Underground Cable Advanced Diagnostics System (UCADS)
In order to optimize the operating efficiency of the underground transmission system utilities must be able to safely maximize the power cable system’s capacity. This allows the operator to: Establish efficient generation scheduling Maximize power transfer capability Extend decision time and options when responding to system contingencies. These are critical elements when developing a “Smart Grid”. In order to take advantage of the above concepts the utility must have confidence in the reliability of the cable system. Continuous monitoring of critical system parameters and subsystems with intelligent algorithms will provide this confidence. To execute the above, USi intends to investigate the design of an intelligent distributed instrumentation package that reliably and accurately provides the required information on a continuous basis. USi is a leader in advanced diagnostics for underground cables with over 20 years experience in the design, manufacture and field application of monitoring, rating, diagnostics and control systems for underground cables. USi’s experience includes leak detection, cathodic protection system monitoring, cumulative loss in life calculation and partial discharge detection. Successful implementation of the proposed system 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, and that the supply of electricity to residential, commercial and industrial customers is the most secure and reliable in the world. The technical benefit to the U.S. includes establishing a leadership role in the development of next-generation smart grid instrumentation delivering more reliable underground cable operation and safety. The economic benefit to the U.S. is created through better asset utilization and improved system efficiencies. The availability of advanced sensors and systems will also enhance our competitive position into a market that is becoming increasingly dominated by foreign-based technologies. Key Words: underground cable, diagnostics, real-time, continuous monitoring, predictive maintenance Summary for Members of Congress: USi will leverage over 20 years of technology and applications experience in underground cable monitoring and diagnostics to investigate the design of an advanced diagnostic system that increases the reliability and utilization of the underground transmission system. This would be accomplished in cooperation with a major U.S. utility.
- Research Organization:
- Underground Systems, inc.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Electricity (OE)
- Contributing Organization:
- Underground Systems, Inc.
- DOE Contract Number:
- SC0004280
- OSTI ID:
- 1579938
- Type / Phase:
- SBIR (Phase I)
- Report Number(s):
- USiUCADSPhaseIfinal
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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