a unique on-line FRA

baseline exists for each LTC position and thus adds significant learning to this phase of the project. The next step is a further

novel application to three single-phase 765kV transformers.

Task Due Date Completed % Complete

Field deployment on a 3-phase network transformer Yes 10%

Field deployment on three single-phase 765kV transformer bank 12/2012 10%

Field deployment on an LTC-equipped transformer 12/2012 10%

Demonstration Site Map

Sensor Development Approach

Online Component Monitoring for Increased Reliability

Utilities are continuously looking for technologies that can help them maintain

or improve equipment reliability. One available technology, infrared imaging, is

already used because of its fault detection capabilities. However, most infrared

cameras are portable and require manual operation. This project aims to

automate infrared substation inspections in order to:

Increase employee safety, as walk-rounds are reduced

Decrease inspection costs in overheads and deployment

Increase the reliability, as maintenance decisions can be made based on

consistent, empirical information

Allow issues to be addressed when the first indications of impending equipment failure are detected

Increase security at the site by detecting unauthorized access or animal intrusion to site

Some of the key research questions this research will aim to answer are:

What are the factors that contribute to the difference in actual temperature measurements obtained and how can they be

measured and corrected for?

How can the information provided by these systems be implemented into present monitoring and maintenance strategies

and what effect would this have?

Project Phases: Development and Demonstration

This is a new project started in November 2010.

Page 13: Sensors & Robots Projects

Task Due Date Completed % Complete

Proof of concept 10/1/2011 80%

Concept demonstration and field trials 11/31/2012 0%

System refinement and development of adoption strategies 11/31/2012 0%

Infrared Monitoring Presentation

Demonstration Site Map

Sensor Development Approach

Online Component Monitoring for Increased Reliability

This project is developing an RF sensor that is installed at the base of either

substation or transmission line post-type insulators. The leakage currents are

continuously measured and stored in histograms or reported real-time for

analysis. Applications include:

Improving washing schedules

Understanding the contamination environment for dimensioning of insulators

Understanding the rate of aging

Project Phase: Demonstration

Three demonstration sites are in-service with more than three years experience at one test site where 30 sensors are

installed to investigate road-salt contamination. Two new test sites are being planned to addressed pole fires. A solar

powered base station has been developed, which can collect the data from tens of sensors, record weather parameters, and

transmit the data to a central server.

Research is underway to develop improved algorithms to identify when washing is necessary or a high risk condition is

occurring. Full-scale laboratory tests have been completed at 138kV and 345kV for porcelain, RTV coated, and resistive

glaze post insulators. Continual improvement in the post insulator leakage current sensor is underway. Areas of improvement

include increasing security of RF transmission, lowering the current required for power harvesting, refinement of algorithms,

improvement in reliability, and manufacturability.

Task Due Date Completed % Complete

Develop algorithms to identify when to wash insulators 8/2011 80%

SensorComponents

Animation

Sensor InstallationAnimation

Page 14: Sensors & Robots Projects

Demonstration Site Map Testing Site Photo Sensor Test Photo

Sensor Development Approach

Online Component Monitoring for Increased Reliability

The project goal is to investigate the capabilities of pressure, temperature, and

density sensors to accurately measure low levels of SF6 leakage. This

information will serve as a tool for anticipating SF6 top-up actions and

quantifying SF6 mass loss for SF6 emissions tracking needs.

Project Phase: Demonstration

Two field demonstrations are presently underway: one in a 765kV substation and one in a 50kV substation. The data

gathered over daily and seasonal variations is helping establish the conclusions on accuracy and stability.

Task Due Date Completed % Complete

Field data gathering in two substations in different climates Yes 100%

Laboratory validation of field data 12/2011 0%

Demonstration Site Map

Sensor Development Approach

The project goal is to quantify and trend the RF signals across a large

substation. The project concept is to adapt wireless mesh sensors (see project

summary for Wireless Mesh) to be able to measure the local RF signals. The

low cost of the wireless sensors in the mesh would allow for dense deployment

in a substation.

Project Phase: Development

Substation-wide RF surveys are being started to quantify the background noise and typical RF discharge signals from

substation apparatus. The photo shows early work in the characterization of the RF signals in the substation.

Task Due Date Completed % Complete

Scoping study 6/2011 30%

Proof of concept 12/2011 0%

Page 15: Sensors & Robots Projects

Demonstration Site Map

Sensor Development Approach

Online Component Monitoring for Increased Reliability

The project goal is to perform field demonstrations of wireless acoustic sensors

to assess the benefits for diagnostics of substation apparatus. The wireless

aspects allow for sensor deployments in areas otherwise inaccessible. The

acoustic emission aspects allow for detection of internal partial discharge

activity without the need to modify the apparatus (i.e., the acoustic emission

sensors simply attach to the outer enclosure). The field demonstrations to-date

have focused on current transformers.

