In order to optimize the operating efficiency of transmission systems utilities must be able to quickly restore service after a failure. Locating faults with current technologies can be a time consuming, skill and labor intensive process. Underground transmission systems are hidden from view and fault location can take sometimes days or weeks. Detecting and locating incipient faults prior to failure can permit intervention by the operator to prevent damage or unsafe condition and reduce cost. Branched overhead transmission systems in rural areas can be beyond the reach of accurate fault locating SCADA systems increasing time of location and repair. The proposed solution for these challenges will allows the operator to: 1) Reduce time and skill level for fault location and repair; 2) Expand the reach of quick and accurate fault responses in rural areas; and 3) Identify and correct incipient faults in transmission systems. To execute the above, USi intends - for pipe-type cable systems - to evaluate the feasibility of partial discharge detection for location of faults and incipient faults. Pipe-type cable represent more than 80% of transmission cable systems installed in the US. Additionally a concept of fault location using hydraulic transients will be developed for pipe-type cable systems. For overhead transmission systems expanded capabilities of the existing USi Power Donut sensor platform for fault location applications will be analyzed and a preliminary software application design will be provided. Conceptual design of test procedures for fault location will be provided as fault demonstrations in actual systems are not practical. USi is a leader in advanced diagnostics for underground and overhead transmission systems with over 20 years experience in the design, manufacture and field application of monitoring, rating, diagnostics and control systems. USi has also successfully deployed worldwide the Power Donut system - a distributed dynamic line rating system for overhead lines. Successful implementation of the proposed systems has social, technical, and economic benefits to the U.S. The social benefit to the U.S. is the security and comfort that the public derives in knowing that the U.S. has the most technologically advanced electric power transmission grid. The technical benefit to the U.S. includes establishing a leadership role in the development of next-generation of fault locating devices delivering increased system availability and safety.The economic benefit to the U.S. is created through faster, more accurate fault location in both underground and overhead transmission systems to reduce unavailability of important transmission circuits. The availability of advanced sensors and systems will also enhance the United States competitive position into a market that is becoming increasingly dominated by foreign-based technologies. USi will leverage over 20 years of technology and applications experience in transmission system monitoring and diagnostics to investigate the location of faults and incipient faults that increases the reliability and utilization of underground and overhead transmission systems by reducing restoration times after electric transmission system failures.
