| The EPRI daytime corona detection camera enabled Bonneville Power Administration staff to identify a damaged interphase spacer by detecting corona that was otherwise invisible to inspectors.
Replacing the problem component during a scheduled maintenance outage helped avoid a costly failure that may have disrupted power system operations and customer service across a large portion of the Pacific Northwest.
As a predictive maintenance tool, the daytime corona can help utilities reduce maintenance costs while increasing service reliability.
to download from EPRI's website
Bonneville Power Administration Uses Daytime Corona Camera to Pinpoint Faulty Transmission Line Insulato
| Product ID: 1014525 |
Sector Name: Power Delivery & Utilization |
| Date Published: 10/4/2006 |
Document Type: Success Story |
| File size: 40.96 KB |
File Type: Adobe PDF (.pdf) |
Abstract
To help determine the condition of in-service transmission components, BPA turned to advanced technology—a daylight corona detection camera. The EPRI-developed camera lets users see corona during the daytime, enabling utility staff to perform in-service inspections and identify faulty components before they can lead to costly failures.
BPA recently used the camera to inspect components on its 500kV Colstrip line, a three-phase double circuit line that carries power from Montana to Washington across the peaks and canyons of the Rocky Mountains. Crossing the rugged landscape requires long spans between towers, and the structures face punishing winds. To protect the conductors from the effects of high winds, BPA installed polymer insulators between phases. These interphase spacers keep the conductors safely separated to prevent galloping and flashover that could cause mechanical and electrical failure. Because these spacers perform a critical role, inspecting their condition is essential—yet virtually impossible with conventional visual techniques. At the distances involved, binoculars and spotting scopes cannot detect small cracks or other defects that could lead to insulator failure—and perhaps to a costly forced outage.
Benefits Statement
The EPRI daytime corona detection camera enabled Bonneville Power Administration staff to identify a damaged interphase spacer by detecting corona that was otherwise invisible to inspectors.
Replacing the problem component during a scheduled maintenance outage helped avoid a costly failure that may have disrupted power system operations and customer service across a large portion of the Pacific Northwest.
As a predictive maintenance tool, the daytime corona can help utilities reduce maintenance costs while increasing service reliability.
to download from EPRI's website |