Project Phase: Demonstration

The project presently has ten wireless acoustic emission sensors in a 765kV

substation. The sensors are harvesting solar energy. The sensor system has

been recently upgraded to improve range and robustness.

Task Due Date Completed % Complete

Short-term field demonstrations on 69kV CTs and PTs Yes 100%

Long-term field demonstrations on 765kV CTs 12/2011 80%

Demonstration Site Map

Sensor Development Approach

Online Component Monitoring for Increased Reliability

The project goal is first to explore the various power management approaches

suitable for large lower-power wireless mesh deployments. The second goal is

to use the benefits of wireless sensors to demonstrate the value of a sensor

suite that could be rapidly deployed to address short-term problems that arise

in a substation. The third goal is to demonstrate integration of the wireless

sensors into an IEC61850 compliant architecture.

Project Phase: Demonstration

The learnings from an earlier demonstration of a large wireless mesh are now being applied to the application of a new

Page 16: Sensors & Robots Projects

wireless mesh deployment. The focus of the next deployment is wireless sensor integration into a laboratory environment

that mimics the corporate architecture.

Task Due Date Completed % Complete

Research into power management approaches Yes 100%

Development of temporary, rapidly deployable sensor mesh 12/2011 20%

Demonstration of integration of the wireless sensors into an IEC61850 compliant

architectureTBD 0%

Demonstration Site Map

Sensor Development Approach

Sensors require a power source to measure and communicate results. EPRI

has research and demonstration of power harvesting and storage options for

sensors that will eliminate the need for batteries or mains power. While wireless

technologies offer significant potential advantages to utility operations, the

regular replacement of batteries represents a significant hurdle to realizing

these benefits. Power harvesting and storage could overcome this hurdle.

Project Phase: Development

In 2010, the State of the Science review was completed, the test bed was designed, and components were acquired and

built. Implementation of the automation and control for the power harvesting test bed components and the design of the test

protocols is underway.

Task Due Date Completed % Complete

State of the Science review Yes 100%

Test bed development Yes 100%

Test protocols 12/2011 0%

Laboratory tests 12/2011 0%

Power Harvesting and Storage

The aim of this project is to develop a laboratory with a collection of sensors

and sensor-enabling technologies for use with EPRI sensor-related projects.

The main aim is to use the laboratory as a test bed to develop, evaluate, and

demonstrate the latest advancements in sensor technologies.

The physical laboratory has been developed. Sensors have been implemented

and are communicating.

Task Due Date Completed % Complete

Purchase hardware 1/1/2011 100%

Page 17: Sensors & Robots Projects

Task Due Date Completed % Complete

Set up networking infrastructure 6/1/2011 100%

Software development 12/12/2011 60%

Sensor Lab Photo Sensor Lab Photo 2

Sensor Development Approach

The project aims to provide a standardized access to sensor data for utility

RTU/SCADA systems, archive sensor data in local substation databases, and

to provide advanced visualization and user interfaces. The goal is to improve

the availability of sensor data for utility use, standardize the sensor

communication interface to facilitate data integration, and provide enhanced

visualization to support better situational awareness and decision making.

Project Phase: Demonstration

A demo system has been set up in the EPRI Charlotte lab. Tests have been performed using overhead sensors, EPRI ZAP

(Wireless Sensor Access Point), and utility SCADA and substation automation systems.

Task Due Date Completed % Complete

Research on standardizing the communication interface 12/2010 Yes 100%

Implement the communication interface 12/2010 Yes 100%

Develop GUI and local database 12/2010 Yes 100%

Demonstrate the overall system in the EPRI lab 12/2010 Yes 100%

Transmission Line sensorvisualization example

Visualization Technologies

Page 18: Sensors & Robots Projects

Conductor /

Connector

Sensor

Vibration

Sensor Suite

Oil Pressure

Sensor

GIC Monitor

Load Tap

Changer

Sensor

Suspension

Insulator

Leakage

Current

Sensor

MIS Sensor for

Gas in Oil

Page 19: Sensors & Robots Projects

On-Line FRA

On-line

Infrared

Post Insulator

Leakage

Current

Sensor

SF6 Density

Sensor

Substation-

Wide RF

Detection

Wireless

Acoustic

Emission

Sensors

Wireless

Mesh

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